Accessible Features and Parking Discs

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About Accessible Parking Disks

Contact DiSA For Assistance

Persons with disabilities are often excluded from many events, services, information, communication, products and venues because during the planning phases all users were not considered. This can be prevented by including a Universal Access Consultant, who will apply Universal Design Principals during the design phase.

Government Regulations have been put in place in South Africa and around the world to try to make public places more accessible to persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments. These government regulations are known as Accessible Features and they are meant to ensure that accommodation and transport is accessible and that equal opportunities and rights are available for persons with disabilities. By including Universal Access Consultants throughout the project as well as in the design phase, we can make sure that environments are truly accessible.

In the article below, we will discuss the Accessible Features that have been introduced in order to make public places more accessible to persons with Mobility Impairments, as well as the companies and organizations that can assist you to ensure that your business is accessible and safe, giving equal opportunities and equal rights for persons with disabilities.

Find Out More About Universal Access and The Work That Universal Access Consultants Do

What Are You Looking For?

1. Making Your Home/Office/Building Accessible: Who can Help?
2. Building Facilities That Accommodate Everyone
3. National Building Regulations and Standards Act
4. Accessible Features Unpacked
– i. Signage
– ii. Accessible Bathrooms
– iii. Ramps
– iv. Accessible Parking Bays & Discs
– v. Accessible Routes, Doors & Doorways
– vi. Lifts/Elevators
– vii. Regulations for Auditoriums, Grandstands and Halls
5. How Can We Help You?

  • Link to the National Council of Persons with Disabilities
  • BradshawLeRoux Logo (Disability Inclusion Specialists)
  • DiSA - Your One-Stop Access Solution
  • Universal Access Collective

Making Your Home/Office/Building Accessible: Who can Help?

Universal Access Consultants specialize in assessing, advising, and guiding the design of environments, services, and systems to ensure they are accessible and inclusive for everyone. Their role goes beyond minimum compliance — they promote universal design principles that make spaces safer, easier, and more convenient for all users, regardless of ability, age, or circumstance.

In South Africa, a Universal Access Consultant use accessibility standards such as the SANS 10400 Part S Building Regulations and align with human rights laws like the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA). Their work may include conducting access audits, developing accessibility implementation plans, and offering guidance on inclusive infrastructure, communication, and customer service practices.

There are various Organisations and Companies that specialize in Universal Design and Access and can advise you on how to adapt your building and environment to make sure that persons with disabilities have equal rights and no loss of dignity.

They include: National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting, Universal Access Collective and DiSA.

Logo for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, an organisation which provides specialised services for persons with disabilities in South Africa

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) believe that this can be prevented by applying Universal Design Principals during the design phase and they therefor offer the following services to assist:

– Workshops for architects, developers and other building professionals to develop an understanding of universal design and access.
– Facilitating access audits for new or existing buildings; echo e-access for the natural and communication environment. Audits are followed by a report indicating shortfalls and recommendations.
– Marketing of facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities

Contact: Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais
Tel: +27 11 452 2774
Email: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za

BradshawLeRoux - Disability Inclusion Specialists

Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting conduct Environmental Accessibility Audits designed to identify environmental barriers that could hinder access for Persons with a Disability. Our consultants will review your site, note potential barriers from a functional and safety perspective, and propose cost-effective solutions which can be actioned within short-, medium- and longer-term time frames.

Our reports are practical in nature, specific in the solutions offered, and allow for ease of use by all. Relevant to all environments, from corporate offices, manufacturing or industry sites, education facilities or hospitality environments, we can assist.

For more information, please feel free to send any queries to 
Contact: 031 765 2547 via Email: lesa@bradshawleroux.co.za Website: www.bradshawleroux.co.za

The Universal Access Collective

Turn accessibility challenges into opportunities with inclusive design that actually works.

Whether you’re a business owner, facility manager, or someone navigating personal accessibility needs, most environments still create barriers instead of being accessible and welcoming.

Universal Access Collective (UAC) solves the accessibility puzzle for businesses and individuals across Africa, turning compliance requirements and personal challenges into practical solutions that work.

For Businesses:  We assist to create a Universal Access environment including National Building regulations as well as International Best practices spaces that welcome more customers. Our built environment audits, digital accessibility reviews, and staff training don’t just tick boxes—they unlock new revenue streams and reduce liability risks.

For Families, Individuals and the Elderly: Adapting your home or navigating new accessibility needs shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our coaching and universal design advisory services provide practical guidance that transforms challenges into confidence.

