accessibility assessment report

Chester City Council – Access Service

Accessibility Assessment Report – Upton-by-Chester Village Hall 1

Accessibility Assessment Report Upton-by-Chester Village Hall

Upton Chester

Prepared for The Village Hall Executive Committee

September 2005



This report has been prepared for the sole use of Upton-by-Chester Village Hall Executive Committee, in respect that the information contained within the report will not extend to any third party.

Author: Graham Garnett (Access Officer) Date: 14th September 2005 Signed:



Contents Section: Page: 1.0 Introduction……………………………………………… 4 1.1 The Disability Discrimination Act 1995…………… 4 1.2 Part M Building Regulations……………………….. 4 1.3 Criteria for Assessment……………………………. 4 2.0 Executive Summary………………………………… 5 3.0 Accessibility Assessment Report………………… 6 3.1 Building Description / Users………………………. 6 3.2 Approaches…………………………………………… 6 3.3 Car Parking…………………………………………….. 8 3.4 Main Entrance…………………………………………… 10 3.5 Secondary Entrances / Exits………………………….. 12 3.6 Horizontal Circulations and Internal Doors..………… 14 3.7 Accessible Toilet………………………………………. 19 3.8 Male and Female Toilets……………………………… 22 3.9 Main Hall………………………………………………… 23 3.10 Stage……………………………………………………. 25 3.11 Kitchen Area……………………………………………. 27 3.12 Committee / Meeting Room…………………………… 28 3.13 Building Management……………………………….. 28



1.0 Introduction

The report assesses the usability of the Upton-by-Chester Village Hall, Chester, for benefit of all people including those with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It should be noted that following good practice guidance for accessibility will benefit all users of the environment including older people and carers of young children, not only those with recognised disabilities. It is strongly recommended that further advice be sought for any work that may be commissioned based on recommendations contained within this report to ensure that an adequate standard of accessibility is achieved.

1.1 The Disability Discrimination Act The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) gives disabled people rights in the areas of recruitment, employment and in the provision of goods and services. It requires all providers of goods, facilities and services to take reasonable measures to ensure that they are not discriminating against disabled people. Service providers and employers must ensure that they are not discriminating against disabled people in the way they provide services or employment, which includes the building or area from which the service is provided. 1.2 Part M Building Regulations New buildings and new building schemes within an existing building should be designed to meet the requirements of the Approved Document M (Access and Facilities for Disabled People). It should be noted that meeting the requirements of Part M does not wholly constitute an accessible building and may not fully meet the requirements of the DDA. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 does not override other legislation relating to buildings such as planning permission, building regulations, listed building consent and fire regulations. The Act itself does not include building design guidance and it is advisable to follow current good practice design guidance and advice. Therefore, advice given in this report if adopted will indicate that reasonable consideration has been given to the needs of disabled people but cannot guarantee immunity from prosecution under the Act. 1.3 Criteria for Assessment The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Part M Building Regulations



DETR Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces British Standard 8300:2001 Recognised good practice accessible design guideline 2.0 Executive Summary All of the issues raised within the report are of importance and are all

likely to be considered as “reasonable adjustments” under the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

However, we consider the following to be issues of „medium / high‟ importance which should be addressed as a matter of priority:- Car Parking 1. Provide at least three designated accessible parking bays for

benefit of disabled building users. Main Entrance

1. Replace double doors to provide minimum effective clear width of 800mm per leaf.

Horizontal Circulations and Internal Doors

1. There are three sets of internal double doors. Double doors serving the Main Hall and the Committee Room must be replaced to provide a minimum effective clear width of 750mm (800mm or more preferred).

Accessible Toilet

1. Provide RADAR key scheme lock within the accessible toilet door. 2. Install emergency pull cord alarm within the accessible toilet

compartment. Stage

1. Provide a suitable demountable portable ramp to enable access onto the stage by wheelchair users.

Committee / Meeting Room

1. Provide an induction loop system for benefit of hearing aid users. Future Building Works

1. Ensure that proposed future building works comply with the requirements outlined within this report in order to achieve an adequate standard of accessibility.

