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Access Audit Report
Assam Secretariat – Block ‘D’ Guwahati, Assam
Submitted under:
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign)
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Government of India
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ACCESS AUDIT REPORT
THE ASSAM SECRETARIAT - BLOCK ‘D’
DISPUR, GUWAHATI, ASSAM - 781005
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India)
Prepared By:
Centre For Rehabilitation and Training For Multiple Disability
Birubari, Guwahati - 781016, Kamrup (Metro), Assam. Phone : 0361-2470990/2478912, Mobile : +91-9207049810
Email : [email protected]
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Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)
Accessible India Campaign is a nationwide flagship campaign of the Department of
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, Government of India, for achieving universal accessibility for persons
with disabilities and to create an enabling and barrier free environment, with a focus on
three verticals of built-environment accessibility, transportation system accessibility and
information and communication eco-system accessibility.
The task involved under the initiative, include identification of important public
buildings in 48 selected cities across India, conducting access audits and retro-fittings of
ramps, lifts, toilets, and signage in the buildings; making 75 important railway stations
and all international airports fully accessible and ensuring that at least 50% of all web
sites and public documents of the central and the state governments meet accessibility
standards. Specific timelines have been set all the above goals.
Guwahati, the capital city of the state of Assam, and the gateway to the Northeast of
India, is one of the selected cities, wherein 25 government / public buildings have been
identified for conducting access audits and retro-fittings to ensure barrier free
environment.
Shishu Sarothi, a not-for-profit organization working in the field of disability for the
past around 30 years is an empanelled Access Auditor under the said initiative, and
participated in the Invitation for Bid process and was duly awarded the Work Order
bearing No. F.No.4-14/2015-A/C dated 19.03.2016 for conducting access audit of 25
buildings in Guwahati city.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Accessibility in the built-environment Page 4
1.2 The Legal Framework Page 4
2. Access Audit
2.1 Purpose of Access Audit Page 5
2.2 Standards Page 5
2.3 Premises where Access-Audit was conducted Page 5
2.4 Access Audit Team Page 6
3. Access Audit Report
3.1 External Environment Page 6
3.1.1. Parking Lot Page 6
3.1.2. Alighting Page 7
3.1.3. Accessible Route Page 8
3.2 Internal Environment
3.2.1. Accessible Entrance Page 10
3.2.2. Reception & Lobby Page 12
3.2.3. Stairs Page 14
3.2.4. Ramps Page 16
3.2.5. Handrails Page 16
3.2.6. Elevators / Lifts Page 17
3.2.7. Escalators / Passenger conveyors Page 19
3.2.8. Corridors Page 19
3.2.9. Doors and doorways Page 21
3.2.10. Accessible Toilets Page 23
3.2.11. Canteen Page 27
3.2.12. Drinking water facilities Page 29
3.2.13. Control and operating mechanisms Page 31
3.2.14. Signages Page 32
3.2.15. Emergency Evacuation Page 33
3.2.16. Common building elements Page 34
3.3 Information, communication and services Page 35
4. Conclusion Page 37
5. Appendix Page i - lxiv
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1. Introduction:
1.1. Accessibility in the built-environment:
Environmental access is a set of norms and standards designed to provide safe and
independent use of varied environments such as transportation, roads, buildings and
communication by persons with disabilities. Universal design is a commitment for
designing products and environments for the broadest population possible, especially
for the people who have not been considered as part of the general population.
1.2. The Legal Framework
The importance of promoting greater access as an
effective approach to reversing exclusion and
enhancing the equalization of opportunities in a
sustainable way has been the mandate of the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD), approved by the General
Assembly in December 2006, ratified by India on
October 1, 2014 and which entered into force in
May, 2008.
The Convention also mandates that all Governments
shall take measures for implementation of minimum
standards and guidelines for accessibility of facilities
and services open to the public; to ensure that private
entitles that offer facilities / services open to the
public comply with all aspects of accessibility for
persons with disabilities; train stakeholders on
accessibility issues; provide Braille signage and live
assistance, professional sign language interpreters to
facilitate accessibility to buildings and other facilities
open to the public.
Further, Goal No. 3 of the Incheon Strategy, which
provides the Asian and Pacific Region and the world
the first set of regionally agreed distinct inclusive development goals, mentions that
access to the physical environment, public transportation, knowledge, information and
communication is a precondition for persons with disabilities to fulfill their rights in an
inclusive society.
Sections 44, 45 and 46 of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, categorically provides for non-
discrimination in transport, on the roads and in built environments.
Article 9 of the UNCRPD on
“Accessibility” stipulates that
persons with disabilities are
to be enabled to live
independently and
participate fully in all aspects
of life. The Article casts an
obligation on all signatory
governments to “….take
appropriate measures to
ensure to persons with
disabilities access, on an
equal basis with others, to the
physical environment, to
transportation, to
information and
communication, including
information and
communications technologies
and systems, and to other
facilities and services open or
provided to the public, both in
urban and in rural areas…..”
