SMART Access Assessment

Transcription

1 SMART Access Assessment Company Name Premises Date Of Audit Auditor Trinity College Dublin School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7 16 September 2008 Sakinah Abdul-Ibiyeye Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Adjustments required as a high priority to remove or avoid barriers to access for disabled people. Adjustments to be incorporated into an existing maintenance or development works programmes in the medium term to long term. Works and adjustments further considered for inclusion in longer term development planning or refurbishments.

2 Foreword This access audit identifies a range of barriers that potentially restrict access for disabled people in the external and internal built environments. For the purposes of the access assessment the environment s features have been broken down into its constituent features. Each feature is assessed for conformity against certain access criteria. These criteria are derived from the following range of Best Practice sources, guidelines, standards, publications and legislation: Disability Act 2005 and related Sectoral Plans - Ref 1 Standards Institute BS8300:2001 and BS Ref 2 Regulations 2000, Technical Guidance Document M - Access for People with Disabilities (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government) - Ref 3 for Everyone - Access and use for all citizens (National Disability Authority) - Ref 4 to the Historic Environment - Meeting the needs of Disabled People (Lisa Foster) - Ref 5 Management Guidelines (Irish Government Publications 2003) - Ref 6 Auditing of the Built Environment guidelines (National Disability Authority) - Ref 7 Mobility - A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure (Department of Transport United Kingdom) - Ref 8 on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces: UK Department for Transport - Ref 9 Where a site feature does not conform to this guidance, an explanation as to the potential restriction on access is provided, together with a suggested action and the priority in which such actions should be undertaken. The Disability Act 2005 and the National Disability Authority s initiatives build on relationships and practices which currently exist among councils, city planners, building professionals and community groups to make services in Ireland more accessible to people with disabilities. In addition to people who use wheelchairs or have restricted mobility, there are many people affected by some degree of hearing loss, learning disability, facial disfigurement, visual impairment, mental illness or conditions such as arthritis or incontinence. This access assessment considers the needs of all potential users from a universal access perspective. The audit is an organisation s first step in identifying physical barriers that people with disabilities may encounter when engaging with the community, public services and facilities. It is equally important to implement effective staff equality training and to implement good inclusive management strategies that ensure equal access for all.

3 Configure Limited provides consultancy, project management and equipment to help make buildings accessible for all. For further information contact us on or Configure Limited, First Floor, 32 Upper Kevin Street, Dublin 8

4 Introduc tion and General Information This Audit Report is one of a series of measures that Trinity College Dublin is taking as part of its development program to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities. Background Trinity College Dublin has engaged Configure Ltd to conduct Access Audits for the various campus buildings and facilities at the College. This Access Assessment identifies a range of barriers that potentially restrict access for people with disabilities in Trinity College. An Access Plan is included at the end of the assessment, bringing together issues of a similar priority and providing an indication as to the likely cost estimates of adjustments. The Assessment highlights issues in the physical environment. A scope of works of the physical environment is included. Responsibilities including the Equal Status Acts and the Disability Act 2005 are crucial to the vision of a College that improves accessibility and mobility for its students and staff. Through this Access Audit and Access Plan Trinity College may look to the future of the institution with a commitment to creating an accessible environment for all. Acces sibility initiatives already exist in Trinity College: - Trinity College has committed to a Code of Practice applying to the Employment of People with Disabilities. - Trinity College has an established policy of equal opportunity in education. - Trinity College has adopted a Universal Design Policy in recognition of the principles of Universal Access. Configure provides advice, equipment and staff training to assist service providers in removing barriers which turn impairment into disability. We work with service providers from all sectors and are happy to offer advice and guidance on any access issue. Building Rating for Disabled Access. This rating system serves as a summary designation for College's internal building management and planning Rating Explanation A Fully compliant with BS8300:2001 and other best practice guidelines B Partially compliant, some changes required. Ground floor accessible C Partially compliant, some changes required. Ground floor inaccessible D Partially compliant, changes required include structural civil works E t compliant, major civil works required.

5 SCHOOL OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND IMMUNOLOGY - Zone 7 Trinity College D ublin. B uilding Rating Type This building is rated B Currently the School of Biochemistry and Immunology has a wheelchair entrance provided to the Roberts Lab side entrance area. This entrance has a code access given to all wheelchair users. Main Front Entrance is not accessible due to steps in entrance corridor and other barriers for accessing the building. B uilding D escription The building was built in 1967.The building comprises 3 storey above ground, a roof top floor without a basement. Served by one central staircase, one fire escape staircase and a central lift facility. There is delivery office & store, laboratories, lecture room and gents toilet facility at ground floor level; the upper levels are laboratories, departmental main office, experimental rooms, seminar/computer room, cell offices and toilet and shower facilities. Currently the only accessible part of the building is the Roberts lab area, having its own door access and an external ramp providing a wheelchair users route. The main entrance door has a number of steps and no ramp that precludes wheelchair access. Uses of the Building The building is occupied by: 1.The school's store and delivery room on the ground floor with 2 staff, hours of operation 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Fridays. 2. School's main office and meeting room with 1 staff is based on the 1st floor operating between the hours of 9.15am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.10pm, Monday to Fridays. Office closed, 11am to 11.20am and 4pm to 4.15pm. 3. Laboratories, offices, bio-resources and radioactive unit situated on the 3rd floor level, above 4 staff, hours of operation 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. 4. There are toilet/shower facilities on 1st to 3rd floor levels, comprising up to 5 staff with hours of operation between 8am to 5pm Monday to Fridays.

