Barrier-free design legal requirements in Hong Kong

To promote the development of a barrier-free environment in Hong Kong, the Buildings Department has published the Design Manual BFA 2008.

Handrails are not just supporting facilities that everyone needs. For people with disabilities and the elderly, handrails are also important equipment to assist them in their activities. They help them to pull themselves up when climbing stairs, to stabilize themselves when going down stairs, and to move around in buildings. They are also an important part of helping them to use the toilet and bathe as normally as possible.

According to the Design Manual BFA 2008, there are specific regulations on the length, height, diameter, material, spacing, installation location, etc. of the handrails.

To create a safe and barrier-free environment, we must understand these regulations, not only to comply with legal requirements, but also for our loved ones we care about.

Our team of professionals will provide you with relevant information and guidance to ensure your venue meets standards and provides a comfortable and safe environment.

Size and shape of handrails

The handrails of ramps and steps should be 30-50 mm away from the wall, and the distance from the top of the bracket to the top of the handrail should be not less than 70 mm.
The top of the handrail is 850-950 mm from the ground.
The handrails shall be tubular or other shapes with similar gripping effect, with an external diameter of 32-50 mm.
The handrail should extend horizontally for at least 300mm from the beginning and end of the steps or ramp (or at least 100mm at a door), then turn down to the ground/back to the last handrail post or wall, and should not protrude onto the footpath.

Weight bearing capacity of the handrail

The handrail must be able to withstand a load of at least 1.3 kN (either vertically or horizontally).
Handrails must not rotate within the position in which they are installed.

Braille and tactile information

Directional arrows and Braille and tactile information of the floor numbers shall be provided on the handrails of each staircase.

Toilet handrails

There should be at least 2 handrails in the toilet cubicle, with an outer diameter of 32-40 mm, a length of at least 600 mm, and a distance of at least 30 mm from the wall. They should be installed in an L-shape on the wall facing the toilet, and may be connected into one.
A horizontal grab rail with an outer diameter of 32-40 mm and at least 30 mm from the door shall be installed on both the inner and outer sides of the toilet door.
A folding grab rail should be installed near the toilet, 725-750 mm from the ground when lowered. Simple instructions for use in Chinese, English and Braille should be posted on the wall.
All such handrails shall be capable of withstanding a static load of 150 kg and shall not rotate within their fitted position.

Bathtub grab bars

Handrails must not rotate within the position in which they are installed.
Diameter 32-40 mm, at least 30 mm away from the wall.
Install horizontally along the length of the bathtub or diagonally at an angle of no more than 20 degrees, at least 900 mm long and 150-300 mm above the edge of the bathtub.
Install vertically at one end of the bathtub drain hole, with a length of at least 600 mm and the bottom 150-300 mm above the bathtub edge.

Shower grab bars

Handrails must not rotate within the position in which they are installed.
Diameter 32-40 mm, at least 30 mm away from the wall.
Consists of an L-shaped rail or 2 rails placed in an L-shape with a length of at least 750 mm and 900 mm respectively.
700-800 mm above the ground.
Can withstand 150kg static load.