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     3.9.3 Slip Resistance   3.9.3.1 Factors Affecting the Slip Resistance of Ground Surfaces       3.9.3.2 Field Measurement   3.9.3.3 Relative Slip Resistance Value 3.9.4 Safety for Persons with Visual Impairment 3.9.5 Importance of Maintenance 3.10 Management and Maintenance 3.9.3 Slip Resistance     Mother Nature has tied everything on earth, whether living creatures or non-living objects, to the ground by means of gravity. The ground is undeniably an important element relating to our daily life and activities. For any part of a space, there may not be a wall, there may not be a ceiling, but it would be difficult to find an area that does not have a floor or ground. The performance of the walking surface, or ‘travelling surface’, is significant and affects us every day (3.9.3a). Amongst its various properties, slip resistance constitutes an important factor relating to safety and comfort when we travel on ground surfaces.   Static coefficient of friction offers only a reasonable measure of the slip resistance of a material. Since slip resistance is the combined effect of the properties of two surfaces in contact with each other, hence the footwear also accounts for the overall floor performance.   Wheelchairs can be propelled most easily on firm, hard, stable and regular surfaces, but these surfaces can be a potential hazard to other users like young children.   Different materials offer different degree of slip resistance. Combined with the effect of shoe traction, a flooring material can change from ‘slippery’ to ‘nonslippery’ and vice versa.       3.9.3a  A safe and comfortable travelling surface in external areas is important     3.9.3.1 Factors Affecting the Slip Resistance of Ground Surfaces     The slip resistance of a travelling surface may also be due to other alien factors not relating to the nature of the flooring material itself.   (a) When there is a mixture of flooring materials used in the same space, the slip resistance of two adjoining materials should be compatible with each other (refer to Figure 3.9.3.3c). A person tends to walk faster on a less slippery material. If one walks from a non-slip surface to a surface with much smaller static coefficient of friction, one may not be able to adjust the walking velocity in time. This may cause a person to slip and fall on the first few steps on the more slippery surface (3.9.3.1a). (b) Floor patterns can add to the interest and liveliness of a space. Small inserts and borders are popular in flooring designs (3.9.3.1b). The slip resistance of these decorative parts are equally important as the main flooring material. (c) A material may also change drastically under dry and wet conditions. A non-slip material may become slippery and hazardous; even a small area of stainless steel insert may make a person slip when it is wet. (d) Abrasions, polishes, or contamination such as stains or dust on a flooring material could affect its slip resistance. (e) Surface roughness of a flooring material can increase its static coefficient of friction (3.9.3.1c). However, a compromise should be sought between the slip resistance and tripping hazard when a material surface is roughened. (f) Steeper gradient of the ground increases the safety threshold of the static coefficient of friction. (g) Shoe traction contributes to the slip resistance of the ground surface. The same person wearing different shoes at different times travelling on thesame surface may experience a difference in slip resistance. (h) Body weight of a person could affect the surface area of contact between the shoe and the ground surface. Small children with lighter body weight tend to slip easier than adults.       3.9.3.1a  Change in flooring materials with gradual change in slip resistance at entrance area from external ground   3.9.3.1b  Slip resistance of small inserts is equally important   3.9.3.1c  Strike a balance between good slip resistance and tripping hazard when considering the surface roughness of a flooring material