Contents ----------------- Preface ----------------- Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 The Development of “Universal Accessibility” 1.3 Objectives 1.4 Study Methods and Framework ----------------- Universal Accessibility in the Built Environment 2.1 The Challenge in Hong Kong 2.2 Aging Population 2.3 Universal Accessibility in External Areas, Open Spaces and Green Spaces 2.4 Major Issues 2.5 The Way Forward ----------------- Best Practices and Guidelines 3.1 Access Route 3.2 Connectivity and Interfacing Elements 3.3 Landscaped Spaces 3.4 Furniture, Equipment and Fittings 3.5 Way Finding, Orientation and Signage 3.6 Detectable Surfaces 3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 3.8 Lighting 3.9 Safety 3.10 Management and Maintenance ----------------- Photo Gallery 4.1 Access Route 4.2 Connectivity and Interfacing Elements 4.3 Landscaped Spaces 4.4 Furniture, Equipment and Fittings 4.5 Way Finding, Orientation and Signage 4.6 Detectable Surfaces 4.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 4.8 Lighting ----------------- Appendices A1 Case Study 1 - Rehabilitation Complex in Wong Chuk Hang A2 Case Study 2 - An External Public Space in Ma On Shan ----------------- Acknowledgements ----------------- References ----------------- View or Download PDF

3. Best Practices and Guidelines     3.1 Access Route 3.2 Connectivity and Interfacing Elements 3.3 Landscaped Spaces 3.4 Furniture, Equipment and Fittings 3.5 Way Finding, Orientation and Signage 3.6 Detectable Surfaces 3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 3.8 Lighting 3.9 Safety 3.9.1 The Importance of Safety     3.9.2 Safety Considerations   3.9.2.1 Physical Hazards   3.9.2.2 Lighting and Illumination   3.9.2.3 Water Areas   3.9.2.4 Planting and Soft Landscaping   3.9.2.5 Corners and Turns   3.9.2.6 Orientation and Way Finding     3.9.3 Slip Resistance 3.9.4 Safety for Persons with Visual Impairment 3.9.5 Importance of Maintenance 3.10 Management and Maintenance 3.9.2 Safety Considerations     3.9.2.1 Physical Hazards               (a) Slips, trips and falls   (b) Change in levels   (c) Projections and protrusions   (d) Spaces with low headroom   (e) Reachable surfaces         (a) Slips, trips and falls   Many accidents are relating to slips, trips and falls on floor surfaces (3.9.2.1a). ‘About twenty percent of injuries are the result of surface falls...... In 1940, there were 22 deaths per hundred thousand from falls; today that number has fallen to about 1.6. Reductions are due in part to improvement in products and materials.’1 The importance of good ground surface treatment is undeniable. The following should be taken into consideration in the design and construction of ground surfaces:     Flooring materials should have good slip resistance (3.9.2.1b). Refer to Section 3.9.3. Floor finishes should be laid with good levelling and workmanship to avoid undulation and protrusion. Adjacent floor tiles should be laid level so that the tile corners do not stick out and cause tripping (3.9.2.1c). Joints on flooring materials should be firmly filled, made even and levelled. Floor surfaces from outdoor to indoor are black spots for slips during rainy days. Entrance door mats and non-slip materials should be provided at the entry to internal areas (3.9.2.1d). Flooring materials with larger static coefficient of friction, or better slip resistance, should be selected for use on ramps and sloping grounds. Non-slip inserts, floor dividing strips and alike should be laid flat with the ground surface to avoid trips and falls.   1 Lecture on Measurement of Slip Resistance, a legal and practical perspective, Copyright Barrett C. Miller, Med, OHST       3.9.2.1a  Signage to warn against slips, trips and falls   3.9.2.1b  Slip resistant flooring materials should be used   3.9.2.1c  Good levelling depends on good workmanship                 3.9.2.1d  Door mat at entrance from outdoor to indoor can help prevent slips and falls     (b) Change in levels   Change in levels should be conspicuous and with a reasonable level difference. In general, a step of less than 100mm high is undesirable (3.9.2.1e). It is better to provide a full width ramp with a gentle gradient.       Ramps and sloping grounds should have a gradient of not less than 1:12; it is more desirable if it can be reduced to a gradient of not steeper than 1:20. A short ramp with steep gradient is also hazardous because people could easily miss their step and trip when going down such a ramp.       Visual, tactile and/or audible warning should be provided at a distance before the level change to allow a buffer or preparation zone before reaching the level difference (3.9.2.1f and 3.9.2.1g).         3.9.2.1e  Small and inconspicuous level differences can be hazardous   3.9.2.1f  Visual, tactile and audible warning at staircase landing     (c) Projections and protrusions   Appropriate spatial and ergonomic dimensions are essential in creating a safe and useful space for people to use. The requirements of people of different statures should be considered.       Protruding objects from a wall should not become an obstruction to pedestrians. Projections should not be more than 90mm from the wall. Reachable spaces should have a headroom of at least 2000mm high. Similarly, projecting objects such as bollards should be in conspicuous positions to avoid becoming a hazard. (d) Spaces with low headroom   Overhead structures and facilities are sometimes found protruding onto pathways resulting in areas with low headroom (3.9.2.1h). Examples are underside of staircases, ramps or escalators. Such spaces should be well protected with barriers to prevent people from approaching, or be designed to have a minimum headroom of 2000mm to allow safe passage.         3.9.2.1g  Steps without buffer zone and conspicuous nosing are hazardous   3.9.2.1h  Low headroom created by overhanging structure at parapet     (e) Reachable surfaces   Street furniture, play equipment, planters, low walls, etc. in external areas can all be reached easily. Therefore, the materials should be carefully selected to offer a safe-to-touch surface. The texture, roughness and heat retention properties should be considered for various situations.