Page 144 - GRIHA Manual Volume IV - Introduction to National Rating System

Building planning and construction 135

5. Stairs
a. Stairs should not be the only means of moving between loors. They should be
supplemented by lifts or ramps.
b. Straight lights of steps are preferred by ambulant disabled people. Treads should
be approximately 300 mm deep and risers not higher than 150 mm. Steps should
be of a consistent height and depth throughout the stair. Projecting nosings and
open stairs should be avoided to minimize the risk of stumbling.
c. Handrails should be provided on both sides of any stairway. They should be
continuous, even on landings, and extend not less than 300 mm beyond the top
and bottom step (otherwise it is dificult for the disabled to use the rail at the irst
and last step).
d. For people with impaired vision, there should be a colour contrast between Figure 3 Extension of Handrail in
landings, and top and bottom steps of a light of steps, or the front edge of each Stairs
step should have a contrasting colour.
6. Floors
a. Floors shall have a non-slip surface.
b. Floors on a given storey shall be of a common level throughout or be connected by a ramp.
7. Sanitary facilities
It is essential that sanitary facilities, in accordance with the nature and use of a speciic building or facility, be made accessible to
and usable by, the physically challenged.
a. Sanitary facilities shall have space to allow trafic of individuals in wheelchairs (See igure 4)

Figure 4 Suggested dimensions for the WC compartment for the wheelchair bound

b. Sanitary facilities shall have at least one water-closet cubical for the ambulant disabled, that is,
• 900 mm wide;
• at least 1500 mm, preferably 1600 mm deep;