Threshold free for accessibility
Under the federal Disability (Access to Premises–Building) Standards 2010, certain classes of building, including some residential, must comply with minimum accessibility standards.
The aim of the standard is to ensure that people with a disability can equitably, cost‑effectively, and reasonably achievable access to a building, and/or its contained facilities and services, in a dignified manner. (See https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020C00976)
If you are an architect, builder, designer or property owner, Paige Stainless can assist in ensuring that your project or property meets the standard.
Assisting Accessibility
While there are a number of considerations to ensure accessibility, coming down to the nature of the premises, an obvious obstacle can be a simple doorway. Entryways, curbs and thresholds are all problematic zones addressed by Paige Stainless Fabrication’s innovation customised solutions.
Door mats
Some varieties of door mats can present a raised surface, even trip hazard! There is a better solution – slip resistant heelguard entry mats. Unlike other varieties of flush entrance mat, our entry mats rely on a grated surface. Rather than absorbing water and debris, it passes through the grated surface, making for a cleaner appearance
Our entry mat surface is constructed from our unique PSF HM3/5 GRATING. This grillage is fabricated from 304 or 316 grades stainless steel and satisfies standards for slip resistance (in line with AS4586), surface openings in pedestrian areas (AS3996), wheelchair and walking cane safety (AS1428.2- Clause 9), as well a bicycle tyre penetration resistance (AS3996- Clause 3.3.6). The medium is also suitable for ramps and suspended walkways, other desirable features in the promotion of accessibility.
Door Thresholds
Doorways to external areas typically feature a raised threshold or step down as a physical water barrier. Threshold drains, or as they are often called “zero-threshold drains”, eliminate this need.
This style of drainage is integrated with the door frame, ideally at the time of construction. Threshold drain systems are often used in multi-story residential, short-term accommodation, as well as residential care facilities. Front door, back doors and balcony doors can all be accessed thanks to threshold drains.
Shower Curbs
Curbless showers are essential for accessibility. When designed well, the walk-shower allows good access for the person using the facilities, as well as any necessary persons assisting. This means water stays within the designated area, is efficiently drained away, and the surrounding area is also kept as dry as possible. There are a number of considerations to achieving this objective, for example shower head style/spray, cubicle size, and screens. The other most vital consideration is drainage. Of course, all showers require drainage, but curbless require a little extra thought.
To create a curbless shower stall water must be diverted away from the shower entrance since there is no curb to otherwise contain it. Using linear drains, curb-free showers are generally achieved in one of two ways, 1. Slope – By installing a linear drain opposite the shower threshold, sloping the floor in this singular direction from the shower door, or 2. Drainage barrier – Placing a linear drain at the shower entrance, requiring gentle slope from both sides of the drain),collecting water from within the showere as well as runoff of water from the surrounding bathroom area. In either case the gradient is gentle, posing no obstacle in itself, the best option coming down to the unique design and objectives of your shower.
Obstacle-free entrances by Paige Stainless.
Paige Stainless is an Australian, family owned, business, fabricating stainless steel products from our in-house facilities. Supported by a team of experts in their field, including designers and engineers, we deliver products that are strong, durable, functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
With a speciality in custom fabrication, we can fulfil your unique requests. Please ask how!
