|
»»
SIMON OSBORNE , commercial leader of Allegion in UK & Ireland , highlights what locksmiths and building managers need to know on disability regulations for doors , what hardware and furniture to use and where , and best practice and design guidance .
Disabilities are wide ranging and varied . Much unlike the international symbol of access that depicts an individual in the wheelchair , there are many disabilities that cannot be seen and extend far beyond wheelchair use . Therefore , when we look at accessibility and complying with disability regulations in multiple occupancy buildings , it is truly a minefield .
In the main , when looking at disability compliance , it is Approved Document M , Volume 2 , ‘ Access to and use of buildings – buildings other than dwellings ’ which must be adhered to . As well as this , the Equality Act BS 8300 standards is also considered applicable to existing as well as new buildings and extensions .
DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENTS
A provision that Approved Document M stipulates for multiple occupancy buildings is that Design
|
and Access Statement ( DAS ) must be produced for building control officers ( BCOs ).
In short , a DAS is an explanation of ‘ how access and facilities for people with disabilities and others have been addressed in a particular scheme ’.
The statement will allow BCOs to assess whether reasonable and / or suitable provision has been achieved . Of course , it will vary in size dependent on the type and scale of the development , but it should generally include the following elements wherever relevant :
• Description of proposed works and the intended use of the building
• Access design philosophy on the scheme
• Sources of advice and guidance
• Evidence of any consultation with the council ’ s access officer or the local access group
• Description of the building
• Key issues of the scheme
• Current access provisions
• Proposed areas for improvement
• Areas not proposed for
|
improvement and / or reasons why an alternative approach has been adopted
One of the most important points of the DAS for locksmiths is that they show evidence of sources of advice and guidance from door hardware providers , especially in retrofit schemes .
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
While the general facilities , site and building managers must look into disability access matters across the whole building ( or buildings ), a locksmith is more specialist .
To comply with regulations , locksmiths must now be able to discern between different entrances and doors , and , crucially , what their functions pertinent to the building are .
Matters for consideration to disability compliance will include :
• Whether entrances are primary or secondary
• Doors and their functions , operation , size , controls and automation
• Aids for hearing impaired people
• The visibility of signage , making sure size and contrast is adequate for people with impaired vision
• Usability of the building and facilities
• Management arrangements for assisted access and means of escape
• Special considerations will need to be given to listed buildings , development in
|
conservation areas and other buildings or spaces of special interest .
Only after considering these points should a locksmith be able to give advice on compliant door hardware .
ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES
Accessible entrances should be clearly signposted and should include the international symbol of access from the edge of the site . The principal entrance should be clearly signposted if this is not the accessible entrance .
The entrance should have a level landing of at least 1500mm by 1500mm clear of any door swings immediately in front of the entrance . The material of the entrance should not impede wheelchair users .
Door entry systems need to be accessible to the deaf , hard of hearing and people who cannot speak , so they should have a clear LED display fitted between 750mm and 1000mm from floor level .
DOORS TO ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES
Doors on accessible entrances can be manually operated , or power operated under manual or automatic control .
Doors on accessible entrances should also have vision panels . The minimum zone of visibility should be between 500mm and 1500mm from floor level .
If necessary , the vision panels should be interrupted between 800mm and 1150mm from floor level to accommodate a horizontal grab-rail .
|