6 B uilding Opening Times: Monday to Fridays: 8am -5.30pm. Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm Saturday and Sundays: Closed Facilities offered are: Laboratories General Administration Offices Cell Offices Meeting, Seminar and Computer Rooms Delivery and store room Toilet facilities (all levels)

7 Accessible Car Parking Given that you do not provide general parking facilities for employees or visitors, you are not obliged to provide accessible parking. Ensure that your staff members know about the local public parking arrangements. 7/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

8 Access Routes to the Premises The ease with which mobility impaired people can approach the premises has an impact on their ability to access the goods or services provided within the premises. It is understood that you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the access route to the premises. Accordingly, the condition and layout of the access route to the premises is considered below. Feature Is the access route clear of circular holes more than 18 mm deep? Conforms Access Comment Priority 2.3 Is the access route from the car park to the entrance of the premises a minimum of 1200mm wide? 2.4 Does the access route contain passing points which are 1800mm wide at intervals of 50m? 2.5 Is the difference in level between adjacent paving slabs or access covers less than 5mm? 2.6 Are surface joints or cracks in the access route surface no wider than 10mm and no deeper than 5mm? 2.7 Is the access route clear of abrupt changes in level with cross falls or cambers being less than 1:50? 8/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

9 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 2.8 Is the access route free from any trip hazards? A Litter bin was observed on the access route which could be potentially hazardous. Remove/relocat e or place a solid barrier or kerb beside the identified hazard. 2.9 Is the access route clear of physical obstructions or windows and doors that open onto the access route which present a potential hazard? 2.10 Is the access route clear of obstacles mounted more than 300mm above the floor and jutting out into the access route by more than 100mm? 9/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

10 View of building. Access route to building. Access route to building. Tactile blistered paving in access route to building. Bin is an obstruction in access route. Access to Hamilton building from school of biochemistry and immunology 2nd floor. 10/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

11 Entrance to Premises There is 1 public entrance serving the premises. The entrance is located as follows: 1. Main Entrance There is an alternative entrance to the main public entrance that has been designated specifically for use by disabled people in the following location(s); Wheel chair access through Roberts lab The physical features which gave rise to the provision of a seperate designated accessible entrance are understood to be as follows: There is the presence of a step at the main entrance Where possible, disabled people should be able to use the same services and facilities as non disabled people. Accordingly, Best Practice requires that a separately designated accessible entrance is only used as an alternative to the main public entrance where it would be unreasonable to remove or alter a feature of the premises or the access route to the premises that prevents the main public entrance or entrances being made accessible to disabled people. Feature Is the entrance clearly signed from the access route? Conforms Access Comment Priority 3.3 Is adequate lighting maintained at and leading up to the entrance of the premises? 3.4 Is there a colour contrast between the door to the premises and its frame surround? Providing clear colour contrast between an entrance door and its immediate surround will assist visitors with a visual impairment to locate the door panel with ease. Main Entrance: There is no colour contrast between the door to the premises and its surround. Create a colour contrast between the doors and frame. 3.5 Is there a clear view of the interior from the threshold? 11/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

12 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 3.6 Is the weather mat of firm texture, flush with and contrasting in colour to the floor? 3.7 When moving from the access route to the building into the building itself, is there a flat and level passage across the threshold with a lip or step of no more than 13mm? The following entrance location has a lip or step at the threshold in excess of 13mm: Threshold location: Main Entrance Step Count: 0 Step Configuration: Provide a portable ramp or install a permanent solution. Pavement Width: 0 Height of step to the Left:0 Height of step to the Right:0 Step at main entrance threshold makes entrance inaccessible to wheelchair users. Main Entrance: Weather mat provided in entrance area. Main Entrance: View from the interior. 12/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

13 Entrance Doors The configuration of the entrance door to the premises can impact significantly on people's ability to access the building. There is one main entrance doorway, the access features of which are considered below. Feature Is the door security entry system positioned with the activation controls at between 750mm and 1050mm from the floor? Conforms Access Comment Priority 4.3 Is the operating device for the security entry system positioned on the latch side of the door 400mm away from any side wall? The operating device for door security entry systems should be positioned on the latch side of the door 400mm away from any side wall or obstruction so that the controls are within the reach range and can be conveniently operated by wheelchair users. Reposition the security system operating device. Main Entrance: The operating device needs to be repositioned. 4.4 Can the operating device for the security entry system be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys? The design of the operating device for the security entry system can create a barrier to access if it requires a user to have good manual dexterity, use two hands or have the strength to hold down pressure on the keys. Main Entrance: The operating device should be replaced. Replace operating device for the security entry system. 13/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