What makes us different? We’re a women-led consultancy combining technical expertise with lived experience. Mandy Latimore (globally recognised universal design specialist) brings both compliance knowledge and real-world understanding to every project.

Our comprehensive services include:
– Built environment and digital access audits
– Universal design advisory for residential and commercial spaces
– Family coaching and caregiver support
– Staff disability confidence training
– Inclusive communication and content development
– Assistive technology recommendations

Beyond consulting, we’re building a supportive community where businesses, families, and professionals share knowledge and drive change together.

Ready to transform accessibility from obstacle to opportunity? Contact us to discover how inclusive design creates better outcomes for everyone—and better business results for you.

You can contact Universal Access Collective:
Cell: +27 83 283 3370,
E mail: info@ua-collective.com,
Website: www.universalaccesscollective.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-access-collective.

DiSA - Your One-Stop Access Solution

DiSA provides a One-Stop Access Solution to improve inclusivity by removing barriers to access in the built environment by referring Companies and Educational Facilities to various qualified Universal Access Consultants around the country. This includes Igor Rix, a qualified access consultant and co-founder of Disability Info South Africa (DiSA), who specialises in conducting Accessibility Audits and providing detailed reports on barriers within physical spaces and services.

Igor develops practical Implementation Plans to address these challenges, ensuring compliance with both national accessibility standards and international best practices. While focusing on fostering inclusivity for all individuals.
Ensuring all people of diverse needs and preferences, can fully participate and contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Read More about Universal Access and the Accessibility Audits, Reporting and Implementation plans that we can provide.

Building Facilities That Accommodate Everyone
Yellow Arrow

The Government often makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed and built with certain features to make them wheelchair friendly. These are known as The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which was amended and published by the Department of Trade and Industry in May 2008. Some parts of the Act deals with facilities for persons with disabilities and directly affected the building industry.

They include information about: Accessible Toilets; Ramps; Accessible Parking Bays; Proof of residence. and Wheelchair Bays in Movie Theaters, Sports stadiums & Music Concerts

A noticeable change recently in some parts of the world is the installation of elevators, automatic doors, wide doors and corridors, transit lifts, wheelchair ramps, curb cuts, and the elimination of unnecessary steps where ramps and elevators are not available, allowing persons who use wheelchairs and other Mobility Aids to use public sidewalks and public transit easier and safely.

There are however still unfortunately many buildings and most houses in South Africa which are not designed and built to accommodate wheelchair users or the elderly. The owners of these buildings and houses may therefore be challenged by the need to find architects and renovators familiar with accessible design issues in order to make them accessible.

All is not lost, there are various Organizations and Companies that can assist with Universal Design and Access to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues. In this article we will introduce you to the companies and organizations that can assist you ensure that your business is accessible and safe, giving equal opportunities and equal rights for persons with disabilities.

Image of young kids running down the front steps of a school towards a young boy in a wheelchair at the bottom of the steps

The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act

  • Persons with disabilities should be able to safely enter the building (Ramps) and be able to safely use all the facilities within it – specifically toilets. (Accessible Toilets)
  • Lifts in buildings must be able to serve the needs of disabled people. This includes ensuring that any commonly used “path of travel” MUST be free of any sort of obstacles that would limit, restrict or endanger people with disabilities who use that route. There must also be absolutely no obstacles that will prevent people with disabilities from accessing facilities within the building.
  • The National Building Regulations also state that where there is parking available for more than 50 motor vehicles, there must  be parking facilities that accommodate disabled persons. There is also an obligation to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with a suitable means of access from the parking area to the ground floor – or storey – of the building. (Accessible Parking Bays)
  • There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances, and should lead to the ground floor.
  • There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.
  • Buildings that incorporate halls or auditoriums for public use are obliged to ensure that a reasonable percentage of space is available for people in wheelchairs or other “assistive devices”. (Accessible Bays in Movie Theaters, Sports stadiums & Music Concerts)

Accessible Features Unpacked

Universal Access Consultant doing an access audit

Let’s unpack these Accessible Features listed in the 10400 Part S of the Building Regulations, developed to improve the usability of environments.

By unpacking these features in a simple, user-friendly way, the page aims to empower individuals to identify what accessibility should look like, advocate for access, and make informed choices when adapting buildings, public spaces, or services.