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2. Access Audit:
2.1. Purpose of an access audit
The purpose of an access audit is to assess how a particular building or environment
performs in terms of access and ease of use by a wide range of actual and potential
users, including person with disabilities and to recommend access improvements. The
aim of the access audit and its follow-up are to:
Identify the extent of the problem of access to public buildings and recommend
changes / additions to make the environment accessible
To create awareness of the importance of the concept of barrier-free
environments for persons with disabilities
To enforce the inclusion of accessibility for persons with disabilities in the
official agenda of government and private agencies.
The report includes observations, measurements, sketches and photographs covering all
parts of the public building audited including the external and internal environment as
well as the services provided in the building.
2.2. Standards:
The accessibility standards and parameters adhered to in the instant access audit are as
per the revised guidelines (2014) of the Central Public Works Department Manual,
Handbook on Barrier-Free and Accessibility (URL: http://cpwd.gov.in). For some
points not specifically covered by the said Handbook, reference has been taken from the
Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment of
the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India.
2.3. Premises where Access-Audit was conducted:
The Assam Secretariat is a massive structure, housing the fifty odd departments of the
Executive arm of the State Government in several blocks.
The blocks are independent buildings linked by a network of spacious corridors that
meander through the complex. One has to pass through two security gates to be inside
the Complex premises. Just beyond the entrance of each Block, at the centre of the
building, on the ground floor, within an octagonal shaped enclosed area, is a fountain.
Around the fountain, ringed by huge pillars is an atrium- an open space - going right
above the building’s top floor where it is capped by a cone shaped frosted glass roof.
Each block, designed alike, has its own fountain and atrium.
Block ‘D’ is a five storied building.
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2.4. Access Audit Team:
Access Audit Team Name Designation
Access Auditor Ms. Amvalika Senapati Coordinator, Disability Law Unit,
Shishu Sarothi
Architect Ms. Vidushi Singh Architect, Guwahati
Persons with Disability Mr. Arman Ali Executive Director, Shishu Sarothi
Accompanying Staff from the Assam Secretariat:
Mr. Shyam Jadia Grade IV Staff
Date of Access Audit : June 18, 2016 (Saturday)
3. Access Audit Report:
This report gives a narrative outline of existing facilities, lays down the areas of concern with
pictorial illustrations of the existing infrastructure. The report makes recommendations of
changes / additions / alterations that has to be done to the existing built-environment to make
it accessible and is supplemented by an annexure which is a compilation of design
requirements for built-environment as per guidelines, and also gives a brief concept of design
requirements for different types of disabilities, basic anthropometrics and concept of
universal design along with photographs and suggestions for clear elucidation.
The Audit is structured into three parts, viz, the external environment, internal environment
and information, communication and services.
3.1. External environment
The external environment includes the following:
3.1.1. Parking lot:
There is a parking lot outside the main Complex gate, near the Utility Block which
houses the Coupon / Pass counters [Fig. 1(a) and (b)].
Limited parking space is also available near Block ‘D’ within the Complex premises
[Fig. 1(c)]. This is mainly used for parking of official vehicles.
There is no parking bay reserved for persons with disabilities
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(a)
(b) Recommendations:
A parking bay closest to the
entrance of Block ‘D’ should be
reserved for persons with
disabilities.
Reserved parking should also be
provided in the common parking
lot near the Utility Block.
The accessible parking bays for
persons with disabilities should
(c)
Fig. 1: Parking facility
have minimum dimensions of 3600 mm x 6000 mm.
The reserved parking bays should be properly sign posted.
The parking bays and the adjacent access route has to be laid with tactile floor
guidance tiles along on a firm pathway, minimum 1200mm wide, laid with anti-
skid tiles and built as per CPWD guidelines. The tactile pathway must be out of the
vehicular path.
Proper lighting along with proper directional signage as per CPWD guidelines shall
be constructed at the parking bays and adjacent areas.
3.1.2. Alighting:
Right now there is no designated space for alighting of people with disabilities next to
the entrance. But after the parking bays for people with disabilities have been
identified and transformed, there is space adjacent to the proposed reserved parking
bays to design alighting points with required signposts, step free access and tactile
guidance.
Recommendations:
Alighting point has to be constructed next to the designated parking bay, with
directional signage.
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Alighting point should be leveled and cleared out of traffic lane.
Proper sign-posts and signage to be installed along with tactile guidance tiles,
hazard warnings and positional files.
A step free route connecting the parking, alighting point, main gate and main
entrance of the building has to be constructed.
3.1.3. Accessible Route:
The access route from the parking lot outside the main Complex gate to Block ‘D’ is
wide and the surface of the pathway is firm and non-slip. The route is free of barriers
or obstacles but there are level differences in places [Fig. 2(a), (d), (e)].
There is no tactile guiding path including directional, hazard warning and positional
tiles provided for independent navigation.
The route from the parking to the main entrance of the Block is long (more than 3000
mm) and there are no resting spaces along the way. There is adequate artificial
lighting on the pathway after sunset. There is no accessible directional signage
directing to the accessible entrance.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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(e)
(f) Recommendations:
Accessible route to be so
laid that it would connect
the main gate, parking,
alighting point and all
other external facilities like
the Utility Block with the
building entrance.
Route to be laid with
tactile guiding path
including directional,
hazard warning and
positional tiles for
independent navigation by
persons with disabilities.
(g)
Fig. 2: Access Route
The access route should be step free and not have a gradient more than 1 : 12 or a
cross-slope of 1 : 50 in the pathway.
