Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines

PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL
DESIGN GUIDELINES
September 1999
Department of Health
Government of Western Australia
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
These guidelines specify the facility standards to

be observed and procedures associated with
the procurement process for Psychiatric Hostels.
In addition, all relevant rules, codes, regulations,
standards or other legislation adopted by the
guidelines, are identified.
The guidelines will be reviewed and updated as

required. Inquiries or questions on these
guidelines may be addressed to the
Commissioner of Health, attention Manager,
Private Sector Licensing Unit, Health Department
of WA, East Perth Government Offices, 189 Royal
Street, East Perth WA 6004, telephone (08) 9222
4023 or (08) 9222 4027.
Additional copies of this document may be

obtained from the Manager, Private Sector
Licensing Unit, at the same address.
COPYRIGHT
Please note that Copyright Law covers the

contents of this document, and reproduction of
any part should not be made without the approval
of the Commissioner of Health.
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Appreciation is extended to all those people and

their respective organisations that have made
these Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines
possible. The special efforts of Claude Soraru,
Architect, are particularly appreciated.
Mitchell Taylor and Geoffrey Burrell

Private Sector Licensing Unit
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF WA
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 ii

CONTENTS
CONTENTS
FOREWORD __________________________________________________________________________________________ i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS________________________________________________________________________________ ii
TABLE OF TECHNICAL DRAWINGS. ____________________________________________________________________ ix
1. INTRODUCTION_________________________________________________________________________ 1
1.1 OVERVIEW _____________________________________________________________________________________1
1.2 GENERAL ______________________________________________________________________________________1
1.3 USE OF THIS DOCUMENT ________________________________________________________________________2
1.4 GLOSSARY _____________________________________________________________________________________3
1.5 GLOSSARY OF REFERENCED AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS_____________________________________________4
PART 1: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS. ______________________________________________________ 7
2. GUIDELINE COMPLIANCE _______________________________________________________________ 8

2.1 HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SERVICES ACT 1927 ______________________________________________________8
2.2 GUIDE TO HDWA PROCESS FOR APPROVAL AND LICENSING ______________________________________8
2.3 COMPLIANCE __________________________________________________________________________________8
2.3.1 Modernisation Compliance _________________________________________________________________________ 8
2.3.2 Partial Modernisation Compliance___________________________________________________________________ 9
2.3.3 Extension Compliance ______________________________________________________________________________ 9
2.4 THE RIGHT OF APPEAL___________________________________________________________________________9
2.5 EQUIVALENT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES. ____________________________________________________________10
2.6 STATUTORY AUTHORITY APPROVAL______________________________________________________________10
2.7 STANDARDS AND CODES ______________________________________________________________________10
2.7.1 Reference to Standards____________________________________________________________________________ 11
2.7.2 Difference between ‘Guidelines’ and ‘Codes and Standards’________________________________________ 11
2.7.3 Omitted Relevant Australian Standards _____________________________________________________________ 11
PART 2: DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ________________________________________________________ 12
3. PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH ___________________________________________________________13

3.1 GENERAL _____________________________________________________________________________________13
3.2 NORMALISATION ______________________________________________________________________________13
3.3 ENABLING MODEL _____________________________________________________________________________13
3.4 PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES____________________________________________________________________14
3.4.1 National Standards for Mental Health Services_______________________________________________________ 14
3.4.2 The Hostel Design Guidelines _______________________________________________________________________ 15
PART 3: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ___________________________________________________ 17
4. PLANNING AND DESIGN OF A PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL______________________________________18

4.1 GENERAL _____________________________________________________________________________________18
4.2 ACHIEVING APPROPRIATE OUTCOMES __________________________________________________________18
4.3 DESIGN PRINCIPLES ____________________________________________________________________________18
4.3.1 Security ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 18
4.3.2 Impact on others __________________________________________________________________________________ 18
4.3.3 Appropriate Location of Controls ___________________________________________________________________ 19
4.4 SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT ____________________________________________________________________19
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 iii

CONTENTS
4.5 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH _______________________________________________________________________19
4.6 INFECTION CONTROL __________________________________________________________________________19
4.7 SAFETY ________________________________________________________________________________________19
4.8 DESIGN OF A NEW PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL ________________________________________________________20
4.8.1 General___________________________________________________________________________________________ 20
4.9 MODERNISATION AND EXTENSION of an existing facility __________________________________________21
4.9.1 General___________________________________________________________________________________________ 22
4.9.2 Practical Aspects of Modernisation _________________________________________________________________ 22
5. SITE ___________________________________________________________________________________23
5.1 LOCATION ____________________________________________________________________________________23
5.2 SITE PLANNING ________________________________________________________________________________23
5.2.1 Needs of Users_____________________________________________________________________________________ 23
5.2.2 Impact on Neighbours _____________________________________________________________________________ 23
5.2.3 Community _______________________________________________________________________________________ 24
5.2.4 Car parking _______________________________________________________________________________________ 24
5.2.5 Roadways ________________________________________________________________________________________ 24
5.2.6 Outdoor Access and Gardens _____________________________________________________________________ 24
5.2.7 Ramps ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 25
5.2.8 Signage___________________________________________________________________________________________ 25
5.2.9 Mail Delivery ______________________________________________________________________________________ 25
6. BUILDING DESIGN _____________________________________________________________________26
6.1 RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES _________________________________________________________________________26
6.1.1 Entry and covered set-down _______________________________________________________________________ 26
6.1.2 Bedrooms _________________________________________________________________________________________ 26
6.1.3 Showers, Toilets, Basins and Baths – Generally _______________________________________________________ 27
6.1.4 Showers___________________________________________________________________________________________ 28
6.1.5 Toilets _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 29
6.1.5.1 Staff/Visitor’s Toilet ______________________________________________________________________________ 29
6.1.5.2 Resident Communal Toilet ______________________________________________________________________ 29
6.1.6 Basins _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 29
6.1.6.1 Staff Use Hand Basins ___________________________________________________________________________ 30
6.1.7 Bathrooms ________________________________________________________________________________________ 30
6.1.8 Grip Bars __________________________________________________________________________________________ 30
6.1.9 Plumbing Fittings___________________________________________________________________________________ 30
6.1.10 Lounge ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 31
6.1.11 Quiet Room. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 31
6.1.12 Family/Meals ______________________________________________________________________________________ 31
6.1.13 Kitchen/Pantry/Tea Preparation Area (Residential Unit) ______________________________________________ 31
6.1.14 Sitting Areas _______________________________________________________________________________________ 32
6.1.15 Smoke free environment. __________________________________________________________________________ 32
6.1.16 Dirty Utility _________________________________________________________________________________________ 32
6.1.17 Dirty Linen_________________________________________________________________________________________ 33
6.1.18 Laundry (Residential) ______________________________________________________________________________ 33
6.1.19 Storage ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 33
6.1.19.1 Clean Linen Store_______________________________________________________________________________ 33
6.1.19.2 Equipment Store________________________________________________________________________________ 33
6.1.19.3 Residents’ Store ________________________________________________________________________________ 34
6.1.19.4 Cleaner’s Store _________________________________________________________________________________ 34
6.1.19.5 Medication Store/Preparation ___________________________________________________________________ 34
6.1.20 Windows, Screens and Grilles_______________________________________________________________________ 34
6.1.21 Doors _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 35
6.1.22 Corridors/Passageways ____________________________________________________________________________ 36
6.2 CENTRAL FACILITIES ____________________________________________________________________________36
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 iv

CONTENTS
6.2.1 Enclosed Walkways ________________________________________________________________________________ 37
6.2.2 Administration _____________________________________________________________________________________ 37
6.2.3 Amenities Room ___________________________________________________________________________________ 37
6.2.4 Staff Facilities ______________________________________________________________________________________ 37
6.2.5 Service Delivery Point ______________________________________________________________________________ 37
6.2.6 Central Laundry ___________________________________________________________________________________ 37
6.2.7 Central Production Kitchen ________________________________________________________________________ 38
6.2.8 Storage ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 38
6.2.9 Bin Areas and Rubbish Collection ___________________________________________________________________ 38
6.2.10 Plant and Equipment Spaces_______________________________________________________________________ 38
6.3 CONSTRUCTION _______________________________________________________________________________38
6.4 SECURITY______________________________________________________________________________________39
6.5 GLAZING _____________________________________________________________________________________39
6.6 MAINTENANCE ________________________________________________________________________________39
7. INTERIOR DESIGN ______________________________________________________________________41
7.1 GENERAL _____________________________________________________________________________________41
7.2 FINISHES ______________________________________________________________________________________41
7.3 FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT ____________________________________________________________________42
PART 4: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS ________________________________________________ 43
8. ENGINEERING SERVICES________________________________________________________________44
8.1 MECHANICAL SERVICES________________________________________________________________________44
8.1.1 Heating/Cooling/Ventilation - Generally ____________________________________________________________ 44
8.1.2 Heating ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 45
8.1.3 Cooling ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 45
8.1.4 Ventilation Requirements __________________________________________________________________________ 46
8.1.4.1 Outdoor Air ____________________________________________________________________________________ 46
8.1.4.2 Exhaust Air _____________________________________________________________________________________ 46
8.1.4.3 Ventilation Rates _______________________________________________________________________________ 47
8.1.4.4 Air Handling Systems ____________________________________________________________________________ 47
8.1.4.5 Legionella Prevention ___________________________________________________________________________ 47
8.1.4.6 Air Filtration_____________________________________________________________________________________ 47
8.1.4.7 Linen Processing Areas - Special Requirements ___________________________________________________ 48
8.2 ELECTRICAL SERVICE___________________________________________________________________________48
8.2.1 Switchboards______________________________________________________________________________________ 49
8.2.2 Cabling (General) _________________________________________________________________________________ 50
8.2.3 Lighting ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 50
8.2.3.1 External Lighting ________________________________________________________________________________ 50
8.2.3.2 Lighting: Electrical Installation ___________________________________________________________________ 51
8.2.4 Emergency Lighting and Illuminated Exit Signs _______________________________________________________ 51
8.2.4.1 Illuminated Exit Signs ____________________________________________________________________________ 51
8.2.4.2 Emergency Lighting ____________________________________________________________________________ 52
8.2.5 General Purpose Power Outlets ____________________________________________________________________ 52
8.2.6 Electric Room Heaters _____________________________________________________________________________ 52
8.2.7 Wall and Ceiling Fans ______________________________________________________________________________ 52
8.2.8 Alarm Systems _____________________________________________________________________________________ 53
8.2.9 Maintenance of Installation ________________________________________________________________________ 53
8.3 COMMUNICATIONS ___________________________________________________________________________53
8.3.1 Telephone System _________________________________________________________________________________ 53
8.3.2 Paging System ____________________________________________________________________________________ 54
8.3.3 Public Address System _____________________________________________________________________________ 54
8.3.4 Staff Assistance Call _______________________________________________________________________________ 54
8.3.5 Resident Entertainment ____________________________________________________________________________ 55
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 v

CONTENTS
8.3.6 Door Security ______________________________________________________________________________________ 55
8.4 LIFTS __________________________________________________________________________________________55
8.5 HYDRAULICS __________________________________________________________________________________55
8.5.1 Hot Water Supply __________________________________________________________________________________ 56
8.5.2 Cold Water Supply ________________________________________________________________________________ 57
8.5.2.1 Water Treatment _______________________________________________________________________________ 57
8.5.2.3 Back Flow Prevention ___________________________________________________________________________ 58
8.5.2.4 Mechanical Backflow Devices: Annual Testing ___________________________________________________ 58
8.5.2.5 Identification and Signage: Non Potable Water __________________________________________________ 59
8.5.3 Fire Service ________________________________________________________________________________________ 59
8.5.4 Sewerage and Sanitary Plumbing __________________________________________________________________ 59
8.5.4.1 Drains and Gullies ______________________________________________________________________________ 60
8.5.5 Storm Water_______________________________________________________________________________________ 60
8.5.6 Natural Gas Service _______________________________________________________________________________ 61
8.6 BUILDING & ENGINEERING MANUALS ___________________________________________________________61
8.6.1 As-Constructed Drawings __________________________________________________________________________ 62
8.6.2 Equipment Manuals _______________________________________________________________________________ 62
8.6.3 Certification_______________________________________________________________________________________ 63
9. FIRE SAFETY ___________________________________________________________________________64
9.1 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________64
9.2 STAFF AWARENESS _____________________________________________________________________________65
9.3 MAINTENANCE ________________________________________________________________________________65
9.4 CONSULTANCY AND INSPECTION_______________________________________________________________65
PART 5: GROUP HOME DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS _____________________________________ 66
10. PLANNING AND DESIGN OF GROUP HOMES ____________________________________________67

10.1 GENERAL _____________________________________________________________________________________67
10.2 DESIGN OF A GROUP HOME ___________________________________________________________________67
10.3 ACHIEVING APPROPRIATE OUTCOMES __________________________________________________________67
10.4 DESIGN PRINCIPLES ____________________________________________________________________________68
10.5 SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT ____________________________________________________________________68
10.6 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH _______________________________________________________________________68
10.7 SAFETY ________________________________________________________________________________________68
11. SITE ___________________________________________________________________________________69
11.1 LOCATION ____________________________________________________________________________________69
11.2 SITE PLANNING ________________________________________________________________________________69
11.2.1 Needs of Users_____________________________________________________________________________________ 69
11.2.2 Impact on Neighbours _____________________________________________________________________________ 69
11.2.3 Community _______________________________________________________________________________________ 70
11.2.4 Outdoor Access and Gardens _____________________________________________________________________ 70
11.2.5 Disabled Access___________________________________________________________________________________ 70
12. GROUP HOME CONSTRUCTION_________________________________________________________71
12.1 GENERAL _____________________________________________________________________________________71
12.2 BEDROOMS ___________________________________________________________________________________71
12.3 SHOWERS, TOILETS, BASINS AND BATHS – GENERALLY _____________________________________________71
12.3.1 Toilets _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 71
12.3.2 Basins _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 72
12.3.3 Grip Bars __________________________________________________________________________________________ 72
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 vi

CONTENTS
12.4 PLUMBING FITTINGS ____________________________________________________________________________72
12.5 LOUNGE ______________________________________________________________________________________72
12.6 FAMILY/MEALS ________________________________________________________________________________72
12.7 KITCHEN ______________________________________________________________________________________73
12.8 LAUNDRY _____________________________________________________________________________________73
12.9 MEDICATION STORAGE ________________________________________________________________________73
12.10 WINDOWS, SCREENS AND GRILLES ___________________________________________________________73
12.11 DOORS ____________________________________________________________________________________74
12.12 GLAZING ___________________________________________________________________________________74
12.13 MAINTENANCE _____________________________________________________________________________74
13. INTERIOR DESIGN ______________________________________________________________________76
13.1 GENERAL _____________________________________________________________________________________76
13.2 FINISHES ______________________________________________________________________________________76
13.3 FURNISHINGS __________________________________________________________________________________76
14. ENGINEERING SERVICES________________________________________________________________77
14.1 MECHANICAL SERVICES________________________________________________________________________77
14.2 HEATING, COOLING AND VENTILATION – GENERALLY ____________________________________________77
14.2.1 Heating ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 77
14.2.2 Cooling ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 78
14.2.3 Ventilation Requirements __________________________________________________________________________ 78
14.2.3.1 Outdoor Air ____________________________________________________________________________________ 78
14.2.3.2 Exhaust Air _____________________________________________________________________________________ 78
14.2.3.3 Ventilation Rates _______________________________________________________________________________ 79
14.2.3.4 Air Handling Systems ____________________________________________________________________________ 79
14.3 ELECTRICAL SERVICE___________________________________________________________________________79
14.3.1 Switchboards______________________________________________________________________________________ 80
14.3.2 Cabling (General) _________________________________________________________________________________ 80
14.3.3 Lighting ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 80
14.3.4 General Purpose Power Outlets ____________________________________________________________________ 80
14.3.5 Electric Room Heaters _____________________________________________________________________________ 81
14.3.6 Wall and Ceiling Fans ______________________________________________________________________________ 81
14.3.7 Alarm Systems _____________________________________________________________________________________ 82
14.3.8 Maintenance of Installation ________________________________________________________________________ 82
14.4 COMMUNICATIONS ___________________________________________________________________________82
14.4.1 Telephone System _________________________________________________________________________________ 82
14.4.2 Resident Entertainment ____________________________________________________________________________ 82
14.5 HYDRAULICS __________________________________________________________________________________83
14.5.1 Hot Water _________________________________________________________________________________________ 83
14.5.2 Cold Water Supply ________________________________________________________________________________ 84
14.5.2.2 Back Flow Prevention ___________________________________________________________________________ 84
14.5.2.3 Identification and Signage: Non Potable Water __________________________________________________ 85
14.5.3 Fire Service ________________________________________________________________________________________ 85
14.5.4 Sewerage and Sanitary Plumbing __________________________________________________________________ 85
14.5.4.1 Drains and Gullies ______________________________________________________________________________ 86
14.5.5 Storm Water_______________________________________________________________________________________ 86
14.5.6 Natural Gas Service _______________________________________________________________________________ 87
14.6 BUILDING & ENGINEERING MANUALS ___________________________________________________________87
14.6.1 As-Constructed Drawings __________________________________________________________________________ 87
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 vii

CONTENTS
14.6.2 Equipment Manuals _______________________________________________________________________________ 88
14.6.3 Certification_______________________________________________________________________________________ 88
15. FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR GROUP HOMES ___________________________________________89
15.1 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________89
PART 6: DESIGN QUALITY_____________________________________________________________ 90
16. FACILITY DESIGN CHECKLIST ____________________________________________________________91

16.1 FACILITY CHECKLIST____________________________________________________________________________91
16.2 COMMON OVERSIGHTS________________________________________________________________________92
PART 7: APPENDICES ________________________________________________________________ 93

APPENDIX 1 – GUIDE TO THE HDWA PROCESS FOR APPROVAL AND LICENSING. __________________________94
APPENDIX 2 – LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE. ________________________________________________________________94
APPENDIX 3 – LAUNDRY FACILITY GUIDELINES. _________________________________________________________94
APPENDIX 4 – APPROVAL TO OCCUPY INSPECTION CHECKLIST. _________________________________________94
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 viii

CONTENTS
TABLE OF TECHNICAL DRAWINGS.
• An example of a home-like psychiatric hostel. _____________________________________ 20
• Arrangement of an Individual Module _____________________________________________ 21
• Bathroom Modernisation _________________________________________________________ 22
• Example of a single bedroom ____________________________________________________ 26
• Ensuite (Minimum provision) _______________________________________________________ 28
• Communal toilet layout __________________________________________________________ 29
• Basin configuration – Resident use_________________________________________________ 30
• Bathroom layout - Typical_________________________________________________________ 30
• Bubble diagram of Group Home – Typical layout __________________________________ 67
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 ix

INTRODUCTION
a) are socially dependant because of

1. INTRODUCTION mental illness; and
1.1 OVERVIEW b) are not members of the family of

the proprietor of the premises,
While many people suffering mental illness
are able to reside at home, either on their reside and are treated and cared for.”
own or with family, this is not a realistic
option for all. For those that cannot For the purpose of these guidelines a
manage that level of independence, other Psychiatric Hostel is defined as a
options are available. The Psychiatric residential building providing
Hostel system is one such option. accommodation for people suffering

mental illness who need assistance with
The system of Psychiatric Hostels came into daily living and/or personal care, who for
being in Western Australia in the 1970s to a variety of reasons are unable to remain
accommodate people being discharged in their own homes.
from State Government Psychiatric

Hospitals. In broad terms Psychiatric Hostels fall into
two classifications:
Psychiatric Hostel accommodation caters • Hostels and
for a very disadvantaged and vulnerable • Group homes.
group within the community. Features of

this community group include: Hostels tend to be larger establishments
and accommodate individuals who have
• chronic and severe mental illness a greater degree of chronicity.
• take considerable quantities of

psychotropic drugs Group homes are smaller residential
• inability to manage living establishments and accommodate
independently in the community individuals with a greater degree of
• managed by local mental health independence. The group home may also
team, Hostel team or General have a rehabilitation function.
Practitioner
• very limited family involvement
• require 24 hour support and assistance
1.2 GENERAL
with a range of daily activities.
These design guidelines describe the joint

Psychiatric Hostel accommodation is
Private Sector Licensing Unit and Facilities
defined under The Hospitals and Health
and Assets Branch interpretation of the
Services Act 1927, Part IIIB, Section 26P as:
facility requirements for Psychiatric Hostels.
“Private premises in which 3 or more The guidelines are intended to generate

persons who; discussion leading to further development
and to foster innovation and/or
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 1

INTRODUCTION
alternative approaches rather than hinder The following notes should assist the
them. reader:
The facility design philosophy is variable • Text presented in a shaded box

within a ‘home-like’ framework. This provides the central and most
attempt to create a residential ‘home- important design objective for a
like’ environment in a Psychiatric Hostel is particular issue.
part of the process called ‘normalisation’
(refer to Section 3.2 - Normalisation). • Bold text (other than headings)
Mandatory elements are those that relate identifies highly important or
to safety and the services to be provided mandatory requirements.
for the resident.
To ensure the success of the Psychiatric

Hostel, consideration shall be given to the
way the Psychiatric Hostel is to be run
including: Prior to using this manual for a psychiatric
hostel design project, please check with the
• staffing levels in accordance with State Private Sector Licensing Unit, HDWA, to
expectations ensure that the manual is current. Please
quote the issue date on the front cover or at
• the philosophy of the operating the foot of each page.
organisation.
Early consultation with the HDWA during the

design process is highly recommended to
resolve any design problems at the outset. Shall and Should
In this document the word 'shall' means
mandatory and the word 'should' means
recommended.
1.3 USE OF THIS DOCUMENT
The formatting of this document is

designed to assist the user. The document
has been organised into parts and
sections for ease of use by architects and
consultants, as well as by licensees and
managers of Psychiatric Hostels.