While our goal is to provide the information support to improve functionality for all users, this is just a guideline and it is of utmost importance to consult the Universal Access Consultants listed above to ensure accessibility.

i. Signage

lady in wheelchair pushing past accessible signage

The International Symbol of Access (ISA), also known as the (International) Wheelchair Symbol, consists of a blue square overlaid in white with a stylized image of a wheelchair. It is maintained as an international standard, ISO 7001 image of the International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA)

The symbol is often seen where access has been improved, particularly for wheelchair users, but also for other disability issues. Frequently, the symbol shows the removal of environmental barriers, such as steps, to help the disabled, elderly, parents with baby carriages, and travellers. Universal design aims to obviate such symbols by creating products and facilities that are accessible to nearly all users from the start. The wheelchair symbol is “International” and therefore not accompanied by Braille in any particular language.

Providing clear and visible marking by using this accessible disabled sign is essential in making facilities visible for those who need them. The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations therefore makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed and build with a certain regulations, which includes regulations on Signage.

Read More about Signage Regulations in the Accordion Menus below

Facilities that are included in a building specifically for use by persons with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and platform or stair lifts, should all be indicated by the international symbol for access:

– Marking a parking space reserved for vehicles used by people with disabilities/blue badge holders
– Marking a vehicle used by a person with a disability, often for permission to use a space
– Marking a public lavatory with facilities designed for wheelchair users
– Indicating a button to activate an automatic door
– Indicating an accessible transit station or vehicle
– Indicating a transit route that uses accessible vehicles

Providing clear and visible marking by using this accessible disabled sign is essential in making facilities visible for those who need them. The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations therefore makes laws that ensure that new buildings are designed & build with a certain regulations, which includes regulations on Signage.
Facilities that are included in a building specifically for use by persons with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and platform or stair lifts, shall be indicated by the international symbol for access.

4.2 Signage

4.2.1 Facilities that are included in a building specifically for use by persons with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and platform or stair lifts, shall be indicated by the international symbol for access and shall comply with 4.2.2 and 4.2.4. The international symbol shall be exhibited at the main entrance of, and at any other suitable position in, a building, and in suitable positions to indicate to persons with disabilities the route to the exit of such facilities.

4.2.2 The sign used to indicate facilities provided for persons with disabilities shall be the SANS 1186-1 type designation GA 22 (allocated to or accessible to wheelchairs) sign. Such signage shall comply with the requirements of SANS 1186-1 and shall have a symbol height of not less than 110 mm.

4.2.3 Facilities that are not in accordance with the requirements of this part of SANS 10400 shall not bear the international symbol.

NOTE 1: The symbol is the property of the International Standards Office, and its use can only be sanctioned where the minimum requirements of the National Building Regulations have been complied with.

NOTE 2: Signs should be in clear, visible and tactile format to ensure that persons with visual impairments are also fully informed. In buildings where persons with visual impairments work or live, evacuation instructions in large print and Braille should be provided, so that persons with visual impairments can familiarize themselves with escape routes.

4.2.4 Clear legible signs shall indicate the direction and name of an accessible facility and shall incorporate the international symbol. The height of the lettering shall not be less than 50 mm.

Where the viewing distance is greater than 10 m, the height of the lettering shall be increased accordingly (see table 1).

ii. Accessible Bathrooms

An Accessible Bathroom/Toilet is a special bathroom/toilet designed to accommodate people with disabilities. They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “Disabled Toilets.”

Public toilets can present accessibility challenges for people with disabilities, such as those people in wheelchairs. Stalls may not be able to fit a wheelchair, and transferring between the wheelchair and the toilet seat may pose a challenge. Accessible toilets are designed to address these issues by providing more space and bars for users to grab and hold during transfers.

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & build with a certain amount of Disabled Toilets.

In any building where facilities for persons with disabilities are required in terms of Regulation S1, there shall be one or more toilets or unisex toilet facilities suitable for use by wheelchair users. People with disabilities should be able to safely enter the building (Ramps) and be able to safely use all the facilities within it – specifically toilets. These Accessible Toilets:

woman in a manual wheelchair entering an Accessible Bathroom
  • Have wheelchair-width doors allowing sufficient space for a wheelchair to enter, and exit when a door is open.
  • Accessible changing tables are recommended but rarely seen. Built lower, and longer they enable a caretaker to help change an older child or adult with a disability.
  • Need larger floor space than other cubicles to allow space for a wheelchair to maneuver or to accommodate assistance for those who need extra physical support when toileting.
  • Have an emergency alarm, in the form of a red cord that reaches the ground, connected to a buzzer and a flashing red light.
  • Need larger floor space than other cubicles to allow space for a wheelchair to maneuver or to accommodate assistance for those who need extra physical support when toileting.
  • Have a wheelchair-height toilet, to help the user on and off the toilet, with grab rails
  • Have a wheelchair-height sink and hand dryer.

