Overview and Scrutiny
Compliance of Council Corporate Buildings to Disability and Discrimination Act 1995
(DDA) requirements
Introduction
Best Value Performance Indicator 156 was the driver for the initial audit of all relevant
Council properties prior to the introduction of the DDA.
The measure for compliance to BVPI 156 is the 1992 edition of the Approved Document
M to the Building Regulations primarily aimed at resolving physical access and facility
provision to buildings. However the requirements of the DDA were incorporated in audit
as far as could be determined in the knowledge available at the time. The DDA has a
much wider remit to the BVPI, as summarised below.
The audit programme of buildings was prioritised in terms of the effect on public access
to Council Services.
The Audits were undertaken by a finite resource of an Access Officer and Access
Advisor both 0.5 FTE positions. The service was without an Access Officer between
November 2004 and December 2005 due to recruitment difficulties.
With the commencement of employment of the new Access Officer a new Audit
programme is being developed to re audit that will incorporate improved information
available on the requirements of the DDA. In addition new software, supplied by the
Council’s Property Dept, based on a detailed checklist is being used to ensure a more
robust and objective measure is undertaken and to provide an audit trail of the process.
Furthermore the software links directly with the work of the Property Department and
accordingly reports can received and actioned with much greater accuracy.
Summary of the requirements of the DDA
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aimed to end the discrimination that
many disabled people face. This Act gives disabled people rights in the areas of:
 employment
 education
 access to goods, facilities and services
 buying or renting land or property
The Act also allowed the government to set minimum standards so that disabled people
can use public transport easily.
The development of legislation to improve the rights of disabled people is an ongoing
process:
From 1 October 2004, Part 3 of the DDA 1995 has required businesses and other
organisations such as ours to take reasonable steps to tackle physical features that act as a
barrier to disabled people who want to access their services.
This may mean to remove, alter or provide a reasonable means of avoiding physical
features of a building which make access impossible or unreasonably difficult for
disabled people. Examples include:
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putting in a ramp to replace steps
providing larger, well defined signs for people with a visual impairment
improving access to toilet or washing facilities
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has been amended by the Disability
Discrimination Act 2005 to place a duty on all public sector authorities to promote
disability equality. This duty will have a significant impact on the way in which all public
services are run and on improving the lives of disabled people.
It is part of a new breed of legislation that will serve to ensure that all public bodies build
disability equality into the way in which they carry out their business.
Market Street Offices
An audit of the Market Street Offices was undertaken primarily for the purposes of the
BVPI, in May 2001, a copy of the report is shown in Appendix A.
The report outlined a series of recommendations, attached as appendix A, which were
categorised in terms of importance and then passed to the Council’s Property department
for implementation. Implementation was undertaken in conjunction with other planned
property projects such as the new Market Street Reception area, and within the financial
resource available through a specific DDA budget provision.
The work carried out by the Council’s Property department as a result of the report is
shown in appendix B
Specific Issues
Induction Loop within the Council Chamber
It has been reported that this induction loop is not working. This matter has been
investigated and that does appear to be the current position and accordingly it has been
reported to the Property Department for action.
Specific reference is not made with the DDA for the provision of Induction loops
however should someone be disadvantaged at some time because one is not available
they could pursue action under the DDA. Generally inductions loops are reasonably low
cost and accordingly there would be little defence for the provision not being made. It
would be accepted though that equipment does fail from time to time but measures to
reduce the likely disruption should introduced e.g. regular tests particularly prior to
public meeting.
Mirror on back wall of Market Street passenger lift
It would be expected that DDA compliant lift would incorporate a mirror. The mirror
enables a wheelchair user to reverse safely out of a lift. Shared occupancy usually
precludes any turning of a wheelchair safely.
This is not a provision within the 1992 Approved Document M and accordingly was not
incorporated within the May 2001 Market Street audit and subsequent recommendations.