14 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 4.5 Are power operated doors in use? Main Entrance: It was observed that power operated doors are not in use at this entrance. Install low energy power operated doors at the identified location. 4.6 Are low energy swing doors in use? A door with a return spring should have a maximum closing force at its leading edge not exceeding 20 Newtons. It should be noted that most closers are factory set at a much greater force, with many exceeding 100 Newtons. The following Entrance Doors require adjustment: Install low energy swing doors as an alternative to power operated doors. Main Entrance 4.7 Is a 300mm space provided alongside the opening edge of the door? 4.8 Is the door handle located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor and 50mm from the leading edge of the door? 4.9 Is the door handle U-shaped with a gap in excess of 45mm between the grip area of the handle and the door panel to which it is attached and does it contrast in colour to the door? People with impaired manual dexterity benefit from a U-shape format door handle with sufficient space between the handle and the door to support one-handed or closed-fist operation. Sight impaired users require an effective tonal and colour contrast between the handle and door. Main Entrance: The door handle requires replacement. Replace the door handle with one of the correct shape and configuration and ensure that the colour contrasts with the door. 14/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

15 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 4.10 If the door is fully glazed, does it incorporate warning markings (known as manifestations) between 1400mm to 1600mm from the ground and along its opening edge? People with visual impairments may be unable to easily distinguish fully glazed doors and adjacent glass panels. Branding, logo stickers or warning markings should be applied to fully glazed doors to assist partially sighted customers to identify both the door and its edge when the door is either open or closed. Where glass doors are incorporated in a glazed wall, the wall and door should be clearly differentiated so they are easy to distinguish. Install warning marks on doors. Main Entrance: Manifestations are required for this entrance door Does the door incorporate either a clear visibility panel between 500mm and 1500mm from the floor or two visibility panels, one from 500mm to 800mm and a second 1150mm to 1500mm from the floor? t Applicable Feature Observed Is the minimum effective clear width of the entrance wider than 800mm? 15/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

16 Main Entrance: View of entrance exterior. Access door to wheelchair entrance area. Wheelchair access route signage. Main Entrance: Door handle D shaped. Wheelchair entrance to building through Roberts Lab. Wheelchair entrance access code pad. 16/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

17 Corridors Corridors should be well illuminated with adequate circulation space to ensure that people can move through them safely and with ease. The corridor configuration within the site is examined below: 1. Main entrance corridor 2. Lecture room 3. Ground floor labs 4. Ground floor deliveries and store room 5. Ground floor corridor to Roberts lab 6. Ground floor corridor to men's toilet 7. 1st floor corridor in lift area 8. 1st floor corridor to seminar room and offices area 9. Cell office generic 10. Open plan office 11. 1st floor labs 12. 1st floor Experimental rooms generic 13. 1st floor seminar/computer room 14. 1st floor departmentental main office 15. 1st floor meeting/ seminar room 16. 2nd main corridor 17. 2nd floor labs generic 18. 2nd floor office generic 19. 3rd floor radioactive / bio resources unit labs 20. 3rd floor corridor. Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 17/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

18 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 5.2 Does the corridor have an unobstructed width of 1200mm? (A reduction in width to 1000mm around a permanent obstruction is permissible for a short distance only). Corridor widths of less than 1200mm can restrict people's ability to move around a building with ease. Ensure that members of staff are made aware that there is a width restriction and of the impact it may have on accessibility for some customers. Ground floor deliveries and store room: The minimum unobstructed width in this corridor is 900mm. Ensure that either all corridors have an unobstructed width of 1200mm or that staff are aware of the restriction so that they can inform customers. 5.3 Is there a clear space of at least 1800mm in diameter within the corridor or at the corridor junctions to allow wheelchairusers to pass or turn round? The amount of space required at the junctions of corridors for wheelchairs to turn or pass (i.e. the turning circle) is a minimum of 1800mm. Ensure that staff members are aware that there is a width restriction so they can inform customers. There is not a clear diameter of 1800mm in the following corridor locations: Ground floor deliveries and store room Ground floor corridor to men's toilet. Ensure that either all corridors have an unobstructed circulation width of 1800mm or that staff are aware of the restriction so that they can inform customers. 18/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

19 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 5.4 Is the corridor kept free from obstructions including any promotional stands or racking? Moveable or temporary obstructions such as promotional stands or racking are not always considered when thinking about access issues. If such items reduce the corridor width to less than 1200mm it can restrict people's ability to pass through the internal access routes and is a potential hazard for blind and sight impaired people. Relocate any obstructions and ensure that staff members are aware of the need to keep the corridors unobstructed. The corridors in the following locations are not kept free of obstructions: Ground floor deliveries and store room 1st floor corridor to seminar room and offices area 3rd floor radioactive / bio resources unit labs Main entrance corridor: Plaque in corridor. Ground floor corridor to Roberts lab: Restricted circulation space Lecture room: Ground floor Fred's lecture room 19/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

