Access for Disabled Persons
Access for disabled
people conjures up, in most people's minds, an image of someone in
a wheelchair trying to negotiate a revolving door or flight of
stairs.
Although this is an all too frequent occurrence, it is important
that problems of people with other forms of disability are
addressed, including those with ambulant disabilities, those with
impaired vision or total loss of sight and those with hearing
difficulties to a greater or lesser degree.
The requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations relate to
the provision of access and facilities to all storeys of new
buildings and also certain extensions and alterations to existing
buildings.
The Regulations being extended to include for the needs of the
majority of disabled persons and the problems faced by them in and
around buildings, including new dwellings.
Basically, the requirements of the Regulations ensure the
following are provided to a reasonable standard:-
Non Domestic
1. Suitable access from the site entrance and disabled car
parking area to the building.
2. Level access into the building by way of a ramp, if necessary
complemented by a suitable stepped approach.
3. Door widths and arrangements.
4. Lobbies of a size to allow wheelchair movement within the
building.
5. Easy going staircases with contrasting nosings and different
surface treatment top and bottom of flight.
6. Lifts in certain circumstances ensuring they are of adequate
size with low level controls.
7. Non slip surfaces.
8. Provision for means of escape in case of fire.
9. Sanitary accommodation.
10. Provision for audience and spectator accommodation in sports
stadia, theatres and cinemas.
11. Induction loop systems for those with hearing
impairment.
Domestic
1. Make reasonable provision within the boundary of the plot to
gain access to the dwelling.
2. Provide access into the dwelling via suitable steps or
ramps.
3. Provide suitable entrance doors for wheelchair access.
4. Circulation space to be provided within the entrance storey
of every dwelling, providing access into habitable rooms and a room
containing a WC.
5. Accessible switches and socket outlets should be provided
throughout the dwelling so that they are easily reachable.
6. Passenger lifts or suitable common staircase should be
provided to enable disabled people to visit occupants who live on
any storey.
7. Suitable WC provision should be provided within the entrance
storey to the dwelling.
In addition to the statutory requirements of Part M of the
Building Regulations, all the Authorities within the county have a
designated person on their staff to take on the wider role of
Access Officer.
Their aims and objectives are to give advice and guidance on the
more general matters of access and, therefore, directly assist
people with disabilities to negotiate the built environment more
easily.
Some of the additional features, other than those included in
the Building Regulations, which should be considered by the
designer of a scheme would include:-
(a) Provision of suitable car parking facilities.
(b) Careful choice of surface treatments.
(c) Direction signs.
(d) Street furniture.
(e) Highway consideration in respect of pavement crossings,
controlled crossings etc.
The above list is not exhaustive, but should you wish to discuss
any access queries contact your local Access Officer at the
relevant Local Authority.
Allerdale Borough Council carries out adaptations for disabled
council tenants who have been referred for work by Cumbria County
Council Occupational Therapists. Allerdale Borough Council also
provide grants to improve disabled facilities in private housing,
following referral by an Occupational Therapist. They also
arrange building work in council houses.