SMART Access Assessment

Transcription

1 SMART Access Assessment Company Name Premises Date Of Audit Auditor Trinity College Dublin Westland Row 13 October 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 Introduction 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. Accessibility 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 22-27 WESTLAND ROW - ZONE 5 TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN Building Rating Type: This building is rated B Building 22, Westland Row has inaccessible ground floor due to steps in the cloakroom area. This building is not accessible on all levels due to absence of a central lift facility. Buildings Westland Row buildings have accessible entrances provided to them through Smurfit /Panoz Institutes buildings' concourse corridor lift. The lift does not get up to the third floor levels in all buildings. The buildings have central staircases provided to them; there are no lift facilities within the buildings. Building Description The buildings were built in the 1800s.The buildings have the ground floor levels, and 3 upper levels. Building 22 houses the department of Physics postgraduate research rooms on the ground, first and second floor levels; the third floor has the department of Geography postgraduate research rooms and the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, and a cloakroom on the ground floor level. In buildings 23 to 26 is the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on all floor levels. Buildings 23 to 26 are part of The Panoz Institute and are linked on all floor levels. There is a coffee room located on the third floor level of building 23, male and female toilet facilities on the first and second floor levels of building 25, and building 22 ground floor level. Building 27 is the Science Course Office; it has a kitchen on the ground floor with limited access in whole of building due to refurbishment works. Uses of the Building The buildings are occupied by: 1. School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2. The newly relocated Science Course Office. 3. Molecular Cell Biology Lab which cuts across building 27 and 28 third floor levels. Building Opening Times: Science Course Office operates Monday to Fridays: Between 10am pm and 2pm - 4pm. School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences office operates Monday to Fridays: Between 9.30am pm. The Cloakroom opens Monday to Fridays 8am pm Saturday and Sundays: Closed Facilities offered are: Postgraduate research and reading rooms Cell and open plan offices generic Male and female toilet facilities Laboratories Photocopy room Coffee room and kitchen facilities Board room

6 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. 6/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

7 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 Yes Access Comment Action Required. Action Priority 2.3 Does the access route contain passing points which are 1800mm wide at intervals of 50m? Yes Action Required. 2.4 Is the access route clear of abrupt changes in level with cross falls or cambers being less than 1:50? Yes Action Required. 2.5 Is the access route free from any trip hazards? Yes Action Required 2.6 Is the access route clear of physical obstructions or windows and doors that open onto the access route which present a potential hazard? Yes Action Required. 2.7 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? Yes Action Required. 7/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

8 Access route to building 22 entrance door. Access route to School of Pharmacy from the Panoz Institute. Scool of Pharmacy entrance access route. 8/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

9 Entrance to Premises Best practice recommends that disabled and non-disabled customers should use the same entrance or access point into the premises. It was observed that members of the public gain access to the premises through the same entrance, defined as follows: 1. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door 2. Building 23 School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door 3. Main Entrance Door to School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 4. Building 27 Science Course entrance door Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 3.2 Is the entrance clearly signed from the access route? Clear way finding signage identifying the location of the entrance and its access route is essential for people with a visual or mobility impairment. Main Public Entrance to School of Pharmacy: The presence and location of this entrance is not adequately indicated by clear signage from the access route. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: The presence and location of this entrance is not adequately indicated by clear signage from the access route. Building 27 Science Course entrance door: The presence and location of this entrance is not adequately indicated by clear signage from the access route. Provide additional signage to clearly indicate the location of the identified entrance. 3.3 Is adequate lighting maintained at and leading up to the entrance of the premises? Yes Action Required. 9/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

10 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 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 Public Entrance to School of Pharmacy: 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? Yes Action Required. 3.6 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? Yes Action Required 10/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

11 Weather mat provided to School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door. Main Public Entrance to School of Pharmacy: Entrance area. 11/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

12 Entrance Doors The configuration of the entrance door to the premises can impact significantly on people's ability to access the building. There are four main entrance doorways, the access features of which are considered below. 1. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door 2. Building 23 School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door 3. Main Entrance Door to School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 4. Building 27 Science Course entrance door Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 4.2 Is the door security entry system positioned with the activation controls at between 750mm and 1050mm from the floor? In order that the controls for door security entry systems are accessible to both sanding and seated users it is recimmended that they are located at a height of between mm. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: The operating device requires repositioning. Reposition device to the recommended accessible height and enable clear view access for wheelchair users. 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 on the latch side of 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. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: The operating device requires repositioning. 12/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

