Short Description
General guidelines for kitchen layout and dimensions which will assist with kitchen design for people with disabilities are contained in the `Informative' Appendices of AS 1428.2 - 1992, AS/NZS 4386.1 - 1996 and AS 4299 - 1995. Specific details, suggested layouts and examples of fixtures and fittings are collated in `Guide to Planning Bathrooms and Kitchens' CD, Independent Living Centre NSW
More Details
The following extract is part of Appendix B `Ergonomics' AS/NZS 4386.1 - 1996 `Kitchen Units':
. B1 GENERAL - The planning of a kitchen should be based on a knowledge of the users' ergonomic requirements. This basis should be used both for the design of individual units and for their assembly into parts of, or whole, kitchens. The design of handles, knobs, switches, hinges, right / left handling and the like should also be based on an ergonomic knowledge of the physical, mental and social capacity of the users.
. B3 WORKING HEIGHTS, WHEELCHAIR USER - A worktop height of 850mm +- 20mm with clearance underneath of 820mm +- 20mm may be suitable. An adjustable worktop is preferred in the range of 700 to 850mm.
. B4 WORKING HEIGHTS, SITTING - The appropriate working height for different activities when sitting are:
(a) For food preparation . . . . . . . . . 660 to 800mm
(b) For washing up . . . . . . . . . . . 750 to 850mm
. B5 VERTICAL REACH - It should be possible to store frequently used items within convenient reach. The term `vertical reach' refers to the maximum height from the floor at which a person can handle an item.
- Many people have difficulties in bending. Pull out shelves, trays
and drawers make it easier to remove and replace items.
- A convenient range of vertical reach for frequently used items is
400mm (floor unit tray / shelf) to 1800mm (wall unit shelf) from the
floor.
- The vertical reach of a wheelchair user may be limited to a height of approximately 1120mm to 1350mm from the floor dependent upon the depth of any obstruction.
. B6 LOCATION OF APPLIANCES IN TALL UNITS - For ovens and dishwashers, a safe and convenient working height is more important than sight lines.
- Ovens should be located so that the setting down surface, door face or tray, is level with adjacent working surfaces such as worktops or pull out surfaces.
. Width of Sealing Space - The minimum clearance width between fixtures beneath a counter or worktop shall be 800mm (AS 1428.2 - 1992) and (AS 4299 - 1995).
Further details should be obtained from the following references:
. `Guide to Planning Bathrooms and Kitchens' CD
. AS 1428.2 - 1992 `Design for Access and Mobility
Part 2: Enhanced and Additional requirements'
. Buildings and Facilities
. AS 4299 - 1995 `Adaptable Housing'
. AS/NZS 4386.1 - 1996 `Domestic Kitchen Assemblies Kitchen Units'
. SAA HB111 - 1998 The Domestic Kitchen Handbook (ILC Library ref. 92.12.07)
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