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An important part of the BFA programme implemented in 2007 is the $40-million capital incentive for the upgrading of private buildings (except landed residential properties) with basic accessibility features. The Fund,

a) will co-pay up to 80% of construction costs for the upgrading of basic accessibility features;

b) can be extended to cover up to 40% of construction costs for additional BFA features beyond the basic accessibility features; and

c) is capped at $300,000 per building

Basic Accessibility Features

a) Accessible approach to the building (preferably at the main entrance of the first storey);

b) Accessibility within the first storey;

c) Accessible toilet preferably at the first storey; and

d) Clear signage to indicate the accessibility features provided and to direct users to them.

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Criteria for Funding

a) The Fund is applicable only for the upgrading of existing privately-owned buildings which were built before the implementation of the Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings 1990.

b) The Fund does not apply to private landed residential buildings and buildings undergoing major additions and alterations, which, under the current building regulations, have to comply with the prevailing accessibility code.

c) For private residential buildings, the Fund only applies to the upgrading of communal areas with accessibility features. Individual dwelling units are not eligible for the Fund.

d) Government funded buildings do not qualify for the Fund.

e) Where regulatory approvals are required, Fund applicants must ensure that the relevant statutory requirements are complied with.

f) The Fund only covers the costs of construction works for basic accessibility features. Costs related to preliminary consultations, plan submission fees, etc., are not included.

g) There shall be only ONE funding per building.

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Terms & Conditions

Who Can Apply?

Building owners or lessors who have the ownership right to upgrade the building; as well as lessees who can carry out the upgrading works with the endorsement of the building owners/lessors are eligible to apply for the Fund.

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How to Apply?

Applications for the Fund shall be made in the prescribed application form and submitted to:

The BFA Upgrading Secretariat

Building and Construction Authority

5 Maxwell Road

#02-01 Tower Block, MND Complex

Singapore 069110

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Documents to be Submitted

a) A short write-up on the purpose of applying the fund;

b) All necessary drawings showing plans and details of proposed accessibility works;

c) A schedule of proposed upgrading works;

d) Accessibility route plan (see Appendix A);

e) Letter of undertaking to complete the works within the time stipulated;

f) Digital photographs of the areas and its immediate surroundings where upgrading works are to be carried out; and

g) Detailed estimates including cost break-down by items.

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Fund Disbursement

Upon receiving the documents in proper order, BCA will inform applicants within 14 working days on work items which have been approved in principle to allow for the commencement of proposed works according to the submitted work schedules.

Upon completion of the works, the applicant shall notify BCA and submit all invoices pertaining to the accessibility upgrading works, together with digital photographs of the completed works, for BCA’s approval and funds disbursement. The final amount of disbursement shall be at the discretion of BCA.

For applicants who have obtained in-principle approvals for their Accessibility Fund applications but have not completed work within 6 months from the proposed completion date, BCA reserves the right to recover any administrative charges incurred from the applicants.

Buildings of Fund recipients will be showcased on “Our Friendly Built Environment” Portal (www.friendlybuildings.sg) which is set up to create public awareness for a friendly built environment and to acknowledge the efforts put in by building owners in making their buildings friendly and accessible.

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Accessibility Fund – Additional Notes

Approach to Building

Any building undergoing barrier-free upgrading works shall have at least one accessible approach from the public walkway into the building. These may include passenger alighting and boarding points.

Ramp

Where there is a change in level, along the approach to building or within first storey circulation space, ramps conforming to the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2007 (herein referred to as the Code) requirements set out in Appendix B shall be built for persons with limited mobility to negotiate the change in level with ease

Assistive Technologies

Where the provision of ramp is not possible due to site constraints, mechanical means or assistive technologies, such as wheelchair stairlift and platform lift, can then be considered as alternative means of vertical circulation.

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Signage

Clear signage for the accessibility features shall be provided at appropriate locations to direct users to them. Appendix C contains some guidelines for signage.

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Accessible Toilets

Toilets are one of the facilities in a building that are essential for occupants as well as visitors.

Accessible toilets, built to the requirements stipulated in the Code, may be provided either as a water closet compartment within a toilet cluster or as an individual washroom.

Water Closet Compartment within a Toilet Cluster

For existing toilet clusters at the first storey, one water closet compartment of 1750mm by 1500mm within each male and female toilet shall be upgraded to accommodate wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility.

Individual Washrooms

Alternatively, individual accessible washrooms of 1750mm by 1750mm for use by both male and female persons with limited mobility may be provided

Where swing doors are provided for toilets, they shall open outwards to provide better manoeuvrability of wheelchairs, as well as aid in rescue operations. Sliding or folding doors which are easier to operate and require less manoeuvring space may also be considered. Installation of sanitary provisions such as taps and wash basins shall ensure ease of reach and use for persons with limited mobility

Reduced-sized Ambulant-disabled Toilets for Pre-1990 Buildings Only

If the code stipulated sizes for accessible toilets cannot be achieved because of constraints within the existing space, building owners may consider providing an accessible toilet of reduced size 1300mm by 1750mm, fitted with complete basic accessibility features.

Appendix D provides recommended measurements on the complete sanitary fittings required in each type of accessible toilet.

Note: The “Code” refers to the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2007, unless otherwise stated. The Appendices only serve as a reference and shall not supercede the requirements stipulated in the Code.

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Appendices

APPENDIX A – Accessible Route Plan

Building plans showing clearly marked out accessible routes, to and within the building where accessibility features have been provided, should be submitted along with other required documents when applying for the in-principle approval of Accessibility Fund. An example of the accessibility route plan is given below.

APPENDIX B – Requirements for Ramps

a) Change in Level (clause 3.2.1 of the Code):

(i) Any change in level of the floor surface, the gradient of the slope shall conform to the table below:

Changes in Vertical Rise (mm)	Gradient not steeper than
0 to 15	1 : 2
More than 15 to 50	1 : 5
More than 50 to 200	1 : 10
Exceeding 200	1 : 12

(ii) Where the change in vertical rise is more than 15mm to 200mm,

· The ramp and landings shall be of contrasting colour; or

· A coloured band shall be painted or marked across the top and bottom levels of the ramp or slope; alternatively, tactile warning indicators may be provided in lieu of coloured band. The tactile indicators shall be set back 300 mm from the edge of ramp.

b) Ramp Handrails (clause 3.3.6 of the Code):

A ramp run with a rise greater than 175 mm shall have handrails that:

(i) are on both sides;

(ii) comply with handrails / grab bars requirements (clause 3.5.2) ; and

(iii) are placed at a height of between 800 mm and 900 mm above the floor level.