4.12 Toilet Facilities
4.12.1 In any building where facilities for persons with disabilities are required in terms of Regulation S1, there shall be one or more toilets or unisex toilet facilities suitable for use by wheelchair users, provided that:

In any building requiring toilet facilities to which part S of the Regulations applies, the first toilet provided shall be a unisex toilet facility, for use by persons with and without disabilities, preferably in accordance with the details shown in annex D.

In any building of occupancy class H1 where:
bedrooms are provided with private toilet facilities, at least one such bedroom in every 25 (or part thereof) shall be provided with a toilet, washbasin and bath or shower accessible to persons with disabilities.
bedrooms are not provided with private toilet facilities, on each floor, at least one bathroom for every 25 bedrooms shall be provided with a toilet and a washbasin accessible to persons with disabilities, and at least one bathroom shall be provided with a bath or shower accessible to persons with disabilities, regardless of the number of bedrooms in the hotel, lodging house, hostel or hospitality accommodation.

In any building other than buildings of occupancy class H1, where in terms of SANS 10400-P, a toilet is required, not fewer than one toilet accessible to persons with disabilities shall be provided within every group of toilets provided.

Persons with disabilities shall not be required to travel further than persons without disabilities to get to a toilet that is accessible to them.
Persons with disabilities shall not be required to travel a distance of more than 45 m on the same floor, or 25 m where horizontal and vertical distances are combined, in order to reach a toilet accessible to them, regardless of the number of toilets available to persons without disabilities.
4.12.2 In a wheelchair-accessible toilet:
The door of the compartment that contains the toilet facilities shall open outwards unless a 1,2 m diameter area that is clear of all fittings, fixtures and the line of the door swing is provided. It shall be fitted with a grab rail on the inside and an easy-to-use locking device. The door leaf shall be openable from the outside by the use of a suitable device in the case of an emergency, and such leaf shall be fitted with a suitable means of indicating whether the compartment is occupied.
The minimum finished wall-to-wall dimensions of the compartment shall be not less than 1,8 m × 1,8 m.
A distance of not less than 450 mm and not more than 500 mm shall be provided between the centre line of the toilet and the nearer side wall of such compartment, and suitable grab rails shall be fixed to such side wall and the rear wall.

The distance from the front edge of the toilet to the rear wall of such compartment shall be not less than 690 mm.

The top surface of the seat of the toilet shall be not less than 480 mm and not more than 500 mm above the floor level.

Unless the toilet is provided with a special back rest, the lid and seat thereof, when raised to the upright position, shall remain in such position.
Sanitary fixtures and fittings, such as the soap dispenser, hand drier, mirror, coat hooks and toilet paper holder shall be easy to use and easily accessible to any person in a wheelchair. Hand-operated metering faucets shall remain open for a minimum of 10 seconds.

The toilet flushing control shall be positioned on the outer side, on top of or behind the toilet, operable from the transfer space and shall be easy to use.
Within any such compartment, the washbasin shall:
Be mounted without legs or pedestal, and the height from the floor to the top edge of such basin shall be not more than 820 mm, and have a vertical clearance of 650 mm from under the basin to the floor, measured at a point not less than 160 mm from the front of and under the basin.

Either a vanity slab or shelf shall be fitted in such compartment, level with the top of the washbasin, with a clear height beneath it of 750 mm.
Water supply to such a washbasin shall be by way of a single lever mixer unit with a lever handle at least 100 mm long within reach of any person sitting on the toilet.

grab rail assemblies shall be manufactured and installed so as to meet the purpose for which they are intended. The installation shall be sufficiently sturdy to withstand the loads imposed on them.
grab rails suitable for use by persons with disabilities shall be provided at the side and back of the toilet. The tube of any grab rail shall have an outside diameter between 32 mm and 38 mm. The back and side grab rail may be an integral unit.
In addition to the grab rails indicated in (m), a hinged support arm may be added to the transfer side of the toilet, at 300 mm from the centre of the toilet.

doors into accessible toilets shall have a clear opening of 900 mm minimum.
 
NOTE: It is recommended that the maximum temperature of water discharging from any hot water outlet in any building, should not exceed 45 °C. This is of particular importance in ablutions accessible by persons with disabilities.
 
4.12.3 Any bath or shower cubicle provided for the use of persons with disabilities shall be so designed that a wheelchair user should be able to roll into such cubicle without being obstructed by a kerb or change of level.
 