20 Lecture room: Ground floor Fred's lecture room Ground floor deliveries and store room: Obstructions in corridor. Ground floor deliveries and store room: Obstructions in corridor2 Ground floor deliveries and store room: Restricted circulation space Ground floor deliveries and store room: Floor surface could be slippery when wet and lack of wheelchair circulation space. Ground floor corridor to men's toilet: Lack of wheelchair circulation space. 20/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

21 Ground floor labs: Lab view. Ground floor labs: Lab view. 1st floor corridor to seminar room and offices area: Obstruction in corridor. Cell office generic: Example of. Cell office generic: Example of. 1st floor labs: Lab view. 21/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

22 1st floor labs: Lab view. 1st floor labs: Lab view. 1st floor seminar/computer room: Seating types and arrange in computer room. 1st floor departmentental main office: Office view. 1st floor Experimental rooms generic: Example of. 1st floor Experimental rooms generic: Example of. 22/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

23 1st floor meeting/ seminar room: Seating arrangement. 1st floor meeting/ seminar room: Seating types. 1st floor meeting/ seminar room: Shelving units provided in meeting room. 2nd main corridor: Shiny floor surface maybe slippery when wet. 2nd floor labs generic: Lab view. 1st floor Experimental rooms generic: View. 23/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

24 2nd floor labs generic: Shelves provided in lab. 2nd floor labs generic: Lab view. 1st floor corridor in lift area: Shiny floor may be slippery when wet. 2nd floor labs generic: Lab view. 2nd floor office generic: View of office with space provided. 3rd floor corridor. 24/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

25 Access to roof top. 25/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

26 Internal Surfaces Both the condition of internal surfaces and the materials from which they are constructed can have an impact on the ease with which people can navigate around the building. The internal surfaces of the premises are considered below. Feature Is the flooring throughout the building slip-resistant even when wet? Conforms Access Comment Internal flooring which is not slip-resistant can be a hazard to users during wet weather, after cleaning operations and in cases of accidental fluid spillage or other contamination. It is recommended that flooring materials with high slip potential characteristics should be replaced when next refurbishing. Hazard signs should be erected whenever the floor is wet and members of staff should be trained to deal promptly with any occurrence which compromises the safety of floor surfaces on internal access routes. Replace the identified flooring with a more slipresistant surface. In the interim, provide hazard signs whenever the flooring is wet. Priority The floor surfaces in the following locations were identified as lacking in slip-resistance when wet: All levels flooring 6.3 Are access routes within the building clear of glossy, highly glazed finishes? Glazed or highly polished finishes can disorientate people with a visual impairment. Strong directional lighting used in conjunction with reflective surfaces will increase the likelihood of confusion or disorientation for those navigating through the premises. Ground floor level As part of your building maintenance programme, replace gloss surfaces with a matt finish to reduce glare. 26/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

27 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 6.4 Where fitted, do carpets give a firm surface to allow wheelchair passage without sinking in? 6.5 Are there flush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring? Shiny floor surface. Internal floor surface will be slippery when wet. Floor surface may be slippery when wet. 27/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

28 Internal Steps The following locations were identified as having steps: 1. Ground floor entrance corridor steps 2. Central staircase 3. Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 7.2 Is the vertical height of each individual step between 150mm to 170mm (exceptionally 100mm to 180mm)? 7.3 Is the flat tread of each step between 250mm to 300mm deep? The flat tread of each step should be between 250mm to 300mm deep. Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: The step tread depth is 230mm. Adjust the step tread depth to conform with the dimensions recommended by best practice. 7.4 Does the overlap or lip on the front edge of any step protrude less than 25mm? 28/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

29 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 7.5 Do steps have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm? Steps should have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm. The following locations were found to have steps with a minimum width which does not meet these requirements: Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: The minimum unobstructed width of this staircase is 900mm. As part of your building maintenance programme, widen the identified staircase to the minimum recommended width. 7.6 Are the vertical risers of each step solid and not open? 7.7 Is the flat tread of each step slip resistant? In addition to Health and Safety implications, accessibility for people with limited mobility is reduced where step treads are lacking in slip resistance. The steps in the following locations do not have a solid, slip-resistant surface: Improve the slip -resistance of the identified steps as part of your building maintenance programme. Ground floor entrance corridor steps: 3 steps Central staircase: 52 steps Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: 55 steps 7.8 Does each continuous flight of steps between landings contain less than 16 individual steps? 29/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

30 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 7.9 Do the top and bottom landings of the flight of steps incorporate a corduroy hazard warning surface? Tactile warning surfaces provide an important indication to people with a visual impairment of the location of changes in level associated with steps and stairs. The top and bottom landings for the following staircases lack corduroy hazard warning surfaces: Install corduroy hazard warning surfaces in the identified locations. Ground floor entrance corridor steps Central staircase Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building 7.10 Are contrasting step nosings incorporated on the front face as well as the top of each step? Ensuring that step nosings incorporate clear colour contrast provides significantly improved access for visually impaired people. The following locations have steps requiring contrasting step nosings: Install colour contrasting nosings for the steps in the identified locations. Ground floor entrance corridor steps: 3 steps require contrasting nosing Central staircase: 52 steps require contrasting nosing Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: 55 steps require contrasting nosing 7.11 Is lighting over the steps sufficiently bright and oriented so that people do not have to walk in their own shadow? 30/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