13 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 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? Door security entry systems should not require manual dexterity or the use of two hands to operate the controls. It is recommended that systems that use card swiping mechanisms should be oriented vertically. Replace the following door security controls: Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: The operating device requires repositioning. Replace the existing door security entry devices. 4.5 Is the operating device for the door release mechanism positioned with its uppermost point between 750mm and 1050mm from the floor? Yes 4.6 Is the operating device for the door release mechanism positioned on the latch side of the door 400mm away from any side wall? Yes Action Required 4.7 Can the operating device for the door release mechanism be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys? Yes action required. 4.8 Do the power operated doors respond automatically through a movement sensor? Yes Action Required. 13/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

14 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 4.9 Is the door handle located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor and 50mm from the leading edge of the door? Yes Action Required 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-shaped format door handle with sufficient space between the handle and the door to support one-handed or closed- fist operation. Sight impaired users require n effective tonal and colour contrast between the handle and the door. Building 23 School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door: The door handle requires replacement. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: The door handle requires replacement. Main Entrance Door to School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: The door handle requires replacement. Building 27 Science Course entrance door: 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. 14/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

15 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 4.11 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? 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. The following doors either lack visibility panels or the existing panels do not conform to the recommended configuration: Install appropriately configured vision panels on doors in constant use. 1. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door 2. Building 23 School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door 3. Main Entrance Door to School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 4.12 Is the minimum effective clear width of the entrance wider than 800mm? Yes Action Required. 15/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

16 Building 27 Science Course entrance door: Operating device for the door release mechanism can be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys. Building 27 Science Course entrance door:operating device for the door release mechanism positioned with its uppermost point between 750mm and 1050mm from the floor, and positioned on the latch side of the door 400mm away from any side wall. Building 27 Science Course entrance door:d - shaped door handle not contrasting to door. 16/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

17 Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: Door security device at an inaccessible height.lack of provision of door handle. Building 22 department of Physics and Geography entrance door: Width of door less than 800mm Building 23 School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door: Step in door area is a barrier for wheelchair users. 17/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

18 Building 23 School of Pharmacy Westland Row entrance door: Door handle not D or U shaped. Main Entrance Door to School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Entrance door. Main Entrance Door to School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: n contrasting U shaped door handle. 18/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

19 Information and Help Desks Information and help desks should be configured to enable people with a broad range of impairments to use the desk with ease. The following information desks were identified within the building: 1. Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 5.2 Is the information desk identified with Braille and tactile signage? Accessible signage is required for the information desks at the following locations within the building: Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk Install accessible signage to identify the location of the information desk. 5.3 Does lighting at the information desk clearly illuminate the face of the person delivering service behind the desk? Yes Action Required. 5.4 Does the information desk incorporate a fixed hearing induction loop? Fixed hearing induction loops need to be available to provide support for customers using a hearing aid. The following information desks require an induction loop: Install a hearing induction loop with appropriate signage at each identified location. Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk 19/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

20 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 5.5 Does the information desk provide a 760mm high counter with 500mm of clear horizontal space underneath for people of short stature and wheelchair users to sign cheques and complete forms? In order that people of short stature and wheelchair users receive the same degree of access to the services provided at the information desk, a 760mm high writing counter with 300mm of clear horizontal space underneath should be provided at the following locations. Install a low level counter surface at the identified location. Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk 5.6 If seating is provided, is it easy to move or relocate? t Applicable Feature Observed. 5.7 If an assistance or call bell/button is in use, is it easy to use and clearly identified? t Applicable Feature Observed. 5.8 Is there signage from the information desk to the rest of the building? The provision of clear and accessible wayfinding signage, which includes both Braille and tactile lettering, is required to direct customers to the facilities available within the building. Accessible way-finding signage is required at the following information desks: Install wayfinding signage which includes both Braille and tactile lettering at the identified location. Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk 20/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

21 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 5.9 Are there suitable auxiliary aids to improve accessibility, such as magnifiers, pens with dexterity grips etc, available at the information desk? Auxiliary aids are an important addition for people who may have problems accessing the services at reception and help desks. A suggested list of suitable auxiliary aids is given below: Pen dexterity grips Magnifiers for enlarging text Templates for signing forms, visitor's passes etc. Provide aids to help disabled visitors access the services at the information desk. These should be provided in the following locations: Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk 21/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

22 Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk: Information desk does not incorporate a fixed hearing induction loop and not identified with Braille and tactile signage. Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk: Lack of provision of a 760mm high counter with 500mm of clear horizontal space underneath for people of short stature and wheelchair users to sign cheques and complete forms. Building 27 Ground Floor Science Course Office Help Desk: n provision of suitable auxiliary aids to improve accessibility, such as magnifiers, pens with dexterity grips etc, available at the information desk. 22/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