There should be kerb ramps in case of level changes between the traffic lane and
the accessible path.
Accessible directional signage should indicate the accessible entrance.
There should be adequate resting spaces and wheelchair parking spaces, outside
the line of traffic, along the long route from the parking to the main entrance of
the Block.
3.2. Internal environment
The internal environment includes the following:
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3.2.1. Accessible Entrance:
UTILITY BLOCK
The main entrance of the Utility Block, housing the facility for Coupon / Pass
counters etc does not have step free access and is not accessible for persons with
disabilities (Fig. 3).
There is an alternate entrance to the building from the side, with a ramp – which is
however, again completely inaccessible, due to its steep gradient, lack of handrails
and absence of clear access to the ramp, to mention the major barriers (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3: Inaccessible entrance to Utility Block with Pass Counter etc
Fig. 4: Ramp provision at the Utility Block with very steep gradient
BLOCK ‘D’
The main entrance has a couple of steps [Fig. 5(a)] and a metal detector door frame
which is narrower than the minimum required width of 900 mm [Fig. 5(b)].
There is a small ramp on either side of the building entrance. The gradient of the ramp
is adequate but the ramp itself is more often than not blocked by parked vehicles of
officials [Fig. 5(d)], thereby defeating the very purpose of having a ramp in the first
place. The ramp is also blocked by sand buckets for fire and potted plants [Fig. 5(c)].
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The main entrance is open during working hours and is usable by disabled people.
The entrance has a 1500mm x 1500mm landing.
There is no accessible signage to identify the entrance and / or the ramp facility from
either side of the entrance.
There is no difference in floor finish at the door entrance clearly identifiable for
visually impaired people.
The entrance is adequately illuminated but does not have an audio signal.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Fig. 5: Main entrance to Block ‘D’
Recommendations:
UTILITY BLOCK
The existing sloped / ramped entry to the building to be upgraded (Refer to 3.2.4.
Ramp).
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The stairs leading to the main entrance of the building should also comply with
specifications for staircases as outlined in 3.2.3. Stairs.
Accessible signage, including accessible directional signage should be installed
to lead to and to identify the accessible entrance.
BLOCK ‘D’
The existing sloped / ramped entry on either side of the building entrance to be
upgraded with handrails and other specifications as outlined in 3.2.4. Ramp.
There should be clear access to the said ramps without any obstructions of parked
vehicles, sand buckets for fire, potted plants etc.
There should be accessible signage to identify the accessible entrance and the
availability of the ramp facility.
There should be clear difference in floor finish at the door entrance which can be
identifiable for visually impaired people.
The entrance to be fitted with an audio signal.
3.2.2. Reception and lobby:
BLOCK ‘D’
There is no reception counter as such for
visitors to make inquiries in the building.
People directly go to the different
offices, where there are PA desks for
respective officers.
There is an information board near the
entrance indicating the various offices /
departments in the building (Fig. 6).
However, there are no accessible
directional signages directing to various
building facilities.
Fig. 6: Information board near the main
entrance
Inside the main entrance of the building, there is open space / lobby but it has no
seating arrangement.
UTILITY BLOCK & FRISKING ROOM
A facility akin to reception is the Coupon / Pass Counter, housed in the Utility Block,
outside the main Complex gate, where visitors have to go to make passes before going
to any of the respective Secretariat buildings / blocks.
There are many counters here to cater to a huge public footfall and Counter No. 1 is
specifically for ‘Old Age & Handicapped.’ All the counters including Counter No. 1
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are at the same height and are inaccessible for persons with disabilities [Fig. 7(a)].
The counters also do not have recess under it.
The counters are glass empanelled and are equipped with microphones.
There is live assistance at the counters to guide persons to their destinations.
The counters are not equipped with loop induction system for the aide of hearing
impaired people.
There is no printed information available in accessible alternate formats.
None of the staff members can communicate in Sign Language.
There is no staff policy which require staff to assist people with disabilities in filling
forms, where required.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Fig. 7: Coupon counters and frisking room
There is also a writing platform here where visitors may fill forms etc [Fig. 7(b)]. This
is at an accessible height and has adequate recess under it.
The waiting lobby has some sitting arrangements, which is however not adequate,
depending upon the usual human traffic in the building.
The lobby has adequate maneuverability space for wheelchair users.
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On the way from the Utility Block to inside the main complex gate, there are frisking
rooms [Fig. 7(d)] for security check of visitors (male and female) and access to the
said frisking rooms are not step free and, as such, are inaccessible for persons with
disabilities.
Recommendations:
BLOCK ‘D’
As there is no reception counter for the block, it is crucial that there should be
adequate accessible directional signages near the entrance and at other
conspicuous places across the building, directing to various office rooms /
building facilities.
Open area at entrance lobby to have some seating facility.
UTILITY BLOCK & FRISKING ROOM
The height of the accessible counter, meant for persons with disabilities, should
be between 760 mm to 800 mm from the floor, with a 400 mm to 600 mm clear
recess under the counter for easy access to wheelchair users.
Accessible identification signage to be installed for the counter.
The counter top should be non-reflective.
Appropriate directional signage is required near the counter directing to various
building facilities.