31 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 7.12 Looking from the bottom of the steps is there a handrail to the left and right hand side? Where feasible, handrails should be provided on both sides of internal steps and staircases to provide uninterrupted support and directional guidance for people with mobility and/or visual impairments. Provide dual handrails for the identified stairway locations. It was noted that there is inadequate handrail provision for the steps at the following locations: Central staircase: Right hand side Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: Right hand side 7.13 Is the handrail provided between 900mm and 1000mm above the surface of the steps? 7.14 Is the height of the handrail above the steps consistent throughout its entire length? 7.15 Is the handrail sufficiently well secured to provide adequate support? 7.16 Do the handrail support brackets provide continuous hand contact with the rail and/or is the rail clear of other obstructions? 7.17 Is the handrail continuous, leaving no gaps at any point and extending across landings? 31/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

32 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 7.18 Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the steps and return the end of the handrail to the wall or the floor? 7.19 Does the handrail contain tactile warning marks to indicate the top and bottom of the steps? Tactile warning marks at the top and bottom of a handrail assist people with a visual impairment to identify the approaching change in gradient. Install tactile warning marks in the identified locations. The following handrails do not incorporate tactile warning marks: Ground floor entrance corridor steps: The left handrail Ground floor entrance corridor steps: The right handrail Central staircase: The left handrail Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: The left handrail 7.20 Is the handrail easy to grip and not cold to the touch? 7.21 Is the handrail between 45mm to 50mm in diameter? 7.22 Is the handrail contrasting in tone and colour to its surroundings? 32/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

33 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 7.23 Is the maximum intrusion of the handrail into the stairway less than 100mm with a clearance of 50-60mm provided between the rail and any adjacent wall surface? 7.24 Is there a minimum clear width between handrails of 1000mm? Ground floor entrance corridor steps: Step surface may be slippery when wet. Ground floor entrance corridor steps: View of steps with unsafe surface. Central staircase: Slippery surface and lack of handrail to the right hand side of steps. 33/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

34 Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: View of steps. Fire escape staircase to the side rear of building: Step tread and width not standard measurements. 34/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

35 Internal Doors The following internal doors have been identified within the premises: 1. Ground floor door to lab and lecture room x 2 2. Ground floor door to Roberts lab 3. Internal doors with vision panel generic 4. Internal doors generic 5. 2nd floor door to the Hamilton Building Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 8.2 Is the door a minimum width of 750mm? 8.3 Are clear visibility panels incorporated in doors which are in constant use? 8.4 Is the door handle located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor and 50mm from the leading edge of the door? To enable people to see and be seen through internal doors in frequently used access routes, a glazed vision panel between 500mm and 1500mm from the floor, or two panels, one from 500mm to 800mm and a second 1150mm to 1500mm from the floor should be provided. Install appropriately configured vision panels on doors in constant use. The following internal doors either lack visibility panels or the existing panels do not conform with the recommended configuration: Internal doors with vision panel generic 35/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

36 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 8.5 Is the door handle U shaped with a gap in excess of 45mm between the grip area of the handle and the door panel to which it is attached and does it contrast in colour to the door panel? Door and pull handles should be easy to operate even by people with limited dexterity and strength and should contrast in colour with their background. Lever handles with a D or U- shaped format are preferred. A minimum space of 45mm between the handle and the door is required to facilitate one-handed or closed-fist operation. Door knobs are not recommended as they require good grip and the ability to turn the wrist. Replace the door handle in the identified locations. The doors in the following locations require easy to use handles: Ground floor door to lab and lecture room x 2 Ground floor door to Roberts lab Internal doors with vision panel generic Internal doors generic 8.6 Is the maximum force exerted at the leading edge of the selfclosing door less than 30 Newtons? Some people find it difficult to use self-closing swing doors and can come to harm because they are unable to manoeuvre through the doorway while holding the door open against the excessive force exerted by the closing device. Adjust the identified door closers to exert less than 20 Newtons. The following internal single swing doors exert a closing force in excess of 20 Newtons: Internal doors with vision panel generic Internal doors generic 2nd floor door to the Hamilton Building 36/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

37 Ground floor door to Roberts lab: Door view without door handle. Ground floor door to lab and lecture room x 2: Door view without door handle to the exterior. Ground floor door to lab and lecture room x 2: Door handle D shaped. Ground floor door to lab and lecture room x 2: Double leaf door. Ground floor door to Roberts lab: Door handle D shaped. Internal doors with vision panel generic. 37/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