23 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. Building 27 ground floor entrance corridor 2. Building 27 corridors generic 3. Building 27 ground floor offices generic 4. Building 26 corridors generic 5. Building 25 corridors generic 6. Buildings 25, 26 first floor offices generic 7. Building 25 corridor to gents toilet 8. Building 24 corridors generic 9. Building 24 ground floor Photocopy room 10. Building 24 ground floor school of pharmacy administrator's office 11. Building 23 ground floor school of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences office 12. Building 23 ground floor entrance corridor 13. Cell offices generic 14. Open plan offices generic 15. Building 23 1st floor board room 16. Building 23 2nd floor postgraduate reading room 17. Building 23 corridors generic 18. Building 23 ground floor postgraduate research and learning centre 19. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom 20. Building 22 entrance corridor from Westland Row 21. Building 22 postgraduate rooms generic 22. Building 22 3rd floor postgraduate Geography dept. research centre 23. Building 22 3rd Centre for Urban and Regional Studies 24. Building 22 3rd floor corridor Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 23/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

24 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 6.2 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. There are width restrictions in the following locations: Building 25 corridors generic: The minimum unobstructed width in this corridor is 830mm. Building 25 corridor to gents toilet: The minimum unobstructed width in this corridor is 800mm. Building 22 3rd floor corridor: The minimum unobstructed width in this corridor is 850mm. 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. 6.3 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: Building 25 corridor to gents toilet Building 22 3rd floor corridor. 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. 24/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

25 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 6.4 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: Building 27 ground floor entrance corridor Building 25 corridors generic Building 24 corridors generic Building 23 ground floor entrance corridor Building 23 corridors generic Building 22 entrance corridor from Westland Row Building 22 3rd floor corridor Building 26 corridors generic Cell offices generic 25/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

26 Building 27 ground floor offices generic: Example of an office. Building 27 ground floor entrance corridor: Help desk area. Building 27 ground floor offices generic: Example of an office. Building 27 corridors generic: Box is an obstruction in corridor. Building 27 corridors generic: Refurbishment work on the 1st and 2nd floor levels. Building 25 corridors generic: Corridor view. 26/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

27 Building 25 corridors generic: Desk is an obstruction in corridor. Buildings 25, 26 first floor offices generic: Example of an office Building 25 corridor to gents toilet: Restriction in corridor width. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom: Viewed from entrance area. Building 25 corridors generic: Bottles are obstructions in corridor. Building 23 ground floor entrance corridor: Boxes are obstructions in School of Pharmacy entrance corridor. 27/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

28 Building 23 ground floor entrance corridor: Rackings are obstructions in School of Pharmacy entrance corridor. Building 22 3rd floor corridor: Protruding wall restericts corridor width Building 25 corridors generic: Door width restricts corridor accessibility. Building 23 corridors generic: Cabinets and desks obstruct corridor accessibility. Building 25 corridors generic: Obstructions and restriction in corridor. Building 26 corridors generic: obstructions in corridor. 28/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

29 Cell offices generic: Example of an office in school of Pharmacy. Building 24 corridors generic: Example of corridor. Building 23 1st floor board room: View of room Building 23 2nd floor postgraduate reading room: View of room Cell offices generic: Example of an office. Buildings interlinked corridors. 29/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

30 Building 26 corridors generic: Obstructions in corridor. Open plan offices generic: Example of an office. Building 23 corridors generic: Obstructions in 3rd floor corridor. Building 23 corridors generic: Obstructions in 3rd floor corridor. Cell offices generic: Example of office with obstructions. Building 23 ground floor postgraduate research and learning centre: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 30/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

31 Building 22 ground floor cloakroom: Viewed from entrance door. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom: Office. Building 22 entrance corridor from Westland Row: Bicycles are obstructions in corridor. Building 22 postgraduate rooms generic: Example of ground floor postgraduate room. Building 22 postgraduate rooms generic: Example of second floor postgraduate room. Building 22 postgraduate rooms generic: Example of second floor postgraduate room. 31/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

32 Building 22 3rd floor corridor: Corridor width restriction. Building 22 3rd floor postgraduate Geography dept. research centre: Room viewed from entrance door. Building 22 3rd Centre for Urban and Regional Studies: Room viewed from entrance door. Building 22 3rd floor corridor: Obstructions in corridor. Building 24 ground floor Photocopy room: Scool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 32/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

