Circular No. 21/2014/TT-BXD Issuing National Technical Regulations on Construction of Facilities to Ensure People with Disabilities Can Access and Use Safely

CIRCULAR

Issuing National Technical Regulations on

Construction of buildings ensuring access and use by persons with disabilities

Decree No. 62/2013/NĐ-CP dated June 25, 2013 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Construction;

Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Science, Technology and Environment Department,

The Minister of Construction issues this Circular promulgating the National Technical Regulation on "Construction of buildings ensuring access and use by persons with disabilities," code number QCVN 10:2014/BXD.

Article 1. This Circular promulgates the National Technical Regulation on "Construction of buildings ensuring access and use by persons with disabilities," code number QCVN 10:2014/BXD.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from July 1, 2015.

Article 3. The Minister, Heads of Ministries equivalent to Ministries, agencies under the Government, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular./.

QCVN 10:2014/BXD

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON CONSTRUCTION FOR DISABLED ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

National Technical Regulation on Construction for Disabled Access to Buildings and Facilities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope of Application

1.2 Scope of application

1.3 References

1.4 Definitions

The water storage capacity of clean water tanks in water treatment plants and waterworks must be sufficient to regulate the flow between the volume of water entering the tank and the operating mode of the clean water pump station, the volume of water for the water treatment plant and waterworks themselves, and the volume of water for firefighting, in accordance with the population scale of the urban area served, as stipulated in QCVN 06:2022/BXD and Amendment 1:2023 QCVN 06:2022/BXD. The minimum tank capacity is 20% of the capacity of the water treatment plant or waterworks.".

2.1 Parking lots and bus stops

2.2 Entrance roads to buildings

2.3 Entrances

2.4 Doors

2.5 Elevators

2.6 Public spaces within buildings

2.7 Evacuation

2.8 Roads and sidewalks

2.9 Recognizable warning signs

2.10 Signboards and directional signs

3 IMPLEMENTATION

A.1. Measurement Server

Foreword

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

QCVN 10:2014/BXD replaces QCXDVN 01:2002 issued pursuant to Decision No. 01/2002/QĐ-BXD dated January 17, 2002, of the Minister of Construction.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON CONSTRUCTION FOR DISABLED ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

National Technical Regulation on Construction for Disabled Access to Buildings and Facilities

1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope of Application

1.1.1 This regulation specifies mandatory technical requirements that must be adhered to when constructing or renovating buildings to ensure access and use by persons with disabilities.

1.1.2 Buildings constructed to ensure access and use by persons with disabilities include:

- Apartment buildings;

- Public buildings: offices of state agencies; medical facilities; educational and vocational training institutions; cultural, sports, and recreational facilities; hotels, commercial, and service establishments;

- Train stations, ports, bus terminals, streets, sidewalks, pedestrian tunnels, overpasses, and other urban infrastructure and utility facilities (funeral homes, cemeteries, public restrooms, bus stops, automatic teller machines, public internet access points, etc.).

1.2 Applicability

This regulation applies to organizations and individuals involved in the construction of the aforementioned buildings.

1.3 References

The following referenced documents must be complied with when applying this regulation. In cases where these referenced documents are revised, supplemented, or replaced, the latest version shall apply.

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

1.4 Definitions

In these regulations, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1.4.1 Persons with disabilities

Individuals who have deficiencies in one or more body parts or have reduced functional capacity manifested as disabilities that make labor, daily activities, and education difficult.

1.4.2 Mobility disability

A condition characterized by reduced or lost function of head, neck, leg, arm, or torso movement leading to limitations in mobility and movement.

Persons with mobility disabilities can move independently with assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, or frames.

1.4.3 Hearing disability

A condition characterized by reduced or lost auditory function leading to limitations in communication and information exchange through speech.

Persons with hearing disabilities may vary in severity, including being completely deaf; able to hear certain frequencies of sound; occasionally having difficulty hearing.

1.4.4 Visual disability

A condition characterized by reduced or lost ability to see light, colors, images, and objects in normal lighting and environmental conditions.

Persons with visual disabilities may vary in severity, including being totally blind; having limited peripheral vision; having difficulty seeing clearly; severe myopia; color blindness; being dazzled by strong light.

1.4.5 Accessibility

The ability of persons with disabilities to use housing, public buildings, transportation, information technology, cultural, sports, tourism, and other services suitable for community integration.

1.4.6 Buildings ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities

An architectural environment designed to allow persons with disabilities to reach and use functional spaces within buildings.