38 Internal doors with vision panel generic: Vision panels not standard width. Internal doors with vision panel generic: Vision panels not standard width. Ground floor door to lab and lecture room x 2: View of door. Internal doors generic: Doorhandle not best practice D or U shape. Internal doors with vision panel generic: Vision panels not standard width. Internal doors with vision panel generic: Door handle not D or U shape. 38/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

39 Internal doors with vision panel generic: Vision panels not standard width. Internal doors generic: Door handle not best practice D or U shape. Internal doors with vision panel generic: Vision panels not standard width. 3rd floor Bio- resouces unit door. 3rd floor Bio- resouces unit door: Door handle D shaped. 2nd floor door to the Hamilton Building: Door handle D shaped. 39/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

40 Internal doors with vision panel generic: Panels do not aid accessibility.interior door view. Internal doors with vision panel generic: Panels do not aid accessibility.exterior door view. Internal doors with vision panel generic: Door handle not best practice D or U shape. 2nd floor door to the Hamilton Building: Manifestations required on glass door 40/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

41 Toilets There were no accessible toilet facilities in the public area observed during the audit. Accordingly, there is no obligation to provide toilet facilities that are accessible to mobility impaired people. If toilet facilities are added to the premises in the future, ensure that they are accessible to mobility impaired people.there were toilet facilities located on ground floor and levels 1-3. Urinals in gents toilet on the ground floor. Sinks provided in ground floor gents toilet. Lack of circulation space in WC cubicle in ground floor gents toilet. 41/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

42 Handdryer provided in ground floor gents toilet. Sinks and mirror provided in ground floor gents toilet. Wash basin provided in toilet/shower facility on levels 1-3. Shower cubicle provided in toilet/shower facility on levels 1-3. WC cubicle provided in toilet/shower facility on levels 1-3. Water cistern at an in accessible height. 42/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

43 Toilet roll dispenser provided in toilet/shower facility on levels 1-3. Wash basin and soap dispenser provided in toilet/shower facility on levels 1-3. Slippery floor surface in toilet/shower facility on levels /65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

44 Internal Passenger Lifts A passenger lift was identified in the following location: 1. Central lift Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 10.2 Are you responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lift? The accessibility of the lift may be the responsibility of a third party who maintains it. If this is the case, it is advisable to ensure that the third party is aware of any adjustments necessary to improve accessibility for disabled users. Contact lift installer Central lift 10.3 Is the lift car a minimum of 1100mm wide and 1400mm deep? 10.4 Is there a clear manoeuvring space in front of the lift of at least 1500mm x 1500mm, or a straight access route at least 900mm wide? 10.5 Do the lift controls provide 5 seconds to manoeuvre slowly into and out of the lift? 44/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

45 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 10.6 Is a mirror incorporated opposite the door? A mirror located on the rear wall of the lift car is required to assist wheelchair users reversing out of the lift. Mirrors should not extend below 900mm from the floor to avoid confusing people with impaired vision. Install mirrors as required. Central lift: A correctly positioned mirror is required in this lift Is a handrail provided at a height of 1000mm to the top of the rail on three fixed walls within the lift car? Handrails provide important support for people who may be unsteady while the lift is moving. Central lift: It was noted that correctly positioned handrails are required in this lift. Install correctly positioned handrails Are the lift car call controls mounted between 900mm and 1200mm from the floor, and at least 400mm away from the front wall of the lift car? 10.9 Does the lift call panel and buttons incorporate tactile and Braille information? Tactile and Braille information should be incorporated on the lift call panel and buttons to assist visually impaired people using the lift. Central lift: The lift call control panel and buttons do not incorporate tactile and Braille information. Either replace the call panel and buttons or apply after market Braille and tactile button markings Do lift call buttons contrast in colour and luminance from the surrounding wall? 45/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

46 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority Does the face plate of the lift controls contrast in colour and luminance to the surrounding wall? Is clear visual and audible information provided internally and externally on the lift to indicate floor reached, direction of travel and doors opening or closing? People rely on audible or visual signals to be able to operate lift facilities. It is recommended that there is clear signage indicating floor level at each landing as well as audible announcements and a clear visual display of the direction of travel and floor level provided within the lift car. Providing clear visual and audible information makes independent access to the lift facilities available to a wider range of people. Provide audible and visual indication of the lift location and direction of travel. Central lift: This lift does not provide audible or visual information Is the lift fitted with an emergency communication system? Does the emergency communication system incorporate an induction coupler, for the benefit of people with hearing aids, together with a visual indicator that help has been summoned? An emergency communication system that incorporates an induction coupler should be provided for the benefit of people with hearing aids together with a visual indicator to show that help has been summoned. The emergency handset should be installed with the top of the handset and key pad no higher than 1200mm. Provide an induction coupler. Central lift: The alarm system does not incorporate a hearing induction coupler. 46/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