33 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 Yes Access Comment Action Required. Action Priority 7.3 Are access routes within the building clear of glossy, highly glazed finishes? Yes Action Required. 7.4 Where fitted, do carpets give a firm surface to allow wheelchair passage without sinking in? Carpets should have a shallow, dense, nondirectional pile which is able to withstand the marks left by wheelchairs and walking aids. A worn or yielding carpet surface will restrict access for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people. Replace the carpeting in the identified location as part of building maintenance. Building 22 third floor level: The carpeting in this location has an unsuitable surface. 7.5 Are there flush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring? In order that there is a safe and smooth transition across different types of flooring materials, it is important that any joints between them are level and even and, where necessary, incorporate a suitable edging strip. Secure the junctions of the flooring areas identified. Building 25 ground floor: This location has uneven joints between different flooring materials. 33/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

34 Unflush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring. Unflush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring. Unflush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring. Carpets do not give a firm surface to allow wheelchair passage in building 22. Unflush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring. 34/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

35 Shared Refreshement Facilities Where shared refreshment facilities are not provided for use by members of the general public, there is no general or anticipatory duty to make provision for disabled people, although it is recommended that specific adjustments to improve access for known disabled individuals and members of staff should be considered on their merits. The following shared refreshment facilities were identified: 1. Building 23 3rd floor coffee room 2. Building 27 kitchen area 1. In areas where there is a high risk of food and liquid spillages, it is essential that the floor surface has good slip resistance. Replace the floor surface when next refurbishing. Costing: 25 per step or 30 m2. Priority 3 2. People with limited dexterity are unable to operate standard water taps which require users to grip and turn their wrist. Provide automatic or lever operated water taps. Costing: Configure Engineers report required. Priority 3 3.People with limited reach or dexterity are unable to conveniently operate traditional plug and chain devices to empty the sink of waste water. Provide a lever operated sink waste mechanism. Costing: Configure Engineers Report Required. Priority 3 4.Particular care is needed for people who are insensitive to temperature. It is recommended that water heaters which do not incorporate thermostatic control or which do not provide a logical and clear indication of water temperature should be replaced. Costing: Configure Engineers Report Required. Priority 3 5.The markings for the controls for a microwave oven should be clear and easy to understand. If the oven is to be used by wheelchair users, the display panels and controls should be located no higher than 1150mm from the floor. Costing: Self Help. Priority2 6.It is recommended that equipment procured for a shared facility should be chosen on the basis that it is easy to use. Where necessary, accessible user instructions should be provided. Costing: Self Help. Priority1 7.Where measures to tackle small fires have been provided, it is important that they are located in a position accessible to a wide range of users. The fire extinguisher / blanket should be relocated to the recommended height in an unobstructed area. 8.Individual users may require the provision of specific items and auxiliary aids to be able to use the refreshment facilities independently. Provide auxiliary aids as necessary. Costing: Self Help. Priority 1 9. Chairs, stools and seating provided at fixed table positions are inaccessible to people with restricted mobility. Some variety of seating should be available for people who require arm rests or lumbar support. Costing:Configure Engineers report required. Priority 2 35/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

36 c Building 27 kitchen area: Microwave oven not mounted so that the base of the oven is no higher than 850mm from the floor. Microwave oven controls positioned no higher than 1150mm from the floor. Building 27 kitchen area: Knee recess rovided under worktop in the kitchen.obstructions in the recess. Building 27 kitchen area: At least one shelf in refrigerator provided at a height between mm. 36/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

37 Building 27 kitchen area: Cordless kettle provided for heating hot water for hot drinks. Building 23 3rd floor coffee room: Room arrangement and seating types provided in coffee room. Building 23 3rd floor coffee room: Microwave oven not mounted so that the base of the oven is no higher than 850mm from the floor. 37/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

38 Building 23 3rd floor coffee room: Existing water taps not operated by lever action or automatic control, sink not provided with a lever operated popup waste mechanism to empty waste water from the sink. Building 23 3rd floor coffee room; Desk in coffee room with knee recess. 38/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

39 Internal Steps The following locations were identified as having steps: 1. Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases 2. Building 23 central staircase 3. Building 22 central staircase 4. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.2 Is the vertical height of each individual step between 150mm to 170mm (exceptionally 100mm to 180mm)? Yes Action Required. 9.3 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. Building 22 central staircase: The step tread depth is 15mm. Adjust the step tread depth to conform with the dimensions recommended by best practice. 9.4 Does the overlap or lip on the front edge of any step protrude less than 25mm? Yes Action Required. 39/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