INTRODUCTION
1.4 GLOSSARY
AS - Australian Standard.
BCA - Building Code of Australia (current edition with amendments).
BGA - Break glass alarm.
Central Facility - The central facility should contain services such as administration, main meeting
room, the central kitchen and/or laundry, etc. This should be separated from the residential facilities.
Commissioner - Commissioner of Health, Health Department of Western Australia.
Disabled facility – A disabled facility contains toilet, hand basin and grip bars and is suitable for
independent wheel chair use.
EWIS – Early Warning Intercom System.
F&RS – Fire and Rescue Services.
FIB - Fire Indicator Board.
FIP – Fire Indicator Panel.
Fully Assisted Facility – A fully assisted bathroom/toilet provides grip bars, bathing/toileting and hand
washing facilities and is large enough to allow either one or two staff members assisting residents.
FRL - Fire Resistance Level (as required by the Building Code of Australia).
HDWA - Health Department of Western Australia.
Home-like environment - The Private Psychiatric Hostel should create an environment that is as near to
residential as possible.
Normalisation (Social Role Valorisation) - Normalisation supports the use of culturally acceptable and
valued means to enable people who are devalued by society to achieve and maintain valued social
roles.
Partially Assisted Facility – A partially assisted bathroom/toilet provides grip bars, bathing/toileting and
hand washing facilities and is large enough to allow one staff member to assist the resident.
Private Psychiatric Hostel - For the purpose of these guidelines Psychiatric Hostel shall mean Private
Psychiatric Hostel.

INTRODUCTION
RCD - Residual Current Device.
Residential Facility - Each residential facility should be treated as a single ‘house’ form, and read as
such from the street. It should provide the facilities of a typical home with modifications to provide the
necessary enabling environment.
RWP - Rain water pipe.
‘shall’ - means mandatory.
‘should’ - means highly recommended.
1.5 GLOSSARY OF REFERENCED AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
Within the Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines certain Australian Standards are referenced by
number. Where the whole Australian Standard is not applicable, only the relevant part has been
referenced within the text, for example AS 1428.1. All the Australian Standards noted within the text
are listed below. To assist the reader, where a section or part of a standard is referenced the primary
title is also listed here (in italics).
This list is not an exhaustive list of Australian Standards by any means, and should not be taken to
mean that only these standards apply to the building or upgrading of a Psychiatric Hostel. Those
involved in any Psychiatric Hostel project, should consult the Building Code of Australia (current
edition) and the "Catalogue of Australian standards and Other Products" (current edition), to
determine if there is an applicable Australian Standard for the work under consideration.
For additional information relating to standards and codes, the reader is directed to section 2.7 of the
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines, "Standards and Codes".
AS 1158 The lighting of urban roads and other public thoroughfares.
AS 1158.1 Performance and installation design requirements.
AS 1288 Glass in buildings – Selection and installation.
AS 1324 Air filters for use in general ventilation and airconditioning.
AS 1324.2 Methods of test.
AS 1345 Identification of contents of pipes, conduits and ducts.

INTRODUCTION
AS 1428 Design for access and mobility.
AS 1428.1 General requirements for access – Buildings.
AS 1530 Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures.
AS 1530.2 Test for flammability of materials.
AS 1530.3 Simultaneous determination of ignitability, flame propagation, heat release and

smoke release.
AS 1668 The use of mechanical ventilation and airconditioning in buildings.
AS 1668.1 Fire and smoke control.
AS 1668,2 Mechanical ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality.
AS 1670 Automatic fire detection and alarm systems – System design, installation and
commissioning.
AS 1680 Interior Lighting.
AS 1680.1 General principles and recommendations.
AS 1680.2.0 Recommendations for specific tasks and interiors.
AS 1905 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistance walls.
AS 1905.1 Fire-resistant doorsets.
AS/NZS 2208 Safety glazing materials in buildings.
AS/NZS 2293 Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings.
AS 2485 Water supply – Backflow prevention devices.
AS 3000 Electrical installations – Buildings, structures and premises (known as the SAA Wiring
Rules).
AS 3003 Electrical installations – patient treatment areas of hospitals and medical and dental
practices.
AS 3008 Electrical installations – Selection of cables.

INTRODUCTION
AS 3008.1 Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV
AS 3009 Electrical installations – Emergency power supplies in hospitals.
AS 3439 Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.
AS 3439.1 Type-tested and partially type-tested assemblies.
AS 3500 National Plumbing and Drainage Code.
AS/NZS 3666 Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control.
AS 4146 Laundry practice.
AS 4254 Ductwork for air-handling systems in buildings.

PART 1
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
PART 1: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS.

GUIDELINE COMPLIANCE
2. GUIDELINE COMPLIANCE It should be noted that under section 26K

(1c) of the Act, no person may build, alter
or extend any Psychiatric Hostel unless the
2.1 HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SERVICES ACT Commissioner has approved of the
1927 building, alteration or extension as the

case may be.
Psychiatric Hostels are licensed and
regulated under the Hospitals and Health
Services Act 1927. Under section 26J, the
Act empowers the Commissioner of Any applicant requesting a licence shall
Health to license Psychiatric Hostels and be required to submit for approval any
issue guidelines with respect to their site plans, plans, specification, and any
construction, establishment and other documentation which the
maintenance. Commissioner may determine necessary,
from time to time, to evaluate
compliance with the guidelines. Approval
will be issued in writing and may be
conditional.
2.2 GUIDE TO HDWA PROCESS FOR
APPROVAL AND LICENSING
It is emphasised that compliance with
these guidelines forms only one element
These guidelines apply to new facilities
of the Psychiatric Hostel licensing process.
and modernisation of existing facilities. A
Conformity with other service planning
flow chart, titled “Private Psychiatric
criteria and relevant regulations is
Hostels – Guide to the HDWA Process for
essential. It is assumed that other facets
Approval and Licensing”, (Appendix 1)
of the overall service planning process
clarifies the licensing process. The chart
have already been finalised or are
addresses both the facility and
proceeding concurrently.
operational streams.
Compliance with these guidelines alone

cannot be construed as an approval for
proceeding with any development.
2.3 COMPLIANCE
Formal written notification from the

Compliance with these guidelines is a
Commissioner or his/her nominated
specific condition of being granted a
representative must be received prior to
licence by the Commissioner of Health to
commencement of service.
operate premises as a Psychiatric Hostel.
Failure to comply with the guidelines will
2.3.1 Modernisation Compliance
result in a breach of condition of licence
unless the Commissioner of Health has Where it can be demonstrated
given specific exemptions in writing. that total compliance is
impractical or impossible within

structural and spatial limitations, The Commissioner may also make
exceptions may be considered. it conditional that the outstanding
However, this cannot be items be resolved progressively,
construed to mean that the as finances become available. A
granting of an exception is time frame might also be
guaranteed, particularly where imposed.
major improvements required for
resident safety are in question. When partially modernising a
facility, fire barriers shall physically
Where it is proposed that a separate those areas that do not
portion of an existing building be comply with these guidelines (in
substantially redeveloped, the particular, Section 9 – Fire Safety),
design shall comply with these from modernised areas.
guidelines as far as is practical
within structural and spatial Fire barriers must be of not less
limitations. than 120/120/120 FRL (fire
resistance level), extending
2.3.2 Partial Modernisation through the full height of the

building. Doors in these barriers
Compliance
shall also be 2-hour fire rated.
Concessions are possible where

existing buildings are being
2.3.3 Extension Compliance
modified. The final outcome shall

be a result of negotiation with New additions to any Psychiatric
State officers and as formally Hostel facility shall conform to
determined by the Commissioner these guidelines.
of Health.
When it is not financially viable to

modernise the entire facility in 2.4 THE RIGHT OF APPEAL
accordance with these
guidelines, the Commissioner may
An applicant has the right of appeal.
give approval for the renovation
of certain areas of the facility
When the Commissioner refuses to license
only. The approval would be
or re-license a facility, due to an
conditional upon the
applicant’s serious non-compliance with
incorporation of the appropriate
the guidelines, as interpreted by the
measures or features that would
Commissioner, the applicant may, under
guarantee the safety and security
the Hospitals and Health Services Act 1927,
of residents and staff, as well as
lodge an appeal with the Minister for
access by the disabled and the
Health within 30 days of the refusal being
effective operation of the facility.
formally notified, i.e. date of issue of the
letter.

Minor issues, which do not impact on living environment for residents and the
licensing, can only be resolved by effectiveness of staff is encouraged.
negotiation between the applicant and
the Commissioner or his/her nominated
representative(s).
2.6 STATUTORY AUTHORITY APPROVAL
The approval by the Commissioner of

2.5 EQUIVALENT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES. Health to create or continue to operate a
Psychiatric Hostel under the Hospitals and
The primary objective of the guidelines is to Health Services Act 1927, does not exempt
achieve a desired performance, result or the owner, architect or builder from the
service. Prescriptive limitations, such as necessity to comply with any statutory
exact minimum dimensions or quantities, requirements established and controlled
describe a condition commonly by other authorities. For example, the
recognised as a practical standard for requirements of:
normal operation. For example, the
reference to minimum room area is • Alinta Gas
understood as being the amount of room • Building Code of Australia
needed for resident and staff activities • Disability Services Commission
and the placement of furnishings. This • Local Authority
avoids the requirement for complex • Water Corporation
descriptions of procedures for appropriate • Western Power
functional planning. However detailed • Worksafe WA
planning of the various areas is most
important. Consulting with the
management, staff, HDWA and where
possible the residents and their relatives
2.7 STANDARDS AND CODES
should form part of the detailed planning
process.
Codes, rules, standards, specifications,
etc., of statutory organisations, or those
Where specific measurements, capacities
specifically referred to in the text of this
or other standards are described,
document, shall be deemed to be
equivalent alternative solutions will be
specific requirements of these guidelines.
assessed. These may be deemed
Standards Australia publications are
acceptable if the intent of the standards
referenced where appropriate. A glossary
has been met.
of the Australian Standards used within the
Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines is
It is important to note that the design
detailed under section 1.5 - Glossary of
principles contained in these guidelines
Referenced Australian Standards.
should not be construed as a restriction to
design innovation. Within the homelike
framework, innovation that improves the

Exclusions and special conditions applied be adopted as being indicative of
to said codes, rules, standards and ‘good practice’.
specifications by the Building Code of
Australia, shall also apply.
2.7.1 Reference to Standards
Where a code or standard is listed

or referred to within these
guidelines and is not dated, the
appropriate document shall be
the latest edition of that code or
standard, and shall incorporate all
revisions. Where a completely
different code or standard has
replaced the referenced code or
standard, the Commissioner of
Health or his/her representative
shall be consulted to ascertain its
relevance and acceptability.
2.7.2 Difference between

‘Guidelines’ and ‘Codes and
Standards’
Where a difference occurs

between the requirements of
these guidelines and the relevant
codes and standards, then the
requirements of these guidelines
shall be construed as being the
preferred requirement.
2.7.3 Omitted Relevant Australian

Standards
Where Standards Australia

documents exist which are
specifically applicable to the
requirements of Psychiatric Hostel
construction, equipment, service,
and practice, but are not referred
to in these guidelines, they should

PART 2
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
PART 2: DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH
The aim is to maximise independence,
3. PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH capabilities and individuality of each
resident. Psychosocial and physical
support should encourage residents to
3.1 GENERAL operate to their maximum potential (refer
Section 3.3 – Enabling Model).
The aim is to create a Psychiatric Hostel Implementation of the theory and

environment that is as near to residential principles of normalisation should be
as possible. The specific needs of the reflected in the Psychiatric Hostel design.
target population should be recognised. Although a ‘normalised’ setting may not
be exactly the same as a typical home, its
internal spaces and furnishing should
Naturally, the preferred residential facility convey the message to the residents,
for those with a mental illness is his or her relatives, friends and the community, that
own home, but until appropriate support the residents are deserving, competent
networks and services are in place, many and valued people, who are a valued
people suffering from mental illness will part of the community.
require the services of the quasi-
institutional model. The opportunity to
choose between different types of housing
options must always be available. There 3.3 ENABLING MODEL
will be a need for home-like Psychiatric
Hostels for some time to come. A person living at home, with a disability or
chronic illness that significantly impairs
functioning, and without personal and
social support, will obviously experience
stress with its consequent problems.
3.2 NORMALISATION
The common solution has been to react to

Normalisation should be the goal of
the individual’s crisis by placement in a
organisations when considering the
Psychiatric Hostel, or other institutional
character, image and operation of a
setting. In many of these places resident’s
Psychiatric Hostel.
needs are catered for in an over-
compensatory manner that sets up a form
The concept of normalisation (or Social
of stressful dependency.
Role Valorisation) challenges the negative
roles and aspects of institutions.
This situation can be as negative in its
Normalisation supports the use of culturally
effect on the individual as the stress
acceptable and valued means to enable
condition. It tends to remove
people who are devalued by society to
independence, decision making and
achieve and maintain valued social roles.
choices from the individual.

Both sets of principles require
The Enabling Model consideration to achieve the most

appropriate outcome for all stakeholders
The goal is to achieve an environment in the Psychiatric Hostel project.
that is suitable to the individual level of

adaptability. Sufficient and subtle 3.4.1 National Standards for Mental
support should be provided to enable Health Services
the individual to function at the highest
level of independence. Challenges to In January 1997, the National
improve and achieve, and an Standards for Mental Health
opportunity to control one’s own life Services document was released.
should also be incorporated. This document sets forth standards
to be met by those involved in the
provision of mental health services,
which are defined in the
document as "…organisation that
provides as its core business,
3.4 PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES primary, secondary and, in some

cases, tertiary treatments and
support to people with mental
During the development of a Psychiatric
disorders…"
Hostel, there are two distinct sets of
philosophical guidelines that shall be
This definition of a mental health
considered.
service encompasses psychiatric
residential facilities ie, Psychiatric
The National Standards for Mental Health
Hostels. Therefore, the following
Services have a focus on the rights of
principles shall be considered
consumers (residents) and the involvement
when designing a Psychiatric
of consumers in their own care. The
Hostel.
guiding principles of these standards are
detailed below in section 3.4.1. For further
The guiding principles of the
information the standards should be
standards are:
consulted.
1. The promotion of optimal

The second set of principles have been
quality of life for people with
adapted from the Hostel Design Guidelines
mental disorders and/or
(Kidd, B., 1988, Hostel Design Guidelines,
mental health problems.
Australian Government Publishing Service,
Canberra.), that were developed for the
2. A focus on consumers and
former Commonwealth Department of
the achievement of positive
Health and Family Services. The Hostel
outcomes for them.
Design Guidelines have a focus on the
design of the facility and its impact on the
resident.

3. An approach to consumers 11. Adequate resourcing of the
and carers that recognises mental health service.
their unique physical,
emotional, cultural and 12. Equally valuing the various
spiritual dimensions. models and components of
mental health care.
4. The recognition of the human
rights of people with mental 3.4.2 The Hostel Design Guidelines
disorders as proclaimed by
the United Nations "Principles It should be noted that the Hostel
on the Protection of People Design Guidelines were
with Mental Illness", and the specifically developed for the
Australian Health Ministers aged care sector. However, the
"Mental Health Statement of philosophical principles are
Rights and Responsibilities". applicable to the development of
a new Psychiatric Hostel and the
5. Equitable access to modification of an existing facility.
appropriate health services The Hostel Design Guidelines can
when and where they are be consulted for further
needed. information where they are
deemed relevant.
6. Community participation in
mental health service It is essential to consider the
development. operating philosophy and
programme prior to the
7. Informed decision making by consideration of the architectural
individuals about their design. The key principles are:
treatment.
1. In the Psychiatric Hostel,

8. Continuity of care through residents should be regarded
the development of with respect, to enable them to
intersectoral links between establish and/or maintain their
mental health services and valued social roles.
other organisations.
2. The physical environment for

9. A mental health system which the Psychiatric Hostel resident
emphasises comprehensive, should, as far as possible, be of
coordinated and a domestic scale and
individualised care. detailing, enabling residents to
relate to a familiar setting.
10. Accountability to consumers,
carers, staff, funders and the
community.

3. The physical environment and • community outreach
the management program • personal space and private
should encourage and foster territory
individuality and enable the • privacy
resident to maintain and/or • minimal institutional
develop his or her identity by characteristics
having access to a normal set • security
of choices. • meals
• orientation and mobility
4. Essential supports must be • safety.
incorporated in a subtle (and
not over-obvious) manner. The
design must reduce hazards
while inducing a feeling of
competence and confidence
in the resident. It must maximise
the residual abilities of the
residents and not over-
emphasise their disabilities.
5. Environmental competence
involves an understanding of
the relationship between
environmental support
provided and the individual’s
capabilities, adaptive
behaviour and adaptive
range.
6. Management objectives and

architectural design response
must directly relate to the
physical, social and
psychological needs of the
residents and staff.
This principle includes the

consideration of:
• independence
• options and choice
• continuation of roles and
lifestyles
• social interaction

PART 3
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
PART 3: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

PLANNING AND DESIGN
In the design of the Psychiatric Hostel, the
4. PLANNING AND DESIGN OF A following issues should be carefully
PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL resolved:
4.3.1 Security
4.1 GENERAL
Security issues that should be
considered include:
The guidelines represent minimum
standards and at the same time seek to
• Entry and exit control to the
encourage Psychiatric Hostel design
facility and to resident
innovation within the ‘home-like’
bedrooms.
framework (refer Section - 2.5 Equivalent
Design Alternatives).
• Medication storage, in a
central location or in resident
bedrooms, must be secure.
4.2 ACHIEVING APPROPRIATE OUTCOMES

• Appropriate unobtrusive
external fencing will enhance
To achieve the desired design outcome it
the sense of security provided
is recommended that the following are
to the residents.
taken into consideration:
• Experienced professional consultants 4.3.2 Impact on others
(architects, engineers, interior

designers, etc.) should be Site location should be
commissioned. considered in relation to street

exposure and the impact on
• Staff, residents and visitors should be neighbours, in particular the
consulted about their needs and audible impact on other
priorities. Psychiatric Hostel residents and

neighbours. The visual impact of
• On-going negotiation and discussion anti-social activities should also be
with the relevant State considered. This does not mean
representatives shall occur. high solid fences to visually isolate,

but thoughtful solutions to ensure
the rights of both residents and the
public are addressed.
4.3 DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The design of the facility should take into

consideration the specific needs of
residents, particularly the need for
personal space and areas for quiet
reflection.