47 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority Is a delay action closing mechanism in use? Delayed-action closing is required to allow for slow entry and exit. A door-edge pressure system is not suitable for frail or unsteady users and if in operation should be set to the lightest possible touch. A 'magic eye' is preferable. Upgrade the lift closing delay system to an infra-red magic eye. The Lifts in the following locations do not feature a delayed-action closing mechanism and require adjustment: Central lift Does the lift come level to the edge of the access route when stopping? Central lift: Call button without tactile surface. Central lift: Lift car door. Central lift: View of lift from the ground floor. 47/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

48 Central lift: Even threshold. Central lift: Lift car Central lift: Control panel and buttons provided in lift car. Central lift: Emergency call phone in car. Central lift: Signage in lift car should be contrasting to background. Central lift: Lift from 3rd floor. 48/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

49 Signage The existing signage provision is examined below. Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 11.2 Have external signs become obscured by overgrown vegetation? 11.3 Are suspended and wall mounted signs located at an adequate height to avoid obstruction? 11.4 Are room identification signs consistently located at eye level (1500mm) on the wall immediately adjacent to the latch side of doors? Consistent positioning of room identification signage assists people with visual impairments to locate way-finding information. Reposition signage at eye level on the wall next to the latch side of doors Is Braille and tactile signage provided where necessary? Braille and tactile signs are an important access aid for people with a visual impairment. Mounting locations for Braille and tactile signs should allow a person to approach and touch the message with ease. Users should not encounter protruding objects or have to stand within the swing of a door. Install Braille and tactile signage. 49/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

50 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 11.6 Are Braille and tactile room identification signs placed on the wall beside the latch of the door? Braille and tactile room identification signs should be placed on the wall beside the latch side of the door at a height between mm. If signs are mounted on doors the information will not be accessible if the doors are left open. This presents a potential injury hazard if the door is opened suddenly from the inside whilst someone is reading the sign by touch. Replace or reposition existing signage Are internal signs presented without a glass or reflective surface? Glare can be a major cause of discomfort in buildings and can be responsible for disorienting sight impaired visitors and rendering signage unreadable. The most common causes of glare are signboards with a glazed or high gloss finish which reflects natural or artificial lighting and internally illuminated signs. Apply matt finishes to signage and avoid placing suspended signs directly against a light source. Wherever possible, all artificial light sources should be concealed or shaded and the intrusion of sunlight at different times of the day should be forestalled by providing blinds at windows. Improve internal non-tactile signage Do signs incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background? 50/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

51 Signage on entrance door set on reflective glass surface. External signage. Building legend in entrance corridor. Internal signage on reflective surface. Overhead internal signage on ground floor store and delivery room. Internal signage on reflective surface. 51/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

52 Internal signage on reflective surface. Internal signage in building. Internal signage on reflective surface. Internal signage in building. Internal signage in building. Internal signage on door in building. 52/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

53 tice board in entrance corridor area. 53/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

54 Fire and Evacuation Procedures The existing fire and evacuation procedures are examined below. Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 12.2 Has an appraisal of the emergency evacuation procedure for disabled people been conducted in conjunction with the appropriate Fire Officer? It is essential that evacuation procedures take everyone into account and that staff know what they are and how to implement them Do staff members receive training to ensure they are aware of and can implement the evacuation procedure including the operation of any refuge areas? 12.4 Do internal fire doors and grilles incorporate devices which keep the doors open and release them automatically when the alarm is activated? Self closing doors which are normally held open by electro-magnetic catches are released upon activation of the fire alarm but can be a barrier for disabled users during an evacuation if the force exerted by the closing device exceeds 20 Newtons. Such door should be regularly tested to ensure that they can easily be opened by disabled people during an evacuation. Ensure that the opening force for any sprung Fire Exit door is maintained at the minimum pressure possible to achieve fire rating Is there a visible as well as an audible fire alarm system? The needs of hearing and visually impaired customers are best met with an audible and visual alarm system. Upgrade the fire alarm to include a visual and pager alert system warning. 54/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

55 Feature Conforms Access Comment Priority 12.6 Are final exit routes from the premises as accessible as the entry routes to the premises? 12.7 Do the external access routes from the fire escapes allow mobility impaired guests to clear the building and retreat to the assembly point? 12.8 Is evacuation from any upper or lower levels possible using an evacuation lift or platform lift with a protected power supply? Consider alternative evacuation methods in consultation with your local fire service. Consult your local Fire Officer about provision of refuge areas and carry chairs Are evacuation-routes checked regularly for obstacles or locked doors? Are there any existing separate fire exit signs that are erected in the site? It was noted that there are 10 existing fire exit signs erected at the site. 55/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

56 Fire extinguisher provided on all floor levels in building. Front entrance fire door. Fire escape door without 'paddle' or push bar handles. Fire escape door with push bar handle. Ground floor fire escape door corridor with obstructions. Obstructions in fire escape route corridor. 56/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

57 Fire alarm provided in building. Fire blanket provided in labs on all levels in building. Fire escape door without 'paddle' or push bar handles. Fire blanket and extinguisher provided in labs on all levels in building. 57/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

58 SMART Access Plan Executive Summary Company Name Premises Date Of Audit Auditor Trinity College Dublin School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7 16 September 2008 Sakinah Abdul-Ibiyeye 58/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