40 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.5 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: Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: The minimum unobstructed width of this staircase is 840mm. Building 23 central staircase: The minimum unobstructed width of this staircase is 890mm. Building 22 central staircase: The minimum unobstructed width of this staircase is 640mm. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps: The minimum unobstructed width of this staircase is 700mm. As part of your building maintenance programme, widen the identified staircases to the minimum recommended width. 9.6 Are the vertical risers of each step solid and not open? Yes Action Required. 9.7 Is the flat tread of each step slip resistant? Yes Action Required. 9.8 Does each continuous flight of steps between landings contain less than 16 individual steps? People with a mobility impairment may find it difficult to traverse flights of steps if there are more than 12 individual steps per flight. Building 23 central staircase: 18 steps. Adjust the step configuration to conform with best practice recommendatio ns. 40/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

41 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.9 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. Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases Building 23 central staircase Building 22 central staircase Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps 9.10 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. Building 23 central staircase: 53 steps require contrasting nosing Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps: 2 steps require contrasting nosing 41/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

42 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.11 Is lighting over the steps sufficiently bright and oriented so that people do not have to walk in their own shadow? Lighting over steps should provide a clear distinction between each step and riser. At tread level the illuminance should be at least 100 lux. Providing even lighting helps people to negotiate steps without having to walk in their own shadow. Improve the lighting in the identified location. The lighting over the internal steps in the following locations requires improvement or adjustment: Building 22 central staircase 9.12 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: Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: Left hand side Building 23 central staircase: Right hand side Building 22 central staircase: Left hand side Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps: Left hand side Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps: Right hand side 42/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

43 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.13 Is the handrail provided between 900mm and 1000mm above the surface of the steps? Handrails should be positioned between 900mm and 1000mm above the surface of the steps to make them accessible to all. Relocate or replace handrail. The following handrails are not correctly positioned: Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: The right handrail is positioned at 800mm. Building 23 central staircase: The left handrail is positioned at 830mm. Building 22 central staircase: The right handrail is positioned at 800mm Is the height of the handrail above the steps consistent throughout its entire length? Yes Action Required Is the handrail sufficiently well secured to provide adequate support? Yes Action Required Do the handrail support brackets provide continuous hand contact with the rail and/or is the rail clear of other obstructions? Yes Action Required Is the handrail continuous, leaving no gaps at any point and extending across landings? Yes Action Required. 43/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

44 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.18 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? Some people with a visual impairment use handrails to assist in locating the top and bottom of the steps. Other people require a handrail to steady themselves before negotiating the change in level. Ensuring that handrails extend beyond the top and bottom of the steps and that the end of the handrail can be easily determined enhances these functions. Replace or extend handrail in the identified locations. The following handrails do not extend at least 300mm beyond the top and/or bottom of the steps and/or do not return to the wall or the floor: Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: The right handrail Building 22 central staircase: The right handrail 9.19 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: Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: The right handrail Building 23 central staircase: The left handrail Building 22 central staircase: The right handrail 44/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

45 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 9.20 Is the handrail easy to grip and not cold to the touch? Yes Action Required Is the handrail between 45mm to 50mm in diameter? Yes Action Required Is the handrail contrasting in tone and colour to its surroundings? Yes Action Required 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? Yes Action Required. Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: Steps do not have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm. Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: Top and bottom landings of the flight of steps do not incorporate a corduroy hazard warning surface. Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: Handrail do not contain tactile warning marks to indicate the top and bottom of the steps. 45/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

46 Buildings 24 and 26 central staircases: sings type provided to steps. Building 23 central staircase: Handrail not provided between 900mm and 1000mm above the surface of the steps. Building 23 central staircase: Steps do not have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm. Each continuous flight of steps between landings contain more than 16 individual steps. 46/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

47 Building 22 ground floor cloakroom steps: Steps do not have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm, no provision of handrails and damaged nosings. Building 22 central staircase: Steps do not have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm. Building 22 central staircase: Steps do not have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm. 47/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

48 Building 22 central staircase: Handrails not provided to the rightside of steps. Building 22 central staircase: Flat tread of each step not between 250mm to 300mm deep. 48/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

49 10.0 Internal Doors 10.1 The following internal doors have been identified within the premises: 1. Internal doors without vision panels generic 2. Internal doors with vision panels generic 3. Building 23 ground floor corridor door with full vision panel 4. Building 22 internal doors generic Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 10.2 Is the door a minimum width of 750mm? Yes Action Required Are clear visibility panels incorporated in doors which are in constant use? To enable people to see and be seen through internal doors in constant use, 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. The following internal doors either lack visibility panels or the existing panels do not conform with the recommended configuration: Replace doors or install correctly positioned visibility panels within the existing doors at the identified location. Internal doors with vision panels generic 10.4 Is the door handle located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor and 50mm from the leading edge of the door? Yes Action Required. 49/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