PLANNING AND DESIGN
4.3.3 Appropriate Location of minimisation of transfer of micro-organisms
Controls from person to person.
Consideration should be given to A number of strategies contribute to the
the control of air conditioners/ control of infection, such as hand washing,
evaporative coolers, ceiling fans careful aseptic technique and the
and other appliances in resident observance of "universal precautions".
areas, to enhance the resident's

control of their environment. In By far the most important of the infection
common areas of the Psychiatric control strategies is effective hand
Hostel, control of these functions washing. Hand washing facilities shall be
may best be delivered from a staff installed in all resident care areas, and also
controlled area. in all areas where careful attention to

hygiene is essential, such as kitchens,
laundries, utilities, etc. and staff amenities
4.4 SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT
areas, such as bathrooms, toilets and
change rooms. Hand basins for staff use
The right to a smoke free environment
shall be equipped with soap dispensers,
within the Psychiatric Hostel is to be
hand drying facilities and lever action taps
guaranteed. However consideration
to allow hands free operation.
should be given to the needs of residents,
staff and visitors who smoke, i.e. provision
Hand basins in kitchens shall be equipped
of an appropriate smoking area. The
with foot or electronically operated taps,
design of the smoking area shall be
to allow totally hands free operation.
consistent with current legislation related
to smoking in the workplace and enclosed
public areas. 4.7 SAFETY
4.5 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH All detailing within the Psychiatric Hostel

shall consider the special needs of a client
The occupational health, safety and group who, from time to time, may display
welfare of staff shall be considered in the high levels of expressed emotion. This may
design of a Psychiatric Hostel. Current be manifested in the form of random acts
Worksafe practices and legislation shall be of aggression, either self directed (in the
adopted. form of self-harming behaviour) or
directed at the facility. The design of the
4.6 INFECTION CONTROL Psychiatric Hostel should reflect this

possibility in its design and fit out.
All areas of the facility shall be designed,

constructed, furnished and equipped in
keeping with the principles of infection
control.
Infection control involves the prevention of
possible spread of infection by the

PLANNING AND DESIGN
4.8 DESIGN OF A NEW PSYCHIATRIC 4.8.1 General

HOSTEL
The configuration of the residential
facility and the linkages to the
central facility should give
The design of a new Psychiatric Hostel
consideration to the particular
involves the creation of ‘home-like’
resident requirements, the
residential facilities linked to a non-
operational philosophy, staffing
residential, central facilities building.
levels and projected operational
costings.
• AN EXAMPLE OF A HOME-LIKE PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL.

PLANNING AND DESIGN
Consideration should be given to encouraged to use the separate
breaking the residential facility into ‘home’ entry points rather than be
two or three smaller resident channelled through a reception
modules. It is recommended that point. Vehicular and pedestrian
the individual resident modules access, and car parking at the
accommodate no more than ten house entry points, should also be
residents. The living and service incorporated. The multiple entry
areas within the residence can principle should not compromise
then be located at the centre of the safety and security of the
the modules. residents.
The architectural style should be

sympathetic to the streetscape or
adjacent buildings. Refer to
Section 5 - Site, Section 6 – Building
Design and Section 7 – Interior
design for further architectural
requirements.
4.9 MODERNISATION AND EXTENSION OF

AN EXISTING FACILITY
• ARRANGEMENT OF AN INDIVIDUAL RESIDENT MODULE

Although a residential scale and
separation of the residential facility from
The links between the residential the central facility is easier to create in a
and the central facility should be new building, the philosophy can be
secure and weather proof. The applied when modernising and extending
links may include access to an existing Psychiatric Hostel. An entire
facilities that can be shared residential wing should be redeveloped or
between residential facilities (e.g. modified as a residential facility.
Bathroom or additional
storeroom). The link should
connect into the living/service Requests for modernisation, partial
area or a passage servicing those modernisation and extension shall be
spaces. submitted in writing to the Commissioner
for approval.
Each residential facility should be
treated as a single ‘house’ form. It Approval will be issued in writing (refer to
should have a separate entry Section 2 - Guideline Compliance).
treated as a front door, accessible
from the street. Visitors should be

PLANNING AND DESIGN
4.9.1 General
Traditional Psychiatric Hostel

models with large central
Lounge/Dining rooms are no
longer appropriate. Residential
facilities that include domestic
scaled living rooms promote a
more homely environment. The
modernisation of an existing
facility should include the provision
of a range of sitting spaces and
alternative living/dining room
areas.
When remodelling central shared

shower and toilet areas, the
original open plan and impersonal
design can be replaced with
separate rooms containing a
shower, toilet and hand basin • BATHROOM MODERNISATION
(‘ensuite’). Even refurbishment
can have a dramatic effect on
the building environment. Roof- Where existing facility
lights can be installed to improve modernisation or replacement
internal natural lighting levels (refer work is proposed all new work
to Section 6.1 - Residential and/or additions shall comply, as
Facilities). far as practical, with these

guidelines and any other codes,
standards, regulations or
4.9.2 Practical Aspects of
legislation empowered by them.
Modernisation
It should be noted that Projects involving alterations
concessions are possible where and/or additions to existing
existing spaces are involved. buildings shall be programmed

and phased to minimise disruption
Newly created bedrooms shall of retained existing functions.
comply with current minimum

sizes. Access exits and fire protection
shall be so maintained that
occupants’ safety will not be
jeopardised during construction.

SITE
5.2.1 Needs of Users

5. SITE
When the general suitability of the
site for a Psychiatric Hostel has
5.1 LOCATION been assessed, consideration
should be given to detailed site
planning with a focus on the
The site selected for the Psychiatric Hostel needs of users (i.e. residents, staff,
should facilitate community access and visitors and suppliers).
promote residents’ independence and
quality of life. In considering the site, features
such as topography, views,
vegetation, drainage, access,
The proposed development should be orientation and micro-climate
compatible with the current and future should be assessed and positive
land use and zoning. The site should features incorporated into the
enable the Psychiatric Hostel to blend with design. Well-considered site
the local environment and to become a planning can contribute to
desirable place to live. personal safety, property security,

energy efficiency and water
The location should enhance community conservation.
service delivery. A range of services

should be accessible for the benefit of the Careful site planning can
resident, their relatives, visitors and staff. significantly enhance the living
These should include public transport, environment for the future users of
pharmacy, banking, dentist, hospital, the Psychiatric Hostel.
department store, and library.

5.2.2 Impact on Neighbours
The interface between the
5.2 SITE PLANNING Psychiatric Hostel and

neighbouring areas should also be
carefully considered. Privacy for
Site planning requires consideration of the neighbours and Psychiatric Hostel
needs of the users, the impact on residents should be developed
neighbours and the presence of the through careful placement of
facility within the community. Site windows, fences and planting.
planning also includes consideration of

roadways, car parking, walkways, outdoor Pedestrian and vehicle access to
access, gardens, servicing and signage. the site shall be incorporated.

Visual links to views or features of
significance shall be considered.

SITE
If a site abuts or has view to a should be considered, e.g.
public open space or road with carport.
activity, then the site layout and
building design should take these 5.2.5 Roadways
factors into account.
Roadways should be carefully
Neighbouring areas may expose planned to provide access for
the site to detrimental impacts staff and visitors and for servicing
(e.g. excessive traffic noise). These and access for emergency
impacts shall be minimised to vehicles to the Psychiatric Hostel.
improve the environment for all The location of internal roadways
users. should be carefully considered in
relation to bedrooms. The impact
5.2.3 Community of internal roadways should be
softened by using unit paving and
Consideration should be given to planting trees and shrubs that,
the image the Psychiatric Hostel when grown, form a shade
projects within the community. canopy.
The image should demonstrate

that residents are valued people. 5.2.6 Outdoor Access and Gardens
The Psychiatric Hostel should blend
into the neighbouring environment The Psychiatric Hostel shall provide
and it should present a domestic access to useable external
residential appearance. The spaces, incorporating disabled
Psychiatric Hostel should fit within access. The external spaces
the surrounding neighbourhood's should include pathways, fixed
character. and moveable seating in
sheltered and exposed locations,
5.2.4 Car parking barbecues and pergolas.
Landscaping, both hard and soft,
Car parking should be discretely should provide as home-like an
located and should not dominate environment as possible.
views. Sufficient car parking

needs to be provided to satisfy Particular attention needs to be
applicable local authority paid to the provision of adequate
requirements and the needs of structured shade.
staff and visitors. Parking should

be dispersed around the site and Plant types should be selected to
associated with the entries to provide a variety of colours during
residential facilities. Transport the year. Deciduous trees should
arrangements for off-site travel also be incorporated as they
should be considered. A covered provide an indication of the
drop-off point near the front door change in seasons.

SITE
Garden areas shall not St John Ambulance should be
incorporate toxic plants. contacted to confirm current
requirements.
Adequate water service shall be
provided for garden maintenance 5.2.8 Signage
and for fire control purposes.
Discreet external signage may be

Outdoor areas should also have provided, however this should not
garden/security lighting to detract from the home-like
illuminate pathways and entrance qualities of the Psychiatric Hostel.
areas.
5.2.9 Mail Delivery

External areas should take
advantage of views and provide It is desirable for each residential
both a private backyard and a facility to have its own street
semi-public front garden. Visiting frontage and letterbox in addition
family and friends should also to the mailbox for the
have access to these areas, as administration facility. Discussions
invited by the residents. External should be held with Australia Post
courtyard security is to be to ensure that the installation of
provided where appropriate (e.g. mailboxes meets with their
open tubular fencing). approval.
Continuous high solid walling with
no visual relief is inappropriate.
5.2.7 Ramps
Where ramps are required for

resident access or egress,
minimum gradients, kerbs and
handrails are to comply with the
Building Code of Australia and AS
1428.1. Ramps in other areas, e.g.
service roadways, shall comply
with good design practice and be
suitable for the task. Australian
Standards, wherever applicable,
shall be used.
Specific requirements of the St

John Ambulance Association in
relation to ramp gradients and
ambulance park/loading area
gradients should be noted.

BUILDING DESIGN
At least 50% of the residents shall
6. BUILDING DESIGN be accommodated in single
bedrooms. The bedrooms shall be
sized to provide space for the
6.1 RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES bed, sitting space for personal and
social activities and space for staff
attendance, if required.
Each residential facility should be treated
as a single ‘house’ form. It should provide The minimum size of a single bed
the facilities of a typical home with resident room is 3300mm by
modifications to provide the necessary 3600mm. This size may need to
enabling environment. be increased dependent upon
position of door(s) and window
features, furniture layout, extent of
additional furniture (book cases,
6.1.1 Entry and covered set-down desks, TV), etc. A bedroom must
not be used as a thoroughfare to
Each house should have a rooms other than ensuite toilets,
separate entry, preferably treated closets, or dressing rooms that are
as a front door, accessible directly for the exclusive use of the
from the street. Visitors should not occupant(s) of that bedroom.
necessarily be channelled through They should not open directly into
a single reception point at the communal living areas, kitchen or
central facility but be encouraged other service areas. Bay windows
to use the individual house entries. are considered to be an

advantage in that they provide
Consideration should also be additional useable floor space for
given to a covered set-down area sitting activities.
associated with the entry. A

carport with undercover access to
the entry would be appropriate.
6.1.2 Bedrooms
To a large extent the bedroom will

be the only personal space the
resident has. Design features must
recognise the right to privacy,
security and personal space of the
resident. Bedrooms may
accommodate one or two
• EXAMPLE OF A SINGLE BEDROOM
residents, but single bedrooms are
preferred.

BUILDING DESIGN
In the planning of all residents’ It is also important to consider staff
rooms it is important to develop a access to ensuites. The
detailed room layout showing: arrangements shall be such that
each resident has easy access to
• lighting and switch locations his/her bed and personal
belongings. Residents and their
• windows and doors relatives should be encouraged to
personalise the residents’ room.
• heating and cooling Shelving for the display of personal
equipment and controls items should be provided.
• furniture layout (bed, chairs, 6.1.3 Showers, Toilets, Basins and

robe, bedside table, drawers, Baths – Generally
television and other possible
personal furniture, etc.). This section only describes
minimum provision. The room sizes
The minimum size of a two bed (accessibility) in AS 1428.1 are
resident room is 3600mm by considered appropriate.
6000m. As for single bedrooms, the
size may need to be altered The retention of privacy and
dependent upon layout and dignity is the most important
fitout. In the case of the two-bed aspect in the design of showering,
rooms, detailed consideration toileting and bathing facilities in a
should be given to the room Psychiatric Hostel.
arrangement to provide maximum
possible privacy for each resident The location of these facilities
and their visitors. within the residential facility should
promote privacy. The interior fitout
In designing the two bed room, it is should be as domestic as possible
important to develop a detailed and should encourage residents to
room layout showing, in addition achieve their maximum level of
to those features listed above, the independence.
following:
The placement of showers, toilets

• separate furnishings for each and basins within the facility shall
resident i.e., beds, robes, be considered. For the purposes of
desks, chairs, television shelf, these guidelines, a room consisting
etc. of a shower, toilet and basin shall
be known jointly as an 'ensuite'.
• Individual views to external
spaces for each resident.
Bedrooms designed for more than

two beds shall not be permitted.

BUILDING DESIGN
Minimum Ensuite Requirements Detailing and fit out of showers,
Minimum provision shall be one toilets, basins and baths shall
‘ensuite’ (shower, toilet, and basin)

for every 4 residents. A dedicated
consider resident safety as referred
‘ensuite’ for each bedroom, with
direct access from the bedroom, is
preferred. At least one pan, one to in section 4.4
washbasin and one shower shall

be accessible to residents with
disabilities, within each residential
facility.
Placement of the ‘ensuites’ shall

take into account the need to limit
to 15 metres the distance of travel
from each bed to the nearest
toilet. Ensuites should not be
considered as "communal"
facilities for general use of all
residents (refer section 6.1.5.2 –
Resident Communal Toilet).
Individual storage of personal

toiletries in the ‘ensuite’ should be
considered. Multi-compartment
storage cabinets are considered
appropriate for use in shared
‘ensuites’. Coat hooks should also
be considered.
Acoustic privacy is important in

• MINIMUM ENSUITE REQUIREMENT
shared facilities. Solid core doors
fitted with acoustic seals shall be
installed with air transfer ducts (not
6.1.4 Showers
door grilles) for supply air.
Showers should have a design

A bath (with assisted toilet and focus consistent with the
basin) shall also be provided requirements of AS 1428.1. Staff
within the facility for those who assistance within the shower
prefer bathing to showering. Refer rooms (with toilet and basin) is a
Section 6.1.7 – Bathrooms, for design consideration.
design information.

BUILDING DESIGN
6.1.5 Toilets
The room should have a design • COMMUNAL TOILET LAYOUT

focus consistent with the
requirements of AS 1428.1, 6.1.6 Basins
although the toilet installation
requires special consideration. Basin configuration according to
AS 1428.1 is considered
In particular the dimension, from appropriate. Tapware should be
the rear wall to the front of the chosen that is simple for residents
pan, in AS 1428.1 (800 mm) is to use (refer Section 6.1.9 -
excessive. The distance from the Plumbing Fittings).
front of the cistern to the front of

the pan shall be approximately Mirrors over the basins are also
600mm (720mm from rear wall to required. The bottom of the mirror
front of pan). shall be no higher than 900mm

above the floor. Mirrors shall be
6.1.5.1 Staff/Visitor’s Toilet securely fitted and resistant to
excessive impact. A basin with a
A toilet suitable for use by staff, vanity unit should be incorporated
visitors and disabled visitors as this enhances the residential
shall be provided within each quality of the bathroom.
residential facility
Hand washing facilities shall be
Where modules are directly securely anchored to withstand an
connected centrally located applied vertical load of not less
facilities for visitors are
considered adequate.
6.1.5.2 Resident Communal Toilet
A resident communal-use toilet

(with hand basin) shall be
provided near the
activity/meals area.
than 115kg on the front of the

fixture.

BUILDING DESIGN
by the resident, the right to privacy
when going to the bathroom and
the general accessibility of the
BASIN CONFIGURATION – RESIDENT USE

central bathroom to all residents.
•
6.1.6.1 Staff Use Hand Basins
Each individual resident facility

shall be provided with a hand
basin for use by staff. The hand
basin shall be equipped with
lever action type taps, showing
hot and cold markings, to allow
for 'hands free' operation. Each
basin shall also be provided
with liquid soap and paper
• BATHROOM LAYOUT - TYPICAL
towel dispensers.
6.1.7 Bathrooms 6.1.8 Grip Bars
A separate room containing a Grip bars shall be detailed as

bath shall be provided. described in AS 1428.1, except
where otherwise noted in this
The bathroom may be centrally document.
located to allow access to all
residents. In a new building, a Grip bars, vertical adjustable
toilet shall be provided within the shower supports, towel rails, soap
room to allow dignified toileting of holders, foot rests and any other
residents during the bathing fixture which may be used for
process. A hand basin shall also support, shall have sufficient
be provided. Consideration may anchorage and strength to resist
also be given to providing a the sustained concentrated load
resident shower. of a falling heavy human.
Where the residential facilities are

6.1.9 Plumbing Fittings
directly connected, a minimum of
one bathroom per 30 residents
Location and arrangement of
shall be provided. Replication
fittings for whatever purpose shall
may be necessary for stand-alone
permit their proper use and
modules, but where they are
operation.
directly connected, a single
bathroom in a central location
Non-thermal transmitting handles
would suffice. Consideration must
are preferred with effective finger
be given to the distances travelled

BUILDING DESIGN
grips. Hot and cold indicators shall The area of the quiet room shall
be very clear and the turning be a minimum of 12 sq/m. A quiet
action should not require room may also be used as
excessive force. Vandal proof style overnight accommodation for
is recommended. relatives.
6.1.10 Lounge This overnight accommodation
might consist of a couch/bed in
A home-like lounge room shall be the quiet room, a hand basin,
provided for each residential shower and visitor's toilet nearby.
facility.
6.1.12 Family/Meals
Lounge Rooms should be sized to A home-like family/meals room
provide comfortable seating and shall be provided for each
circulation space for the total residential facility. It shall be sized
number of residents and visitors to provide space for normal
expected to use it at any one residential type day activities (e.g.
time. The minimum lounge floor Meals, morning/afternoon tea,
area shall be no less than 20 cooking, craft, games, etc.).
square metres. The total area of

these sitting rooms shall consist of Selection of furniture will have an
a minimum of two square metres impact on floor area. Indicative
of sitting space per resident. furniture layouts should be
Corridors and verandas shall not developed during the planning of
be included in the minimum area the building (refer to Section 7 -
requirements. Interior Design).
Family and Dining Areas
The following areas shall be

Selection of furniture will have an accommodated:
obvious impact on floor area.
Family: 2.8m2 per resident
Indicative furniture layouts should
(minimum of 20m2 total)
be developed during the planning
of the building (refer to Section 7 - Dining: 1.5m2 per resident
Interior Design). (minimum of 16m2 total).
6.1.11 Quiet Room.