4.12.4 Floor surfaces to any bath or shower cubicle provided for the use of persons with disabilities shall have a firm and slip-resistant surface under wet and dry conditions.

NOTE: Annex D provides further guidance on the design and layout of toilet facilities.

iii. Ramps

A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of stairs. Ramps permit wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access a building.

A wheelchair ramp can be permanent, semi-permanent or portable. Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or otherwise attached in place. Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or concrete pad and are commonly used for the short term. Permanent and semi-permanent ramps are usually of aluminum, concrete or wood.

Ramps must be carefully designed in order to be useful. Many jurisdictions have established minimum widths and maximum slopes. A less steep rise can be easier for a wheelchair user to navigate, as well as safer in wet or icy conditions.

Man in motorized wheelchair driving up ramp into house

The South African National Standard for Building Regulations state that Wheelchair ramps are required in new construction for public accommodations in South Africa. They also state that these wheelchair Lifts and Ramps must meet certain regulations & requirements.

People with disabilities should be able to safely enter the building (Ramps) and be able to safely use all the facilities within it – specifically toilets. (Accessible Toilets) There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances and should lead to the ground floor.

There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.

iv. Accessible Parking Bays and Accessible Parking Discs

The Government has introduced certain regulation that state, how many of these “Accessible Parking Bays” must be available & the size of the “Parking Bays”

The National Building Regulations state that where there is parking available for more than 50 motor vehicles, there must  be parking facilities that accommodate disabled persons. There is also an obligation to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with a suitable means of access from the parking area to the ground floor – or storey – of the building.

These parking bays are not only close to the entrance, but are also wider than the average parking bay. Wheelchair parking bays are traditionally 3500mm wide to cater for a wheelchair user who needs the extra space to enter or exit the vehicle, thus enabling:

  • a wheelchair user to transfer into their wheelchair from their car.
  • It enables the helper of a severely disabled person to park the wheelchair next to the car so that they can lift the person from the car and place him into the wheelchair.
  • It also enables the helper of a severely disabled person to offload a person from a kombi in a wheelchair down ramps or with a wheelchair lift.

By having this extra space helps these transfers to be done safely for the wheelchair user & helps prevent the vehicle in the parking space next door from getting damaged.

Read More about Accessible Parking Disks

Accessible signage on a parking bay

Vi. Accessible Routes and Doorways

lady in wheelchair pushing past accessible signage

An important part of accessibility is not only accessible parking spaces, passenger loading zones, ramps, Accessible Toilets and Lifts, etc but also insuring that there are various accessible routes from the public streets onto the pavements and to the accessible building entrance and to the facilities inside the building and visa versa. Appropriate accessible routes should also be made available for emergency exits. Accessible Routes include:

  • Ramps on and off the pavement
  • Wide enough walkways for a variety of size wheelchairs
  • No obstacles on these pathways
  • Wide doorways & turning areas, etc.

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations passes  laws that insure that new buildings and structures are designed and build with a certain regulations, which includes regulations on Accessible Routes.

There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances, and should lead to the ground floor.

There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.

F4.4 External and internal circulation
4.4.1 General
4.4.1.1 An accessible route shall form part of an external and internal circulation route.
NOTE: The space allowances of this part of SANS 10400 should accommodate the use of self-propelled wheelchairs. The minimum dimensions might need to be increased to accommodate the full range of different types of wheelchairs.
4.4.1.2 At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the site from all public transportation stops, accessible parking spaces, passenger loading zones and public streets and pavements to the accessible building entrance which they serve and the facilities inside the building.
4.4.1.3 There shall be a means of access suitable for use by persons with disabilities from the outside of the building to the ground storey.
4.4.1.4 The clear width of the walking surfaces shall not be less than 900 mm (such as between bollards in parking areas, or between planters and seating) and shall not be reduced by protruding objects. If the clear width is less than 1,5 m, an accessible route shall be provided with passing spaces of 1,5 m × 1,5 m (minimum) at intervals not exceeding 5,0 m, or an intersection of two walking surfaces which provide a T-shaped space.
4.4.1.5 Each accessible entrance to a building shall have at least one door or doorway in accordance with the requirements of 4.6.1.
4.4.1.6 Revolving doors, revolving gates and turnstiles shall not form part of an accessible route.
4.4.1.7 Pause areas, with suitable seating, shall be provided adjacent to an accessible route at intervals that do not exceed 25 m.
4.4.2 Turning spaces
4.4.2.1 The turning space allowance, e.g. for a wheelchair, guide dog or person on crutches, shall be a minimum of 1,5 m in diameter, inclusive of any toe and knee clearances.
4.4.2.2 Doors shall not be permitted to swing into the turning spaces.
4.4.3 Obstructions in the path of travel
4.4.3.1 Protruding objects shall not reduce the clear width required for accessible routes.4.4.3.2 Hanging signs, lights, awnings and objects that protrude into circulation spaces shall have a clearance of at least 2 m above the trafficable surface.
 