It will however be incorporated within a re-audit that embodies the more rigorous
requirements of the 2005 revisions to the DDA
Appendix A
ACCESS AUDIT
AUDIT DETAILS
CLIENT:
AUDIT ADDRESS:
West Berkshire Council
Council Offices
Market Street
NEWBURY
TYPE OF BUILDING: Office Building with Public Access
DATE OF AUDIT:
2nd /3rd May 2001
NAME OF AUDITORS: Janet Parker (Access Officer)
David Foster (Access Advisor)
ACCESS AUDIT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION
2.0
DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING
3.0
APPROACH, ROUTES AND STREET FURNITURE
4.0
CAR PARKING
5.0
EXTERNAL ACCESS AND MAIN ENTRANCE
6.0
RECEPTION AREAS
7.0
AREAS ACCESSED BY PUBLIC
8.0
HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION
9.0
VERTICAL CIRCULATION
10.0
INTERNAL DOORS
11.0
TOILET/SHOWER FACILITIES
12.0
SIGNAGE
13.0
ACOUSTICS/ LIGHTING/ DECORATION
14.0
SPECIAL AREAS FIRST AID ROOM/ STAFF CANTEEN / STAFF KITCHEN
15.0
MEANS OF ESCAPE
16.0
REFERENCES
17.0
PRIORITISED SCHEDULE OF RECOMMENDATIONS
COPIES OF REPORT AVAILABLE IN LARGE TEXT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
West Berkshire Council is both a Service Provider and Employer and therefore it is important that it
achieves a good level of access to its buildings and services for people with disabilities.
Overall the Council Offices at Market Street have reasonable access for people with disabilities
however there are areas where improvements should be made to enable the Council to comply
with both the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and Citizen Charter Performance Indicators.
There are four main areas where improvements should be made:
 Rearrangement and adjustments to the reception areas. This should include improved
circulation routes, all counters to be fully accessible, methods of communication between staff
and the public to be improved.
A reception area is usually first point of contact for a visitor to a building and organisation
therefore it is essential that it is well planned and easy to use for everybody.
The second floor reception area is shortly due to be refurbished.
 Revision of Disabled car parking facilities for both staff and visitors to include the approach to the
building and access to the building via the staff entrance.
I understand that there is already a proposal regarding the provision of disabled staff car
parking.
 An additional accessible toilet should be provided on the first/second floor as travel distance
present exceeds 40metres.
at
 Additional improvements to the lift particularly concerning the call panel and access to the
emergency telephone inside the lift.
Accessibility cannot be guaranteed by good design alone. How a building is managed on a day to
day basis will have a huge impact on how easy it is to use by disabled people. Therefore
consideration should be given to a planned maintenance schedule for the Council Offices, Market
Street.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
An access audit was carried out on the Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury on 2 nd and 3rd May 2001. The
weather was wet on the first day and dry on second day. The audit mainly concentrated on the areas of the
building, which are primarily accessible by the public but comments are made regarding the office space and
staff facilities within the building.
The purpose of an access audit is to establish how well a particular building and service performs in terms of
access and ease of use by a wide range of potential users, this will include people with hearing, visual, mobility
impairments and learning difficulties.
Many factors contribute to the accessibility of a building, firstly the building itself, then internal fixtures and
fittings and finally how the building is used and managed. This report aims to comment on existing accessibility
and make recommendations as to how improvements can be made.
The benefits of the recommendations stated in this report are not necessarily restricted to people with
identifiable impairments.
For the purpose of this report the criteria used for assessment is as follows:
 The need to maximise accessibility to the building and facilities by disabled people and staff
 The standards required under Building Regulations Approved Document Part M (1999)
 Currently published good practice in design for disabled people
N.B. Compliance with the advice contained in this report does not ensure compliance with the requirements of
the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
BUILDING
The Council Offices is purpose built office accommodation built in 1980 as the main offices for Newbury District
Council. Since 1998 it has been the main offices for West Berkshire Council (Unitary Authority). The building is
steel framed with brick in fill elevations.
It has three floors of accommodation as follows:
 Ground floor accommodates main reception area, Council Chamber, Housing advice and
Revenue sections.
 First floor accommodates offices, training/meeting rooms, staff canteen and IT training room.
 Second floor accommodates offices, meeting rooms, planning reception and first aid room
The building accommodates 300 Workers (approx) and has approximately 200-300 visitors per day.
The public have access to the ground floor and second floor reception. Access to the second floor is only
achieved by passing through a door on the ground floor activated by an electronic security pass.
Access to many of the areas within the building is restricted and only accessible by scanning a security pass at
key points.
There is no planned maintenance programme for this building.
3.0 APPROACH/ ROUTES/ AND STREET FURNITURE
3.1 The Council Offices are located in Market Street close to the town centre. Both the bus and railway station
are situated close by and are within five minutes walking distance. Public car parks are sited next to and
opposite the building. There are good road links from the A339. There is good signage indicating Council
Offices.