6.1.13 Kitchen/Pantry/Tea Preparation
Area (Residential Unit)
A quiet room shall be provided in
each residential facility for
Food service provision should be
reading, writing and quiet pursuits.
given early consideration. The
It shall contain reading material
operational arrangements and
and be appropriately furnished.
associated facility requirements

BUILDING DESIGN
need to be fully resolved prior to Independent Living Centre can
construction to facilitate a high advise.
quality food service.
The hot plate and oven should be
A kitchen, pantry or tea electric, should have on/off lights
preparation area shall be for each hotplate and have front
provided for each residential unit, located controls. Staff controlled
depending on the facility type key isolators may also be
and food service policy. considered.
The kitchen shall be capable of Design of the kitchen/pantry area

preparing or reconstituting main shall consider resident safety as
meals for the maximum number of referred to in section 4.4.
occupants of the residential
facility. The kitchen should include 6.1.14 Sitting Areas
pantry provision, serving and
clean up facilities. There may also Consideration should be given to
be a small tea preparation area the provision of alternative sitting
for use by residents and visitors. areas, e.g. a corridor nook with
views to the outside.
Main meals prepared from a
central production kitchen should 6.1.15 Smoke free environment.
be plated and served in the
residential unit kitchen area to The right to a smoke free
enable individual selection. environment within the Psychiatric
Hostel is to be guaranteed.
Visiting relatives or friends may also However, consideration should be
use the kitchen to prepare meals given to the needs of residents
for individual residents. Adequate and visitors who smoke, i.e.
refrigeration and dry-goods provision of an appropriate
storage within each house, and an smoking area. The design of the
oven sized to accommodate smoking area shall be consistent
large containers (particularly with current legislation related to
where serviced from a central smoking in the workplace and
kitchen), shall be considered. enclosed public areas.
The kitchen/pantry should have

6.1.16 Dirty Utility
direct access to the dining/meals
area. It should also be designed
A dirty utility room shall be
for partial access by the disabled,
provided for each residential
at least for morning and afternoon
facility. Replication may be
tea preparation, e.g. pull out shelf
necessary if the facility layout
or partially open under bench,
lower height bench, etc. The

BUILDING DESIGN
requires long distances to be A small laundry, for the washing of
covered. personal items, should be included
as a separate room with
Facilities for pan sanitising shall be convenient access to each
considered. An electric or steam residential facility. The laundry
heated pan sanitiser is should provide space for a
recommended for the safety of washing machine and clothes
staff. A slophopper is required for dryer and contain a trough,
initial disposal of pan/urinal bench and space for an ironing
contents before disinfection. The board. External drying areas shall
slophopper shall be fitted with a also be provided.
flexible hand-spray nozzle (refer to
section 8.5.2.3 – Back Flow 6.1.19 Storage
Prevention). A stainless steel sink
and drainer and a separate basin 6.1.19.1 Clean Linen Store
for staff hand washing shall also
be provided. Cupboards and/or A clean linen store shall be
racks shall be provided for provided in each residential
bedpan, bowl and urine bottle facility. The clean linen store
storage. can be either a storeroom or a
storage cupboard.
6.1.17 Dirty Linen
6.1.19.2 Equipment Store
A separate mechanically
ventilated cupboard or storeroom
shall be provided for the holding It is important that careful
of dirty linen, prior to transfer to the analysis is made of the
laundry or a central holding area. equipment requirements.

Provision shall be made to
Containment of odours so that accommodate equipment
they do not disturb residents, staff when not in use
and visitors is of utmost

importance. Convenient pickup
of the dirty linen for transfer to an
An equipment store shall be
off-site laundry, central holding
provided for the storage of
area or on-site laundry should
items of equipment such as
influence the final location of the
spare beds, furniture etc.
dirty linen store, i.e. prevent
crossing of resident areas with For some equipment, suitable
bags or trolleys of dirty linen. out of the way parking areas
within bathrooms is preferable,
6.1.18 Laundry (Residential) however other items require
dedicated spaces.

BUILDING DESIGN
locked room. Where the
delivery of medication is by
6.1.19.3 Residents’ Store trolley, secure storage of the
trolley must be considered.
Storage of seldom-used items
belonging to residents should 6.1.20 Windows, Screens and Grilles
be accommodated in the
resident’s room. All rooms occupied by residents
and staff on a regular basis shall
6.1.19.4 Cleaner’s Store have glazed windows or doors to
achieve external views and/or
A cleaner's store shall be make use of direct or borrowed
provided in a location natural light.
convenient to each residential
facility. The cleaner’s store Resident bedrooms shall have
shall have a cleaner's sink, windows overlooking external
room to accommodate a areas. An external area is a
trolley and storage shelving perimeter space around a
and hanging racks. building, a naturally ventilated
Mechanical ventilation shall be and lit atrium or a courtyard.
provided to the cleaner’s store
(refer to section 8.1.4 - Each external window and/or
Ventilation Rates). external glazed door panel area
shall be not less than 10% of the
6.1.19.5 Medication Store/Preparation
floor area of the room concerned.
An opening component equal to
The storage of Schedule 4 and
not less than 5% of the floor area
Schedule 8 drugs shall also be
of the same room should be
considered. Schedule 4 drugs
provided. These requirements
are prescription drugs.
together will ensure natural light
Schedule 8 drugs are also
and ventilation in the event of an
prescription drugs and are
electrical or air handling system
drugs of addiction. They
failure (refer Section 8.1 -
require additional security and
Mechanical Services).
dispensing control. Storage
should be according to the
External windows shall be fitted
Poisons Act (WA) 1965 (as
with flyscreens and consideration
amended) or the relevant
should be given to the installation
HDWA standard.
of security screens/grilles.
In general, the storage of

In addition windows shall have
medications, dressings and
blinds and/or curtains. External
surgical supplies is required to
shading devices should also be
be in a locked cupboard in a
considered.

BUILDING DESIGN
These measures should provide
effective control of direct sunlight
and glare from external sources.
Windows are not to be obstructed
by furniture, partitions, etc.
6.1.21 Doors
The minimum dimension of clear

door openings to resident
bedrooms/corridors etc. in new
areas shall be in accordance with
BCA requirements.
All corridor doors shall swing in the

direction of fire egress. Doors,
except those to spaces such as
ducts to which access is required
infrequently, shall not swing into
corridors in a manner that might
obstruct traffic flow or reduce the
required corridor width.
Glazed panels shall be provided in

doors where observation for
reasons of safety or security for
residents and staff is required.
Glazing in fire doors shall comply
with the AS 1905.1.
Hardware shall be provided to suit

the requirements of privacy,
safety, security and function, e.g.
indicator sets on toilets, showers,
etc.
Rooms that contain baths, showers

or toilets shall be equipped with
door hardware that will permit
emergency access from the
outside.

BUILDING DESIGN
As these rooms are generally only 6.1.22 Corridors/Passageways
small in size, and particularly
where door openings are narrow, The corridors shall be designed for
the doors shall be capable of disabled persons. A clear width
opening outwards or in a manner (minimum) of 1200mm shall be
that negates the need to push provided.
against the resident who may
have collapsed or secured Emergency evacuation routes
themselves within the room. shall be provided in accordance
with the Building Code of Australia
All Psychiatric Hostels shall have a 1996. Corridors shall be designed
rational master key system. Locks in short runs or have wall variation.
shall be provided to staff rooms,
bedrooms, drug stores, offices Where possible, natural light shall
etc., as appropriate. be allowed to penetrate into the
internal corridor spaces via roof
Door closers should be considered lights or internal window walls, e.g.
for doors that should remain glazing or glass blocks.
closed, e.g. external doors,
corridor doors, etc. Note that ‘Visual keys’ or cues should also be
closers on doors can cause access considered when designing both
problems for disabled people, and the residential and the central
as such, their installation should be facilities in the Psychiatric Hostel -
carefully considered. e.g. different feature entry
doors/porticoes/arches into each
Door hold-open/closers should residential module.
also be considered for doors that
should remain open, e.g. doors on
main traffic routes, delivery doors,
etc. Free swing door closers may 6.2 CENTRAL FACILITIES
also be incorporated where
appropriate.
In line with the philosophy of creating a

Delayed action hold-open/closer more home-like environment, services such
may be considered where regular as administration, main meeting room, the
trolley movement by single central kitchen and/or laundry etc., shall
operators might cause door be separated from residential facilities.
damage, e.g. doors in corridors
and into kitchens.
Security flyscreen doors where

installed, shall not compromise
emergency egress.

BUILDING DESIGN
6.2.1 Enclosed Walkways be provided, all in accordance

with the Occupational Health
The links between the central Safety and Welfare Regulations
facility and residential facilities 1996.
shall be enclosed and secure. The

length of the walkways should be 6.2.5 Service Delivery Point
minimised to provide maximum
staff efficiency. As a minimum the A service delivery point shall be
walkways shall provide shelter and included for delivery to, and
security particularly for access at pickup from, service areas such as
night. The walkways may the central kitchen, laundry and
incorporate rest spots, storage storage areas.
areas and facilities that are shared
between the residential facilities, 6.2.6 Central Laundry
such as the bathroom.
If a facility for on-site laundering of

6.2.2 Administration linen is to be provided, then it shall
comply with AS 4146 and be
A separate administration area visually and acoustically isolated
should be provided in the from the residential areas (i.e. not
Psychiatric Hostel. The directly attached). Attachment to
administration area may include a central administration facility is
reception, waiting, manager’s acceptable.
office, staff office and staff
facilities, etc. A staff/visitors toilet Provision shall be made for a
may also be required. mechanically ventilated dirty linen
Consultation with staff as to their store and clean linen sorting area.
particular detailed requirements Refer to the ‘Laundry Guidelines’
should be undertaken where extract at appendix 3 for further
possible. detail on central on-site laundry
facilities.
6.2.3 Amenities Room
Where the central laundry utilises
A room for large functions should gas appliances, an emergency
be provided. This room can be gas isolation valve shall be
used for entertainment or events installed in a location that is easily
that involve residents. accessible during emergency
egress.
6.2.4 Staff Facilities
If laundering is to be handled off-
Staff facilities, e.g. shared lunch site, then a
room, male and female change holding/pickup/delivery facility,
rooms, showers, toilets, etc. shall attached to the central

BUILDING DESIGN
administration block, shall be 6.2.9 Bin Areas and Rubbish
provided. The dirty linen store shall Collection
be mechanically ventilated.
6.2.7 Central Production Kitchen Provision shall be made for the
storage and collection of rubbish.
A central production kitchen or Bins should be stored in a bin
localised reconstitution kitchen (as enclosure or ventilated storeroom.
deemed appropriate) shall be An associated facility for washing
designed and operated in bins shall be provided.
accordance with the
requirements of the Food Hygiene Discussions should be held with the
Regulations 1993 and relevant local authority regarding bin store
Worksafe WA requirements. requirements, rubbish collection,
manoeuvrability of rubbish trucks
The design of the central kitchen and bin provision.
and associated storage areas
should be carefully considered to 6.2.10 Plant and Equipment Spaces
ensure a high quality food service.
Provision shall be made for the

Where the central production necessary rooms or cupboards for
kitchen utilises gas appliances, an plant and equipment. This
emergency gas isolation valve includes spaces for the location of
shall be installed in a location that concealed fire hose reels,
is easily accessible during electrical and
emergency egress. telecommunications equipment,
mechanical plant and plumbing
Where central kitchens provide services.
meals to other facilities, the Code
of Practice for Meals on Wheels
services shall be observed.
6.3 CONSTRUCTION
6.2.8 Storage
Adequate, accessible and secure

Construction should be appropriate to suit
storage areas shall be provided
the desired home-like architectural style.
for the storage of supplies and
The materials and detailing should
records. Where possible, storage
emphasise the home-like nature of the
requirements should be discussed
Psychiatric Hostel.
with the management of the
Psychiatric Hostel.

BUILDING DESIGN
Construction materials and detailing shall 6.5 GLAZING
comply with the requirements of the
Building Code of Australia. All glazing shall be in accordance with the
requirements of AS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208.
The construction materials and detailing Due to the nature of the resident group
shall enhance the home-like qualities of (who may have unsteady gait or blurred
the Psychiatric Hostel and reflect the vision due to psychotropic medication),
needs of the intended resident. Resident the use of full height glazed door and
safety shall be a prime consideration in window panels, low level glazing and large
the construction of the Psychiatric Hostel mirror panels are generally not
(refer to section 4.4 - Safety). recommended.
If large glazed panels are utilised then
The construction materials and detailing consideration shall be given to increasing
should adopt a maintenance the safety margin in relation to the
minimisation approach within the given Australian Standard, and the placement of
cost parameters. a visual cue on the glass panel.
Care should be given to the joining of

materials to ensure smooth junctions to
prevent injury. 6.6 MAINTENANCE
The Building Code of Australia Section E5

covers briefly the need to maintain the
6.4 SECURITY building so that it does not deteriorate to
the extent of endangering residents.
Section E5 also gives consideration to
Resident and staff security shall be maintenance in the areas of:
considered. The movement of staff
between buildings at night requires special • safety installations
attention. • mechanical ventilation and warm
water systems compliance with AS/NZS
3666.
A Psychiatric Hostel is a 24 hour operation In designing and detailing a Psychiatric

with staff entering and leaving at various Hostel facility, the recurrent costs involved
times. At these times the potential for in maintaining the building stock are an
unauthorised entry into the building exists. important consideration. Psychiatric Hostel
Attention should be given to home-like proprietors should consider the
fencing, lighting (internal and external), establishment of an asset management
locking systems, enclosed walkways, drug program to ensure that building stock is
storage and security systems generally. maintained to an appropriate standard.

BUILDING DESIGN
The architect and engineers should
minimise the impact of maintenance on
the life cycle costs of the facility, with
consideration to the proprietor's capital
commitment. Selection of building
materials, finishes, fitments, plant, etc., and
maintenance access, are all-important
considerations.
The aim of the above is to prevent the
building from deteriorating. The
Commissioner of Health, under the
Hospitals and Health Services Act 1927,
may need to consider the withdrawal of
the Psychiatric Hostel licence if the
building stock is deemed in any way to be
unsafe.

INTERIOR DESIGN
• the differing effects of various types of
7. INTERIOR DESIGN light upon colour and vice versa
• potential to provide variety through

7.1 GENERAL change of texture and surface
• visual dynamics and balance

A home-like interior shall be created in the
development of new Psychiatric Hostels • proportion and its effects
and the remodelling of existing Psychiatric
Hostels. • re-decoration is not a budgetary
priority so care in selection of materials
and colour is important
Careful consideration shall be given to the
selection and co-ordination of furnishings, • extremes of colour should be avoided.
fittings, finishes and internal detailing to
enhance the home-like qualities of the The ease of cleaning, ongoing costs,
Psychiatric Hostel. Attention should also efficient maintenance and safety of
be given to the importance and impact of residents are important considerations.
the use of colour.
Décor involves style, atmosphere, colour,

materials, textures, forms and the effects of
7.2 FINISHES
light. The appeal or lack of appeal to the
individual of a particular décor is based
upon that individual’s perception of the
Design Objective
collective whole and is highly subjective.
Finishes should be of an appropriate
character. Whilst consideration needs to
Historically, in Psychiatric Hostel design,
be given to maintenance, the selected
there have been rigid commitments to
finishes and detailing should not give an
particular selections or avoidance in the
institutional feel of indestructibility.
area of décor, especially with regard to
colour. Interior design, when empirically
tested, has proven to be beneficial to the
Floor finishes shall be impervious and slip-
overall well being of the resident.
resistant in wet areas (e.g. mosaic ceramic
tiles or slip resistant vinyl in
The Hostel designer is advised to show
bathrooms/toilets, sheet vinyl in service
fresh initiative in décor selection, keeping
areas, etc.) and as deemed appropriate
in mind the following points:
in the resident living and relaxation areas
(e.g. carpet or a residential patterned
• the dimensions of colour: hue,
vinyl). In wet areas, coved skirting shall be
intensity, tone, temperature
provided.

INTERIOR DESIGN
Carpet provides benefits with regard to • Domestic appearance where possible,
comfort and home-like appearance. but not to the exclusion of function. A
compromise is often necessary.
However, consideration must be given to
the ease with which it can be cleaned • Co-ordination with the remainder of
and its ability to contain liquid spills (to the interior design.
prevent contamination of the sub floor).
• Worksafe WA requirements.
Carpets, vinyls, curtains and other wall and
floor finishes installed in all Psychiatric • Tables with legs that maximise stability.
Hostels shall be inherently fire retardant
and have Early Fire Hazard Indices in • Adequate floor area, corridor and door
accordance with section C1.10 of the widths for selected beds etc. Large
Building Code of Australia. lounge chairs may also require
consideration of additional floor area.
Note that floor finishes affect the acoustic
performance of the building interior. The • Low fire risk.
Facilities and Assets Branch of the Health
Department of Western Australia can
provide advice on all of the above, as
required.
7.3 FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
The selection of loose furniture and

equipment shall take into account the
needs of the residents, and the preferred
domestic nature of the building
environment.
When purchasing furnishings for use in the

Psychiatric Hostel the following points shall
be considered:
• Ergonomics and comfort, in particular

ease of mounting and dismounting
(chairs and beds, etc.).

PART 4
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
PART 4: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

ENGINEERING SERVICES
pressure within bounds of energy
8. ENGINEERING SERVICES management
• energy conservation
8.1 MECHANICAL SERVICES
• the safety of residents (refer to section

The certification of the Mechanical 4.4 - Safety)
Services installation shall be undertaken by
a professional consulting Engineer 8.1.1 Heating/Cooling/Ventilation -
experienced in residential home services Generally
design, with Corporate Membership of the
Institution of Engineers, Australia and Heating, cooling and ventilation
relevant NPER-3 Registration, or shall have shall be provided as required
demonstrated competence to this level as under this section to ensure
assessed by the HDWA on previous reasonable comfort in all resident
projects. The professional Engineer shall service areas.
certify all test data and that the design
complies with all statutory requirements Controls are to be readily
and these guidelines. accessible and easily used by
residents in areas such as residents'
The mechanical contractor or consulting rooms. In communal areas it is
engineer shall certify that the installation desirable to have these controls
complies with the documentation and the under the control of staff.
mandatory requirements established or
implied with the "Approval to Construct". Unless otherwise required, areas
should ideally be maintained
Special consideration should be given to within the range of 20 degrees
the following items in mechanical service Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The
design: winter set point shall generally be
22 degrees + 1 degree Celsius.
• reliability of operation The summer set point shall
generally be 24 degrees Celsius +
• ease of maintenance and selection of 1 degree Celsius. These may be
systems with a minimum of components adjusted to suit local preferences.
requiring maintenance Air conditioning, with appropriate
fresh air provision as stated herein,
• effective system management is the most effective means of
providing acceptable
• select equipment with minimum noise environmental conditions for
and vibration characteristics residents.
• select equipment with stable operating

points and below their maximum limits
for capacity speed, temperature and

8.1.2 Heating 8.1.3 Cooling
An adequate and safe heating Air conditioning is recommended
system shall be provided for all for all occupied areas.
facilities, including bath and

shower areas, in locations where Lounge rooms, day/dining spaces,
the average minimum the study, etc. shall be provided
temperature in any month falls with both heating and cooling. Air
below 10 degrees Celsius. conditioning is recommended,

although alternatives will be
Heating is recommended where considered.
inside temperatures will not remain

within accepted comfort levels at Where evaporative cooling is
all times. used, the systems shall be readily

and safely accessible for cleaning
Bedrooms shall have, as a and arranged to have dry sumps
minimum a wall mounted strip when switched off to minimise
heater. Refer to section 8.2.6 – Legionella risk. The sanitation
Electric Room Heaters, for details. procedure for bacterial control in

accordance with AS/NZS 3666
A mantle piece and hearth with shall be detailed in the
appropriate heater insert in the Maintenance Manual provided to
lounge is considered desirable to the client.
recreate the residential lounge

environment. Bedrooms shall have as a
minimum circulating fans
Gas heaters shall be installed providing adequate air
where the equipment is visible, movement.
readily accessible and easily

maintainable. Gas heaters shall Ceiling sweep fans shall be
have flues to the outside. provided as described in Section

8.2.7 – Wall and Ceiling Fans. Fans
Where gas heaters are not may be used in conjunction with
installed in such locations they heating and cooling equipment
shall be enclosed in a structure for economy of operation in mid
that shall not hinder maintenance season.
and inspection but which shall

provide a minimum fire resistance
level of 60/60/60. In such cases,
the enclosure shall be protected
by a smoke alarm connected to
the Fire Indicator Board (FIB).