4.4.3.3 Windows and doors shall not open across a walkway, corridor, stair or ramp. Doorstops shall be so positioned that any door will open to its maximum, and that they will not create a hazard.
4.4.3.4 Wall-mounted fire extinguishers, hose reels, telephones, litter bins and any other wall-mounted fittings shall be designed to be easily seen, be shielded or recessed to prevent injuries, and be accompanied by a feature that warns of the presence of the potential hazard and that is possible to detect by a person using a white cane or stick.
4.4.3.5 A dished channel shall not be constructed within the boundaries of a path.
4.4.3.6 A drainage grating that is within the boundaries of a path shall be set flush with the surface of the path. Such grating shall be placed so that its longitudinal elements are perpendicular to the main walking direction, and the gap between them shall not exceed 13 mm.
4.4.3.7 Where identified parking for persons with disabilities is provided, a kerb cut that has a slip-resistant finish and gradient that does not exceed 1:12 shall be provided immediately adjacent to the bay (see figure 3).
NOTE 1 Kerb cuts should be provided where required, and in conjunction with pedestrian crossings, taxi and bus ranks and parking garages.
NOTE 2 The recommended surface between a pavement and roadway is a ramp fitted with tactile guidance surface indicators. This provides a safe and trafficable surface for wheelchair users, and a detectable surface to indicate to persons with visual impairments that they are leaving a pedestrian footpath and entering a traffic roadway.
4.5 Floor or ground surfaces4.5.1 Floor and ground surfaces form an integral part of the accessible route throughout the site, both internally and externally, as part of the continuous path of travel. They shall be stable, firm and slip resistant (see SANS 784), under wet and dry conditions.
 
4.5.2 Carpet, carpet tiles or other floor finishes shall be securely attached and level across all types of pile. Pile height of carpets shall not exceed 3 mm.
4.5.3 Openings in the floor finish or ground surface shall not exceed 13 mm in diameter and, where the opening is elongated, the long dimension shall be placed perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
4.5.4 The vertical change in level between two floor surfaces, or at thresholds, shall have a flush finish and shall not exceed 5 mm in height.
4.5.5 Where a surface is cambered for drainage purposes, the camber shall not exceed 1:50 (see figure 4).
4.5.6 Cobbles (whether fixed or loose), gravel sand and other raised or loose finishes shall not form part of an accessible route.
4.6 Doorways, doors and door handles
4.6.1 Doorways and doors
4.6.1.1 Doorways shall allow free access for wheelchair users. The clear opening shall be at least 750 mm when approached along a line that is perpendicular to the opening, as shown in figure 5.
NOTE It is recommended that, where possible, the clear opening width should be 800 mm.
4.6.1.2 Where a two-leaf door is used, the clear opening provided by the leading leaf shall be at least 750 mm, as shown in figure 6, when approached along a line perpendicular to the opening.
4.6.1.3 Minimum access dimensions to enable wheelchair users to make 90° turns, shall be as shown in figure 7.
4.6.1.4 Where a person in a wheelchair is required to open a door towards the wheelchair, a nib of at least 450 mm shall be provided at the handle side of the door, as shown in figure 8.
4.6.1.5 The minimum distance between doors shall be as shown in figures 9 and 10.
4.6.1.6 Sliding doors may be installed in places where a hinged door would hinder circulation or manoeuvrability.
4.6.1.7 Where revolving doors, turnstiles or other barriers are installed, an alternative means of access shall be installed.
 