(More detailed design guideline and information on the above issues can be found within the main report).



3.0 Accessibility Assessment Report

This report examines the usability of the Upton-by-Chester Village Hall for benefit of all users, including disabled people.

3.1 Building Description / Users Upton-by-Chester Village Hall is a single storey building accessed from

Heath Road. The building was constructed in 1927.

The building is used by members of the community for a wide range of purposes including; dancing, Women‟s Institute meetings, horticultural society, indoor bowls, art / stroke club, Stroke Society meetings and general lettings.

3.2 Approaches Pedestrian approach towards the building is via a pavement on one

side of Heath Road. Generally, the pavement has a width of around 1300mm and surfaces were found to be level and free from obstructions. However, there are no tactile warning surfaces within the pavement at the intersection with the car park vehicular entrance and exit.

Upton-By-Chester Village Hall



There is an „Upton‟ sign on the front of the building. Sign is not clearly visible and the font used would be difficult to read by visually impaired people.

Recommendations

1. Liaise with the County Council Highways department to investigate the possibility of providing buff colour blister type tactile warning surfaces within the pavement at the intersection with the car park entrance and exit for benefit of visually impaired people.

Pavement – Heath Road

Vehicular and pedestrian entrance

Village Hall

‘Upton’ Sign



2. Provide a suitable sign at the front of the building. E.g. „Upton-by-Chester Village Hall. Following design guideline should be used:-

The sign board colour must contrast with the background as this will assist with both visibility and readability. On light brick a black sign board should be used with either white or yellow lettering.

Sign should have a non-reflective matt finish.

A contrasting border is necessary to enable visibility.

Typeface should be ideally a Helvetica sans serif font. Avoid serifs whenever possible.

Sentence case (i.e. lower case with initial capitals for the start of sentences and names) in preference to solely upper case characters.

Characters should contrast with the sign board and be in a matt finish as per the sign board.

The character height for signs should be a minimum 100mm and maximum 170mm based on an approximate viewing distance of 3000mm.

3.3 Car Parking

There is a car park at the rear of the building. Car park is served by vehicular access roads at the sides of the building that are used for entrance and exit. There are „IN‟ and „OUT‟ signs located at the front of the building. These signs are not clearly visible.

There is a drop-off area at the front of the building. However, there are no signs / markings indicating this facility.

Drop-off area at front of Village Hall

Drop-off area

„IN‟ Sign



Car park has spaces for approximately thirty vehicles, though spaces are not marked. There are no designated accessible parking bays for benefit of disabled people. Car park surfaces were generally found to be satisfactory, though there are some loose gravel and uneven surfaces towards the rear of the car park.

There is no signage indicating the route from the car park towards the building‟s main entrance.

Recommendations

1. Provide clearly visible „IN‟ and „OUT‟ signs at the car park entrance and exit. Use the following signage design criteria:-

Sign should be at a suitable height (approx 1400 from floor

level).

Sign and lettering must have tonal colour contrast for visibility.

The sign must have a non-reflective finish.

Sign must have a contrasting border.

Typeface must be a Helvetica sans serif font.

Car park at the rear of the building

Pedestrian route from the car park towards the main entrance



Sentence case should be used, not solely upper case letters.

Sign must be well-lit.

Lettering should have a character height of minimum 100mm.

2. Drop-off area should be clearly marked (hatched zone) and

clearly sign-posted.

3. Provide at least three designated accessible parking bays for benefit of disabled building users. Accessible parking bays should comply with the following design guideline:

Minimum width 2400mm (3600mm preferred – suitable for

wider vehicles).

Minimum length 4800mm.

1200mm wide marked access zone to the sides and rear of the bays to enable transfer from the sides and rear of the bays.

