Part C: Design for Access, Mobility, Safety and Security

Part C contains information that complements Health Planning Units and Standard Components and further develops the physical planning and design of health care facilities. The information is organised in sections including:

Section 1 Introduction: relevant background information, purpose and structure of Part C.

Section 2 Physical Planning Models and Approaches: overarching physical planning models and principles, including the AusHFG standard method of measurement, recommended intra-departmental circulation rates, and travel and engineering allowances.

Section 3 Amenity, Safety and Design Tolerances: key considerations to ensure appropriate design coordination between minimum statutory requirements of the BCA and related Standards, with the operational and functional requirements of the healthcare facility.

Section 4 Human Engineering: planning and design requirements to facilitate access and inclusion.

Section 5 Wayfinding: wayfinding strategies, systems and tools including statutory, safety and operational signage.

Section 6 Security: key principles to be considered in establishing a safe and secure environment for all people and assets within a health facility.

Section 7 Safety: overview of work, health and safety considerations relating to the planning and design of healthcare facilities.

An updated revision of Part C (Revision 6.0, 18 September 2018) has been uploaded. This was developed through an extensive consultation process that included specialty architectural, DDA, BCA and security consultants.

Major changes are as follows:

• inclusion of a comprehensive description of the AusHFG Method of Measurement;
• inclusion of recommended intra-departmental circulation rates and travel and engineering allowances based on benchmarking to a range of facilities across Australia;
• general update to content through BCA Consultant advice with reference to the current relevant regulations, guidelines and standards including relevant performance requirements of the National Construction Code – BCA Volume One (BCA);
• general update to content through DDA Consultant advice and inclusion of Human Engineering Performance Requirements (HEPR) to address key requirements relating to accessibility within the design of health care facilities;
• inclusion of a comprehensive approach to wayfinding strategies; and
• development of two separate sections relating to security and safety with associated updates to the legislative framework and content through specialist consultant advice.

The recommended circulation rates included in Part C take precedence over those included in the individual Health Planning Units

A thank you is extended to all those who have contributed to the development of this document.