50 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 10.5 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: Internal doors with vision panels generic Building 22 internal doors generic 10.6 Is the maximum force exerted at the leading edge of the selfclosing door less than 20 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. The following internal single swing doors exert a closing force in excess of 20 Newtons: Internal doors without vision panels generic Internal doors with vision panels generic Building 23 ground floor corridor door with full vision panel Test the closing force at the leading edge of the door with a suitable gauge and adjust the closing device to exert less than 20 Newtons. 50/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

51 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 10.7 Is the door entry security system positioned with its uppermost point between 750mm and 1050mm? Manual controls for door security entry systems should be positioned at an accessible reach height between mm. Wall mounted devices should be set back 400mm from the leading edge of the door when fully open. Reposition the internal door entry controls Reposition the following internal door entry operating devices: Internal doors without vision panels generic 10.8 Can the operating device for the door 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? Door security entry systems should not require manual dexterity or the use of two hands to operate the controls. It is recommended that systems that use card swiping mechanisms should be oriented vertically. Replace the following internal door security controls: Replace the existing door security entry devices. Internal doors without vision panels generic 51/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

52 Internal doors without vision panels generic: Operating device for the door security entry system can not be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys. Internal doors without vision panels generic: Example of door with maximum force exerted at the leading edge of the selfclosing door less than 30 Newtons. Internal doors without vision panels generic: Example of U shaped door handle provided to door. 52/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

53 Internal doors with vision panels generic: Example of door with vision panel. Internal doors without vision panels generic: Example of door where operating device for the door security entry system can not be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys. Internal doors with vision panels generic: Example of door where vision panel does not aid accessibility. 53/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

54 Internal doors without vision panels generic: Example of door where operating device for the door security entry system can not be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys. Internal doors with vision panels generic: Example of door where vision panel does not aid accessibility. Internal doors without vision panels generic: Example of door with D shaped door handle. 54/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

55 Internal doors with vision panels generic: Vision panel should be between 500mm and 1500mm from the floor. Internal doors with vision panels generic: Example of door with single vision panel to aid accessibility. Internal doors with vision panels generic: D- shaped door handle provided to door with single vision panel to aid accessibility. 55/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

56 Building 23 ground floor corridor door with full vision panel: Door view. Building 23 ground floor corridor door with full vision panel: U-shaped door handle provided to door. Internal doors without vision panels generic: Example of door where operating device for the door security entry system can not be operated without the user requiring good manual dexterity, the use of two hands or the strength to hold down pressure on the keys. 56/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

57 Internal doors with vision panels generic: Example of door. Building 22 internal doors generic: Example of door. Building 22 internal doors generic: Example of door without best practice D or U shaped handle. Building 22 internal doors generic: Example of door without best practice D or U shaped handle. 57/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

58 Ambulant Disabled Toilets In addition to any wheelchair accessible WC accommodation, it is recommended that standard single-sex toilet facilities should contain at least one WC cubicle suitable for use by ambulant disabled users. Equipment and fittings within the accommodation should be easy to access and operate. Single sex toilet accommodation was observed at the following locations: 1. Building 25 ground floor gents toilet 2. Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet 3. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 11.2 Do any of the existing WC cubicles provide support for ambulant disabled users? [Such cubicles will typically contain internal support grabrails and provide a minimum internal cubicle width of 800mm] Where sufficient space is available in WC accommodation, it is recommended that at least one WC cubicle suitable for use by ambulant disabled users should be provided. Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet: The cubicle has an internal width of 1000mm. Create a cubicle for ambulant disabled users when next refurbishing Does the door to the accessible WC provide a minimum unobstructed effective width of 800mm? The door to an accessible WC should preferably provide a minimum effective width of 800mm to permit unrestricted access to wheelchair users. Adjust the width of the identified cubicle doors. Building 25 ground floor gents toilet: The effective width of the WC door is 750mm. Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet: The effective width of the WC door is 750mm. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet 58/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

59 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 11.4 Is the mirror fixed as closely as possible to the top of the wash basin and does it extend to at least 1600mm above the floor? It was observed that the configuration of the wash basin mirror does not conform with the recommended specification in the following locations: Adjust the configuration of the wash basin mirror. Adjust the configuration of the wash basin mirror. Building 25 ground floor gents toilet Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet 11.5 Are 600mm vertical handrails provided on both sides of at least one wash basin? It is recommended that vertical grab rails should be installed to provide support for ambulant disabled users at one of wash basins. Install dual vertical grabrails for at least one wash basin. There is no vertical handrail in the following wash basins: Building 25 ground floor gents toilet Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet 11.6 Is a hand basin provided? Yes Action Required. 59/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