Recognised access symbol on car park surface.

Vertical sign with the recognised access symbol at the front of the bays at a height of 1200mm from floor level.

4. Investigate the possibility of resurfacing / making good any

uneven and loose gravel surfaces for benefit of all building users.

5. All standard parking bays should be marked out to provide a

more „orderly‟ parking arrangement and also to prevent vehicles from parking in an obstructive manner.

6. Provide suitable signage indicating the route from the car park

towards the main entrance.

7. Clearly define a path (minimum 1200mm wide), using suitable floor markings such as a hatched access zone, leading from the car park towards the main entrance. This will help maintain a safe distance between pedestrians and vehicles and will also prevent vehicles from parking obstructing the route.

3.4 Main Entrance

The main entrance is located at the side of the building. Entrance has

level access and is via set of double doors. There are two black columns outside the main entrance. Columns do not have suitable tonal colour contrast for visibility. There is no „Main Entrance‟ sign.



Double doors have a clear opening width of 680mm per leaf and therefore, do not comply with the minimum requirement of Building Regulation Part M (effective clear width of 800mm). Vision panels are positioned at a height of 1600mm from floor level. Door lock is positioned at a height of 1400mm from floor level. Door bell is positioned at a height of 1280mm from floor level. Door bell does not have visual indicator.

There is a sign within the lobby area that reads ‘No prams or dogs allowed in the Hall’.

Recommendations

1. Paint the black columns with a 150mm wide contrasting band of colour at two heights; approximately 1050mm and 1500mm from floor level for benefit of visually impaired people.

2. Provide a suitable „Main Entrance‟ sign for benefit of all building

users. Sign(s) should be visible from all approaches. 3. Replace double doors to provide a minimum effective clear width

of 800mm per leaf. This will be possible by removing the side panels. (Note: a 1000mm clear door width is preferred for benefit of larger wheelchairs and some motorised buggies). Use the following door design guideline:-

Door must have a minimum effective clear width of 800mm

(1000mm preferred).

Door should have suitable vision panels providing a minimum zone of visibility between 500mm-1500mm from floor level.

Force required to open door should be maximum 20N.

Door and door handles should have tonal colour contrast with the surroundings benefit of visually impaired people.

Main Entrance



Door handles and lock should be positioned at a height of around 1040mm from floor level.

Handles should be lever action type and easy to grip.

4. Replace door bell to provide visual indicator for benefit of hearing impaired people. Bell should be positioned at a height of 1040mm from floor level. Bell should sound in all areas of the building including Committee Room, Kitchen and Main Hall.

5. Remove the ‘No Dogs….’ sign and replace it with a suitable „No

dogs except for assistance dogs’, or similar approved sign.

3.5 Secondary Entrances / Exits

There are two fire exit doors located at the sides of the building. Fire Exit (car cark entrance side)

Door has a clear opening width of 790mm and therefore, does not comply with the minimum requirement of Building Regulation Part M (800mm). There is a 60mm high step by the door.

Fire Exit (car cark exit side)

Door has a clear opening width of 790mm and therefore, does not comply with the minimum requirement of Building Regulation Part M (800mm). We were informed that this door is due to be replaced as part of future building scheme. There is a 60mm high step by the door.

Fire Exit Door – (Car Park Entrance)



Proposed new entrance serving Committee Room We were informed that there are proposals to create a new entrance at

the side of the building to serve the Committee Room so that the facility can be let separately to the Main Hall.

Recommendations

Fire Exit (car cark entrance side)

1. Although the door width does not comply, we do not recommend replacing the door as a high priority due to the door‟s seldom use. However, as a part of any future building scheme, or when doors are replaced through the building‟s repair and maintenance programme, it is recommended to enlarge the opening and replace the door to provide a minimum effective clear width of 800mm (or greater).

2. Grade the tarmac surfaces upwards by the door in order to

eliminate the existing 60mm level change for benefit of wheelchair users.

