The Ontario Building Code | Controls
3.8.1.5. Controls
(1) Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located in a barrier-free path of travel shall,
(a) be accessible to a person in a wheelchair using a side approach,
(b) be operable,
(i) using one hand and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of a manual pull station, and
(ii) using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of all other controls, and
(c) be mounted,
(i) 1 200 mm above the finished floor, in the case of a thermostat or a manual pull station, and
(ii) not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 100 mm above the finished floor, in the case of all other controls.
(2) A signal intended for the public to indicate the operation of a building security system that controls access to a building shall consist of an audible and visual signal.
In Plain Language
Controls for building services or safety devices meant to be operated by occupants and located along a barrier-free path of travel must be positioned and designed to be accessible to a person using a wheelchair.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.