60 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 11.7 Can the wash basin taps be operated by lever control or automatic operation to assist people with restricted manual dexterity? Upgrade the wash taps to lever or automatic operation: Install easy to operate wash taps in the identified locations. Building 25 ground floor gents toilet Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet Install easy to manipulate wash taps Is the seat of the WC set at height of between 450mm and 500mm? Yes action required Is a closed bin for soiled pads provided? Yes Action Required Are the operating heights of shaver points, automatic hand dryers and paper towel and soap dispensers set within the range of between mm above floor level? The operating height of the following items was observed to be located outside the recommended height range: Building 25 ground floor gents toilet Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet Relocate the identified items to a more accessible position. Paper towel dispenser Hand dryers 60/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

61 Building 25 ground floor gents toilet: Example of door provided to toilet. Building 25 ground floor gents toilet: Toilet tissue dispenser at an inaccessible height. Building 25 ground floor gents toilet: Mirror not fixed as closely as possible to the top of the wash basin and does not extend to at least 1600mm above the floor. Hand dryers above mm above floor. 61/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

62 Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet: Example of door provided to toilet. Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet: Closed bin supplied in toliet for soiled pads.toilet tissue dispenser at an inaccessible height. Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet: Wash basin taps not operated by lever control or automatic operation to assist people with restricted manual dexterity. 62/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

63 Building 25 2nd floor ladies toilet: Mirror not fixed as closely as possible to the top of the wash basin and does not extend to at least 1600mm above the floor. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet:wash basin taps not operated by lever control or automatic operation to assist people with restricted manual dexterity. Building 22 ground floor cloakroom toilet:hand dryers above recommended height of mm above floor. 63/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

64 Signage The existing signage provision is examined below. Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 12.2 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 Are Braille and tactile room identification signs placed on the wall beside the latch of the door? t Applicable Feature Observed Completed: 08/10/ /84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

65 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 12.5 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? Effective colour contrast on signage is essential and is as important as the size of the lettering or symbols. Colours can appear different under various light sources, so when choosing sign colours ensure that you are under the same lighting conditions as will be used in the area of the building where the sign is to be located. Particularly avoid red and green colour schemes due to the prevalence of red/green colour blindness. Replace signs which do not have a clear colour contrast. 65/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

66 Internal signs presented with a reflective surface Internal signs do not incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background. Internal signs presented with a glass surface 66/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

67 internal signs without Braille or tactile surface. Room identification signs consistently located at eye level (1500mm) but not on the wall immediately adjacent to the latch side of doors. Internal signs do not incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background. 67/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

68 Internal signs do not incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background. Internal signs do not incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background. Internal signs do not incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background. 68/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

69 Room identification signs not consistently located at eye level (1500mm) on the wall immediately adjacent to the latch side of doors. Example of signs presented with a glass surface and do not incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background. 69/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

70 Fire and Evacuation Procedures The existing fire and evacuation procedures are examined below. Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 13.2 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. Review the fire evacuation procedure in conjunction with your local Fire Officer Do staff members receive training to ensure they are aware of and can implement the evacuation procedure including the operation of any refuge areas? Training is essential to ensure that all members of staff are aware of, and can implement, the evacuation strategy for both disabled and non disabled customers. Ensure all staff members are trained in the evacuation strategy Are mobility-impaired guests instructed to leave their rooms during a fire alarm? Staff should provide guests with instructions regarding whether guests should leave their rooms or not during a fire alert. Provide evacuation instructions to the guests 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. 70/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

71 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 13.6 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 warning. or Install Fire Pager Alert system 13.7 Are final exit routes from the premises as accessible as the entry routes to the premises? Yes Action Required Do the external access routes from the fire escapes allow mobility impaired guests to clear the building and retreat to the assembly point? The following restrictions in the external access routes from the fire escape have been noted: Poor floor surface Restricted/confined corridor. Step or flight of steps in fire escape access route. Remove all physical barriers preventing escape to the assembly areas. 71/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

72 Feature Conforms Access Comment Action Priority 13.9 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.supply & Training for Evac-U-Chair Unit Model: EV136 or Supply & Training for Evac-U-Chair Unit Model: CD Are evacuation-routes checked regularly for obstacles or locked doors? Yes Action Required Are there any existing separate fire exit signs that are erected in the site? Yes It was noted that there are over 10 existing fire exit signs erected at the site. 72/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