Fire Exit (car cark exit side)

Proposed New Entrance

Fire Exit Door – (Car Park Exit)



3. As this door is due to be replaced as part of a future building scheme, we recommend enlarging the opening to provide a door with a minimum effective clear width of 800mm (or greater).

4. Grade tarmac surfaces upwards to eliminate existing 60mm

level change for benefit of wheelchair users.

Proposed New Entrance (serving Committee Room)

5. Proposed new entrance should comply with the following design guideline:-

Level approach towards the entrance (1:20 maximum gradient).

Minimum 1500x1500mm level landing by the door.

Door should have a minimum effective clear width of 800mm (1000mm or more will accommodate larger wheelchairs and scooters).

Door must have vision panels providing a minimum zone of visibility between 500-1500mm from floor level.


Door handle 1040mm from floor level, lever type, with tonal colour contrast for visibility.

Level access at door‟s threshold, though a 15mm level change is permissible if surfaces are graded upwards to form a flush junction.

Suitable „Entrance‟ sign

3.6 Horizontal Circulations and Internal Doors

There is a set of double doors leading from the main entrance lobby area into the Main Hall. Doors have a clear opening width of 680mm per leaf.



The double doors leading into the Main Hall were held open at the time of our visit. There is a door leading towards the male and female toilets which was obstructed due to the double door being held open. The door that leads towards the male and female toilets has a clear opening width of 720mm and therefore, does not comply with the minimum requirement of Building Regulation Part M (750mm).

There is a door leading from the Main Hall towards a passageway that leads towards a fire exit door. Door has a clear opening width of 760mm. Door handles are positioned at a height of 1270mm from floor level. Handles do not have tonal colour contrast for visibility. Handles are small and may be difficult to grip by people with limited dexterity. At the time of our visit chairs were found to be placed partially obstructing the door.

Double doors from main entrance lobby area into the Main Hall

Door leading towards male and female toilets

Double door causes obstruction when held open



Door from Main Hall leading to kitchen and fire exit

There is a door leading from the Main Hall towards a passageway that leads towards the kitchen and a fire exit door. Door has a clear opening width of 770mm. Door handles are positioned at a height of 1270mm from floor level. Handles do not have tonal colour contrast for visibility. Handles are small and may be difficult to grip by people with limited dexterity.

Double doors from Main Hall towards Committee Room etc

Double doors leading from the Main Hall towards the Committee Room etc have a clear opening width of 680mm per leaf.

Door from Main Hall leading towards fire exit

Door from Main Hall leading towards kitchen and fire exit



Sliding door within Kitchen area

There is a sliding door within the kitchen area. Door has a clear opening width of 720mm.

Recommendations Double doors from main entrance lobby area into Main Hall

1. Replace doors to provide a minimum effective clear width of 750mm (800mm or more preferred). Use the following door design guideline:-


Door should have an effective clear width of 750mm (800mm or more preferred) per leaf.

Door and door frame should contrast visually with the surroundings.

Door furniture should have tonal colour contrast for visibility.

Vision panels providing a minimum zone of visibility between 500-1500mm from floor level.

Double doors from Main Hall leading towards Committee Room and Kitchen



Door handles should be lever action type, positioned at a height of 1040mm from floor level.

2. Double door (near to the door serving the toilets) should not be

held open as it causes an obstruction.

Door from main entrance lobby area towards male and female toilets

3. Enlarge the opening and replace the door to provide a minimum effective clear width of 750mm. See the door design criteria above.

Door from Main Hall leading towards fire exit door

4. Replace door handles with lever action type handles. Handles should be positioned at a height of 1040mm from floor level. Handle should have a minimum width of 95mm. Handle should have a diameter of 19mm minimum. There must be a 45mm space between the handle and the door. Handles should have tonal colour contrast for visibility.

