Ministry of Health & Social Services
Directorate Social Welfare Services
Division Rehabilitation
Physical Accessibility
Architectural Standards to Accommodate Persons with Disabilities
In a “Society for All” persons with disabilities should have access to all buildings, building where
they live, work or seek recreation. The following guidelines should be applied during the design,
construction and alteration of all such buildings and facilities. The guidelines are taken from the
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Part S ,“Facilities for Disabled Persons”, Regulations.
These standards are not comprehensive and are outdated, but are the only reference for
accessibility for persons with disabilities in Namibia. These standards are not supported by
legislation, but can be used as a reference until updated and legislated standards are available.
When considering accessibility for persons with disabilities to building, all disability groups must be
considered including persons with mobility issues as well as persons with vision and hearing
impairments.
Below find a brief summary of the standards, meant for quick reference. Attached find the more
detailed standards, both are taken from SABS.
ACCESS
All buildings for use by the public shall have a means of access suitable for use by persons
using wheelchairs or for others who are able to walk, but not able to negotiate stairs.
RAMPS
Ramps should have a gradient of 1:12
12
1
Should be 1,1 m wide with slip resistant surface
Have a landing for every 1,5 m of vertical rise
Have adequate space for a door to open at ends of ramp
Have handrail
LIFTS
Minimum size is 1,1m wide and 1,4m deep
Lift door with width of not less than 800mm
Have handrails on two sides at height of 850mm to 1000mm
DOORS
Door width should be adequate enough to accommodate persons in wheelchairs
The leaf of any single door and at least one leaf of a double door (when in 90 degree
position shall provide clear opening)
All door handles should be lever type and not more than 1,2m above the floor height
TOILET FACILITIES
All building shall have one or more toilets for use by persons using a wheelchair
Doors on toilets will be sliding type or hinged and open outward
Adequate space must be provided for transfer from wheelchair to toilet
Flushing handle must be easily accessible
Washbasin must be mounted without legs or pedestal and not more than 830 mm high
Water supply taps must be lever type
Bath or shower must be designed to allow for easy transfer from wheelchair to seat
AUDITORIUMS AND HALLS
All auditorium type spaces with fixed seats must provide floor space accessible to a person
in a wheelchair
This space must be near an exit door
OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE PATH OF TRAVEL
No protruding objects can obstruct the passage of a wheelchair
Any rise or drop of 25mm or more requires a ramp
PARKING
Parking facilities must be available for persons with disabilities
Parking space must be level
Should be clearly demarcated as being intended for the use of persons with disabilities only
INDICATION OF EXISTENCE OF FACILITIES
International symbols should be displayed to indicate accessibility for persons with
disabilities
Listed below are additional issues which may be considered when addressing accessibility for
persons with disabilities.
In all offices or businesses where there are counters, the height of the counter should
accommodate persons in wheelchairs
Thresholds of all doors and entrances should be smooth and barrier free
Space Allowance and Reach Ranges
Accessible Route from point to point
Ground and Floor Surfaces
Parking and Passenger Loading Zones
Curb Ramps on streets or in parking lots
Stairs
Entrances
Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers
Urinals
Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities, and Shower Rooms
Storage
Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats
Controls and Operating Mechanisms
Alarms
Detectable Warnings
Signage
Public Telephones
Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables
Automated Teller Machines
Dressing and Fitting Rooms
November 2010