Foreword

QCVN 10:2014/BXD was compiled by the National Institute of Architecture, submitted for appraisal by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, evaluated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and promulgated together with Circular No. 21/2014/TT-BXD dated December 29, 2014 by the Minister of Construction.

QCVN 10:2014/BXD replaces QCXDVN 01:2002 issued under Decision No. 01/2002/QD-BXD dated January 17, 2002 by the Minister of Construction.

1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope

1.1.1 This regulation specifies the mandatory technical requirements that must be complied with when constructing new or renovating construction works to ensure disabled persons’ access and use.

1.1.2 Construction works that ensure disabled persons’ access and use include:

– Apartment buildings;

– Public works: offices of state agencies; medical examination and treatment facilities; education and vocational training facilities; cultural, physical training and sports facilities; hotels, commercial and service buildings;

– Railway stations, ports, bus stations, roads, sidewalks, pedestrian tunnels, overpasses, and other technical infrastructure and urban utilities (funeral homes, cemeteries, public toilets, bus stops, ATMs, public internet access points, etc.).

1.2 Applicable entities

This regulation applies to organizations and individuals involved in the construction of the works mentioned in 1.1.2.

1.3 Referenced documents

The following referenced documents must be complied with when applying this regulation. For referenced documents that have been amended, supplemented or replaced, the latest version shall apply.

QCVN 06:2010/BXD, National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety of Buildings and Structures.

1.4 Terminology

In this regulation, the following terms are construed as follows:

1.4.1 Persons with disabilities

Persons who have one or more parts of the body defective or dysfunctional, manifested in the form of impairment that causes difficulties in work, daily life and study.

1.4.2 Mobility impairment

The condition of reduced or lost ability to move the head, neck, legs, arms, body leading to limitations in movement and mobility.

Persons with mobility impairment are able to move independently with assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, sticks, walkers.

1.4.3 Hearing impairment

The condition of reduced or lost hearing function leading to limitations in communicating and exchanging information by speech.

Persons impaired in hearing ability may have varying degrees such as: complete deafness; hearing only certain sound frequencies; occasionally having difficulty hearing.

1.4.4 Vision impairment

The condition of reduced or lost ability to see and perceive light, color, images, objects in normal light and environmental conditions.

Persons with vision impairment may have varying degrees such as: no ability to distinguish between light and dark (complete blindness); limited field of vision: inability to see on both sides, above or below; limited visual acuity; severe myopia; color blindness; glare when encountering strong light.

1.4.5 Access

The ability of persons with disabilities to use housing and public works, transportation means, information technology, cultural services, sports, tourism and other appropriate services to integrate into the community.

1.4.6 Construction works that ensure access and use by persons with disabilities

The built architectural environment that persons with disabilities can reach and use the functional spaces within the construction works.

1.4.7 Entrance

The main route leading into the interior of a construction work.

1.4.8 Detectable warning signs

A standardized feature of a surface that is embedded in or attached to the surface of a walking area or other component to signal to persons with disabilities in recognizing unexpected changes in the path.

2 TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

2.1 Parking lots and bus stops

2.1.1 In public parking lots and parking lots in buildings, there must be parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment. The calculated number of parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment must comply with the provisions in Table 1.

Table 1 – Number of parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment in parking lots

Table 1 (End)

NOTES:

1. Parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment include parking spaces for three-wheeled motorcycles and wheelchairs;
2. If the parking lot has no more than 5 spaces, it is not necessary to design parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment;
3. For apartment buildings, at least 2% of parking spaces must be reserved for persons with mobility impairment. The minimum size for a parking space for persons with mobility impairment is 2.35 m²/vehicle.

2.1.2 The location of parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment must be arranged near the road and entrance to the construction work. For public parking lots, the parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment must be close to pedestrian paths.

2.1.3 If the parking lot has many different elevations, the parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment must be at the same elevation as the entrance/exit.

2.1.4 At bus stops, where there are changes in elevation, slope segments or ramps must be arranged and tactile paving or markings with contrasting colors must be placed on the waiting area so that persons with disabilities can reach the means of transport.