(Alternatively, replace the door with a suitable type door in line with the design requirements of Building Regulation Part M).

5. Management should ensure that this door is kept clear and free

from obstructions at all times. Chairs should not be placed in front of the door.

Door from Main Hall leading towards kitchen and fire exit door

6. Replace door handles with lever action type handles. Handles

should be positioned at a height of 1040mm from floor level. Handle should have a minimum width of 95mm. Handle should have a diameter of 19mm minimum. There must be a 45mm space between the handle and the door. Handles should have tonal colour contrast for visibility.

(Alternatively, replace the door with a suitable type door in line with the design requirements of Building Regulation Part M).

Double doors from Main Hall towards Committee Room etc

7. Replace doors to provide a minimum effective clear width of 750mm (800mm or more preferred).

Sliding door within kitchen

8. Replace door to provide a minimum effective clear width of 750mm (800mm or more preferred).



3.7 Accessible Toilet

There is a unisex accessible toilet facility accessed from the main entrance lobby area. Door into the compartment has a clear opening width of 860mm. There is an access symbol on the door at a height of 1100mm from floor level. Door is normally kept locked. We were informed that the key for the door is always stored on a worktop near to the kitchen area. Door lock is small and therefore, may be difficult to grip by people with limited dexterity.

Toilet compartment has an internal dimension of 1850mm x 1750mm and therefore, does not comply with the minimum requirement of Approved Document M (2200mm x 1500mm). Support rails do not have adequate tonal colour contrast with the walls. Flush is positioned on the side nearest to the wall and therefore, may be difficult to reach by some people. Light switch pull cord does not have tonal colour contrast visibility. Pull cord handle is small and may be difficult to grip by people with limited dexterity. There is no emergency pull cord. There is a drop-down nappy changing table within the compartment. Toilet paper holder is positioned at a height of 1120mm from floor level.

Accessible toilet compartment

Door into accessible toilet

compartment



There are proposals to create a new toilet facility near to the proposed new entrance door.

Recommendations

1. Relocate access symbol, or provide additional access symbol at a height of 1400mm from floor level. Sign should be clearly visible, should have tonal colour contrast with the door and should have tactile and Braille information.

2. Ideally, any door into an accessible toilet facility should be kept

unlocked at all times. Existing arrangement, of storing the key on a worktop, is totally unsuitable for those who are not familiar with the arrangement, such as occasional building users and visitors. If the door needs to be kept locked for security reasons, then the door should be fitted with a RADAR lock.

3. Replace door lock (internal) with a large and easy to operate

lock. Lock should be fitted at a height of 1040mm from floor level. Lock should have tonal colour contrast for benefit of visually impaired people.

4. Although the toilet compartment dimension does not comply with

the minimum requirements of Building Regulation Part M (2000mm x 1500mm - 1999 Edition, or 2200mm x 1500mm - 2004 Edition), we do not recommend increasing the size of the compartment as any alteration will require major works to the adjacent areas and is likely to be seen as „unreasonable‟ under the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

5. However, it is recommended to make following adjustments to

improve the accessibility of the compartment:-

a) Replace support rails (or paint walls) to provide suitable tonal colour contrast for benefit of visually impaired people.

Proposed toilet area



b) Flush should be repositioned onto the transfer side so that it can be reached easily by wheelchair users.

c) Replace light switch pull cord with a wall-mounted light switch. Switch should be large and should have tonal colour contrast with the wall. Switch should be positioned at a height of around 1000mm from floor level.

d) Install an emergency pull cord within the compartment. Pull

cord should be red in colour with a large handle. Pull cord should extend to the floor level so that it can be reached in the event of a fall.

e) Lower the toilet paper holder to a height between 800mm to

1000mm from floor level.

f) Provide a clothes hook 1450-1500mm from floor level.

g) Although the window is frosted, this may not provide sufficient privacy for some users, particularly at night time. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a suitable curtain.