Printed information to be made available in accessible alternate formats, e.g.
Braille, Large Print, Audio, Pictorial, Easy-to-Read, Plain Language, available in
Hindi and English and Accessible Electronic Formats that can be shared over
email or mobile platforms.
There should be loop induction system at least in the counter meant for persons
with disabilities, for the aide of hearing impaired people.
There should be at least one trained staff on call for the Secretariat who can
communicate in sign language.
Access to the frisking rooms should be step free.
3.2.3. Stairs:
There are three staircases in the building.
The main staircase is right across from the entrance and the other two staircases are at
the end of the opposite corridors on right and left side of the main entrance.
While the main staircase is very wide [Fig. 8(a)], the other two staircases are around
1200 mm in width.
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The steps have uniformly 150 mm high risers and 280 mm wide treads in all the
staircases. Ideally treads should be 300 mm wide, but nothing can be done to alter this
now.
There is no color contrasting strip at the edge of the steps.
There is handrail on one side of all the staircases, provided at one level.
There are no tactile warning provided at the beginning and end of each flight.
The stairs are continuous without any abrupt breaks and gaps.
The floor surfaces of the steps are non-slippery and non-glary.
There is adequate illumination on the stairs.
The under stairs area is properly cordoned off.
Many steps, especially in the main staircase flight are broken [Fig. 8(c)].
(a)
(b)
(c)
Fig. 8: Staircases
Recommendations:
Handrails to be installed at two levels on both sides of all the staircase flights.
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Anti-skid, color-contrast strips to be installed at the edge of the steps.
Tactile warning tiles to be provided at the beginning and end of each flight.
Clear colour contrast to be provided between the stairs, handrails and
adjacent walls.
Broken steps to be repaired.
3.2.4. Ramp:
There is one inadequate ramp at the alternate entrance to the Utility Block building,
(Fig. 4), which is very steep and not at all accessible for persons with disabilities. The
said ramp also does not have clear access to it as it is blocked by parked two wheelers
in front.
Ramp at the Block ‘D’ entrance has an adequate gradient but there is no landing in the
quarter-turn ramp. The ramp is also obstructed by potted plants kept along the length
of the ramp run [Fig. 5(c)].
The existing ramps do not have handrails and other standard specifications as required
for ramps.
Ramps are also required along the access route from the parking lot in places [Fig.
2(a), (e) and so on] where there are level differences so as to ensure step free access.
Recommendations:
The existing ramps need to be upgraded as per standard specifications (Refer to
Appendix).
The recommended gradient of a ramp is 1: 12 with a minimum width of 1800
mm.
Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp.
There should be tactile warning blocks installed 300 mm from the top, bottom
and landings of the ramp run in external environment.
The floor surface of the ramp should be non-slippery and non-glary.
3.2.5. Handrails:
Handrails are provided on one side of the staircase and there is the supporting wall on
the other side. No handrails are seen on the ramps.
Handrails are at a single height and vary in the different staircases from 760 mm to
850 mm to 900 mm from the floor level.
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The ends of the handrails are not grouted or turned downwards [Fig. 9(a)].
Handrails have some contrast in color from the background wall and floor.
Handrails are non-slippery and have an uninterrupted grip.
Not all handrails are maintained and some are quite dusty.
(a)
(b)
Fig. 9: Handrails Recommendations:
Handrails should be provided on both sides of the stairs and ramps.
Handrails should be provided at two heights of 900mm and 760mm.
The ends of the handrails should be either grouted or turned downwards.
There should be adequate hand clearance of at least 50 mm between the wall
and the handrails.
Handrails should be well maintained.
3.2.6. Elevators / Lifts:
There are two elevators to address the need for vertical accessibility in the building.
The elevators connect all the floors of the building.
One of the elevator cars has an internal space of 2000 mm deep x 1100 mm wide, as
per standard specifications to make it an accessible lift.
The other elevator has smaller dimensions of 1300 mm x 1100 mm.
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The elevator door width is the required 900 mm.
There is step free access to the lift from the landing.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Fig. 10: Elevators
Horizontal gap between the lift and the landing is not more than 12 mm.
The elevator controls in the lift (including alarms / speakers / phones) are placed
between the heights of 1100 mm to 1500 mm from the floor level and are
inaccessible.
The floor-finish of the lift is non-slippery but the internal walls of the elevator cars are
very reflective.
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Elevators have only a visual floor announcement system installed.
Lift door opening / closing time is less than 30 seconds.
The elevator call buttons and floor buttons outside the lift on each floor are not in
raised letters and Braille.
Handrails are fitted on both the sidewalls and the rear wall of the lift car at a height of
930 mm from the floor level.
There is no rear mirror placed in the elevator cars.
Touch panels for lift controls have not been used.
The floor number on the lift lobby is clearly visible from the lift car [Fig. 10(b)].
Recommendations:
Appropriate disabled friendly signage required outside the elevators to indicate
which is the accessible elevator for persons with disabilities.
The internal walls of the elevator car to be non-reflective.
The elevator controls in the lift (including alarms / speakers / phones) to be
between 800 mm to 1200 mm, have good contrast, self-illuminating buttons,
in raised letters and Braille.