2.1.5 At bus stops, there must be seating for persons with disabilities and free space for wheelchairs.

2.1.6 In the area for persons with disabilities, there must be signs, directional signage or warning signs that can be recognized according to international conventions.

2.2 Entrance to the construction work

2.2.1 In a premise, construction work or project item, there must be at least one entrance that ensures access and use by persons with disabilities.

2.2.2 When designing ramps, the following provisions must be complied with:

– Slope: not greater than 1/12;

– Ramp width: not less than 1,200 mm;

– Ramp length: not greater than 9,000 mm; when greater than 9,000 mm, landings must be arranged;

– At the beginning and end of the ramp, there must be a free space with dimensions not less than 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm for wheelchairs to maneuver;

– The ramp surface must be firm, not rough and not slippery.

2.2.3 Handrails must be arranged continuously on both sides of the ramp. If one side of the ramp has a void, a safety curb or protective railing must be arranged at the foot of the handrail.

– Handrails must be installed at a height of 900 mm from the floor surface. If arranging two-level handrails, the lower handrail must be installed at a height of 700 mm from the floor surface.

– At the starting and ending points of the ramp, handrails must be extended an additional 300 mm. The distance between the handrail and the attached wall is not less than 40 mm.

2.3 Entrance

2.3.1 A construction work or project item must have at least one entrance that ensures access and use by persons with disabilities. The entrance for persons with disabilities must lead directly to the reception desk and main spaces of the construction work.

2.3.2 For entrances with ramps: the slope, dimensions, and surface of the ramp must comply with the provisions in 2.2.2.

2.3.3 For entrances with steps, the following provisions must be complied with:

– Riser height: not greater than 150 mm;

– Tread width: not less than 300 mm;

– Do not use open risers; do not make nosing;

– If the entrance has more than 3 steps, handrails must be arranged on both sides in accordance with the provisions in 2.2.3.

2.3.4 In case there is a door at the entrance for persons with disabilities, there must be no threshold and revolving doors must not be used.

2.3.5 At the entrance, signage must be installed, there must be an audio notification system and tactile paving with directional signs for access to the elevator and services for persons with disabilities.

2.3.6 For construction works with conservation requirements, if the entrance is not accessible to persons with disabilities, lifts or mobile ramps must be arranged.

2.4 Doors

2.4.1 The clear opening width of the entrance door to the construction work is not less than 900 mm. For doors to functional rooms inside the construction work, it is not less than 800 mm.

2.4.2 The clear space in front of and behind the doorway is not less than 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5 Elevators

2.5.1 The clear opening width of the elevator door after opening is not less than 900 mm. The interior clear dimensions of the elevator car are not less than 1,100 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5.2 The dimensions of the waiting space in front of the elevator door are not less than 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5.3 Elevator doors must be installed with automatic closing and opening devices. The closing and opening time must be greater than 20 s to ensure safety for persons with disabilities. Handrails must be arranged inside the elevator in accordance with the provisions in 2.2.3.

2.5.4 The control panel in the elevator car is installed at a height not greater than 1,200 mm and not lower than 900 mm from the elevator floor to the center of the highest control button. The control buttons must have characters with contrasting colors or perceptible signals and the Braille system.

2.5.5 The floor indicator corresponding to the elevator position is illuminated or there is an audio notification system outside and inside the elevator. Braille must be arranged next to the elevator door on each floor.

2.6 Public spaces within the construction work

2.6.1 Reception desk and lobby

2.6.1.1 In areas such as waiting areas, queuing areas for registration or payment, sales counters, currency exchange, ATMs, public telephone booths, entertainment areas, food and beverage services or at work surfaces in public construction works, access and use by persons with disabilities must be ensured.

2.6.1.2 There must be at least one reception desk or reception area for persons with disabilities corresponding to each type of service.

2.6.1.3 At reception desks and reception areas for persons with disabilities, there must be signs, guidance boards with symbols, icons or an audio notification system according to international conventions.

2.6.2 Seating

2.6.2.1 In construction works with auditoriums, classrooms, meeting rooms, waiting rooms, stores, stadiums, convenient seating for wheelchair users must be arranged. The minimum number of seats for wheelchair users is 1 and not less than 5% of the total number of seats in the construction work.