6. Ideally, nappy changing facilities should not be located within an

accessible toilet compartment as this makes the toilet facility unavailable for large periods of time. However, we accept that there is little possibility of relocating the nappy changing facility elsewhere within the building due to space limitations.

As part of any future building works / alterations, investigate the possibility of relocating the nappy changing facility elsewhere by creating a designated nappy changing compartment.

7. There are proposals to provide a new toilet facility near to the

proposed new entrance door. Ideally, this facility should be wheelchair accessible. However, we accept that this may not be feasible due to space limitations. Therefore, the new toilet compartment must be accessible for ambulant disabled people. Toilet must comply with the following design guideline:-

a) Door - minimum effective clear width 750mm. b) Door should open outwards. c) Compartment minimum dimension 1500mm x 800mm. d) Support rails should be fitted in accordance with the

requirements of BS8300. e) Support rails and other facilities should have tonal colour

contrast with the surroundings. f) Clothes hook 1450-1500mm from floor level.



3.8 Male and Female Toilets

Wash-hand basin taps within the male and female toilets are turn action-type and therefore, may be difficult to operate by people with limited dexterity.

There are mirrors positioned at a height of 1270mm from floor level.

Recommendations

1. Replace taps with lever arm action type taps for benefit of people with limited dexterity.

2. Replace mirror with a full height mirror (approx 600mm –

1800mm from floor level).

Wash-hand basin

Mirror



3.9 Main Hall

Main Hall is used for a wide range of functions. We were informed that the Hall is equipped with an induction loop system.

There is a serving hatch within the Main Hall positioned at a height of 1070mm from floor level. We were informed that there are plans to replace this hatch to provide a suitable serving counter.

There are no chairs with arm rests within the Main Hall.

Seating

Serving Hatch / Counter

Main Hall



There is a donations box fixed to the wall within the Main Hall at a height of 1220mm from floor level. Chairs are positioned in front of the donations box causing an obstruction.

Recommendations Serving Counter

1. New serving counter should be fitted with an induction loop

system for benefit of hearing impaired people.

2. Serving counter must be an accessible height for disabled people. Ideally, the counter should have two heights:

950-1100mm from floor level to accommodate people who are standing.

760mm from floor level to accommodate wheelchair users. There must be minimum 500mm legroom recess for wheelchair users.

Alternatively, a counter with a height of 850mm from floor level is suitable for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people.

Seating 3. Replace at least 10% of the seating to provide chairs with arm

rests for benefit of ambulant disabled and elderly building users.

Donations Box

4. Lower the donations box to a height of 1000mm (maximum). Chairs should not be located in front of the donations box.

Donations Box



3.10 Stage

Access to the stage area is via steps at the front of the stage. There are also steps to the sides of the stage leading from the store room and the Committee Room. There is no means of access onto the stage for wheelchair users.

Steps at front of stage

There are two flights of steps at the front of the stage. Steps nosing do not have tonal colour contrast for visibility. Handrails are fitted on one side of the steps. Steps have a width of 540mm.

Steps from Store Room and Committee Room

Steps nosings do not have tonal colour contrast for visibility. Handrails are fitted on one side at a height of 770mm from steps nosings.

Stage

Steps at front of stage



Recommendations

1. a)The Hall and Stage are used for variety of purposes, including meetings and performances. Therefore, the stage must be accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairment. It is recommended to provide a suitable type demountable portable ramp in order to make the stage accessible.

b) Alternatively, investigate the possibility of installing a vertical platform lift to make the stage accessible. Platform lift could be located within the store room at the side of the stage. Further advice should be sought from platform lift manufacturer / supplier.

Steps at front of Stage

2. Paint steps nosings to provide tonal colour contrast for benefit of

visually impaired people. Although the width of the steps and the handrails are unsuitable, we do not recommend making adjustment.