1.4.7 Entrance

The main pathway leading into the building.

1.4.8 Recognizable warning signs

Standardized symbols placed on or attached to walkway surfaces or other structures to alert persons with disabilities about unexpected obstacles on the path.

The water storage capacity of clean water tanks in water treatment plants and waterworks must be sufficient to regulate the flow between the volume of water entering the tank and the operating mode of the clean water pump station, the volume of water for the water treatment plant and waterworks themselves, and the volume of water for firefighting, in accordance with the population scale of the urban area served, as stipulated in QCVN 06:2022/BXD and Amendment 1:2023 QCVN 06:2022/BXD. The minimum tank capacity is 20% of the capacity of the water treatment plant or waterworks.".

2.1 Parking lots and bus stops

2.1.1 In public parking lots and parking lots within buildings, there must be designated parking spaces for persons with mobility disabilities. The calculation of parking spaces for persons with mobility disabilities must comply with the provisions in Table 1.

Table 1 - Number of parking spaces for persons with mobility disabilities in parking lots

Table 1 (End)

2.1.3 If the parking area has different elevations, the parking space for persons with mobility disabilities must be at the same elevation as the exit and entry pathways.

2.1.3 In cases where the parking area has different elevations, the parking position for persons with physical disabilities must be at the same elevation as the entrance and exit path.

2.1.4 At bus stops where there is a change in elevation, a ramp or sloping path must be provided, and tactile paving tiles or contrasting color markings must be placed on the waiting area to enable persons with disabilities to access public transportation vehicles.

2.1.5 At bus stops, seating areas for persons with disabilities must be arranged, and space for wheelchairs must be reserved.

2.1.6 In areas designated for persons with disabilities, signs, directional markers, or warning symbols that comply with international conventions must be installed.

2.2 Entrance roads to buildings

2.2.1 Within a site, building, or building component, at least one entrance must be designed to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

2.2.2 When designing ramps, the following requirements must be adhered to:

- Slope: not greater than 1/12;

- Width of the ramp: not less than 1,200 mm;

- Length of the ramp: not more than 9,000 mm; if longer than 9,000 mm, rest platforms must be provided;

- At the start and end points of the ramp, a clear space measuring not less than 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm must be provided for wheelchair movement;

- The surface of the ramp must be hard, even, and non-slippery.

2.2.3 Guardrails or handrails must be continuously installed on both sides of the ramp. If one side of the ramp has an open space, a safety curb or barrier must be installed at the base of the guardrail or handrail.

- Handrails must be mounted at a height of 900 mm above the floor. If two-tier handrails are installed, the lower handrail must be mounted at a height of 700 mm above the floor.

- At the beginning and end of the ramp, handrails must extend an additional 300 mm. The distance between the handrail and the wall it is attached to must not be less than 40 mm.

2.3 Entrances

2.3.1 A building or building component must have at least one entrance that ensures accessibility for persons with disabilities. The entrance for persons with disabilities must lead directly to the reception desk and main spaces within the building.

2.3.2 For entrances with ramps, the slope, size, and surface of the ramp must comply with the provisions set out in Article 2.2.2.

2.3.3 For entrances with steps, the following requirements must be met:

- Step height: not greater than 150 mm;

- Step tread width: not less than 300 mm;

- Open risers must not be used; nosings must not be formed;

- If the entrance has more than three steps, handrails must be installed on both sides in accordance with the provisions set out in Article 2.2.3.

2.3.4 Where there is a door at the entrance for persons with disabilities, a threshold must not be installed, and revolving doors must not be used.

2.3.5 At the entrance, signage must be installed, along with an audio announcement system and tactile paving indicating the direction to elevators and services for persons with disabilities.

2.3.6 For buildings requiring preservation, if the entrance cannot be accessed by persons with disabilities, mobile ramps or lifts must be provided.

2.4 Doors

2.4.1 The clear opening width of building entrances must not be less than 900 mm. For entrances to functional rooms inside the building, the clear opening width must not be less than 800 mm.

2.4.2 The clear space in front of and behind the door must not be less than 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5 Elevators

2.5.1 The clear opening size of elevator doors after opening must not be less than 900 mm. The clear internal dimensions of the elevator car must not be less than 1,100 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5.2 The clear space in front of the elevator door must not be less than 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5.3 Elevator doors must be equipped with automatic opening and closing devices. The time for opening and closing must exceed 20 seconds to ensure safety for persons with disabilities. Handrails must be installed in the elevator in accordance with the provisions set out in Article 2.2.3.