59 Foreword This access audit identifies a range of barriers that potentially restrict access for disabled people in the external and internal built environments. For the purposes of the access assessment the environment s features have been broken down into its constituent features. Each feature is assessed for conformity against certain access criteria. These criteria are derived from the following range of Best Practice sources, guidelines, standards, publications and legislation: Disability Act 2005 and related Sectoral Plans - Ref 1 Standards Institute BS8300:2001 and BS Ref 2 Regulations 2000, Technical Guidance Document M - Access for People with Disabilities (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government) - Ref 3 for Everyone - Access and use for all citizens (National Disability Authority) - Ref 4 to the Historic Environment - Meeting the needs of Disabled People (Lisa Foster) - Ref 5 Management Guidelines (Irish Government Publications 2003) - Ref 6 Auditing of the Built Environment guidelines (National Disability Authority) - Ref 7 Mobility - A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure (Department of Transport United Kingdom) - Ref 8 on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces: UK Department for Transport - Ref 9 Where a site feature does not conform to this guidance, an explanation as to the potential restriction on access is provided, together with a suggested action and the priority in which such actions should be undertaken. The Disability Act 2005 and the National Disability Authority s initiatives build on relationships and practices which currently exist among councils, city planners, building professionals and community groups to make services in Ireland more accessible to people with disabilities. In addition to people who use wheelchairs or have restricted mobility, there are many people affected by some degree of hearing loss, learning disability, facial disfigurement, visual impairment, mental illness or conditions such as arthritis or incontinence. This access assessment considers the needs of all potential users from a universal access perspective. The audit is an organisation s first step in identifying physical barriers that people with disabilities may encounter when engaging with the community, public services and facilities. It is equally important to implement effective staff equality training and to implement good inclusive management strategies that ensure equal access for all. 59/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

60 Configure Limited provides consultancy, project management and equipment to help make buildings accessible for all. For further information contact us on or Configure Limited, First Floor, 32 Upper Kevin Street, Dublin /65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

61 Priority 1 Adjustments Feature Costing 3.0 Entrance to Premises 3.7 Flat and level passage across threshold. Provide a portable ramp or install a permanent solution. From Entrance Doors 4.3 Positioning of security system operating device. Reposition the security system operating device. 300 per item 4.4 Manual dexterity required for using security entry systems. Replace operating device for the security entry system. 600 per device 4.9 Door handle - Colour contrast, shape and position. Replace the door handle with one of the correct shape and configuration and ensure that the colour contrasts with the door. 240 per door 4.10 Warning marks on fully glazed doors. Install warning marks on doors. 120 per door. 7.0 Internal Steps 7.12 Provide dual handrails for internal steps Provide dual handrails for the identified stairway locations. from 1900 per rail per flight 7.19 Tactile marks on handrails. Install tactile warning marks in the identified locations. 25 per handrail 14.0 Internal Doors 8.6 Internal Door Closing Force of 20 Newtons. Adjust the identified door closers to exert less than 20 Newtons. 740 per device Internal Passenger Lifts 61/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

62 Feature Costing 10.9 Braille and tactile info on lift call panel/buttons. Either replace the call panel and buttons or apply after market Braille and tactile button markings. Contact lift supplier Induction coupler in passenger lift emergency communication system. Provide an induction coupler. Contact lift supplier 11.0 Signage 11.4 Consistently positioned room identification signage. Reposition signage at eye level on the wall next to the latch side of doors. cost - self help Braille and tactile signage. Install Braille and tactile signage. from 120 each sign 11.6 Braille and tactile signage next to doors. Replace or reposition existing signage. from 120 per sign Glass or reflective sign surfaces. Improve internal non-tactile signage. Self help - include in next maintenance plan visit 12.0 Fire and Evacuation Procedures 12.8 Evacuation from upper levels. Consult your local Fire Officer about provision of refuge areas and carry chairs. cost - self help. 62/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7

63 Feature Access Routes to the Premises Trip hazards in the access route. Entrance to Premises Colour contrast door and frame. Entrance Doors Power operated doors. Low energy swing doors. Corridors Corridor circulation space. Obstructions in corridors. Internal Steps Corduroy hazard warning. Priority 2 Adjustments Remove/relocate or place a solid barrier or kerb beside the identified hazard. Create a colour contrast between the doors and frame. Install low energy power operated doors at the identified location. Install low energy swing doors as an alternative to power operated doors. Ensure that either all corridors have an unobstructed circulation width of 1800mm or that staff are aware of the restriction so that they can inform customers. Relocate any obstructions and ensure that staff members are aware of the need to keep the corridors unobstructed. Install corduroy hazard warning surfaces in the identified locations. Costing Configure Engineers report required 320 per door entrance (estimate) 1,500 per door leaf - subject to survey 1,500 per door leaf - subject to survey from 8000 per location (site survey required) cost - self help. 240 per location 63/65 SMART Access Assessment: School of Biochemistry and Immunology - Zone 7