8.1.4 Ventilation Requirements Exhaust air discharges shall be

in accordance with AS 1668.2
8.1.4.1 Outdoor Air Clause 3.7.
Outdoor air intakes shall be Clean areas shall not be
located in accordance with AS ventilated by systems serving
1668.2 Clause 2.2 to ensure the sanitary compartments, dirty
supply is of adequate quality. utility rooms and similar spaces.
Except as otherwise required in However, laundries and
these guidelines, outdoor air cleaners' rooms may be served
provisions shall be in from either clean or dirty
accordance with the Building systems.
Code of Australia (BCA) and

AS 1668.2. Other enclosures that are
similar in nature may be served
Where class of occupancy is by common exhaust systems in
not specifically listed in Table accordance with AS 1668.2
A.1 under "Health Care", an Clause 3.6.
equivalent class of occupancy

from other areas of the Table Contaminated exhaust
shall be used. systems, including those serving

toilets, and those necessary to
Where not required for positive attain positive air flow from
air flow control, induced make- clean to dirty areas shall be
up air may be considered fitted with differential pressure
equivalent to fresh air, switches to provide visual
provided the source is not indication of fan failure in a
contaminated and complies continuously occupied area or
with the BCA requirements for by remote alarm. Alternatively,
"borrowed" air. dual motor or dual fans with

automatic changeover on fan
Forced fresh air shall be failure may be provided.
provided in accordance with

these guidelines to all Exception to the above
occupied spaces regardless of provision shall apply to
whether the area is served via independent toilet exhaust
openable windows. systems serving single

toilet/shower or bath areas.
8.1.4.2 Exhaust Air

Acoustic isolation and transfer
Exhaust air provisions shall be in ducts shall be provided for
accordance with the BCA and make-up air supply for shared
AS 1668.2, Table B1. use ensuite toilets and where

toilets have doors which open

directly onto public areas or supply air systems, except for
thoroughfares. unitary equipment, shall
automatically shut down on
Kitchen areas shall be any fire alarm signal in the area
ventilated in accordance with served by that system.
Health (Food Hygiene)
Regulations of the Health Act Ductwork shall comply with the
and AS 1668.2. requirements of the BCA, AS
1668.1 and AS 4254.
8.1.4.3 Ventilation Rates Flexible ductwork shall comply
with the requirements of the
The following areas shall have Building Code of Australia and
exhaust ventilation rates that have test certification to AS
are the greater of either those 1530.2 and AS 1530.3 for the
shown below or the following minimum indices:
requirements of AS 1668.2 Table
B.1. Spread of Flame 0
Smoke Developed 3
Flammability 5
Ensuites
(incorporating showers):
8.1.4.5 Legionella Prevention
Single Resident: 10 L/s. m²
Shared Resident: 15 L/s. m²
Resident Bathrooms: 15 L/s. m² Air conditioning systems shall
Dirty Utility Rooms: 10 L/s. m² be designed, operated and
Cleaners' Rooms: 5 L/s. m² maintained to prevent
Smoking Room: 15 L/s. m² Legionella and microbes from
Soiled Linen Holding Rooms:
developing in the systems.
15 L/s. m²
Soiled Linen Cupboards:
The recommendations and
20 air changes/ hour.
requirements of AS/NZS 3666
shall apply.
Corridors may require exhaust
ventilation to remove odours
8.1.4.6 Air Filtration
associated with incontinent
residents, e.g. through naturally
Two main levels of air filtration
or mechanically ventilated roof
are required in Psychiatric
lights.
Hostel systems. These exclude
special requirements for
8.1.4.4 Air Handling Systems
removal of grease from kitchen
hoods, and other special
All air handling systems shall be
purpose applications for which
designed and operated in
filters shall be selected for that
accordance with AS 1668.1.
particular function.
Where systems fall outside the
jurisdiction of this standard, all

When outside air provisions are The filtration, mechanical
reduced from that tabulated in ventilation and air conditioning
AS 1668.2 table A1, filters shall, systems servicing this area shall
in addition to complying with be designed to ensure
these guidelines, satisfy AS appropriate lint dust control viz.
1668.2 Appendix D. high level laminar supply
Filters shall be located in combined with low level
accessible non-occupied exhaust with lint filters.
areas wherever possible for
ease of maintenance. The mechanical services
systems shall also be designed
The two main air filtration levels to deal with the heat
are: generated by the laundry
drying process, e.g. exhaust
Basic Level - the basic level of registers over the dryers and/or
filtration is that applicable to dryers ducted direct to outside
unitary equipment for air with lint collection provision
recirculation of air in a single on all exhaust discharges.
room. Filters shall be Dry Panel
filters of minimum 60% Provision shall be made for
efficiency to No. 4 Dust as regular maintenance to
specified in AS 1324.2. prevent the excessive build-up
of lint dust, which can be the
Standard Filters - standard filters source of a fire hazard.
shall be fitted in ducted
systems to general, service and Spot cooling with air-
administration areas. Filters conditioned or evaporatively
shall be Dry Panel on extended cooled supply air should be
surface of minimum 70% considered to provide
efficiency to No. 4 Dust as adequate operator comfort in
specified in AS 1324.2. laundries.
8.1.4.7 Linen Processing Areas -

Special Requirements
8.2 ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Excessive exposure to lint dust
generated in the folding and
Electrical installations shall comply with the
handling of linen can cause
requirements of AS 3000, the Supply
irritation of the upper
Authority, the Building Code of Australia,
respiratory system. Psychiatric
these guidelines and other relevant
Hostels incorporating a staff
Australian Standards.
operated laundry shall have
the following issues addressed:

The design, witnessing of all relevant tests construction, building elements
and certification of the Psychiatric Hostel's shall be not less than FRL 90/90/90.
electrical installation shall be undertaken Refer to BCA C2.12, C2.13 and
by an appropriately qualified and Specification C1.1 Table 5.
experienced professional Engineer with
Corporate Membership of the Institution of These measures in conjunction
Engineers, Australia and/or relevant NPER- with mains and sub-mains
3 Registration. The professional Engineer protection shall minimise disruption
shall certify all tests and that the design to the facility in the case of fire.
complies with all statutory requirements
and with these guidelines. Switchboards distributing
electricity within a Psychiatric
The electrical contractor or consulting Hostel installation shall:
engineer shall certify that the installation
complies with the documentation and the • be located in readily
mandatory requirements established or accessible, well illuminated
implied with the "Approval to Construct". areas where they cannot
obstruct means of emergency
Particular emphasis shall be placed on the egress
safety and reliability of the installed
service. • be mounted in a secure
location, be accessible only to
8.2.1 Switchboards authorised Psychiatric Hostel
personnel and comply with the
The main switchboard and main requirements of AS 3003 for
distribution board shall be at least protective devices
Form 2 in accordance with AS
3439.1, with additional separation • be constructed to adequately
such that the incoming units, withstand, without damage,
including incoming conductors, the prospective short circuit
are segregated from outgoing currents at the installed
units and outgoing conductors. location
The site main switchboard and
building main distribution board • be provided on the basis of at
shall be separated from any other least one distribution board per
part of the building by required fire compartment. Fire
construction having an FRL of no or smoke isolated areas within
less than 120/120/120. Where the major fire compartments are
board is within the building, any exempt from this requirement
doorway in that construction shall
be protected with a fire door • have main switch or switches
having an FRL of not less than - controlling the incoming supply
120/120/30. Where the building is
single storey of Type C

• be fully enclosed in an percent spare capacity over the
enclosure of adequate fire calculated maximum demand.
resistant materials to achieve
FRL of 60/60/60, or installed in a 8.2.3 Lighting
similarly rated duct
All areas of the hostel shall be

• include isolation from the roof adequately illuminated by natural
space in single storey or artificial means, to afford safe
construction movement commensurate with
the purposes of each area.
• have all equipment on the Artificial lighting shall be by means
switchboard mounted in a of electricity.
manner so as to permit ready
comprehension for The level of general lighting
identification and control provided throughout shall be not
less than the recommended
• be suitably protected against service illuminance levels listed in
unauthorised access, AS 1680.1.
vandalism and vehicular
damage Light and power switches shall be
of robust construction with heavy-
• have 3 spare fuse carriers with duty mechanisms.
fuse elements intact, kept at all
times at each switchboard for Circuit and phase number shall be
each rating or type of fuse suitably identified at every light
installed on that board. They switching position.
shall be retained in special
clips or racks for ready Where working positions are fixed,
identification and use advantage may be taken of the
AS 1680.2.0, task lighting provisions.
• consideration should be given
to the use of centre trip position 8.2.3.1 External Lighting
circuit breakers for ease of
identification of tripped circuits. Where entrances and exits are
used by residents and the
8.2.2 Cabling (General) public after dark and do not
abut a public thoroughfare,
All electrical cabling installed in a the pathway from each
private Psychiatric Hostel shall entrance or exit to a public
comply with the requirements of thoroughfare shall be
AS 3008.1 and AS 3009. illuminated to a minimum
average horizontal illuminance
Consideration should be given to of not less than one lux for the
running of cabling with a 25

whole of the "after dark" Luminaries installed less than
resident visiting times. 2400mm from a floor or ground
or similar surface on which
All other external paths of persons may normally stand
travel shall be illuminated to a shall be suitably constructed or
level not less than that detailed protected by guards against
in AS 1158.1. accidental damage and so
that bare lamps are not
As stated in Sections 4 and 5, directly exposed.
external lighting design shall
take into account the need to Mixed power and lighting
maintain personal safety and circuits are not permitted other
security. than single phase extraction
fans in single toilet, shower,
Entry points, carparks and bathroom or other approved
unattended areas must get areas, which may be
special attention. Impact connected and switched with
(glare, etc.) on resident areas the light fitting.
shall be minimised.
8.2.4 Emergency Lighting and
8.2.3.2 Lighting: Electrical Installation Illuminated Exit Signs
Where automatic control of

Emergency lighting and
lighting is provided, a separate
illuminated exit signs shall be
manual ON switch must be
provided in accordance with the
provided to override all of the
minimum requirements of AS 2293
automatic control. External
and as follows:
lighting shall be connected to
circuits separate from those
8.2.4.1 Illuminated Exit Signs
supplying the lighting in foyers,
entry porches, emergency
Exit signs shall be provided
escape passageways and
above or adjacent to each exit
similar areas providing means
providing preferred public
of entry or egress.
access to a road or open
space. Additional directional
Where two or more lights are
signs shall be provided in
`required to illuminate external
corridors and lobbies as
or internal stairs or exit paths,
necessary to indicate the
luminaries shall be connected
location of these exits, where
over at least two circuits and
they are not clearly visible.
arranged so that all sections
remain illuminated if one circuit
fails. Required exit paths shall
have emergency lighting.

8.2.4.2 Emergency Lighting Where radiant type heaters are
provided, they shall be located in
Emergency lighting shall be fixed positions and installed so that
provided in corridors, stairways, any part of a heating element is at
toilets, ensuites, utility rooms, least 2150 mm above the floor
treatment areas and other and positioned in accordance
critical use areas for the safe with AS 3000, Section 1.15.
management of resident care. Consideration should be given to
fitting strip heaters with time delay
8.2.5 General Purpose Power Outlets switches to ensure that they are
not accidentally left on, resulting in
An adequate number of general wasted energy and unnecessary
purpose power outlets shall be operating cost.
provided for all anticipated uses.
One outlet shall be provided for Oil filled, fan type and similar low
every appliance in use at any one surface temperature heaters may
time, or if appliances are left be installed either as portable or
plugged in, one outlet for each fixed appliances, provided they
appliance. Piggyback plugs, are fitted with over temperature
double adapters and power protection. Fan type heaters shall
boards shall not be utilised. not be used where excessive
airborne lint, powder, or dust is
Where non-standard voltages or expected.
frequencies are reticulated, the
sockets or connections shall not Consideration should be given to
be interchangeable with the the installation of neon indicators
standard voltage connectors and to switch positions for all electric
the operating voltage shall be room heaters.
clearly and indelibly indicated on
or adjacent to each socket. 8.2.7 Wall and Ceiling Fans
Circuit number and phase shall be The installation of electric wall and
suitably identified on every power ceiling fans shall comply with the
outlet. requirements of AS 3000 and the
Health (Public Buildings)
8.2.6 Electric Room Heaters Regulations.
The installation of electric room Where wall mounted fans are

heaters shall comply with the provided they shall be installed in
requirements of AS 3000 and the permanent positions with the
Health (Public Buildings) blades at least 2100mm above the
Regulations. floor and adequately protected
by guards of robust construction.

Ceiling mounted fans shall be Wherever Australian Standards
installed with the blades at least cover the maintenance of
2400mm above the floor, unless relevant systems, maintenance
adequately protected from shall be in accordance with those
accidental physical contact. standards. Particular attention
should be given to:
The potential for strobing where
fans are installed in rooms with • AS 1670 "Automatic fire
fluorescent lighting shall also be a detection and alarm systems –
design consideration. System design, installation and
commissioning"
Consideration should be given to
the matching of electronic fan • AS 2293.
controllers to the fans to reduce
electrical ‘hum’.
Consideration should be given to 8.3 COMMUNICATIONS

the limitations of the number of
fans controlled by one controller 8.3.1 Telephone System
to ensure matching of individual
fan speeds. An efficient internal and external
telephonic communication system
8.2.8 Alarm Systems shall be provided to administration
and any other area deemed
Alarm systems for Fire, Alert and necessary within the Psychiatric
Evacuation, and others required to Hostel.
suit the Psychiatric Hostel
functions, shall be connected to Facilities shall be available for the
an appropriate battery backup reception of calls 24 hours per
system. day. Night switching to alternative
staffed areas after normal
Details of system requirements are administrative hours is considered
covered under their respective acceptable.
sections.
Primary external communication
8.2.9 Maintenance of Installation shall be maintained in the event

of a major power failure.
All equipment required by these

guidelines shall be regularly Provision shall be made for
inspected and maintained to residents to make external calls, at
ensure that the installations are any time, in an area convenient to
operable at all times. the resident, either through a

Psychiatric Hostel handset in the

administration area, or a suitable Where installed, such systems
pay telephone. should not be unduly intrusive to
residents in rooms.
Such provisions shall be accessible
to disabled residents. When functioning as a part of the
facility's emergency evacuation
8.3.2 Paging System system it shall continue to operate
during periods of major power
A paging system may be used to failure.
supplement the Psychiatric Hostel

telephone system for contact with An Emergency Warning Intercom
key staff members. System (EWIS) shall be provided
This facility may include where required by the BCA. The
arrangements for assistance call installation of an EWIS in other
and other emergency signals. cases is highly recommended.
Where a paging system is installed, 8.3.4 Staff Assistance Call

automatic interface with the fire
alarm system is recommended. A suitable call system may be
provided to allow calls for staff
Paging may be of the public assistance in such areas as lounge
address or self-contained radio and consulting rooms etc.
frequency type, which produces
full alpha/numeric message Staff assistance call systems are
information. also recommended in other areas
where staffing levels may be
Paging facilities shall be inadequate to handle emergency
maintained in the event of a major situations, should they occur.
power failure.
The system may utilise local or
8.3.3 Public Address System remote audible and visual alarm
indication and may be interfaced
A public address system may be to a radio frequency paging
installed in the Psychiatric Hostel facility. Alarm indications must
and may incorporate evacuation clearly identify the location of the
warning (tones or messages), area emergency for which assistance is
paging, intercommunication required. Signals for this system
facilities, background music and shall be distinctive and not
other communications services as confused with other installed call
considered appropriate. and alarm systems. Call buttons

shall be appropriately positioned
and of suitable design for easy use
in an emergency situation.

