CAN/CSA-B651-95 (R2001)

1. Scope 1.1 This Standard specifies how to make buildings and other facilities barrier-free and therefore accessible and safely usable by persons with physical or sensory disabilities. The disabilities considered are: mobility impairments such as reliance on crutches or a wheelchair; reaching and manipulation disabilities; hearing impairments; deafness; visual impairment and blindness. Commentary: Some people with very severe physical disabilities may have requirements beyond the level described in this Standard. 1.2 This Standard describes technical requirements which can be applied to the design and construction of new facilities or modifications to existing facilities. This Standard does not describe the application of technical requirements. The extent to which these requirements will be applied is the responsibility of others such as adopting authorities or specifiers. 1.3 The Standard contains minimum requirements based on adult dimensions. Dimensions are given in SI (metric) units (typically in millimetres) and, where converted from Imperial units, they have been rounded off with respect for critical dimensions. Commentary: When designing for specific individuals, their particular abilities and preferences should be taken into account. For example, some people prefer to transfer to or from a wheelchair towards their preferred side when using toilet facilities. If a facility is primarily to serve children, dimensions and other provisions should be adjusted to make them suitable for children. 1.4 Commentaries and diagrams are included for explanatory and illustrative purposes only and are not a mandatory part of the Standard. They are shown in a different colour to distinguish them from requirements. All dimensions on figures are in millimetres. Grab bar dimensions are measured to the centreline.