NOTE 1: Doors are a hindrance and their use should be avoided. Where doors cannot be avoided, for example, in a route used for emergency egress, doors should be held open by a mechanism that is safe, comfortable and convenient for persons with disabilities to operate, such as magnetic closers.
NOTE 2: Frequently used doors, such as main entrance self-closing doors, should preferably open automatically and be equipped with a fail-safe system that enables the door to open under emergency conditions

4.6.2 Door handles

4.6.2.1 A handle fitted to a door leaf of a door in an emergency route or in a feeder route or in any compartment containing toilet facilities for use by persons with disabilities, shall be of the lever type, with a lever at least 150 mm long, and shall be installed at a height that does not exceed 1,0 m above floor level.
4.6.2.2 Round door knobs do not provide an adequate grip for persons with impaired dexterity and shall be avoided.
4.6.2.3 All doors shall be openable with one hand.
4.6.2.4 All door handles shall be horizontally aligned.
4.6.2.5 Door furniture with sharp protruding edges is hazardous and shall not be used.
4.7 Changes in level
4.7.1 In trafficable areas for public use, any changes in level shall comply with the requirements of SANS 10400-D, and with the requirements given in 4.7.2 and 4.7.3.
4.7.2 A raised kerb, not less than 75 mm high, or a skirting rail not more than 300 mm high, measured vertically above the surface, shall be provided on exposed sides of any ramp, stairway, balcony or any similar area where a change in level occurs.
4.7.3 Where a change in level of more than 600 mm occurs, a handrail shall also be provided.

Vi. Lifts / Elevators

Thanks partly to the disability rights movement we have seen an improvement in building accessibility. With the installation of elevators or lifts buildings are now accessible even for those in a wheelchairs.

A lift (or elevator) is a form of vertical transportation between building floors, levels or decks, commonly used in offices, public buildings and other types of multi-storey accommodation. Lifts can be essential for providing vertical circulation, particularly in tall buildings, for wheelchair and other non-ambulant building users and for the vertical transportation of goods. Some lifts may also be used for firefighting and evacuation purposes.

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations therefore makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & build with a certain regulations, which includes Lifts & the regulations set aside for these Lifts.

There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.

Lifts in buildings must be able to serve the needs of disabled people. This includes ensuring that any commonly used “path of travel” MUST be free of any sort of obstacles that would limit, restrict or endanger people with disabilities who use that route.

There must also be absolutely no obstacles that will prevent people with disabilities from accessing facilities within the building. The regulations refer specifically to people with impaired vision, but clearly they also relate to people in wheelchairs, or people who have trouble walking freely.

Man in wheelchair waiting to enter an elevator

4.11 Lift Regulations

4.11.1 Lifts include passenger lifts and through-floor lifts, where passenger lifts serve all the storeys of the building that can be accessed by the stairway, and through-floor lifts may be used to serve a partial storey (see SANS 10400-A) of area greater than 100 m2.

NOTE A through-floor lift can be used in small buildings, as an alternative to a passenger lift.

4.11.2 Passenger lifts shall have a minimum internal dimension of 1,1 m in width and 1,4 m in depth, clear of surface finishes.
have a doorway with an unobstructed width of not less than 800 mm; be fitted with horizontal handrails the full length of the lift car sides at a height of between 850 mm and 1 000 mm above the floor level of the lift; have a mirror on the top half of the rear wall equal to the width of the lift to enable wheelchair users to back out of the lift where the lift has internal dimensions less than 1,5 m in width and 2,0 m in depth; have a clear circulation space of not less than 1,5 m × 1,5 m at the entrance of the lift on each floor; have audible and visible warnings in the lift lobby and lift car to indicate the lift car approaching, the arrival of the lift, the lift doors opening, the lift doors closing, the floor requested and at which floor the lift stops; have control buttons, including emergency control buttons, that are in accordance with 4.14; have illuminance on the control panel that is not less than 150 lx; stop level with the landing on each floor that they serve.

NOTE 1: The provision of the number and size of lifts should take into account the number of persons (persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities) using the site, complex or building. In buildings with large building-user numbers and flow, the size and number of lifts should reflect the fact that a wheelchair user needs to be able to turn when entering or exiting the lift.

NOTE 2: Wheelchair users should not have to travel further than non-wheelchair users to find a means of vertical circulation accessible to them, and they should not have to crossroads or endanger their safety to reach such means.

NOTE 3: To aid persons with visual impairments to operate automatic lifts, tactile identification, both raised numbers on buttons, in contrasting light and dark colours, and Braille lettering adjacent to the number, should be provided at the control panel within the lift car and external to it.

Vii. Regulations for Auditoriums, Grandstands and Halls

In South Africa & around the world buildings such as Auditoriums, grandstands, halls & sports stadiums are made wheelchair friendly by adding among other things, wheelchair platforms, so that wheelchair users can enjoy the event from their wheelchairs & also have a clear view of the stage, field, screen, etc.

