ITstandaard 2023, Deel 3: Criteria – Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment
The ITstandaard 2023, Deel 3: Criteria is a regulatory framework issued by PBTconsult B.V. in the Netherlands. It provides a technical basis for accessibility standards, specifically focused on the ITS Keurmerk (International Access Symbol) certification. The document serves as a specialized guideline within the broader legal framework of building regulations and incorporates requirements from the European standard EN 17210 regarding the accessibility and usability of the built environment.
The scope of this document covers nine primary regulatory domains, ranging from outdoor areas and entrances to interior finishing and information systems. Specifically, it details criteria for H1 Buitengebied (outside areas), H2 Toegang(en) (entrances), H3 Horizontaal verkeersgebied (horizontal circulation), H4 Verticaal stijgpunt (vertical circulation), H5 Ruimten en Vertrekken (rooms and spaces), H6 Afbouw- en Inrichting (finishing and furnishing), H7 Sanitair (sanitary facilities), H8 Evacuatievoorzieningen (evacuation provisions), and H9 Informatievoorzieningen (information provisions). Each chapter defines measurable technical thresholds for project categories including complex, zone, room, and specific elements.
This reference document provides architects, developers, and compliance officers with the specific dimensions, slopes, and functional requirements necessary to eliminate physical barriers. It integrates the philosophy of Design for All to ensure equal use of facilities for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations.
Entrance and Door Accessibility
Chapter H2 establishes requirements for the main access points of buildings, ensuring that entrances are identifiable and usable by everyone without assistance.
- Main Entrance (§3-H2.01): Doors must provide a minimum clear opening of 850mm in width and 2300mm in height.
- Revolving Doors (§3-H2.06): Tourniquets must have a standard speed and an 'accessible' slow speed. They must be accompanied by an alternative accessible door within the direct line of sight.
- Thresholds: Maximum threshold height is limited to 20mm to prevent obstruction for wheelchairs and rollators.
- Operation Force: Manual doors should ideally be operable with a force not exceeding 30 Newton.
Vertical Circulation and Level Changes
Criteria in chapter H4 regulate elements that bridge height differences, including stairs, ramps, and various lift systems.
- Stairs (§3-H4.02): Treads must be at least 300mm deep, with a maximum rise of 185mm. Continuous handrails on both sides are required at a height of 0.85m to 0.95m.
- Ramps (§3-H4.06): For height differences up to 1.0m, a maximum slope of 1:20 (5%) is permitted. Steeper slopes are only allowed for smaller height differences (e.g., 1:12 for up to 0.25m).
- Stramps (§3-H4.12): A combined stair and ramp (stramp) is only permitted if it adheres to strict safety criteria, including a minimum unobstructed ramp width of 1.2m.
- Platform Lifts (§3-H4.09): Must have a minimum floor area of 1.05m x 1.5m and a lift capacity of at least 3500 Newton.
Sanitary Facilities and Furnishing
Chapters H6 and H7 define the internal layout requirements for accessibility in service areas and bathrooms.
- IT-Toilet (§3-H7.01): Requires a minimum clear floor space of 1.2m x 1.2m for maneuvering and specified transfer space alongside the toilet bowl.
- Counters (§3-H6.11): Different types are defined. Type 2 counters for sitting use must have a height between 750mm and 850mm with knee clearance.
- Operating Elements (§3-H6.06): Buttons, switches, and intercoms must be placed at a height between 0.9m and 1.2m from the floor.
- Braille and Tactile Signage (§3-H9.03): Information must be available in tactile form for the visually impaired, with Braille placed at a height between 1.1m and 1.4m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum door width for an accessible main entrance?
The minimum clear opening width for a main entrance door must be 850mm, with a height of at least 2300mm according to section 3-H2.01.
What is the maximum allowable slope for a ramp bridging a 1-meter height difference?
For a height difference of 1 meter, the maximum permitted slope is 1:20 (5%), resulting in a ramp length of 20 meters as specified in section 3-H4.06.
How many disabled parking spaces (GPA) are required in a parking lot?
For general parking lots with up to 100 places, 2% must be reserved as disabled parking spaces (GPA). For lots with 101 to 500 places, the requirement is 1%.
What are the required dimensions for an accessible toilet (IT-toilet)?
An IT-toilet requires a maneuvering space of at least 1.2m x 1.2m and specific lateral space for transfers; the front of the toilet bowl must be 0.7m from the rear wall.
What is the standard height for accessible intercoms and call buttons?
Operating elements like intercoms and bells should be positioned at a height between 0.9m and 1.2m above the floor level for reachability.
Is a combined stair and ramp (stramp) always permitted?
No, stramps are generally discouraged due to safety risks but may be used if they meet specific criteria, including a maximum slope of 1:25 for the ramp part.