Each call point shall incorporate a after hours activity and method of
reassurance light to be illuminated Psychiatric Hostel management.
when the call is lodged and
facilities, either electrically or
mechanically, for cancelling the
call at the point of origin only. Call 8.4 LIFTS
points in wet areas shall be splash
proof and the mounting plates All Psychiatric Hostels with resident facilities
sealed with a non-hardening anti (such as bedrooms, dining rooms,
fungal silicone sealant to prevent recreation rooms etc.) located on other
the ingress of moisture. than the ground level entrance floor
(single level, direct flat or ramp egress to
The operation of the system shall open external spaces), shall have one (or
not be affected by electrical more) electric or electro hydraulic lifts as
power failure. specified in the Health Department of WA
Private Hospital Guidelines.
8.3.5 Resident Entertainment

Cabin size shall accommodate the length
Provision should be made for of an occupied emergency trolley as used
suitable and appropriate resident by St Johns Ambulance.
entertainment facilities in resident

recreation areas (e.g. television,
video, radio, music etc.).
8.5 HYDRAULICS
Trolley mounted television sets are
not recommended due to the The certification of the Hydraulic Services
Occupational Health and Safety installation shall be undertaken by a
implications of obstruction, professional hydraulic consultant with
collision and toppling. experience in Psychiatric Hostel or Nursing
Home hydraulics design. The consultant
8.3.6 Door Security shall certify all test data and that the
design complies with all statutory
It is recommended that an requirements and these guidelines.
effective system of door
communication and/or monitoring The hydraulic consultant or licensed
be provided to allow after hours contractor shall certify that the installation
visitors to be remotely assessed complies with the documentation and the
from an appropriate area, prior to mandatory requirements established or
personal contact. This precaution implied with the "Approval to Construct".
provides staff security reassurance.
The need for this facility will be

determined by the anticipated

The following general provisions shall be time, including when the cold
satisfied: water or power supply fails.
• All hydraulic services shall comply with Where residents are expected to
AS 3500 as a minimum standard have difficulty in adequately
requirement. adjusting a comfortable showering
or bathing temperature, local
• All materials shall be suitable for their thermostatic control is
intended service. recommended. Such controls are
to be installed at high level to
• All brass shall be de-zincification eliminate the chance of
resistant (DR) grade. accidental resetting of the water
temperature.
• Where dew point can be reached,
insulation shall be provided to Domestic hot water provision for
pipework to prevent condensation. the washing of crockery,
glassware and cutlery shall be as
• Pipe materials shall be compatible described in the Health (Food
with the nature and temperature of Hygiene) Regulations.
discharge.
The requirements are summarised
8.5.1 Hot Water Supply as follows:
An adequate supply of clean hot • rinse water shall be at a
water shall be reticulated to all temperature of not less than
resident treatment, staff work and 50°C and contain not less than
resident and staff ablution 50 mg/kg of sodium
facilities. hypochlorite; or
Provision shall be made to limit the • rinse water temperature shall
supply temperature of hot water not be less than 75°C.
to all resident use fittings to

eliminate the risk of scalding. Where hot water is reticulated at
Maximum temperature at outlets low temperature (below 55
shall not exceed 46°C for adult degrees Celsius), provision shall be
residents except that where warm made for suitable sanitising of the
water circuits are used, control of system and circuit pipework to
circuit temperature to 50°C prevent the growth of Legionella
maximum is acceptable. Bacterium. Aerators, shower roses

and other such fittings shall be
Systems shall be fail safe such that cleaned and sanitised at regular
the maximum temperature at the intervals.
outlet is not exceeded at any

Operation of the system at a service purposes. Records shall be
temperature above 70° Celsius for kept of locations of all isolation
one hour each month is one valves (refer to Section 8.6 -
method of protecting warm water Building and Engineering
systems from the contamination Manuals). All isolating valves shall
risk, provided the associated be tagged. Resilient seated ball
operational and healthcare valves are recommended.
management requirements are
complied with. Dual temperature The cold water supply system
thermostats are suggested for this design shall reflect a capacity
purpose. Suitable warning signs statement from the supply
shall be displayed at all impacted authority giving minimum (200kPa)
outlets during this process. and maximum (650kPa) available
Alternatively, an approved pressures at probable
chemical disinfection system can simultaneous flow of bathroom
be utilised. Proprietary systems and other fixtures, plus full flow of
such as Rheem Warm Water and continual operating equipment.
Treatment System and Edwards Excessive dead legs (non
Hot Water could be considered. recirculatory) normally longer than
Alternative arrangements require 6 metres shall have flushing points.
specific approval.
8.5.2.1 Water Treatment
Refer to section 8.5.2.3 – Backflow
Prevention and AS/NZS 3666 for The quality of water throughout
further information. Western Australia varies greatly
from area to area and each
8.5.2 Cold Water Supply project must be considered as

unique - a thorough
The Psychiatric Hostel shall be investigation of the quality of
provided with an adequate and water and of its effect on
safe cold water supply suitable for health may be appropriate.
consumption, ablution and

engineering purposes. Where the quality of water is
poor, consideration shall be
The water supply system shall be given to providing a water
installed in accordance with the treatment/filtration plant to
requirements of the Water maintain the integrity of hot
Corporation of Western Australia. water equipment, tapware,
Pipework shall have permanent specialist health equipment, air
identification in accordance with conditioning plant and
AS 1345. pipework.
Provision shall be made for the

isolation of fixtures, tapware and
equipment in logical groupings for

8.5.2.2 Legionella Prevention Protection shall be agreed with
the Water Corporation and be
Hydraulic systems shall be in accordance with the
designed, operated and Regulations and By-laws of the
maintained to prevent Water Corporation and AS
Legionella and microbes from 3500.
developing in the systems.
Prevention of back-flow shall
The recommendation and be achieved in shower and
requirements of AS/NZS 3666 bath areas, where an
shall be complied with. adjustable hand shower is
utilised and is in a position
8.5.2.3 Back Flow Prevention where the shower head might
sit on the floor of the shower or
Backflow prevention of Hot & bath.
Cold Water Supplies shall be
provided to both existing Zone protection shall be
systems and new installations provided to hand sprays over
wherever there is a risk of slophoppers (dirty utility rooms)
backflow contamination and pre-rinse sinks (kitchens)
occurring within the facility's with a reduced pressure zone
potable water supply. device (RPZD) and individual
protection at the hose outlet
Backflow prevention shall be by the installation of a double
provided in accordance with check valve or vacuum
AS 3500, AS 2845 and the breaker (e.g. Dorf S8).
Regulations and Bylaws of the
Water Corporation. Zone protection devices shall
be installed in such a manner
Backflow prevention should be so as not to cause a nuisance
provided where possible by the or inconvenience from water
use of air gaps. Preference discharge or noise.
should be given to the use of
outlets to provide an air gap 8.5.2.4 Mechanical Backflow Devices:
and thus eliminate the Annual Testing
requirement for other forms of
backflow prevention. Where mechanical backflow
However, where air gaps prevention devices are used
cannot be provided, back flow they shall be tested every 12
prevention devices shall be months by a technician with
fitted to provide protection to certification recognised by the
the building occupants and to Water Corporation of WA.
the Minister's Supply System.

Each individual mechanical cabinets incorporate a minimum
device shall be fitted with a 50mm diameter floor drain.
tag identifying the due test
date. 8.5.4 Sewerage and Sanitary
Plumbing
The responsible engineer for
the Psychiatric hostel shall All Psychiatric Hostels shall be
maintain the test certification provided with an adequate
certificates for later reference. sewerage and sanitary plumbing
system, either connected to the
8.5.2.5 Identification and Signage: Non town sewerage and drainage
Potable Water scheme, or, where specific
approval is given, a system
All pipework and outlets with conforming to the regulations for
non-potable water shall be Bacteriolytic Treatment of
identified to comply with the Sewerage and the disposal of
relevant Australian Standards. effluent and liquid waste under
The non-potable water the Health Act.
pipework (hot and cold) shall
be clearly identifiable in both All sewerage and sanitary
exposed and concealed plumbing systems shall be
positions. designed to comply with the
requirements of AS 3500, the
Identification shall comply with Water Corporation of WA bylaws
Australian Standard AS 1345 in & Regulations and these
both colour and letter form. Guidelines.
Signage on non-potable water All polluted water discharges shall

supply outlets shall be provided be connected to sewer and not
in a visible position over or storm water (e.g. treated heating
adjacent to non-potable water water, cooling water in plant
supply outlets. room). Access shall be provided
at all changes of direction and
8.5.3 Fire Service junctions for easy maintenance.
Inspection and cleaning facilities
The fire service shall be as detailed shall be positioned external to the
in the BCA and to the building fabric wherever possible.
requirements of the Fire and Where this is not possible,
Rescue service (F&RS). inspection and cleaning facilities
shall be positioned in ducts or
Fire hydrants and/or hose reel within the wet areas served,
cabinets shall be bunded and it is wherever possible.
recommended that enclosed

Inspection covers located flush efficient and quick
with floor finishes shall be chip maintenance.
resistant. WC pans shall be
designed for the easy removal of Floor waste gully grates and
personal objects flushed into the surrounds, industrial floor waste
system by residents, i.e. flannels, grates and surrounds and
slippers, etc. cleanouts and surrounds should
be made of brass, with heavy-
All plant rooms containing water duty chrome plating or stainless
vessels/substances shall be steel.
bunded and sufficient drainage
provided to accommodate an Baths shall have adequate
uncontrolled leak within the plant floor drains adjacent to the
room. Tundishes shall be provided edge of the bath.
adjacent to air conditioning
condensate discharge lines i.e. no Wastes and drainage
condensate drains shall run across cleanouts in vinyl floor areas
the top of the plant room floors. shall have clamp rings fitted.
Access pits with appropriate Puddle flanges shall be

covers to suit loadings are installed to all above ground
recommended in industrial areas level pipework penetrations of
in lieu of cleanouts, with locations wet areas. Puddle flanges shall
adjacent to vehicular access for have 3mm diameter drain
cleaning/pumping out. Inspection holes.
and cleaning facilities generally
shall not be positioned in ceiling 8.5.5 Storm Water
spaces.
The storm water drainage systems

8.5.4.1 Drains and Gullies shall be designed generally in
accordance with AS 3500.3, and
Adequate overflow relief chapter 2 of the Institute of
gullies shall be provided to Engineers Australia publication
minimise back flow into "Australian Rainfall and Runoff"
buildings. Floor waste gullies, 1987 edition.
shower wastes and the like
should connect to overflow Storm water from buildings and
relief gullies or disconnector paved areas shall be disposed of
gullies, wherever possible. in a manner acceptable to the
Local Government Authority.
Drains shall be provided with
adequate manholes and clean Roof drainage systems shall
out points at ground level for incorporate separate overflow
relief discharge to minimise roof

gutter overflow and consequent to connection to the authority
building damage and service drainage system.
interruptions. Consideration shall
also be given to ways of All storm water drainage systems
preventing leaf build up in gutters, should be gravity systems and
which in turn has the potential for pumping used only where gravity
building damage and service connection cannot be obtained.
interruption, again due to gutter Pumps, if required, shall be as
overflow. previously specified for sewer
pumps.
Consideration shall be given to
the use of hail guards and the 8.5.6 Natural Gas Service
method of connecting rain water
pipe (RWP) to gutters to allow for Where a natural gas service is to
expansion/contraction. be used, it shall be designed and
installed to the relevant statutory
RWPs shall incorporate relief grates authority’s requirements and/or
at connection between RWP and regulations. Internal services shall
storm water drain. All RWPs to be designed to have a maximum
have cleaning access at base. pressure of 1.25 kPa from gas
meter to gas outlets, unless
Consideration shall be given to approval from statutory authority
storm water and soakwell and HDWA is obtained.
drainage systems also
incorporating relief grates, for air
and storm water relief.
8.6 BUILDING & ENGINEERING MANUALS

Storm water drainage grates shall
be cross-webbed in car parks and
There shall be an Officer appointed to
paths and not be located in wheel
manage Building Facilities. The Officer
chair access areas or trolley areas.
shall undertake planning and make
management decisions for the building
Paving areas shall be designed to
and its services so that the facilities are
the intensities nominated in AS
appropriate for the functions they serve.
3500.
The building and its engineering services

Channel grates for road or
shall be appropriately managed to:
footpath cross over drains shall be
of lateral or longitudinal bar
• manage facility related risks, and
design.
• ensure the facility remains appropriate

Consideration shall be given for
for its intended purpose.
pollutant traps to be installed prior

Drawings and manuals shall be created The drawings shall be accurately
and maintained, and contain all design maintained throughout the life of
and construction information required for the psychiatric hostel. All changes
the effective operation, maintenance and shall be incorporated.
upgrade of the facility through its lifetime.
The drawings shall be made
8.6.1 As-Constructed Drawings available to the Commissioner, as
required, to enable an accurate
The Psychiatric Hostel shall assessment of any proposed work,
maintain an up-to-date set of "as in particular, remodelling or
constructed" drawings of the additions, as part of the licensing
facility. They shall be held in an procedure. All borrowed
accessible location at the hostel drawings will be returned.
for reference by maintenance

personnel, fire authorities and 8.6.2 Equipment Manuals
other parties having need to
reference this information. The Psychiatric Hostel shall
maintain an up-to-date and
The drawings shall show all complete set of installation,
construction, fixed equipment and operation and maintenance
mechanical, electrical, structural manuals for installed services and
and hydraulic systems, as installed equipment.
or built. The position of all buried
and concealed services shall be Manuals shall contain all
included, with particular reference quantities, pressures, set points
to isolating valves and cleaning etc., as determined at the time of
and service points. commissioning, unless adequately
shown on the "as constructed"
Electrical "as constructed" drawings. All commissioning test
drawings shall be line diagrams data shall be retained for
which accurately illustrate all reference.
circuits, switchboards, and control
schematics of all systems and Full operational and maintenance
major equipment. data shall be included on all
services and equipment including
In addition, a schedule of all manufacturer information, parts
circuits shall be permanently lists, service agent information,
displayed inside all switchboards. etc.
Structural "as constructed" Manuals shall be accurately

drawings shall be maintained maintained through the life of the
including a drawing showing Psychiatric Hostel. All changes
working design structural loads for shall be incorporated.
all floor areas in the buildings.

As for 8.6.1 (as Constructed
Drawings), the manuals shall be
made available to the
Commissioner, as required, to
enable an accurate assessment
of any proposed work, in
particular, remodelling or
additions, as part of the licensing
procedure. All borrowed manuals
will be returned.
8.6.3 Certification
The ‘Approval to Occupy

Checklist’ details the requirements
for certification by engineers and
contractors prior to Health
Department of Western Australia
granting "Approval to Occupy".
Documents and data shall be
presented and/or be available in
the format as indicated in this
checklist.

FIRE SAFETY
• Suitable alarm and detection system, in
9. FIRE SAFETY accordance with the provisions of BCA
Clause E2.2.
9.1 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS • Emergency lighting (guaranteed power

supply) and Exit signs shall be provided in
Psychiatric Hostel buildings, services and accordance with BCA Part E4.
equipment shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with the • Break glass alarms (BGA), in each module.
requirements outlined in the Building Code Where possible, the BGA, fire hose reel,
of Australia (BCA). The reference and extinguisher should be located
classification is Class 3 for Hostels, although together.
other sections may also be appropriate.
As such, the design shall include, but not • Egress routes are to be guaranteed.
necessarily be limited to, the following: Access and egress are to comply with the
provisions of BCA Part D.
• Compartmentation (smoke/fire as
required, refer BCA Part C2). • Access for F&RS fire fighting operations.
• Fire hose reels are to be provided where • A system of smoke hazard management
the total floor exceeds 500 m². Hose reels appropriate to the size and design of the
are to be located within 4 metres of an exit facility. Refer BCA Part E.
and are not to pass through any fire or
smoke wall. Fixed waterways are • A building occupant warning system in
recommended and any hose reel located accordance with BCA specification E2.2A.
in a cabinet or in a cupboard is to be
swing reel mounted. Hose reels are to be • Sprinkler systems where required by the
so located as to provide total coverage of BCA.
the floor area.
• Selection of ceiling, wall and floor finishes

• Hydrant locations (external) as required by to be in accordance with BCA
the Fire and Rescue Services (F&RS) and requirements for Early Fire Hazard Indices
the BCA Clause E1.3. (Specification C1.10). Selection of furniture
and fitments should also consider spread
• Suitable extinguishers to suit hazards. Refer of flame, smoke development, toxicity and
AS 2444. Co² extinguishers are flammability with the aim of preventing
recommended for those locations where ignition, reducing the spread of fire and
health care is an issue. the development of smoke and attendant
toxic gases.
• Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), in a location
endorsed by the F&RS.

FIRE SAFETY
9.2 STAFF AWARENESS
A Fire Safety Committee should be formed

in all Psychiatric Hostels. The committee
should meet regularly and submit written
reports to the management team. The Fire
Safety Committee may be a subsidiary of
the Occupational Health and Safety
Committee.
Fire evacuation drills shall be carried out

every six months.
A Fire safety Training Program is also

recommended. It shall be conducted for
all staff at least annually and must include
an introduction and training package for
new staff.
9.3 MAINTENANCE
Unit management shall ensure all fire

fighting equipment, together with fire
detection and alarm systems, are
maintained in good order, and where
appropriate, in accordance with the
relevant Australian Standard.
9.4 CONSULTANCY AND INSPECTION
The Fire and Security Unit of the Health

Department of WA can provide a
consultancy and inspection service to
assist in the implementation of fire safety
measures.

PART 5
GROUP HOME DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
PART 5: GROUP HOME DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

GROUP HOMES
10. PLANNING AND DESIGN OF

GROUP HOMES
10.1 GENERAL
The guidelines represent minimum

standards for the establishment of Group
Homes.
Group Homes are domestic type

accommodation, for between 3 and 6
residents who suffer from a mental illness
and who do not need 24 hour a day
supervision.
The focus of Group Home design is to

• BUBBLE DIAGRAM OF GROUP HOME – TYPICAL LAYOUT
encourage individuals to establish or
maintain independence within the
community. While staff members are
available to offer psychosocial support, The architectural style should be
residents are responsible for the running of sympathetic to the streetscape or
the household including cooking, cleaning adjacent buildings and should not 'single
and budgeting. The group home is often a out' the premises as other than a
'stepping stone' for the residents, enabling residential facility.
them to develop the necessary living and
interpersonal skills that will equip them for
living independently in the wider
community. 10.3 ACHIEVING APPROPRIATE OUTCOMES
10.2 DESIGN OF A GROUP HOME

It is recommended that in order to achieve
the desired design outcome the following
The Design of the Group Home is
are taken into consideration:
essentially a typical residential dwelling,
with consideration given to the specific
• Experienced professional consultants
needs of the client group being serviced.
(architects, engineers, interior
designers, etc.) should be
commissioned.
• Staff and residents should be

consulted about their needs and
priorities.
GROUP HOMES
• On-going negotiation and discussion 10.6 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

with the relevant State representatives
shall occur. The occupational health, safety and
welfare of staff shall be considered in the
design of a Group Home. Current
Worksafe practices and legislation shall be
10.4 DESIGN PRINCIPLES adopted.
These principles should be considered for

10.7 SAFETY
Group Home design. The following issues
should be carefully resolved:
All detailing within the Group Home shall
• Security - including entry/exit control consider the particular needs of a client
to the facility and to resident group who, from time to time, may display
bedrooms. Medication storage in high levels of expressed emotion. This may
resident bedrooms must be secure. be manifested in the form of random acts
of aggression, either self directed (in the
• Location - Site location should be form of self-harming behaviour) or
considered. In particular, proximity to directed at the facility.
services such as banks, shops, public
transport and other core services is The design of the Group Home should
an important aspect of promoting reflect this possibility in its design and fit
independence. out.
A first aid kit should be available in the

group home for use by residents and staff.
10.5 SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT
The right to a smoke free environment

within the Group Home is to be
guaranteed. However, consideration
should be given to the needs of residents
and visitors who smoke, i.e. provision of an
appropriate smoking area. The design of
the smoking area shall be consistent with
current legislation related to smoking in the
workplace and enclosed public areas.
Refer also to section 12.8 – Smoking Areas.

GROUP HOMES
11.2.1 Needs of Users

11. SITE
When the general suitability of the
site for a Group Home has been
11.1 LOCATION assessed, consideration should be

given to detailed site planning
with a focus on the needs of users
(i.e. residents, staff, visitors and
The site selected for the Group Home
suppliers).
should facilitate community access and
encourage residents’ independence and
In considering the site, features
promote quality of life.
such as topography, views,
vegetation, drainage, access,
orientation and micro-climate
The proposed development should be should be assessed and positive
compatible with the current and future features incorporated into the
land use and zoning. The site should design. Well-considered site
enable the Group Home to blend with the planning can contribute to
local environment and to become a personal safety, property security,
desirable place to live. energy efficiency and water
conservation.
The location should enhance community
service delivery. A range of services Careful site planning can
should be accessible within the local significantly enhance the living
community to enable the resident to environment for the future users of
maintain community ties and foster the Group Home.
independence. Services should include
public transport, pharmacy, banking,
11.2.2 Impact on Neighbours
dentist, hospital, department store, and
library.
The interface between the Group
Home and neighbouring areas
should also be carefully
considered. Privacy of neighbours
11.2 SITE PLANNING
and residents should be
developed through careful
placement of windows, fences
Site planning requires consideration of the
and planting.
needs of the users, the impact on
neighbours and the presence of the
• Pedestrian and vehicle access
facility within the community. Site
to the site shall be
planning also includes consideration of
incorporated.
roadways, car parking, walkways, outdoor
access, gardens, servicing and signage.

GROUP HOMES
• Visual links to views or features 11.2.4 Outdoor Access and Gardens
of significance shall be
considered. The Group Home shall provide
access to useable external
• Car parking should be spaces, incorporating disabled
discretely located and should access. The external spaces
not dominate views. Sufficient should include pathways, seating
car parking needs to be and pergolas. Landscaping, both
provided to satisfy the needs of hard and soft, should provide as
residents, staff and visitors. The home-like an environment as
provision of car parking should possible.
not visually impact on
neighbours. Particular attention needs to be
paid to the provision of adequate
Provision of disabled parking structured shade.
shall be provided as required
by the Building Code of Outdoor areas should also have
Australia. garden/security lighting to
illuminate pathways and entrance
• Neighbouring areas may areas.
expose the site to detrimental
impacts (e.g. excessive traffic 11.2.5 Disabled Access
noise). These impacts shall be
minimised to improve the Disabled access shall be provided
environment for all users. to the premises in accordance
with the relevant Australian
11.2.3 Community Standard.

the image the Group Home
projects within the community.
The image should demonstrate
that residents are valued people.
The Group Home should blend into
the neighbouring environment
and it should fit within the
surrounding neighbourhood's
character.