73 Fire escape route without apprioprate signage, paddle or push bars. Example of fire alarm in buildings. Example of fire point provided in all buildings' corridor. Example of fire door without a paddle or push bar. Example of fire alarm in buildings. Example of fire exit signs within the buildings. 73/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

74 Example of fire exit sign,alarm sounder and device provided in all buildings. Example of fire point provided in all buildings' corridor. Restricted corridor width is an an obstruction in fire escape route. Poor floor surface condition in building 22 3rd floor fire escape route. 74/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

75 SMART Access Plan Executive Summary Company Name Premises Date Of Audit Auditor Trinity College Dublin Westland Row 13 October 2008 Sakinah Abdul-Ibiyeye 75/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

76 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. 76/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

77 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 /84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

78 Priority 1 Adjustments Feature Action Costing 3.0 Entrance to Premises 3.2 Entrance clearly signed. Provide additional signage to clearly indicate the location of the identified entrance. from 180 each 4.0 Entrance Doors 4.2 Height of door security controls Reposition device to the recommended accessible height and enable clear view access for wheelchair users. 400 per item 4.3 Operating device on latchside of door Reposition the security system operating device. 300 per item 4.4 Operation device without limited manual dexterity Replace the existing door security entry devices. 740 per device 4.10 Best practice door handle Replace the door handle with one of the correct shape and configuration and ensure that the colour contrasts with the door. 240 per door 4.11 Entrance door vision panels. Install appropriately configured vision panels on doors in constant use. 480 per door - subject to site survey 5.0 Information and Help Desks 5.2 Signage. Install accessible signage to identify the location of the information desk. from 120 each sign 5.4 Hearing induction loop and appropriate signage. Install a hearing induction loop with appropriate signage at each identified location. 320 per desk installed 78/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

79 Feature Action Costing 5.5 Low level writing surface. Install a low level counter surface at the identified location per desk location 5.8 Way-finding signage. Install way-finding signage which includes both Braille and tactile lettering at the identified location. from 120 each sign 5.9 Auxiliary aids available at the information desk Provide aids to help disabled visitors access the services at the information desk. From Internal Steps 9.12 Provide dual handrails for internal steps Provide dual handrails for the identified stairway locations. from 1900 per rail per flight 9.19 Tactile marks on handrails. Install tactile warning marks in the identified locations. 25 per handrail 10.0 Internal Doors 10.6 Closing force of single swing doors Test the closing force at the leading edge of the door with a suitable gauge and adjust the closing device to exert less than 20 Newtons. Maintenance plan 10.7 Height of internal door security entry control Reposition the internal door entry controls 300 per item 10.8 Manual dexterity required for door security entry operating devices Replace the existing door security entry devices. 740 per device 12.0 Signage 12.2 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 12.5 Glass or reflective sign surfaces. Improve internal non-tactile signage. Self help. 79/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

80 Feature Action Costing 12.6 Clear colour contrast on signs. Replace signs which do not have a clear colour contrast. Detailed Sign Assessment Survey Required Fire and Evacuation Procedures 13.2 Emergency evacuation procedure. Review the fire evacuation procedure in conjunction with your local Fire Officer. Self help - include in next maintenance plan visit 13.3 Evacuation training. Ensure all staff members are trained in the evacuation strategy. Self help - include in next maintenance plan visit 13.4 Fire alarm instruction. Provide evacuation instructions to the guests. Self help - include in next maintenance plan visit 13.9 Evacuation from upper levels. Consult your local Fire Officer about provision of refuge areas and carry chairs.supply & Training for Evac-U-Chair Unit Model: EV136 or Supply & Training for Evac-U-Chair Unit Model: CD7 approx 1200 per chair, inc training or approx 2000 per chair, inc training 80/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row

81 Priority 2 Adjustments Feature Action Costing 3.0 Entrance to Premises 3.4 Colour contrast door and frame. Create a colour contrast between the doors and frame. 320 per door entrance (estimate) 6.0 Corridors 6.3 Corridor circulation space. 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. from 8000 per location (site survey required) 6.4 Obstructions in corridors. Relocate any obstructions and ensure that staff members are aware of the need to keep the corridors unobstructed. cost - self help. 7.0 Internal Surfaces 7.5 Flush joints between flooring surfaces. Secure the junctions of the flooring areas identified. Configure Engineers report required 9.0 Internal Steps 9.9 Corduroy hazard warning. Install corduroy hazard warning surfaces in the identified locations. 240 per location 9.10 Colour contrasting step nosings. Install colour contrasting nosings for the steps in the identified locations. from 50 per metre 9.11 Lighting over steps Improve the lighting in the identified location. from 300 each light (estimate) 81/84 SMART Access Assessment: Westland Row