Perhaps projects are moving along faster and more defects are cropping up as a result. But there seems to be an increasing number of requests for alternative performance solution reports by builders and architects.
Many construction professionals view an alternative solution as a concession report, which it is not. A concession can only be argued under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) part D3.4, which applies to an area of a building that a person with a disability should not need to access due to the work and safety intent. Under the performance requirements, an alternative solution must adhere to equivalent equity and safety standards in accordance with the Deemed to Satisfy Provision of the BCA.
I acknowledge that I have prepared alternative solutions for technical non-compliances, such as minor infringements indoor clear widths, latch side clearances, ambulant cubicles and accessible toilets. However, I will not accept or support alternative solutions relating to life safety non-compliances.
Stairs are a classic point of reference. This is where people with unsteady gait and mobility impairment can really hurt themselves. For example, I have seen an alternative solution report where a hospital stairway had one compliant handrail and one non-compliant handrail that was too high. The non-compliant handrail was deemed acceptable as long as signage was used to direct people to the nearby lift.
Whilst this sounds fine in theory, in practice, it could be dire. Sometimes, people don’t see signs or just want to use stairs. Sometimes, people find themselves in trouble halfway up the stairs and then have no option to use the lift. Falls and injuries could result. The handrail could have been easily lowered to a compliant height, but the builder judged it too costly and shopped around for an alternative solution.
Alternative solutions need to be safe. They need to prevent people, especially those who are fragile, from falling, slipping, tripping or cutting themselves. Private certifiers must be vigilant. If an alternative solution is not safe, they should not accept it. Alternative solution reports with regard to accessibility (BCA Parts D3, E3 and F2) can only be prepared by fully accredited members of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACAA).