GROUP HOME DESIGN
directly into communal living areas,
12. GROUP HOME CONSTRUCTION kitchen or other service areas. Bay
windows are considered to be an
advantage in that they provide additional
12.1 GENERAL
useable floor space for sitting activities.
Construction materials and detailing shall

12.3 SHOWERS, TOILETS, BASINS AND BATHS
comply with the requirements of the
Building Code of Australia. – GENERALLY
The construction materials and detailing This section only describes minimum
shall reflect the needs of the intended provision for showers, toilets, basins and
resident. Resident safety shall be a prime baths.
consideration in the construction of the
Group Home (refer to section 4.4 - Safety). Showers, toilets, basins and baths shall be
residential in fitout and detailing, and
The construction materials and detailing consideration shall be given to resident
should adopt a maintenance minimisation safety as referred to in section 10.7.
approach within the given cost
parameters. Acoustic privacy is also very important in
shared facilities. Solid or medium core
12.2 BEDROOMS doors shall be installed with air transfer
ducts, not door grilles, for supply air.
Bedrooms in Group Homes may

accommodate one or two residents, but In the group home with one shower/toilet
single bedrooms are preferred. Bedrooms provided, the design focus should be
designed for more than two beds shall not consistent with AS 1428.1. Where the group
be permitted. home has more than one shower/toilet

facility provided, only one shower/toilet
The bedrooms shall be sized to provide for needs to meet AS 1428.1.
both bed and sitting space, thereby

allowing for personal and social activities A bath should be considered within the
facility for those who prefer bathing to
In the Group Home, the minimum size of a showering.
single bed resident room should be 12

sqM. Size may need to be varied 12.3.1 Toilets
dependent upon position of door(s) and
window features, furniture layout, extent of The toilet for residents with
additional furniture (book cases, desks, TV), disabilities should have a design
etc. A bedroom shall not be used as a focus consistent with the
thoroughfare to rooms other than ensuite requirements of AS 1428.1,
toilets, closets, or dressing rooms that are although the toilet installation
for the exclusive use of the occupant(s) of requires special consideration.
that bedroom. Bedrooms should not open

GROUP HOME DESIGN
In particular the dimension, from sufficient anchorage and strength
the rear wall to the front of the to resist the sustained
pan, in AS 1428.1 (800 mm) is concentrated load of a falling
excessive. The distance from the heavy human.
front of the cistern to the front of
the pan shall be approximately
12.4 PLUMBING FITTINGS
600mm (720mm from rear wall to
front of pan).
Location and arrangement of fittings for
12.3.2 Basins whatever purpose shall permit their proper

use and operation.
Basin configuration according to

AS 1428.1 is considered Non-thermal transmitting handles are
preferred with effective finger grips. Hot
appropriate. Tapware should be
and cold indicators shall be very clear and
chosen that is simple for residents
the turning action should not require
to use (refer Section 12.4 -
excessive force.
Plumbing Fittings).
All plumbing installation shall comply with

Mirrors over the basins are also
all relevant codes and standards.
required. The bottom of the mirror
shall be no higher than 900mm
above the floor. Mirrors shall be 12.5 LOUNGE
securely fitted and resistant to
excessive impact. A basin with a
vanity unit should be
Lounge Rooms should be sized to provide
incorporated.
comfortable seating and circulation space
for the total number of residents and
Hand washing facilities shall be
visitors expected to use it at any one time.
securely anchored to withstand an
applied vertical load of not less
than 115kg on the front of the
Selection of furniture will have an obvious
fixture.
impact on floor area. Indicative furniture
layouts should be developed during the
12.3.3 Grip Bars
planning of the building (refer to Section
13 - Interior Design).
Where fitted, grip bars shall be
detailed as described in AS 1428.1,
12.6 FAMILY/MEALS
except where otherwise noted in
this document. Grip bars, vertical
adjustable shower supports, towel A home-like family/meals room shall be
rails, soap holders, foot rests and provided for each residential facility. It
any other fixture which may be shall be sized to provide space for normal
used for support, shall have residential type day activities (e.g. Meals,

GROUP HOME DESIGN
morning/afternoon tea, craft, games, 12.9 MEDICATION STORAGE
etc.).
The storage of medication shall be

Selection of furniture will have an impact
considered. Adequate lockable storage
on floor area. Indicative furniture layouts
shall be provided in each individual's room
should be developed during the planning
or within the group home and shall comply
of the building (refer to Section 13 - Interior
with the relevant HDWA standard. Staff
Design).
shall hold a master key for all storage
areas.
12.7 KITCHEN
12.10 WINDOWS, SCREENS AND GRILLES
The kitchen shall be capable of

preparing meals for the maximum All rooms shall have glazed windows or
number of occupants of the Group doors to achieve external views and/or
Home. The kitchen should include pantry make use of direct or borrowed natural
provision, serving and clean up facilities. light.
It should also be designed for partial Resident bedrooms shall have windows
access by the disabled, e.g. pull out shelf overlooking external areas.
or partially open under bench, lower An external area is a perimeter space
height bench, etc. The Independent around a building, a naturally ventilated
Living Centre can advise. and lit atrium or a courtyard.
The hot plate and oven should be Each external window and/or external
electric, should have on/off lights for glazed door panel area shall be not less
each hotplate and have front located than 10% of the floor area of the room
controls. concerned. An opening component
equal to not less than 5% of the floor area
Design of the kitchen shall consider of the same room should be provided.
resident safety as referred to in section These requirements together will ensure
10.7. natural light and ventilation in the event of
an electrical failure.
12.8 LAUNDRY
External windows shall be fitted with
flyscreens and consideration should be
The laundry should provide space for a
given to the installation of security
washing machine and clothes dryer and
screens/grilles. In addition windows shall
contain a trough, bench and space for an
have blinds and/or curtains. External
ironing board. External drying areas shall
shading devices should also be
also be provided.
considered. These measures should
provide effective control of direct sunlight
Consideration shall be given to the size
and glare from external sources.
and durability of appliances used.

GROUP HOME DESIGN
Windows are not to be obstructed by increasing the safety margin in relation to
furniture, partitions, etc. the Australian Standard, and the
placement of a visual cue on the glass
12.11 DOORS panel.
The minimum dimension for clear door 12.13 MAINTENANCE
openings to resident bedrooms/corridors

etc. shall be in accordance with BCA The Building Code of Australia Section E5
requirements. covers briefly the need to maintain the
building so that it does not deteriorate to
Rooms that contain baths, showers or the extent of endangering residents.
toilets shall be equipped with door Section E5 also gives consideration to
hardware that will permit emergency maintenance in the areas of:
access from the outside. As these rooms
are generally only small in size, and • safety installations
particularly where door openings are
narrow, the doors should be capable of • mechanical ventilation and warm
opening outwards or in a manner that water systems compliance with
negates the need to push against the AS/NZS 3666.
resident who may have collapsed or
secured themselves within the room. In designing and detailing a Group
Home, the recurrent costs involved in
All Group Homes shall have a rational maintaining the building stock are an
master key system. Locks shall be important consideration. Proprietors
provided to bedrooms, stores, offices etc., should consider the establishment of an
as appropriate. asset management program to ensure
that building stock is maintained to an
Security flyscreen doors where installed, appropriate standard.
shall not compromise emergency egress.
The architect and engineers should
12.12 GLAZING minimise the impact of maintenance on

the life cycle costs of the facility, with
All glazing shall be in accordance with consideration to the proprietor's capital
the requirements of AS 1288 and AS/NZS commitment. Selection of building
2208. Due to the nature of the resident materials, finishes, fitments, and
group (who may have unsteady gait or maintenance access, are all-important
blurred vision due to psychotropic considerations.
medication), the use of full height glazed
door and window panels, low level The aim of the above is to prevent the
glazing and large mirror panels is building from deteriorating.
generally not recommended. If large
glazed panels are utilised then
consideration shall be given to

GROUP HOME DESIGN
The Commissioner of Health, under the
Hospitals and Health Services Act 1927,
may need to consider the withdrawal of
the Group Home licence if the building
stock is deemed in any way to be
unsafe.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The ease of cleaning, costs and efficient
13. INTERIOR DESIGN maintenance and safety are important
considerations.
13.1 GENERAL
13.2 FINISHES
Careful consideration shall be given to the

Floor finishes shall be consistent with
selection and co-ordination of furnishings,
usage. Living and bedroom areas should
fittings, finishes and internal detailing of the
have floor finishes as would a residential
Group Home.
home, (e.g. carpet or a residential
Décor involves style, atmosphere, colour, patterned vinyl). In kitchen and wet areas,
materials, textures, forms and the effects of floor finishes shall be impervious and slip-
light. The appeal or lack of appeal to the resistant (e.g. mosaic ceramic tiles or slip
individual of a particular décor is based resistant vinyl in bathrooms/toilets, sheet
upon that individual’s perception of the vinyl in kitchens). In wet areas, coved
collective whole and is highly subjective. skirting shall be provided.
Carpets, vinyls, curtains and other wall and

The designer is advised to show fresh
floor finishes installed in all Group Homes
initiative in décor selection, keeping in
shall be inherently fire retardant and have
mind the following points:
Early Fire Hazard Indices in accordance
with section C1.10 of the Building Code of
• the dimensions of colour: hue,
Australia.
intensity, tone, temperature
Note that floor finishes affect the acoustic

• the differing effects of various types of
performance of the building interior. The
light upon colour and vice versa
Facilities and Assets Branch of the Health
Department of Western Australia can
• potential to provide variety through
provide advice on all of the above, as
change of texture and surface
required.
• visual dynamics and balance
• proportion and its effects

13.3 FURNISHINGS
• re-decoration is not a budgetary Furnishings and fittings shall be domestic in

priority so care in selection of materials nature and should be consistent with the
and colour is important following design principles.
• extremes of colour should be avoided • Furnishings shall be co-ordinated with

the interior design of the group home
• low fire risk.

• Have a low fire risk

ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR GROUP HOMES
pressure within bounds of energy
14. ENGINEERING SERVICES management
• energy conservation
14.1 MECHANICAL SERVICES
• the safety of residents (refer to section

The certification of the Mechanical 10.7 - Safety)
Services installation shall be undertaken by
a professional consulting Engineer 14.2 HEATING, COOLING AND VENTILATION
experienced in residential home services
– GENERALLY
design, with Corporate Membership of the
Institution of Engineers, Australia and
Heating, cooling and ventilation shall be
relevant NPER-3 Registration, or shall have
provided as required under this section to
demonstrated competence to this level as
ensure reasonable comfort for residents
assessed by the HDWA on previous
within the Group Home.
projects. The professional Engineer shall
certify all test data and that the design
Controls are to be readily accessible and
complies with all statutory requirements
easily used by residents.
and these guidelines.
Air conditioning, with appropriate fresh air

The mechanical contractor or consulting
provision as stated herein, is the most
engineer shall certify that the installation
effective means of providing acceptable
complies with the documentation and the
environmental conditions for residents.
implied with the "Approval to Construct".
14.2.1 Heating
Special consideration should be given to

An adequate and safe heating
the following items in mechanical service
system shall be provided for all
design:
facilities, including bath and
shower areas, in locations where
• reliability of operation
the average minimum
temperature in any month falls
• ease of maintenance and selection of
below 10 degrees Celsius. Heating
systems with a minimum of components
is recommended where inside
requiring maintenance
temperatures will not remain within
accepted comfort levels at all
• effective system management
times.
• select equipment with minimum noise

Bedrooms shall have, as a
and vibration characteristics
minimum a wall mounted strip
heater (refer to section 8.2.6 –
• select equipment with stable operating
Electric Room Heaters for details).
points and below their maximum limits
for capacity speed, temperature and
Gas heaters shall be installed 14.2.3 Ventilation Requirements
where the equipment is visible,
readily accessible and easily 14.2.3.1 Outdoor Air
maintainable. Gas heaters shall
have flues to the outside. Outdoor air intakes shall be
located in accordance with AS
Where gas heaters are not 1668.2 Clause 2.2 to ensure the
installed in such locations they supply is of adequate quality.
shall be enclosed in a structure
that shall not hinder maintenance Except as otherwise required in
and inspection but which shall these guidelines, outdoor air
provide a minimum fire resistance provisions shall be in
level of 60/60/60. In such cases, accordance with the Building
the enclosure shall be protected Code of Australia (BCA) and
by a smoke alarm connected to AS 1668.2.
the Fire Indicator Board (FIB).
Where class of occupancy is

14.2.2 Cooling not specifically listed in Table
A.1 under "Health Care", an
Where evaporative cooling is equivalent class of occupancy
used, the systems shall be readily from other areas of the Table
and safely accessible for cleaning shall be used.
and arranged to have dry sumps
when switched off to minimise Where not required for positive
Legionella risk. The sanitation air flow control, induced make-
procedure for bacterial control in up air may be considered
accordance with AS/NZS 3666 equivalent to fresh air,
shall be detailed in the provided the source is not
Maintenance Manual provided to contaminated and complies
the client. with the BCA requirements for
"borrowed" air.
Bedrooms shall have as a
minimum circulating fans Forced fresh air shall be
providing adequate air provided in accordance with
movement. these guidelines to all
occupied spaces regardless of
Ceiling sweep fans, where whether the area is served via
provided, shall be as described in openable windows.
the Psychiatric Hostel Guidelines,
Section 8.2.7. Fans may be used in 14.2.3.2 Exhaust Air
conjunction with heating and
cooling equipment for economy Exhaust air provisions shall be in
of operation in mid season. accordance with the BCA and
AS1668.2, Table B1.
Exhaust air discharges shall be any fire alarm signal in the area
in accordance with AS 1668.2 served by that system.
Clause 3.7.
Ductwork shall comply with the
Acoustic isolation and transfer requirements of the BCA, AS
ducts shall be provided for 1668.1 and AS 4254.
make-up air supply for shared
use ensuite toilets and where Flexible ductwork shall comply
toilets have doors which open with the requirements of the
directly onto public areas or Building Code of Australia and
thoroughfares. have test certification to AS
1530.2 and AS 1530.3 for the
Kitchen areas shall be following minimum indices:
ventilated in accordance with
Health (Food Hygiene) Spread of Flame 0
Regulations of the Health Act Smoke Developed 3
and AS 1668.2. Flammability 5
14.2.3.3 Ventilation Rates 14.2.3.5 Legionella Prevention
The following areas shall have Air conditioning systems shall

exhaust ventilation rates that be designed, operated and
are the greater of either those maintained to prevent
shown below or the Legionella and microbes from
requirements of AS 1668.2 Table developing in the systems.
B.1.
The recommendation and
Ensuites requirements of AS/NZS 3666
(Incorporating showers): shall be complied with.
Single Resident: 10 L/s. m²
Shared Resident: 15 L/s. m²
Resident Bathrooms: 15 L/s. m²
Smoking Room: 15 L/s. m² 14.3 ELECTRICAL SERVICE
14.2.3.4 Air Handling Systems Electrical installations shall comply with the
requirements of AS 3000, the Supply
All air handling systems shall be Authority, the Building Code of Australia,
designed and operated in these guidelines and other relevant
accordance with AS 1668.1. Australian Standards.
Where systems fall outside the
jurisdiction of this standard, all The design, witnessing of all relevant tests
supply air systems, except for and certification of the Group Home
unitary equipment, shall electrical installation shall be undertaken
automatically shut down on by an appropriately qualified and
experienced professional Engineer with of each area. Artificial lighting
Corporate Membership of the Institution of shall be by means of electricity.
Engineers, Australia and/or relevant NPER-
3 Registration. The professional Engineer The level of general lighting
shall certify all tests and that the design provided throughout shall be not
complies with all statutory requirements less than the recommended
and with these guidelines. service illuminance levels listed in
AS 1680.
The electrical contractor or consulting
engineer shall certify that the installation Light and power switches shall be
complies with the documentation and the of robust construction with heavy-
mandatory requirements established or duty mechanisms.
Mixed power and lighting circuits
Particular emphasis shall be placed on the are not permitted other than
safety and reliability of the installed single phase extraction fans in
service. single toilet, shower, bathroom or
other approved areas, which may
14.3.1 Switchboards be connected and switched with
the light fitting.
Switchboards, where required,
shall comply with the requirements Where working positions are fixed,
outlined in section 8.2.1. advantage may be taken of the
AS 1680.2.0 task lighting provisions.
14.3.2 Cabling (General)
14.3.4 General Purpose Power Outlets

All electrical cabling installed in a
private Group Home shall comply An adequate number of general-
with the requirements of AS 3008.1, purpose power outlets shall be
AS 3009. provided for all anticipated uses.
One outlet shall be provided for
Consideration should be given to every appliance in use at any one
running of cabling with a 25 time, or if appliances are left
percent spare capacity over the plugged in, one outlet for each
calculated maximum demand. appliance.
14.3.3 Lighting Piggyback plugs, double adapters

and power boards shall not be
All areas of the Group Home shall utilised.
be adequately illuminated by
natural or artificial means, to Circuit number and phase shall be
afford safe movement suitably identified on every power
commensurate with the purposes outlet.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) Oil filled, fan type and similar low
shall be mounted on distribution surface temperature heaters may
boards or integral within outlets. be installed either as portable or
Power outlets supplying fixed appliances, provided they
equipment that is connected by a are fitted with over temperature
flexible cord and is not physically protection. Fan type heaters shall
fixed in place shall be RCD not be used where excessive
protected as required by WA airborne lint, powder, or dust is
Workplace Safety and Health expected.
Regulations.
RCD protection shall be provided the installation of neon indicators
to the following areas:- to switch positions for all electric
• Ensuites, toilets and room heaters.
bathrooms
14.3.6 Wall and Ceiling Fans
• Kitchens
The installation of electric wall and

• Laundries. ceiling fans shall comply with the
requirements of AS 3000 and the
14.3.5 Electric Room Heaters
Regulations.
The installation of electric room

Where wall mounted fans are
heaters shall comply with the
provided they shall be installed in
requirements of AS 3000 and the
permanent positions with the
blades at least 2100mm above the
Regulations.
floor and adequately protected
by guards of robust construction.
Where radiant type heaters are
provided, they shall be located in
Ceiling mounted fans shall be
fixed positions and installed so that
installed with the blades at least
any part of a heating element is at
2400mm above the floor, unless
least 2150 mm above the floor
adequately protected from
and positioned in accordance
accidental physical contact.
with AS 3000, Section 1.15.
The potential for strobing where
fitting strip heaters with time delay
fans are installed in rooms with
switches to ensure that they are
fluorescent lighting shall also be a
not accidentally left on, resulting in
design consideration.
wasted energy and unnecessary
operating cost.

Consideration should be given to 14.4 COMMUNICATIONS
the matching of electronic fan
controllers to the fans to reduce 14.4.1 Telephone System
electrical ‘hum’.
An efficient telephonic
Consideration should be given to communication system shall be
the limitations of the number of provided within the Group Home.
fans controlled by one controller
to ensure matching of individual Provision shall be made for
fan speeds. residents to make or receive calls,
at any time, in an area convenient
14.3.7 Alarm Systems to the resident, within the Group
Home. This can be achieved by
Alarm systems for Fire, Alert and installation of a domestic phone or
Evacuation, and others required to by installation of a pay phone.
suit the Group Home functions,
shall be connected to an Such provisions shall be accessible
appropriate battery backup to disabled residents.
system.
14.4.2 Resident Entertainment
Details of system requirements are
covered under their respective Provision should be made for
sections. suitable and appropriate
entertainment facilities in resident
14.3.8 Maintenance of Installation living areas (e.g. television, video,
radio, etc.).
All equipment required by these
guidelines shall be regularly Trolley mounted television sets are
inspected and maintained to not recommended due to the
ensure that the installations are Occupational Health and Safety
operable at all times. implications of obstruction,
collision and toppling.
Wherever Australian Standards
cover the maintenance of
relevant systems, maintenance
shall be in accordance with those
standards.