2.6.2.2 The location of seats for wheelchair users must be near the entrance/exit.

2.6.2.3 The minimum number of spaces reserved for wheelchair users must comply with the provisions in Table 2.

Table 2 – Number of spaces for wheelchair users

2.6.3 Toilet area

2.6.3.1 In public buildings, there must be at least 01 toilet room for persons with disabilities and not less than 5% of the total number of toilet rooms. For public toilet areas, there must be at least 1 toilet room for persons with disabilities.

NOTE: Toilet rooms for persons with disabilities who need assistance from an accompanying person are not gender-specific.

2.6.3.2 There must be 1 urinal for persons with disabilities for every 6 wall-hung urinals at a minimum.

2.6.3.3 In the toilet area for persons with disabilities, a minimum clear space of 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm must be ensured for wheelchair maneuvering.

2.6.3.4 The clear opening width of the toilet room door is not less than 800 mm and opens outward but must not obstruct the escape route.

2.6.3.5 The installation height of sanitary fixtures for persons with disabilities, measured from the floor surface, must comply with the following provisions:

– Toilet bowl (water closet): not greater than 450 mm;

– Sink: not greater than 750 mm;

– Wall-hung urinal: not greater than 400 mm.

2.6.3.6 The installation height of handrails in the toilet bowl area is not greater than 900 mm; in the wall-hung urinal area, not greater than 800 mm.

2.6.3.7 The floor surface of the toilet area must not be slippery.

2.6.3.8 The toilet area for persons with disabilities must have signs, guidance boards and an audio notification system according to international conventions.

2.6.4 Examination rooms and patient care rooms in medical examination and treatment facilities

2.6.4.1 The minimum percentage of examination rooms and patient care rooms that ensure access and use by persons with disabilities in medical examination and treatment facilities must comply with the following provisions:

– Hospitals: 10% of the total number of patient rooms and examination rooms;

– Orthopedic and rehabilitation centers: 100% of inpatient rooms and examination rooms;

– Nursing centers: 50% of rooms.

2.6.4.2 In examination rooms and patient care rooms, a space with minimum dimensions of 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm must be reserved for wheelchair maneuvering.

2.6.4.3 Handrails must be arranged along both sides of corridors and paths to examination rooms and patient care rooms. The installation height of handrails complies with the provisions in 2.2.3.

2.6.5 Rooms in hotels, guesthouses

2.6.5.1 For hotels and guesthouses with less than 100 rooms, at least 5% of the rooms must ensure access and use by persons with disabilities. For every additional 100 rooms, there must be 1 more room for persons with disabilities.

2.6.5.2 In bedrooms for wheelchair users, a space with minimum dimensions of 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm must be reserved on one side of the bed for wheelchair maneuvering.

2.6.5.3 For buildings without elevators, rooms for persons with disabilities must be arranged on the ground floor (1st floor).

2.7 Evacuation

2.7.1 Alarm system

2.7.1.1 The alarm system used to notify and guide persons with disabilities about rescue waiting areas and escape routes must have both audio and visual signals, with flashing lights for use in emergencies.

2.7.1.2 The alarm system must be arranged in areas such as rooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, paths, lobbies, corridors and other public spaces.

2.7.1.3 When using loudspeaker announcements, the sound intensity must be ensured to be greater than the minimum noise level by +5 dB. The sound intensity of emergency bells must be at least +15 dB higher than the ambient sound intensity but not exceed 120 dB.

2.7.2 Escape routes

2.7.2.1 Rescue waiting areas for persons with disabilities must be arranged. The rescue waiting area must be directly connected to the escape staircase and must have signs, guidance boards and a two-way communication system with both visual and audio signals.

2.7.2.2 Escape routes leading to escape staircases must comply with the provisions in regulation QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.8 Roads and sidewalks

2.8.1 At intersections with different elevations such as street crossings, sidewalk ramps, slope segments or ramps must be constructed.

2.8.2 At intersections between pedestrian paths and roads for means of transport, pedestrian crossings or at entrances to construction works, if there is an elevation difference greater than 150 mm, slope segments and warning tiles at the intersection must be arranged. The slope of the ramp surface is not greater than 1/12.