Buildings where these “platforms” are built include: Movie Theaters; Sports Stadiums, Music Concert etc. The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations  makes laws that insure that these type of buildings are designed & build with these wheelchair bays/platforms & that they meet certain regulations.

Woman in wheelchair seated in accessible seating in Auditorium

4.13 Auditoriums, Grandstands and Halls

4.13.1 Where any building contains one or more auditoriums or halls fitted with fixed seating, floor space accessible to any person in a wheelchair shall be set aside for the accommodation of wheelchairs in such auditoriums or halls. Such space shall be situated adjacent, or in close proximity, to an exit door and shall be so arranged that a wheelchair will not obstruct any aisle or exit door, and
be of a size sufficient to accommodate a minimum of one wheelchair where the number of fixed seats for which the auditorium or hall is designed is not more than 50, a minimum of two wheelchairs where the number of fixed seats for which the auditorium or hall is designed is more than 50 but not more than 400, and a minimum of three wheelchairs or a number of wheelchairs equal to 0,5 % of the number of fixed seats for which the auditorium or hall is designed, whichever is the greater, where such number of fixed seats is more than 400.

4.13.2 Wheelchair positions shall be distributed evenly throughout the facility. For each wheelchair position a companion seat shall be provided.

4.13.3 Each space accessible to a wheelchair shall be not less than 900 mm × 1,4 m. Such a space shall provide a line of vision of the performance comparable to the full range of seating that is not wheelchair accessible.

4.14 Controls, switches and power points
4.14.1 All security controls and light switches shall be horizontally aligned with door handles and other fixtures and fittings (other than socket outlets) between 900 mm and 1,2 m above the finished floor level.
NOTE 1 The recommended height is 1 000 mm.
NOTE 2 For persons with visual or dexterity impairments, rocker action, or push-pad switches that operate in the vertical plane are preferable as long as they are easy to use. Push buttons of light switches should project clear of the switch plate and have a width of at least 15 mm.
4.14.2 General-purpose socket outlets (power points) shall be fixed at least 500 mm above the finished floor level, 150 mm above the worktop and at least 450 mm from the corners.
4.14.3 Emergency controls and other controls shall show their effective operation so that they include persons with hearing loss. For example, an emergency alarm in a lift shall light up when pressed.
 
4.15 Warning signals
All emergency warning signals, including those in mechanical circulation installations, shall be both audible and visible.
NOTE 1 Emergency warning signals include smoke detection, fire alarms and evacuation signals.
4.16 Lighting
4.16.1 The minimum illumination levels of lighting shall comply with the requirements of SANS 10400-O and SANS 10389-1.
NOTE Many persons with disabilities, especially elderly persons and persons with visual impairments, require higher levels of artificial lighting and reduced glare. Persons with hearing impairments might also require a higher level of illumination to facilitate lip-reading.
4.16.2 Lighting controlled by passive infrared sensors shall be provided in external circulation areas, internal circulation areas, and bathrooms, where these facilities are used after dark. Where passive infrared sensors cannot be provided, night lights shall be provided.
NOTE: Contrasting light and dark colours and levels of luminance should be used to assist persons with visual and intellectual impairments.

How can we help you?

At Disability Info South Africa (DiSA), we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.
One of the most life-changing forms of support for individuals with disabilities is an Assistance Dog —a highly trained companion that provides mobility support, medical alerts, and emotional assistance. 

Guidance & Support

We provide information on eligibility, application processes, and legal rights regarding assistance dogs. 

Accessibility Audits

Ensuring businesses and public spaces are ‘assistance-dog friendly’ and compliant with accessibility standards. 

Disability Awareness Training

Educating organizations and individuals on the importance and rights of assistance dog users. 

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Let’s Chat. We Can Help.

Advocacy & Resources

Connecting individuals with the right support networks, including AADSA, to help them on their journey. 

Assistance Dogs Change Lives –
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If you or someone you know could benefit from an assistance dog, or if you’re a business wanting to improve accessibility, get in touch with us today! 

Together, we can create a world where independence has no limits!

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While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
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1. Building Regulations for facilities for Disabled Pdf.
2. Standard Electrical, Mechanical And Architectural Guideline For The Design Of Accessible Buildings (Facilities For Disabled Persons)
4. www.bradshawleroux.co.za
5. www.ncpd.org.za
6. www.universalaccesscollective.com

Simplified Summary

The Accessible Features page on the DiSA Information Desk explains different accessibility features that the government has introduced through the Building Regulations and how they help people with disabilities access spaces, services, and daily activities more easily when environments are designed accordingly.