14.5 HYDRAULICS Provision shall be made to limit the

supply temperature of hot water
to all resident use fittings to
The certification of the Hydraulic Services
eliminate the risk of scalding.
installation shall be undertaken by a
Maximum temperature at outlets
professional engineering consultant with
shall not exceed 46°C for adult
experience in Residential Home or Nursing
residents except that where warm
Home hydraulics design. The designer
water circuits are used, control of
shall certify all test data and that the
circuit temperature to 50°C
design complies with all statutory
maximum is acceptable.
requirements and these guidelines.
Systems shall be fail safe such that

The hydraulic consultant or licensed
the maximum temperature at the
contractor shall certify that the installation
outlet is not exceeded at any
complies with the documentation and the
time, including when the cold
water or power supply fails.
Where hot water is reticulated at

The following general provisions shall be
low temperature (below 55
satisfied:
degrees Celsius), provision shall be
• All hydraulic services shall comply with
made for suitable sanitising of the
AS 3500 as a minimum standard
system and circuit pipework to
requirement.
prevent the growth of Legionella
Bacteria. Aerators, shower roses
• All materials shall be suitable for their
and other such fittings shall be
intended service.
cleaned and sanitised at regular
intervals.
• All brass shall be de-zincification
resistant (DR) grade.
Operation of the system at a
temperature above 70° Celsius for
• Where dew point can be reached,
one hour each month is one
insulation shall be provided to
method of protecting warm water
pipework to prevent condensation.
systems from the contamination
risk, provided the associated
• Pipe materials shall be compatible
operational and healthcare
with the nature and temperature of
management requirements are
discharge.
complied with. Dual temperature
thermostats are suggested for this
14.5.1 Hot Water
purpose. Suitable warning signs
shall be displayed at all impacted
An adequate supply of clean hot
outlets during this process.
water shall be reticulated to all
resident ablution facilities.

Alternatively, an approved continual operating equipment.
chemical disinfection system can Excessive dead legs (non
be utilised. Proprietary systems recirculatory) normally longer than
such as Rheem Warm Water and 6 metres shall have flushing points.
Treatment System and Edwards
Hot Water could be considered. 14.5.2.1 Legionella Prevention
Alternative arrangements require
specific approval. Hydraulic systems shall be
designed, operated and
Refer to Section 14.5.2.2 - Backflow maintained to prevent
Prevention and AS/NZS 3666 for Legionella and microbes from
further information. developing in the systems.
14.5.2 Cold Water Supply The recommendation and

requirements of AS/NZS 3666
The Group Home shall be shall be complied with.
provided with an adequate and

safe cold water supply suitable for 14.5.2.2 Back Flow Prevention
consumption and ablution

purposes. Backflow prevention of Hot &
Cold Water Supplies shall be
The water supply system shall be provided to both existing
installed in accordance with the systems and new installations
requirements of the Water wherever there is a risk of
Corporation of Western Australia. backflow contamination
Provision shall be made for the occurring within the facility's
isolation of fixtures, tapware and potable water supply.
equipment in logical groupings for

service purposes. Records shall be Backflow prevention shall be
kept of locations of all isolation provided in accordance with
valves (refer to Section 14.7 - AS 3500, AS 2845 and the
Building and Engineering Regulations and Bylaws of the
Manuals). All isolating valves shall Water Corporation.
be tagged. Resilient seated ball

valves are recommended. Backflow prevention should be
provided where possible by the
The cold water supply system use of air gaps. Preference
design shall reflect a capacity should be given to the use of
statement from the supply outlets to provide an air gap
authority giving minimum (200kPa) and thus eliminate the
and maximum (650kPa) available requirement for other forms of
pressures at probable backflow prevention.
simultaneous flow of bathroom

and other fixtures, plus full flow of
However, where air gaps Signage on non-potable water
cannot be provided, back flow supply outlets shall be provided
prevention devices shall be in a visible position over or
fitted to provide protection to adjacent to non-potable water
the building occupants and to supply outlets.
the Minister's Supply System.
Protection shall be agreed with 14.5.3 Fire Service
the Water Corporation and be
in accordance with the The fire service shall be as detailed
Regulations and By-laws of the in the BCA and to the
Water Corporation and AS requirements of the Fire and
3500. Rescue service (F&RS).
Prevention of back-flow shall Fire hydrants and/or hose reel

be achieved in shower and cabinets shall be bunded and it is
bath areas, where an recommended that enclosed
adjustable hand shower is cabinets incorporate a minimum
utilised and is in a position 50mm diameter floor drain.
where the shower head might
sit on the floor of the shower or 14.5.4 Sewerage and Sanitary
bath.
Plumbing
The responsible engineer for

All Group Homes shall be provided
the Group Home shall maintain
with an adequate sewerage and
the test certification certificates
sanitary plumbing system. The
for later reference.
system shall be either connected
to the town sewerage and
14.5.2.3 Identification and Signage: Non
drainage scheme, or, where
Potable Water
specific approval is given, a
system conforming to the
All pipework and outlets with
regulations for Bacteriolytic
non-potable water shall be
Treatment of Sewerage and the
identified to comply with the
disposal of effluent and liquid
relevant Australian Standards.
waste under the Health Act.
All sewerage and sanitary
The non-potable water
plumbing systems shall be
pipework (hot and cold) shall
designed to comply with the
be clearly identifiable in both
requirements of AS 3500, the
exposed and concealed
Water Corporation of WA bylaws
positions. Identification shall
& Regulations and these
comply with Australian
Guidelines.
Standard AS 1345 in both
colour and letter form.

Inspection and cleaning facilities chapter 2 of the Institute of
shall be positioned external to the Engineers Australia publication
building fabric wherever possible. "Australian Rainfall and Runoff"
Where this is not possible, 1987 edition.
inspection and cleaning facilities
shall be positioned in ducts or Storm water from buildings and
within the wet areas served, paved areas shall be disposed of
wherever possible. Inspection in a manner acceptable to the
covers located flush with floor Local Government Authority.
finishes shall be chip resistant.
Roof drainage systems shall
14.5.4.1 Drains and Gullies incorporate separate overflow
relief discharge to minimise roof
Adequate overflow relief gullies gutter overflow and consequent
shall be provided to minimise building damage and service
back flow into buildings. Floor interruptions. Consideration shall
waste gullies, shower wastes also be given to ways of
and the like should connect to preventing leaf build up in gutters,
overflow relief gullies or which in turn has the potential for
disconnector gullies, wherever building damage and service
possible. interruption, again due to gutter
overflow.
Drains shall be provided with
adequate manholes and clean Consideration shall be given to
out points at ground level for the use of hail guards and the
efficient and quick method of connection of Rain
maintenance. Floor waste gully Water Pipe (RWP) connections to
grates and surrounds, industrial gutters to allow for
floor waste grates and expansion/contraction.
surrounds, and cleanouts and
surrounds should be non-slip RWP's shall incorporate relief
and of either brass with heavy- grates at connection between
duty chrome plating or stainless RWP and storm water drain. All
steel construction. RWPs are to have cleaning access
at the base.
Baths shall have adequate Consideration shall be given to
floor drains adjacent to the storm water and soakwell
edge of the bath. drainage systems also
incorporating relief grates, for air
14.5.5 Storm Water and storm water relief.
The storm water drainage systems Storm water drainage grates shall
shall be designed generally in be cross-webbed in car parks and
accordance with AS 3500, and

paths and not be located in wheel be held in an accessible location
chair access areas or trolley areas. at the Group Home for reference
by maintenance personnel, fire
Paving areas shall be designed to authorities and other parties
the intensities nominated in AS having need to reference this
3500. information.
Channel grates for road or The drawings shall show all

footpath cross over drains shall be construction, fixed equipment and
of lateral or longitudinal bar mechanical, electrical, structural
design. and hydraulic systems, as installed
or built. The position of all buried
14.5.6 Natural Gas Service and concealed services shall be
included, with particular reference
The gas service shall be designed to isolating valves and cleaning
in accordance with the Gas and service points.
Installation code A6601/19992 and

the relevant statutory authority Electrical "as constructed"
requirements. drawings shall be line diagrams

which accurately illustrate all
circuits, switchboards, and control
schematics of all systems and
major equipment.
14.6 BUILDING & ENGINEERING MANUALS
In addition, a schedule of all

The building and its engineering services
circuits shall be permanently
shall be appropriately managed to:
displayed inside all switchboards.
• manage facility related risks, and

The drawings shall be accurately
maintained throughout the life of
• ensure the facility remains appropriate
the Group Home. All changes
for its intended purpose.
shall be incorporated.
Drawings and manuals shall be created

The drawings shall be made
and maintained, and contain all design
available to the Commissioner, as
and construction information required for
required, to enable an accurate
the effective operation, maintenance and
assessment of any proposed work,
upgrade of the facility through its lifetime.
in particular, remodelling or
additions, as part of the licensing
14.6.1 As-Constructed Drawings
procedure. All borrowed drawings
will be returned.
The Group Home shall maintain an
up-to-date set of "as constructed"
drawings of the facility. They shall

14.6.2 Equipment Manuals 14.6.3 Certification
The Group Home shall maintain an The ‘Approval to Occupy

up-to-date and complete set of Checklist’ details the requirements
installation, operation and for certification by engineers and
maintenance manuals for installed contractors prior to Health
services and equipment. Department of Western Australia
granting "Approval to Occupy".
Manuals shall contain all Documents and data shall be
quantities, pressures, set points presented and/or be available in
etc., as determined at the time of the format as indicated in this
commissioning, unless adequately checklist.
shown on the "as constructed"
drawings. All commissioning test
data shall be retained for
reference.
Full operational and maintenance

data shall be included on all
services and equipment including
manufacturer information, parts
lists, service agent information,
etc.
Manuals shall be accurately

maintained through the life of the
Group Home. All changes shall be
incorporated.
As for 14.6.1 (as Constructed

Drawings), the manuals shall be
made available to the
Commissioner, as required, to
enable an accurate assessment of
any proposed work, in particular,
remodelling or additions, as part of
the licensing procedure.
All borrowed manuals will be
returned.

Be activated by the smoke alarm
15. FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR and consist of:
GROUP HOMES
A light incorporated in the smoke
alarm, or
15.1 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
The lighting in the corridor, hallway
Group Homes shall be designed and or area served by the smoke
constructed in accordance with the alarm.
requirements of the Building code of
Australia. The reference classification is Fire extinguishers with a minimum
Class 1B. The design shall include, but not classification and rating of 1A: 5B: (E)
necessarily be limited to, the following or 5B: 1F: (E) are to be installed in each
requirements: Group Home.
Occupants must be provided with The walking distance to each

automatic warning on the detection extinguisher in the home is not to
of smoke so that they may evacuate exceed 15 metres.
in the event of fire to a place of safety.
Each Group Home is to be provided

Smoke alarms must be installed on or with a fire blanket to deal with cooking
near the ceiling: type fires.
in every bedroom Extinguishers and fire blankets are to be

located in conspicuous and accessible
in every corridor or hallway positions appropriate to the fire risk.
associated with a bedroom, or if
there is no corridor or hallway, in
an area between the bedrooms
and the remainder of the building
and
on each other storey.
Smoke alarms installed in Group Homes

are to be 240 volt, interconnected
type. Approval of the smoke alarm
from a recognised testing authority, eg.
Scientific Services Laboratory (SSL) is
required.
Lighting must be installed to assist

evacuation of occupants in the event
of a fire and:

PART 6
DESIGN QUALITY
PART 6: DESIGN QUALITY

FACILITY DESIGN CHECKLIST
• Storage (as appropriate)
16. FACILITY DESIGN CHECKLIST • Laundry (central, as determined by
operational policy)
• Soiled Linen Pick-up
16.1 FACILITY CHECKLIST • Clean Linen Delivery
• Bathroom
The following is provided as the basis • Visitors' Toilet (disabled type)
for the development of a schedule for
a new or remodelled facility. • Cleaners Store
• Corridors with Sitting Nooks (for resident
Residential Facility:
resting)
• Amenities Room(s) (optional, for large
• Bedrooms
functions)
• Assisted Shower/WC Rooms (Ensuites)
• Pantry (optional)
• Formal Entry
• Production Kitchen (and associated
• Lounge/Sitting Room
spaces)
• Family/Meals
• Enclosed Walkways (optional, but
• Kitchen/Pantry
highly desirable for security reasons)
• Alternative Sitting (optional)
• Fire Hose Reel Cabinets (concealed)
• Disposal/Dirty Utility/Dirty Linen Room
• Plant Rooms (as required)
• Medication Store
• Service Delivery Point
• Laundry
• Clean Linen Store
Other External Considerations:
• Case Storage
• General Storage
• Carport (for covered set-down)
• Cleaner’s Store
• Pathways
• Corridors/Circulation Spaces
• Roadways
• Fire Hose Reel Cabinets (concealed)
• Rubbish Bin Enclosures/Garbage Pickup
• Plant Rooms (as required)
and bin wash area
• Telephone for Residents use
• Letterboxes (one per house)
• Staff/Visitors Toilet (disabled type)
• Landscaping (resident accessible, with
• Lockable storage for medications in:-
non toxic plants)
• Residents room (if Resident responsible
• Lighting (for resident access and
for own medication)
security)
• A locked cupboard within a locked
• Fencing (only where required, and
room (for medication controlled by
open type preferred)
staff)
• External Seating
• Fly Screening
Central Facilities:
• Pergolas (for external sitting)
• Clothes Drying Areas
• Quiet Room
• Gardeners Store
• Smokers Room
• Verandas (optional, for "sitting out")
• Administration
• Service Delivery Courts (as required,
• Staff Toilets/Showers/Lockers
separate from resident areas)
• Staff Dining/Lounge Room
• Fire Brigade Access/Hardstanding
FACILITY DESIGN CHECKLIST
16.2 COMMON OVERSIGHTS

• Sign posting to be kept to a minimum.
The following are a number of common

• Protruding features to be eliminated to
oversights.
prevent resident or staff injury.
• The use of ramps is to be minimised, but

• Acoustic privacy to be considered when
where they exist, they are to be designed
locating and designing shared ensuites,
to the Building Code of Australia.
day rooms, plant rooms and other spaces
where acoustic isolation might be
• Door thresholds to the outside to be level
considered appropriate.
with external paving. Bottom tracks of
sliding doors to be flush with finished floor
• When using sweep fans for cooling, ceiling
levels. Internal ramping of floors up to the
heights should be dimensioned
sliding door track is not acceptable.
accordingly e.g. 2700mm recommended.
This ensures that the blades of the fan are
• Sill heights to external windows are to be
a minimum of 2400mm above the floor.
no greater than 750 mm above finished
floor level to guarantee views to the
• The height above finished floor level of all
outside when the resident is in the sitting
light, fan, strip heater switches, GPOs, door
position. This does not apply to ensuites,
handles, etc. should be between 900mm
staff or service areas.
and 1100mm (1000mm preferred), in
accordance with AS 1428.1.
• Toilet seats should be of the rigid type to
provide support.
• External paving shall be such that residents
experiencing ambulatory problems are not
• Corner guards and low-level wall and door
inconvenienced or put at risk i.e. brick type
protection should be provided wherever
paving to be flat and even, not raised
possible to prevent building damage.
cobblestone type. Broom finished
concrete paving is an acceptable
• Non slip floor finishes are to be proven non-
alternative.
slip, even when wet.
• Gas fired in-duct heaters located in the

• Transitions between different floor finishes
roof space shall be housed in an enclosure
to be fitted with appropriate diminishing
with an FRL of 60/60/60. Maintenance staff
strips or levels made the same. If the levels
access shall be considered and provided.
are different, and the selected floor
colours are similar, the transition detail shall
• The leading edge of the ‘tread’ of steps
be a contrast colour to enable sight
(where provided) shall be in a contrast
impaired residents to register the
colour, to enable the sight impaired to
difference in levels.
register the steps.
• Door handles to be appropriate for the
disabled. The Independent Living Centre
can advise.

PART 7
APPENDICES
PART 7: APPENDICES

APPENDICES
APPENDICES.
APPENDIX 1 – GUIDE TO THE HDWA PROCESS FOR APPROVAL AND LICENSING.
APPENDIX 2 – LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE.
APPENDIX 3 – LAUNDRY FACILITY GUIDELINES.
APPENDIX 4 – APPROVAL TO OCCUPY INSPECTION CHECKLIST.

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines

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PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL

These guidelines specify the facility standards to

The guidelines will be reviewed and updated as

Additional copies of this document may be

Please note that Copyright Law covers the

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 i

Appreciation is extended to all those people and

Mitchell Taylor and Geoffrey Burrell

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 ii

PART 1: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS. ______________________________________________________ 7

2. GUIDELINE COMPLIANCE _______________________________________________________________ 8

PART 2: DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ________________________________________________________ 12

3. PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH ___________________________________________________________13

PART 3: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ___________________________________________________ 17

4. PLANNING AND DESIGN OF A PSYCHIATRIC HOSTEL______________________________________18

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 iii

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 iv

PART 4: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS ________________________________________________ 43

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 v

PART 5: GROUP HOME DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS _____________________________________ 66

10. PLANNING AND DESIGN OF GROUP HOMES ____________________________________________67

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 vi

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 vii

PART 6: DESIGN QUALITY_____________________________________________________________ 90

16. FACILITY DESIGN CHECKLIST ____________________________________________________________91

PART 7: APPENDICES ________________________________________________________________ 93

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 viii

TABLE OF TECHNICAL DRAWINGS.

• An example of a home-like psychiatric hostel. _____________________________________ 20

• Arrangement of an Individual Module _____________________________________________ 21

• Bathroom Modernisation _________________________________________________________ 22

• Example of a single bedroom ____________________________________________________ 26

• Ensuite (Minimum provision) _______________________________________________________ 28

• Communal toilet layout __________________________________________________________ 29

• Basin configuration – Resident use_________________________________________________ 30

• Bathroom layout - Typical_________________________________________________________ 30

• Bubble diagram of Group Home – Typical layout __________________________________ 67

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 ix

a) are socially dependant because of

1.1 OVERVIEW b) are not members of the family of

manage that level of independence, other Psychiatric Hostel is defined as a

options are available. The Psychiatric residential building providing

Hostel system is one such option. accommodation for people suffering

accommodate people being discharged in their own homes.

from State Government Psychiatric

Psychiatric Hostel accommodation caters • Hostels and

for a very disadvantaged and vulnerable • Group homes.

group within the community. Features of

• chronic and severe mental illness a greater degree of chronicity.

• take considerable quantities of

• inability to manage living establishments and accommodate

independently in the community individuals with a greater degree of

team, Hostel team or General have a rehabilitation function.

These design guidelines describe the joint

“Private premises in which 3 or more The guidelines are intended to generate

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 1

The facility design philosophy is variable • Text presented in a shaded box

To ensure the success of the Psychiatric

Early consultation with the HDWA during the

1.3 USE OF THIS DOCUMENT

The formatting of this document is

Psychiatric Hostel Design Guidelines – September 1999 2

BCA - Building Code of Australia (current edition with amendments).

BGA - Break glass alarm.