2.8.3 The outer edge of pedestrian paths and paths around ponds and lakes in parks must have warning signs or curbs with a minimum height of 150 mm to ensure safety for persons with vision impairment.

2.8.4 Street amenities such as bus stops, benches, utility poles, street lamps, bollards, signs, public telephone booths, mailboxes, ATMs, planters, trees, public trash bins, etc., must not obstruct persons with disabilities and must be alerted by tactile paving or marked with contrasting colors for persons with vision impairment to recognize.

2.8.5 Freestanding objects on pedestrian paths such as bollards, planters and other types must have a minimum height of 100 mm and must not have sharp edges.

2.8.6 For trees on paths, there must be warning solutions for persons with vision impairment by changing the surface material around the tree planting area or having a raised curb with a minimum height of 100 mm around the tree planting box. Prune branches lower than 2,000 mm.

2.8.7 Freestanding obstacles such as billboards, mailboxes, public telephones, etc., must be placed outside the pedestrian path. The bottom edge must not be greater than 600 mm from the ground, the maximum protrusion is 100 mm and the clear height above the path is 2,000 mm to prevent persons with vision impairment from being hit.

2.8.8 For new construction, renovation, or repair works adjacent to pedestrian paths, there must be protective fences with a height of 1,000 mm to 1,200 mm, erected firmly to not fall when hit and must be adequately illuminated at night. Scaffolding and protective measures must not pose a danger to persons with vision impairment.

2.8.9 For overpasses and underpasses with pedestrian sections, if there are 3 or more steps, the following provisions must be complied with:

– Riser height not greater than 150 mm, tread width not less than 300 mm;

– Each flight has a maximum of 18 steps. If there are more than 18 steps, landings must be arranged;

– Landing width not less than 1,400 mm;

– Handrails must be arranged on both sides of stepped paths in accordance with the provisions in 2.2.3.

2.8.10 Entrances and exits of overpasses and underpasses with pedestrian sections, if there is a sudden change in elevation, must have ramps complying with the provisions in 2.2.2.

2.8.11 The surface of pedestrian sections on overpasses and in underpasses must not be slippery.

2.8.12 At the beginning and end of overpasses and ramps in underpasses, there must be measures to warn persons with vision impairment by using tactile warning tiles or markings with contrasting colors.

2.8.13 At intersections, underpass entrances and locations for going up and down overpasses, there must be traffic lights, signs, guidance boards and additional audio signals or Braille to guide persons with vision impairment when crossing the street.

2.9 Detectable warning signs

2.9.1 Detectable warning signs include tactile paving or markings with contrasting colors.

2.9.2 The installation location of tactile paving must comply with the following provisions:

– Intersection warning tiles are arranged at the intersection between pedestrian paths and roads for means of transport;

– Boundary warning tiles are arranged at the beginning and end of stairs; the beginning and end of ramps, at obstacles; pedestrian crossings;

– Directional tiles are used to guide persons with vision impairment to reception desks, ticket counters, ticket control gates, ATMs and avoid obstacles when moving in places without information or other instructions;

– Positional tiles are arranged in front of telephone booths, mailboxes, reception desks, ticket counters, information boards (in Braille or audio), ATMs, toilet areas, waiting rooms and in front of entrances to construction works.

2.10 Signs, guidance boards

2.10.1 Characters and symbols on conventional icons must contrast with the background color. Do not use glossy, highly reflective background materials to avoid glare for readers.

2.10.2 Signs, guidance boards or detectable warning signs must use symbols, icons and Braille characters in accordance with international conventions (See Appendix A).

3 IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

3.1 The Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Construction) is responsible for organizing the dissemination and guiding the application of QCVN 10:2014/BXD to relevant entities.

3.2 State management agencies in charge of housing construction, public works and technical infrastructure in localities are responsible for guiding and organizing the inspection of compliance with the provisions of QCVN 10:2014/BXD in construction activities in their respective areas in accordance with current legal regulations.

3.3 During the implementation of this Regulation, if there are any difficulties, all comments should be sent to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Construction) for guidance and resolution.

APPENDIX A

SOME INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONAL SYMBOLS TO SUPPORT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES’ ACCESS