Lift Access And Braille Buttons Approved For Taller Buildings
A proposal to require wheelchair-accessible lifts and Braille-labelled buttons in buildings taller than three storeys was approved by the Capital Trustees Board during its yesterday's session. The changes would apply to both public and private buildings.
They are intended to make access easier for people with physical or visual impairments, particularly in towers where stairs are not a practical option.
Each affected building would need at least one lift wide enough for a wheelchair, with its controls marked in Braille.
Daily movement
Capital Trustees Board member Dr Bashar Ahmadi, who submitted the proposal, said it aimed to make daily movement safer and more practical for people with disabilities, including visitors to government buildings.
During the meeting, board member Mubarak Al Nuaimi said the technical committee recommended limiting the requirement to buildings above five storeys.
He added that new buildings should only receive a power connection once they meet the minimum accessibility criteria.
Rules
Mohammed Al Sahli, Director-General of the Capital Trustees Board, said public buildings such as ministries and state agencies have followed such rules for a decade.
Retrofitting older structures remains a challenge, he noted. For private developments, much depends on the commercial priorities of the developer.
The proposal will now be shared with the relevant planning bodies.
Also read: Runaway Domestic Workers And Illegal Employer Arrested In Labour Law Violation Crackdown
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