Elevators designed specifically for people with disabilities, mobility impairments, or the elderly must adhere to the following specifications:
• Elevator Cabin Dimensions:
The elevator cabin must be at least 1.60 meters wide and 1.40 meters long, or vice versa, and have a minimum height of 2.30 meters. There must be a clear, shatter-resistant glass panel allowing visibility between the inside and outside of the cabin, with a minimum width of 20 centimeters, a length of at least 80 centimeters, and positioned no more than 1.10 meters above the floor.
• Elevator Door Opening:
The clear opening width of the elevator door must be at least 90 centimeters. The door must also be equipped with a sensor system to prevent it from closing on passengers.
• Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI):
There should be a tactile surface area in front of the elevator door, measuring 30 centimeters in width and 90 centimeters in length, located no less than 30 centimeters and no more than 60 centimeters away from the door.
• Control Panel and Emergency Buttons:
Elevator call buttons, control buttons, and emergency signals must meet the following standards:
• The lowest button must be at least 90 centimeters from the floor, and the highest not more than 1.20 meters. The panel must be located at least 40 centimeters away from the interior corner of the elevator if the cabin dimensions are less than 1.50 meters in width and length.
• All buttons must have a minimum diameter of 2 centimeters, be marked with Braille, and produce both an audible sound and a visual signal when pressed.
• The area around the buttons must be free of any obstructions.
• Handrails:
Handrails must be installed along the inner walls of the elevator for added support and safety.
• Floor Level Indicators:
The elevator must have floor indicators, including numerical displays, audible announcements, and light signals indicating current floor level and movement direction (up or down).
• Exterior Signage and Indicators:
There must be a sign above the elevator door indicating the floor level and direction of travel, illuminated for visibility and clearly placed in the elevator lobby.
• Emergency Signals:
In the event of a malfunction, the elevator must emit both audible and visual alarms. A red flashing light alerts visually impaired users, while the sound alerts hearing-impaired individuals. A green flashing light must also be present to indicate that help is on the way after a distress signal has been acknowledged.
• Emergency Telephone:
An emergency phone must be installed inside the cabin and be operable at a height between 90 and 120 centimeters above the floor, allowing communication with external personnel.
• Backup Power Supply:
In case of a power outage, a backup power system must activate, ensuring the elevator can move to the nearest floor and open its doors, rather than stopping between floors.
• Emergency Lighting and Ventilation:
The elevator cabin must be equipped with emergency lighting and a ventilation fan, both capable of operating continuously for at least one hour in the event of a power failure.
All of the above specifications are based on the 2021 regulations issued by the Thai Ministry regarding the installation of elevators in public spaces for individuals with disabilities, impairments, or the elderly. These regulations ensure that any public building with more than two floors must be equipped with a ramp or elevator designed specifically for disabled users. The detailed design requirements help ensure ease of use, independence, and daily living convenience, making it possible for disabled individuals to live their lives as freely and comfortably as anyone else.
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