Steps from Store Room and Committee Room

3. Paint steps nosings to provide tonal colour contrast for benefit of visually impaired people.

4. Replace handrails on both sides of the steps. Use the following

handrail design guideline:-

Handrails positioned on both sides 900mm from steps nosings.

Additional handrail 550-600mm from steps nosings for children and people of shorter stature.

Handrails must have tonal colour contrast for visibility.

Steps from Store Room



Handrails must be circular in shape with a diameter of 40-45mm.

3.11 Kitchen Area

There is an existing kitchen area within the building. Facilities are totally unsuitable for disabled people to use. The height of the paper towel holder, soap dispenser, work surfaces, oven / hob and cupboards are all unsuitable for wheelchair users and people of shorter stature. Sink taps are turn action type and therefore, unsuitable for people with limited dexterity. However, we were informed that there are proposals to alter this kitchen as part of a future building scheme.

Recommendations

Proposed new kitchen area should comply with the following design guideline:-

1. There should be an unobstructed floor space of 1500mm x 1500mm

between facing floor units and a wall. 2. Work surfaces should have a height of 850mm, suitable for

wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people. 3. Clear height underneath worktop – minimum 700mm. 4. Work surfaces should be continuous and designed so that travel is

minimised. i.e. a logical work sequence between food storage, preparation, cooking, and utensil cleaning.

5. Wall units and shelves positioned at a height of no more than 1150mm from floor level (for wheelchair users), and no more than 1620mm (for ambulant disabled people).

6. Sink taps must be lever arm action type for benefit of people with limited dexterity.

Kitchen



For a full accessible kitchen design specification see British Standard 8300:2001, Section 12.1.

3.12 Committee / Meeting Room

There is a set of double doors leading into the Committee / Meeting Room. Doors have a clear opening width of 680mm per leaf. Committee Room is not equipped with an induction loop system. There are no chairs with arm rests.

Recommendations

1. Replace doors to provide a minimum effective clear width of 750mm per leaf (800mm or more preferred).

2. Committee Room is used for a variety of functions including

meetings. Therefore, the room must be equipped with an induction loop system for benefit of hearing aid users.

3. Provide at least 2-3 chairs with arm rests for benefit of ambulant

disabled people.

3.13 Building Management

The accessibility of the building cannot be guaranteed by good design or physical alterations alone. How the building is managed „day-to-today‟ will have a major impact on how easy the building is to use by disabled people.

It is important that those responsible for making the building accessible contribute to the drafting of a building management manual. The

Double doors into Committee Room



following areas should be covered within any building management manual:

Car Parking Ensure that non-disabled drivers do not occupy the designated accessible parking bays. Routes External routes and car park should be kept clean, unobstructed, well lit, clear of leaves in autumn, and ice-free in winter. Doors Ensure that door closers are regularly maintained, door furniture is kept clean and free-moving. Door bells should be tested regularly.

Lobbies and Corridors Ensure that circulation areas that are required for access are not obstructed by deliveries, storage and loose furniture. Toilets Ensure that there are sufficient supplies of toilet tissue, paper towels, and soap. Toilet compartment should not be used for storage. Building Information Ensure that maps of building interiors are updated when services and facilities change location, e.g. fire extinguishers, escape routes etc. Induction Loop system Induction loop system should be advertised on all literature and notice boards. The facility should be tested regularly to ensure that it is in full working order when needed. Surfaces Cleaning and polishing should not render slip-resistant surfaces slippery. Ensure that any junctions between different flooring materials do not become worn, creating a tripping hazard. Lighting Ensure that windows, lamp shades and blinds are kept clean in order to maximise available light.



Repairs and Maintenance Ensure that when repairs or replacements are carried out that works comply with current accessible design standards, i.e. Building Regulation Part M, British Standard 8300:2001, and recognised good practice design guideline.

Design Feedback Within a reasonable timescale, review the design of any new building works with the designers, building users and an access auditor, to assess any good or bad points.

accessibility assessment report

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