Emergency information given inside the lift car to be mounted at eye level and
in accessible format (Braille / font size).
The elevator call buttons and floor buttons outside the lift on each floor to be
in raised letters and Braille.
A visual and audio floor announcement system to be installed.
Lift door opening / closing time should be at least 30 seconds.
Handrails should be at specified heights in accordance to section on hanrails.
A rear mirror to be placed at specified heights.
Appropriate signage directing to the accessible lift to be used in conspicuous
place(s) in the building.
Lift to be manned by live attendant when required and at all times for public
buildings with a heavy footfall.
3.2.7. Escalators / Passenger conveyors:
There are no Escalators/Passenger Conveyors present in this building. In any case,
escalators / passenger conveyors are not considered as accessible for disabled people
and, hence, not recommended.
3.2.8. Corridors:
There is a big octagonal corridor just inside the main entrance and smaller corridors
shoot off from this main corridor leading to various departments / branches and
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offices. The corridors are generally wide. However, some corridors are around 1100
mm wide and below the minimal required width of 1200mm - and nothing can be
done to rectify this.
The block also has wide connecting corridors which connect to other Blocks of the
Secretariat.
The parapet handrail on the outer side of the octagonal corridors are at a high height
and not accessible.
There is 1500 mm x 1500 mm space to allow a wheelchair user to turn around at some
point on the corridor.
The floor finish is non-slippery and non-reflective.
Fig. 11: Corridors
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The corridors are well illuminated.
There is some color contrast between the corridor floors, doors and background walls
in most cases.
Recommendations:
There should be handrails provided on both sides of the corridors. It may not
be feasible to put continuous handrails on all corridors as there are many door
openings, but handrails should be installed where possible.
The height of the parapet handrail of the octagonal corridor should be at an
accessible height as per standard specifications.
There should be clear color contrast between the corridor floors, doors and
background walls in all cases.
Corridors should be kept free of protruding objects or other barriers and if it is
unavoidable, the protruding objects should be well guarded.
3.2.9. Doors & doorways:
While most doors have the minimal required width of 900mm, there are a few offices
with door widths of around 800 mm. Toilet doors are also narrower in width.
The doors mostly open inwards into the rooms.
The doors do not take much energy to open.
The building has a combination of both single- and double-hinged, one way swing
doors.
Doors have different types of latches, knob-type and lever-type handles.
Color contrast between doors, doorframes, door furniture and background walls is
seen in some instances and missing in others.
The doors do not have thresholds, except for toilet doors.
Where there are two doors in a series, there is at least 1500 mm deep space between
the two doors.
Glass doors present do not have adequate manifestations to make them prominent as
per specifications.
Doormats are seen in many doorways, which create obstruction for persons with
disabilities.
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Recommendations:
All doors should have a minimal
width of 900 mm.
Doors to have lever type handle
and not a knob type handle. Lever
type handle is to be a horizontal
bar 800 mm from the floor and a
vertical bar in the opening side
with its lower edge at 800 mm
from the floor.
Thresholds are not recommended,
but, if present, should not be more
than 12 mm high.
Door closures are to be avoided. Fig. 12: Doors and doorways
Kick plates to be provided on the most accessed doors, like toilet doors.
Automatic doors should be provided at the building entrance, with a minimum
open time of 5 seconds.
Vision panels, if provided on the doors, should be at a comfortable height for
wheelchair users and other people as well.
Any glass doors present, should have manifestations to make them prominent as
per specifications.
Doors should have a guardrail where it opens into a route of travel.
Any doormats in front of doorways to be flush with the ground and not be
jutting out.
3.2.10. Accessible toilets:
There is no accessible toilet for persons with disabilities in the building.
Toilet blocks for both men and women are at the end of the left and right corridors
from the entrance. Toilet blocks on either wing are exactly mirror image of each
other. These two sets of toilets for men and women are present in the ground up to the
fourth floor.
In the second and the third floor, there is a third set of toilets with similar dimensions.
In the second floor, the third set of toilet can be accessed through the Agriculture
department office.
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In the third floor, the third set of toilet can be accessed through the Labor and
Employment department office.
Ladies Toilets have an overall dimension of around 4400 mm x 3100 mm with 3
cubicles and a washbasin, which has recess at 800 mm from the floor level.
Washbasin has knob-type tap. Mirror is at a height from 1050 mm to 1950 mm and is
accessible for persons with disabilities.
Fig. 13: Ladies toilet block
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Men’s Toilets have similar overall dimension of around 4400 mm x 3100 mm with 5
urinals, 1 cubicle and 1 washbasin.
Washbasin has recess at 800 mm from the floor level. Washbasin has knob-type tap.
There is a mirror at a height from 110 mm to 1900 mm and is accessible for persons
with disabilities.
The urinals are on a raised floor, which is inaccessible and it also decreases the
maneuverability space for wheelchair users.
Fig. 14: Men’s toilet block
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The toilet doors are around 780 - 800 mm wide and are not accessible.
The walls, floors and bathroom fittings do not have adequate colour contrast.
The floor-surface of the toilets is non-slippery.
There is no directional signage leading to the toilets.
Signage for toilets is available but not provided in accessible formats.
