Addendum to the January 1999 Regulation Impact Statement on Draft Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport
The Draft Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, released in June 1996 (the 1996 Draft Standards), prescribed in relation to the width of ramps and boarding devices for conveyances that:
6.3 The minimum allowable width of a ramp is 850 mm; and
8.5 Boarding devices are to:
a) be a minimum of 850 mm wide; and
b) have a slip-resistant surface.
A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) was prepared in relation to the 1996 Draft Standards. In relation to boarding devices and ramps the RIS stated:
Part 7.5
Boarding devices
AS 3856.1 requires the effective overall width of ramps and platforms to be not less than 760mm (780mm is desirable). It also requires a slip resistant surface and a safe working load of 300kg. On the other hand, the draft standards require a boarding device to be a minimum of 850mm wide, and to support a total weight of 200kg. Submissions from a number of States have suggested that further research needs to be done on the viability of increasing the width of boarding devices. South Australia has suggested that new test procedures should be developed to ensure that the extra width is factored into strength and safety. No such consideration has previously been given to these issues.
...
We recommend that Ministers give consideration to the amendment of the draft standards to take the above concerns into account, prior to their implementation. "
In response to this recommendation, the Department of Transport and Regional Services has given further consideration to the width of boarding devices and ramps. Australian Standard AS3856.1 was revised in 1998. The Department of Transport and Regional Services recommends that the requirements in the current AS3856.1 (1998) Hoists and ramps for people with disabilities - Vehicle mounted Clause 2.1.8 (a) Note 2 apply. The Department of Transport and Regional Services advises that this requirement has been widely accepted by the transport industry and disability community.
AS3856.1 (1998) 2.1.8 (a) Note 2 states:
For public transport use, the minimum width required is 800mm.
This recommendation has been accepted. The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport now prescribe, in relation to the width of ramps and boarding devices for conveyances, that:
6.3 The minimum allowable width of a ramp is 800 mm; and
8.5 Boarding devices must:
a) be a minimum of 800 mm wide; and
b) have a slip-resistant surface.