2.5.4 The control panel in the elevator car must be installed at a height not exceeding 1,200 mm and not less than 900 mm from the floor to the center of the highest control button. Each control button must have contrasting color characters or tactile symbols and Braille.

2.5.5 Floor indicators in the elevator must light up or provide audio announcements both inside and outside the elevator. Braille must be provided next to the exit door at each floor level.

2.6 Public spaces within buildings

2.6.1 Reception desks and lobby areas

2.6.1.1 In areas such as waiting zones, queues for registration or payment, sales counters, currency exchange stations, ATMs, public telephones, entertainment areas, dining services, or work surfaces in public buildings, accessibility for persons with disabilities must be ensured.

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

2.6.1.3 At reception desks or welcome areas for persons with disabilities, signs, directional boards using symbols or icons, and international standard audio announcements must be provided.

2.6.2 Seating

2.6.2.1 In buildings with auditoriums, classrooms, meeting rooms, waiting rooms, shops, stadiums, seating must be arranged to accommodate wheelchair users. The minimum number of seats for wheelchair users must be 1 and not less than 5% of the total number of seats in the building.

2.6.2.2 The seating positions for wheelchair users must be near the entrance.

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

Table 2 - Number of Seats for Wheelchair Users

2.6.3 Restrooms

2.6.3.1 In public buildings, at least one restroom for persons with disabilities must be provided, and this number must not be less than 5% of the total number of restrooms. For public restrooms, at least one restroom for persons with disabilities must be provided.

NOTE: Restrooms for persons with disabilities that require assistance from another person are not gender-specific.

2.6.3.2 Among six hanging urinals, at least one must be accessible for persons with disabilities.

2.6.3.3 In the restroom area for persons with disabilities, a clear space of at least 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm must be provided for wheelchair maneuvering.

2.6.3.4 The clear opening width of the restroom door must not be less than 800 mm and must open outward but must not obstruct emergency exits.

2.6.3.5 The height at which sanitary equipment for persons with disabilities is installed from the floor surface must comply with the following provisions:

- Toilet seat (toilet bowl): not exceeding 450 mm;

- Wash basin: not exceeding 750 mm;

- Urinal: not exceeding 400 mm.

2.6.3.6 The height at which handrails are installed in areas where toilet seats are located must not exceed 900 mm; in areas where urinals are located, it must not exceed 800 mm.

2.6.3.7 The surface of the bathroom floor must not be slippery.

2.6.3.8 Bathrooms designated for persons with disabilities must have signage, directional signs, and an audio announcement system according to international conventions.

2.6.4 Examination rooms and patient care rooms in medical facilities

2.6.4.1 The minimum proportion of examination rooms and patient care rooms that ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities in medical facilities must comply with the following provisions:

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

- Orthopedic centers and rehabilitation centers: 100 % of the number of wards and examination rooms;

- Convalescent centers: 50 % of the number of rooms.

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

2.6.4.3 Handrails must be arranged along both sides of the corridors and pathways leading to examination rooms and patient care rooms. The height at which handrails are installed must comply with the provisions set out in 2.2.3.

2.6.5 Rooms in hotels and guesthouses

2.6.5.1 For hotels and guesthouses with fewer than 100 rooms, at least 5 % of the rooms must be accessible for persons with disabilities. For every additional 100 rooms, one more room must be provided for persons with disabilities.

2.6.5.2 In rooms designed for wheelchair users, there must be a space with a minimum size of 1 400 mm x 1 400 mm adjacent to the bed for wheelchair maneuvering.

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

2.7 Evacuation

2.7.1 Alarm systems

2.7.1.1 Alarm systems used to notify and guide persons with disabilities about evacuation waiting areas and escape routes must include both sound and visual signals, with flashing lights for use in emergencies.

2.7.1.2 Alarm systems must be installed in areas such as living rooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, pathways, lobbies, corridors, and other public spaces.

2.7.1.3 When using loudspeakers for announcements, the sound intensity must be greater than the ambient noise level by +5 dB. The sound intensity of emergency alarms must be higher than the ambient noise level by +15 dB but not exceed 120 dB.

2.7.2 Escape routes

2.7.2.1 Evacuation waiting areas for persons with disabilities must be directly connected to fire escape stairs and must have signage, directional signs, and two-way communication systems with both visual and auditory signals.