Recommendations:
For the Ladies toilets, two adjoining cubicles have to be combined to make one
accessible toilet with minimum dimensions of 2200 mm x 1750 mm and other
required specifications.
For the Men’s toilets, the existing cubicle has to be made bigger by taking in
space where the washbasin presently stands, to make one accessible toilet with
minimum dimensions of 2200 mm x 1750 mm and other required specifications.
The washbasin has to be shifted to another place and maybe the number of
urinals has to be reduced.
At least one accessible toilet has to be provided in every floor for men and
women respectively.
The toilet door must be outward opening, double hinged or sliding door and
have a minimal width of 900 mm. Ensuring that the toilet door of the accessible
toilet cubicle opens outward would be a difficulty due to space constraint and, as
such, the accessible toilet should have a sliding door.
The accessible toilet cubicle should have no level difference and allow for step
free access.
The accessible toilet cubicle should have a western style WC and not a Indian
style WC.
The WC should be installed in a corner with centerline of the WC at a distance of
450mm to 500mm from the adjacent wall. The front edge of WC should project
750mm of/from the rear wall.
The WC should have a backrest.
The seat height of the WCC should be 450mm.
Lever type flush control is to be installed at a height of 1100mm from the floor
surface, or on the transfer side of the WC. The force required to flush should be
comfortable.
There should be 800mm of clear transfer space next to the WC.
A horizontal grab bar is to be installed on the adjacent wall, at a height of
200mm from the WC seat.
A fold up grab bar is to be installed at a centerline distance of 320m-200mm
from the WC seat.
A wash basin is to be installed at a distance of at least 400mm from the side
wall.
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The top-edge of the wash is to be between the height of 800mm and 840mm from
the floor level.
There should be clear knee space of at least 750mm height x 750mm width x
200mm depth under the wash basin, with additional toe-space of 300mm height
x 750mm width x 230mm depth.
The wash basin should have automatic or lever type faucets.
There should be colour contrast between the floor, wall and sanitary fittings.
There should be an alarm system within easy reach to alert persons outside, in
case of emergency.
Visual alarm must be there to alert people with hearing disability in case of
emergency.
The door should be able to be locked from inside but also released from
outside in case of emergency.
The accessible toilet should not be kept locked or used as a janitor’s room.
The toilet should be kept clean and well-maintained.
All toilet accessories, soap dispensers, coat hooks should be at accessible reach.
In addition to the accessible unisex toilets, the other toilets (Men / Women)
should also follow standardization of placement of utilities like
- Basin taps to be placed at the centre of the basin.
- Soap dispensers must be either at the immediate right or left side of the basin.
- Water jets on the right or left side of the WC.
- Flush must be either immediately behind the seat or at the centre.
- WC water tap must be either at the right or left of the WC.
3.2.11. Canteen:
There is no proper canteen facility in
Bock ‘D’ of the Secretariat. However,
there is a small over-the-counter
snack corner, inside the main
entrance to the block (Fig. 15), where
one can buy refreshments. The height
of the counter, at 800 mm, is
accessible.
The common canteen for the entire
Secretariat complex, which also
caters to Block ‘D,’ is in the second
floor of Block ‘G.’
The canteen has step free access.
Fig. 15: Snack counter in Block ‘D’
The service / beverage / cash counters in the canteen are not all at accessible heights.
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There is adequate circulation space inside the canteen.
Mostly steel cutlery is used along with plastic glasses and cups etc.
No menu is available in alternate accessible formats.
The floor is not well maintained and is slippery due to being wet most of the time.
The tables are very high and not accessible. Tables have adequate recess under them.
Fig. 16: Canteen in Block ‘G’ which caters to the entire Secretariat
There is no seating facility in the canteen and staff and visitors can either stand and
eat in the canteen or get takeouts, which can be carried to respective offices by people
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themselves. There is no practice of the canteen staff delivering food in the different
blocks.
There is proper hand wash area in the open terrace adjacent to the canteen, but the
same is not accessible as there are level differences on the way to the washbasins.
Recommendations:
There should be some seating facility and accessible tables provided for the use
of persons with disabilities in the canteen.
Tables should allow easy wheelchair access and have a knee space of 750mm
under them.
All counter heights should be made accessible.
There should be colour contrast between the crockery, glassware and the
table top.
Canteen should have a mix of different kinds of cutlery and glassware to allow
ease-of-use for people, based on their needs. (For instance, some people may be
unable to use disposable cups and cutlery and some may find use of very heavy
glasses and cutlery difficult.)
Step free access to hand wash area should be ensured and hand wash facility
should be made accessible as per specifications for washbasins (Refer to
Appendix).
Staff should be trained to assist persons with disabilities.
Menu should be made available in alternate accessible formats like Braille.
For persons with disabilities who are visitors to the Secretariat, there should be
an agreed practice to serve food on the table for them.
As far as employees with disabilities are concerned, there should be an agreed
practice to mandatorily serve food in the respective desks in the offices in
various Blocks for them.
3.2.12. Drinking Water facilities:
There is drinking water facility available in Block ‘D.’ However, the same are not
conspicuously placed and are not adequate.
It is mostly kept at an accessible height. However, the taps are knob-type and not
accessible. Also, drinking glasses are not provided.
