3.12.3.1 — Ramps into Public Spas

(1) Where barrier-free access for entry into and egress from the water of a public pool is provided by a ramp as required by Clause 3.11.3.3. (1)(a), the pool shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sentences (2) to (4). (2) A ramp shall have, (a) along each side a handrail that, (i) has a height of not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm, and (ii) runs parallel to the slope of the ramp, (b) a width of at least 1 100 mm, (c) a curb or other means to prevent a wheelchair from falling off the side of the ramp, (d) surface finishes capable of being kept clean, sanitary and free from slipperiness, and (e) a landing at the bottom at least 1 500 mm in length and the same width as the ramp. (3) Where a ramp that is not submerged is adjacent to the pool wall and is used for access to the water, the pool shall be constructed so that, (a) the landing at the bottom of the ramp is at least 450 mm but not more than 550 mm below the top of the wall separating the ramp from the pool, (b) the landing is equipped with a floor drain at its lowest point, (c) the top of the wall between the pool and the ramp is at least 250 mm and not more than 300 mm in width, (d) the pool deck is capable of accommodating a movable barrier separating the deck from the ramp, (e) the water depth at the landing is accurately and clearly marked at the landing in figures at least 100 mm high on the top of the wall separating the pool from the ramp, and (f) the ramp has a slope not exceeding 1 in 12. (4) Where a submerged ramp is adjacent to the pool wall and is used for access to the water, the pool shall be constructed so that, (a) the water depth at the bottom of the ramp is at least 600 mm and not greater than 900 mm, (b) a hard-surfaced area that is at least 750 mm wide is contiguous to the entire length of the part of the submerged ramp that pierces any part of the deck, (c) the area described in Clause (b) is capable of accommodating a movable barrier separating the area from the deck, (d) the finishes in submerged portions of the ramps and curbs are different in colour or shade from each other and from that of the pool walls and bottom, and (e) the submerged ramp has a slope not exceeding 1 in 9.

(1) Despite Sentences 3.11.3.1. (4) and (8) and Clause 3.11.3.1. (9)(a), where a public pool is constructed in a building containing a Group B, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy and has a water depth not exceeding 1 500 mm and a water surface area not exceeding 100 m2, the pool deck contiguous to not more than 50% of the total perimeter of the pool may be replaced by one or more ramps that will permit a bather seated in a wheelchair to enter the water with or without the wheelchair. (2) Despite Sentence 3.11.3.1. (25), a warning notice, on which are printed in letters at least 150 mm high the words CAUTION — NO DIVING, shall be posted conspicuously on each wall or fence line enclosing a pool described in Sentence (1). (3) There shall be a curb along the perimeter of a pool described in Sentence (1) except at steps, ladders and ramp entrances. (4) The curb required by Sentence (3) shall have, (a) a height of 50 mm, (b) rounded edges, (c) a coved base, and (d) a raised nosing at the top to serve as a fingerhold for a bather in the water.