2.7.2.2 Escape routes leading to fire escape stairs must comply with the provisions set out in standard QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.8 Roads and sidewalks

2.8.1 At locations with different levels such as crosswalks and pedestrian ramps, slopes or ramp surfaces must be provided.

2.8.2 At intersections between pedestrian paths and traffic lanes, pedestrian crossings, or entrances to buildings if there is a height difference greater than 150 mm, ramp surfaces and tactile warning strips must be provided. The slope of the ramp surface must not exceed 1/12.

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

2.8.4 Street amenities such as bus stops, benches, utility poles, streetlights, traffic markers, public telephone booths, mailboxes, ATMs, flower beds, greenery, public trash cans, etc., must not obstruct persons with disabilities and must be marked with raised tactile strips or contrasting colors so that visually impaired persons can identify them.

2.8.5 Independent objects on pedestrian paths such as posts, flower beds, and similar structures must have a minimum height of 100 mm and must not have sharp corners.

2.8.6 For trees located on pedestrian paths, warning measures must be provided for visually impaired persons through changes in the surface material around the planting area or by providing raised tactile strips around the planting pit with a minimum height of 100 mm. Branches lower than 2 000 mm must be trimmed.

2.8.7 Independent obstacles such as advertising boards, mailboxes, public telephones, etc., must be placed outside the pedestrian path. The bottom edge must be no more than 600 mm above the ground, the maximum projection is 100 mm, and the clear height above the pedestrian path must be 2 000 mm to prevent collisions with visually impaired persons.

2.8.8 For new construction, renovation, or repair projects adjacent to pedestrian paths, protective barriers must be erected with a height of 1 000 mm to 1 200 mm, securely fixed to prevent collapse when struck, and must be adequately lit at night. Scaffolding and protective measures must not pose a danger to visually impaired persons.

2.8.9 For elevated walkways and tunnels with pedestrian paths, if they have three steps or more, the following provisions must be followed:

- Step height must not exceed 150 mm, and the width of the tread must not be less than 300 mm;

- Each section must have a maximum of 18 steps. If there are more than 18 steps, rest platforms must be provided;

- The width of the rest platform must not be less than 1 400 mm;

- Handrails must be provided on both sides of the staircase, complying with the provisions set out in 2.2.3.

2.8.10 Accessible pedestrian paths on elevated walkways and in tunnels must have sloping sections if there is a sudden change in height, complying with the provisions set out in 2.2.2.

2.8.11 The surface of the pedestrian path on elevated walkways and in tunnels must not be slippery.

2.8.12 At the start and end points of elevated walkways and tunnel ramps, measures must be taken to warn visually impaired persons through raised tactile warning strips or contrasting color markings.

2.8.13 At traffic intersections, tunnel entrances, and positions for ascending and descending elevated walkways, traffic lights, signs, and directional signs must be provided, along with additional audible or Braille signals to guide visually impaired persons when crossing the road.

2.9 Recognizable warning signs

2.9.1 Warning signs that can be recognized include raised tiles or contrasting marking stripes.

2.9.2 The installation positions of raised tiles must comply with the following regulations:

- Warning tiles for crossing points shall be installed at intersections between pedestrian paths and traffic lanes.

- Limit warning tiles shall be installed at the beginning and end of staircases; the beginning and end of slopes; areas with obstacles; and pedestrian crossings.

- Directional guide tiles shall be used to direct persons with disabilities towards reception desks, ticket counters, ticket control gates, cash withdrawal areas, and to avoid obstacles when moving through areas without other information or guidance.

- Positioning tiles shall be placed in front of telephone booths, mailboxes, reception desks, ticket counters, information boards (with raised letters or audio), automatic teller machines, restrooms, waiting rooms, and before entrances to facilities.

2.10 Signboards and directional signs

2.10.1 The characters and symbols on standardized icons must contrast with the background color. Smooth, highly reflective materials should not be used to prevent glare for readers.

2.10.2 Warning signs, directional signs, or recognizable warning signs must use appropriate international symbols, icons, and Braille characters in accordance with international standards (See Appendix A).

3 IMPLEMENTATION

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

3.2 Local state management agencies for housing construction, public works, and technical infrastructure are responsible for guiding and organizing inspections to ensure compliance with the provisions of QCVN 10:2014/BXD in construction activities within their jurisdiction according to current laws.

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

A.1. Measurement Server

SOME INTERNATIONAL STANDARD SYMBOLS TO ASSIST PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ACCESSIBILITY