There are no signages for the facility including no directional signages leading to the
facilities.
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Drinking water facility is also available in the Utility Block as well as the Canteen.
These are also at accessible heights, have knob-type taps, no drinking glasses and no
signage. The area around the water dispenser is not kept dry and clean in the Canteen.
(a) In the Utility Block
(b) In the Canteen
Recommendations:
Drinking water facility to be
provided on every floor of the
building at a conspicuous
location.
Drinking water facility should
be at an accessible height for
persons with disability (Refer to
Appendix).
The tap should be lever type
and easily operable.
Drinking glasses should be
made available and kept at an
accessible height not higher than
1200 mm.
The area around the water
cooler / dispenser should be
kept clean and dry at all times.
(c) In Block ‘D’
Fig. 17: Drinking water facilities
Proper signage should indicate the presence of the drinking water facility in
each floor. There should also be adequate directional signage leading to the
facilities.
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3.2.13. Control and operating mechanisms:
The switches or controls are not placed
consistently and placed at different heights
across the building, with some placed way
above the recommended accessible heights
(Refer to Appendix).
No touch panels have been installed for
operating controls or switches.
Little pressure is required to operate the
switches or controls.
Controls do not have adequate color contrast.
There is no clear floor space of dimensions 900 mm x 1200 mm adjacent to controls in all instances.
Fig. 18: Controls
Recommendations:
The operable part of controls such as vending machines, electrical switches, wall
sockets should be:
- Located adjacent to the clear floor space with dimensions of at least 900mm x
1200mm;
- Located at the height of between 400mm and 1200mm, measured from the
floor, with the exception of vending machines where the upper limit is relax
able to 1300 mm;
- Electrical sockets must not be placed at a height lower than 400mm from the
floor.
- Controls should be placed at not less than 400mm from room corners.
Controls or switches should not be operable with a touch panel.
Controls should be colour-contrasted, with the surrounding face plate panel
and the face plate contrasting with the background wall on which they are
mounted.
Information on controls and switches should be in relief (embossed
letters/symbols accompanied with Braille information) for tactile reading.
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3.2.14. Signages:
There is no accessible directional signage leading to various offices/chambers
however all the offices / departments have signage outside the entry doors.
Signages are not present for provisions like parking, accessible entrance (ramp),
drinking water etc.
Signages are also not placed at accessible heights as per standard specifications.
There is adequate illumination of visual signage.
There is not adequate colour contract
in all signages as per standard
specifications. Especially, signages
using gold lettering on black
background offer very minimal
contrast for the aide of persons with
visual impairment.
The visual signages in the building
are not provided with Braille and
Tactile supplements.
Fig. 19: Signages
Recommendations:
There should be prominent visible signage using the international symbol of
accessibility, identifying accessible entrance and exit, reserved car parking.
Signages for presence of toilets for persons with disabilities, and availability of
other facilities in the building should be conspicuously placed in the building.
Signage size should comply with not less than 60mm for doors, 110 mm for
corridors and 200mm for external use.
All visual signage in the facility should be provided with Braille and Tactile
supplements.
Where ever possible, audio signage should be provided along with Braille and
Tactile signage.
All Braille and tactile signage should be placed between the height of 900mm and
1500mm, with ideal location at 1050 mm above the finished floor level.
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If Braille and tactile signs are provided at a door, the same should be located
alongside the door at the latch side.
Where tactile signs are provided at double doors with one active leaf, the tactile
signs should be on the inactive leaf.
Where tactile signs are provided at double doors with two active leafs, the tactile
signs should be located at the right hand side of the door.
Braille specifications in all signages should follow the handbook specifications.
Braille and Tactile floor plans should ideally be provided, where they are
available for use of public, especially near the entrance of the building / near
reception or lobby or the elevator lobby.
All visual signage in the building should use high colour contrast.
3.2.15. Emergency evacuation:
There is no defined emergency evacuation provision in the building.
However, the building is equipped with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and hose pipes
for use during a fire emergency [Fig. 20(a)]. Also building layout and exit points are
shown on small maps hung on walls near the staircases [Fig. 20(b)] but the same are
not prominent and also not provided in alternate accessible formats, like Braille or
tactile.
There is only an audible alert system.
(a)
(b)
Fig. 20: Emergency provision
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Recommendations:
Emergency evacuation provision should be provided in the building, which takes
into account people with disabilities.
On ground floor, refuge area can be near the accessible entrance, close to the
step free route leading out of the building. For upper floors, refuge area has to be
identified and signposted for wheelchair users, near the stairs.
There should be directional signage leading to the refuge area.
All emergency and directional signage should be accessible.
The refuge area should be minimally a 900 mm x 1200 mm space for parking a
wheelchair.
There should be an alerting system both, visual and audible.
The alerting buttons should be between 600mm and 1200mm from the floor and
have a high contrast with the background wall.
Smoke barriers should be put up around the refuge area so that it can hold off
smoke for at least one hour.
There should be an audio and visual two way communication system in the
refuge area at the height of 1000mm.
Evacuation plans should show the refuge area, accessible evacuation route and
“You are here” point clearly marked on them.
Evacuation plans should be prominently displayed on all floors.
The evacuation plans and building maps should be available in tactile Braille
formats.
