Barrier-Free Design: Accessible Laboratories for All

Did you know that before 2019, Canada had no federal legislation that ensured equal access for people with disabilities in the built environment? Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia enacted provincial legislation since 2005, but these laws do not encompass the entirety of Canada’s disabled population, leaving many without equal accommodation before the passing of Bill C-81.

Adapting your laboratory for accessibility is not just smart, it’s the law.

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA), also known as Bill C-81, was passed in 2019 and has become regulation for public and private entities across the country to plan for accessibility, ensuring equal access to amenities such as procurement and the built environment.

Today, nearly one-quarter (24%) of Canada’s working-age adults have a disability.

Disabilities often seen in the laboratory environment can include but are not limited to:

• Physical disabilities (loss of limbs / limb function, arthritis, birth defects, cerebral palsy, etc.)
• Sensory issues (vision disabilities, deafness or being hard of hearing, impaired ability to detect odors, etc.)
• Cognitive impairments (autism spectrum disorder, brain injury, stroke, etc.)

What makes laboratories inaccessible to people with disabilities? Consider:

• Low light environments
• Crowded workstations
• Narrow, crowded, or uneven aisles
• Standing height furnishings and safety equipment (including eye washes, sinks, work surfaces, storage, etc)
• Alarms with only one method of communication (Ex: sound only)
• Workstations without knee space

To ensure your laboratory is not only compliant with Bill C-81 and your province’s accessibility laws, Canadian Scientific Lab Systems proudly supplies furniture and equipment that is compliant with the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a well-established American standard that sets forth crucial regulations for building design and products to accommodate a spectrum of differences, including mobility, motor control, vision, hearing, and more. While ADA standards originate in the United States, they are equally pertinent when designing a laboratory in Canada.

What can make your laboratory accessible to people with disabilities? Consider:

Adequate Aisle and Seating Width: Laboratories should ensure sufficient aisle width, allowing people in wheelchairs to make necessary turns (90-degree, 180-degree, and 360-degree) for efficient and safe movement. Aisles should be at least 36 inches wide, ideally 42-48 inches wide, and bench seating should be at least 36 inches

Knee to Toe Clearance: Consider the depth of space for the lower part of an individual's legs to safely accommodate a wheelchair under fixed work surfaces. Lower-level countertops with accessible tables set at a height between 28 and 34 inches provide comfortable knee clearance, enhancing fine motor control and visual access.

Flexible Work Stations: Opt for flexible-height work stations that can be adjusted to meet the unique requirements of individuals with disabilities. Manufactured lab-grade benches, available in different lengths and adjustable heights, offer a cost-effective and versatile solution.

Adaptable Furniture: Adaptable lab furniture and equipment is a strategic way to easily relocate and readjust your set up as your needs evolve. Safety equipment should be located adjacent to accessible routes without blocking exits. Consideration for placement choices ensures both lab safety and accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities.

Design for Sensory Needs: Address the sensory needs of individuals with low vision or hearing impairments. Incorporate physical design elements such as marine edges on countertops, contrasting colors for better visibility, and flashing lights on alarms to accommodate those with hearing loss.

Chemical Fume Hoods: Procure chemical fume hoods with the needs of individuals with disabilities in mind. Adjusting the depth and height of fume hoods ensures easier access and safer usage, minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.

Creating accessible laboratories is a legal obligation, as well as a commitment to fostering an inclusive scientific community that can adapt to changing needs. Canadian Scientific Lab Systems encourages Canada’s scientific community to embrace accessibility standards, ensuring that lab spaces are welcoming to all.

Our specialists are ready to help you build a new lab or remodel your current facility to meet federal and provincial standards. Contact Canadian Scientific to get started!

Sources:

1 Branch, L. S. (2023, April 27). Consolidated federal laws of canada, accessible canada act. Accessible Canada Act. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-0.6/FullText.html

2 Government of Canada, S. C. (2023, December 18). Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017 to 2022. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231201/dq231201b-eng.htm

3 Government of Ontario. (2019, April 19). Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11. Ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/05a11

4 U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (2010). ADA Standards for Accessible Design. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/