The following key requirements and access dimensions for kitchens must be read in conjunction with key requirements and key access dimensions for all buildings and all installations.

Key requirements

• A continuous accessible path of travel from the site entry to and through any kitchen.
• Clear, easy to read signage at the entry to the kitchen incorporating relevant international symbols of access or deafness, that can easily be read by a person when standing or seated and incorporating raised tactile and Braille elements.
• Clear manoeuvring spaces between sink, benches and tables.
• Appliances, stoves, cook tops, hot and cold water dispenser units that have easy to see and use controls at the front or side and can be accessed from a standing or seated position.
• Remote controls to operate all equipment and appliances that may be difficult to reach.
• Appliances with large print instructions.
• Automated, cordless appliances, for example, kettle.
• Large, easy grip utensils.
• Auto ignition burners on stoves that align with adjoining benches.
• Drawers or open fronted storage space and shallow shelves with appropriate clearance within and under any pantry or food storage cupboard.
• Low height/adjustable kitchen sink and benches with appropriate clearance around and underneath.
• Lever or sensor controls on taps.
• Tea and coffee making facilities that can be accessed from a standing or seated position.
• Clearly marked hot and cold water dispenser units in sinks (mixers preferred) and boiling or chilled water units (if installed) that have easy to see and use controls at the front or side, and can be used by a person when standing or seated.
• Movable furniture, including chairs with backs and armrests.
• Access to appropriate toilets for all users including people with mobility challenges, for example, ambulant and unisex accessible toilets.

Key access dimensions

1. Shelving cupboards in reach for a person sitting
2. Easy to reach and use, lever or sensor controls on taps
3. Exposed down pipes located out of way or insulated where hot water in use
4. Kitchen sink 770 – 800mm high
5. 640 – 650mm leg clearance underneath sink

• A continuous accessible pedestrian path of travel that is a minimum of 2000mm high (1980mm at doorways) and 1000mm wide.
• Signage installed within appropriate ‘Zones for Viewing’ in accordance with Australian Standards.
• A minimum 850mm clear opening width at doorways with circulation space provided at both sides that considers angles of approach.
• Kitchen bench and counter 830 - 870mm high with a leg clearance underneath of 800 - 840mm for a minimum of 900mm.
• Kitchen sink 770 - 800mm high with 640 - 650mm leg clearance underneath
• Appliance cords 1100mm minimum length.
• Tea and coffee facilities with highest operable components at 900 - 1100mm high.
• Appropriate reach ranges and controls in accordance with Australian Standards.
• Lighting installed to required lux levels in accordance with the range in Australian Standards.

Relevant Australian Standards for kitchens

• AS 1428.1 – 2009 Design for access and mobility - General Requirements for Access - New Building Work
• AS 1428.2 - 1992 Design for access and mobility - Enhanced and Additional Requirements - Buildings and Facilities
• AS 4586 2013 Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials
• AS/NZS 1158 Set:2010  Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces
• AS 1680 - 2009 Interior Lighting - Safe Movement
• AS 4299 - 1995 Adaptable Housing
• Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010

Links to other relevant information

• All buildings
• All installations
• Access awareness handbooks
• Australian Standards
• Emergency Egress Procedures
• Livable Housing Australia
• The Good The Bad and The Ugly (note that changes due to the introduction of the Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010 will not be reflected in this resource).

The following key requirements and key access dimensions for fire extinguishers and alarms must be considered in addition to those for all installations.

Key requirements

• Emergency management plan installed at a height that can be read by a person when standing or seated, and incorporates information, (including international symbols of access or deafness where relevant), regarding continuous accessible paths of travel to nominated emergency assembly areas for all people.
• Visible and audible emergency alarms.
• Variety of fire extinguishers for range of emergency situations.
• Various size fire extinguishers for ease of use by all people.
• Emergency alarms that can be activated without the need for excessive force.
• Personal emergency alarms for any staff working in a building who may not be able to easily operate fire extinguishers or fixed alarms.

Key access dimensions

• Appropriate reach ranges and controls in accordance with Australian Standards.

Relevant Australian Standards for fire extinguishers and alarms

• AS 1428.1 – 2009 Design for access and mobility - General Requirements for Access - New Building Work
• AS 1428.2 - 1992 Design for access and mobility - Enhanced and Additional Requirements - Buildings and Facilities
• AS 4586 - 2013 Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials

Links to other relevant information

• All installations
• Emergency exit
• Australian Standards
• Emergency Egress Procedures
• Wayfinding Design Guidelines and Wayfinding System Audit
• Australian Hearing