The evacuation plan should be of right size and easy to read.
The plan should clearly shown the ‘you are here’ point on it.
The plan should contrasts well with the background wall.
The Staff should be trained to assist persons with disabilities in evacuation.
Evacuation chairs should be available in the building and there must be staff
trained to use them.
3.2.16. Common building elements:
3.2.16.1. Colour contrast (in critical surfaces, sudden change in level, toilets,
stairs, handrails, doors, switches and sockets, skirting, free standing
obstacles and signage):
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Some contrast is seen in stairs, between the floors, walls and doors along
the corridors. However contrast is conspicuously missing in other critical
surfaces like handrails, control and operating mechanisms, toilets and toilet
fittings and so on. Signages also have colour contrast but the same are not
as per standard specifications.
Recommendations:
Colour contrast in critical surfaces, sudden change in level, toilets, stairs,
handrails, doors, switches and sockets, skirting, free standing obstacles and
signage to be used as per specifications highlighted in the Appendix to this
Report.
3.2.16.2. Flooring:
Floors are generally well kept and clean along the corridors however all
toilets are not well maintained.
The corridors are smooth and are non-reflective.
There is difference in floor-finish between corridors and rooms in many
instances.
There is color contrast between floors and background walls in most cases.
Floors are broken in some places, like in the staircases [Fig. 8(c)].
Recommendations:
Flooring has to be as per specifications highlighted in the Appendix to this
Report.
There should be difference in floor-finish between corridors and rooms in all
instances.
There should be clear color contrast between floors, doors and background walls
in all cases.
Floors should be well maintained and repaired, where broken.
3.3. Information, communication & services:
The Secretariat does not have an accessible website or alternate accessible formats of
publications / brochures; none of its staff are trained in Indian Sign Language and
neither are there Sign Language interpreters available on call. There is no wheelchair
facility available. The staff has never attended any disability sensitization sessions nor
do they have formal trainings on how to extend assistance to people with disabilities.
There is no Equal Opportunities Policy in place to promote employment of staff with
disability.
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The Access Control System provided
inside the main entrance of the
building in the ground floor is kept at
a high height and is not accessible. It
also does not have clear approach in
front of it, due to the fact that it is
kept inside an enclosure with doors.
Information and other related
facilities in the Utility Block are also
not accessible.
Recommendations:
Secretariat website should be
made accessible complying with
Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) along
with availability of accessible
software for electronic filling of
forms, if applicable.
Staff to be given awareness of
accessible facilities in the
premises. Fig. 21: Inaccessible Access Control System
Relevant information in publications / brochures to be made accessible for the
public in alternate accessible formats.
There should be a simple procedure of making inquiry / suggestions or complaint
lodging for a person with disability.
There should be trained staff to extend live assistance to disabled people
whenever needed and especially during emergencies etc.
All staff to have disability sensitization sessions from time to time.
Secretariat to develop and implement an Equal Opportunities Policy to
promote employment of staff with disability.
Reasonable adjustment of workplace environment should be made, whenever
the need arise, to accommodate disabled staff.
Services like wheelchair availability, loop induction system, sign language
interpreter etc. should be ensured.
All accessibility equipments in the building to be regularly checked and
maintained in good working condition.
There should be a policy to allow guide dogs, wherever a disabled person is
accompanied by one.
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4. Conclusion:
Though not presently accessible, the Secretariat - Block ‘D’ has ample scope to
incorporate barrier-free built environment provisions along with ensuring of accessible
information, communication and services in the complex to make it accessible for
persons with disabilities.
Simply making Block ‘D’ accessible would not suffice the purpose and care has to
be taken to ensure accessibility in all external facilities as well, including the
common parking lot, the Utility Block, the long access route, the frisking rooms,
Canteen and so on and so forth.
As far as the access route, parking, frisking rooms are concerned, there is scope to ensure
accessibility as outlined in this report. Building entrances with ramp (both in Block ‘D’
as well as the one in the Utility Block) to be upgraded to allow for appropriate gradient
and other specifications. Ramps should also be constructed in the access route, wherever
required, to ensure step free access.
The existing lifts address the need for vertical accessibility in the building but the same
have to be upgraded to ensure complete accessibility for persons with disabilities.
At least one accessible toilet cubicle has to be provided in every floor for men and
women respectively. Also, other toilets in the various floors should also comply with
standardization of placement of utilities like basin taps, soap dispensers, WCs, water jets
and so on.
For other aspects, there is a clear possibility of upgrading existing provisions and
ensuring accessibility in stairs, handrails, corridors, controls and switches, contrast of
critical surfaces, doors and doorways, floor finish, signages and so on.
Adequate drinking water facilities should also be made available in every floor and
should be placed in a conspicuous manner, with adequate signage.
With regard to canteen facilities, the infrastructure including counters, tables etc should
be made accessible. Also there should be an agreed practice to serve food on the table for
visitors with disabilities and to mandatorily serve / deliver food in the respective desks in
the offices in various Blocks for employees with disabilities.
Emergency evacuation provision should also be provided as outlined herein above.
Staff should also be sensitized on disability issues and efforts to be put in to ensure that
information and communication is made available in accessible formats, both electronic
and otherwise.
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