3.2 Pavements adjacent to the Council Offices are of pre-cast concrete paving slabs. Some of the paving slabs
are broken and generally uneven. Dropped kerbs particularly on the route from the bus station to the Council
Offices are not flush with the road surface. They have a lip (35mm); this can present as a trip hazard to
pedestrians and cause difficulties with wheelchair users. In addition the drop kerbs by the Bus Station are
designed in such a way that it could direct a person into the main flow of traffic.
3.3 One of the pedestrian crossing points by the Council Offices has a drop kerb (no tactile paving) with a small
raised (35mm) pedestrian refuge in the middle of the carriageway. This causes a barrier to wheelchair users
and a trip hazard to other pedestrians (figure 1)
figure 1
3.4 An approach route from the railway station to the Council Offices is via a flight of concrete steps. Staff to
access the car park, also use these steps. The steps are 975mm in width, with a handrail on the right hand side
ascending. There is an absence of the appropriate tactile paving at the top of the steps and no step nosings
(figure 2)
figure 2
Recommendations
a) Provision of an additional handrail, contrasting step nosings and tactile paving (corduroy type) on the top of
the steps should be provided on the stepped approach to the Council Buildings from the railway station. As
recommended in Approved Document Building Regulations Part M
b) The removal of the pedestrian refuge to provide level access across the carriageway.
c) Replacement of damaged paving slabs on the approach to offices.
d) To ensure when drop kerbs are provided that they are flush with the carriageway.
e) When drop kerbs are provided appropriate tactile paving should be incorporated.
4.0 CAR PARKING
4.1 At the Council Offices, car parking is provided for both staff (142 spaces) and disabled visitors (3/4 spaces)
in different locations. Public car parks are available close to the offices.
4.2 There is on-street disabled parking available at the front of the building for 3-4 cars depending how the cars
are parked. At present employees on a daily basis use two of the spaces, as there is no provision for staff
disabled parking. The parking bay is sign posted for the use of disabled drivers. The parking bay has a dropped
kerb at one end, is 20.6 metres in length and 2310mm in width (figure 3).
Some wheelchair users have to transfer from their car to their wheelchair on the carriageway, as transferring
from the car to wheelchair on the pavement is not possible. Where the surface of the parking bay meets the
carriageway it provides an uneven surface and generally is in a poor state of repair.
figure 3
4.3 There is a short ramp from the disabled parking area to the main entrance. The gradient is 1:12,
Building Regulations Part M recommends a gradient of 1:15.
Recommendations
a) Minimum recommended number of disabled parking bays should be, individual bays for each disabled
employee plus 2 bays or 3% of total capacity, whichever is greater. (source Reducing mobility handicaps
Institution of highways and Transportation).
To provide designated disabled parking bays for employees in an alternative site to existing, therefore to free
up more spaces for public use. Suggested area, opposite the staff entrance. Bays to have minimum
dimensions of 4800mm x 3200mm (minimum) 3600mm preferred.
If the relocation of disabled staff parking bays is behind the car park barrier it is important to ensure that staff
are able to use the security scanner successfully.
b) To alter the existing parking bay for disabled people.
Good practice suggests that parking bays should allow access to the rear of the vehicle where wheelchairs are
often stored and the preferred allowance for each vehicle should be 6600mm in length and 3300mm in width to
allow safe transferring from either side of the vehicle.
To increase the width of the existing parking bay and make transfer from a car to wheelchair a safer movement,
drop the kerb for the whole length of the parking bay.
To mark out each bay to ensure that adequate space is left to allow access to rear of the vehicle
To repair the surface between the carriageway and parking bay.
5.0 EXTERNAL ACCESS AND MAIN ENTRANCE
5.1 The main entrance has a gently sloping approach, good signage and is clearly distinguishable from the
façade.
5.2 The Principal entrance doors are of the glazed automatic sliding type with manifestations. They provide
sufficient width for wheelchair manoeuvre and have a level threshold. In the entrance area there is signage,
indicating way in.
5.3 The staff entrance is located at the side of the building; this provides staff access to the building at all times
and is particularly relevant when the main entrance is closed. The drop kerb does not have a flush finish to
carriageway (35mm lip). There is a ramped approach to the doors but no level platform at the top. Entry is
gained by scanning security tag; this will allow the door to be opened. Disabled people may experience
difficulties trying to gain entry because of the lack of level surface by the door. The double doors have no vision
panels.
Recommendations
a) To improve the staff entrance by providing a ramped approach with a gradient of 1:15, with level area/
platform by the door minimum dimensions of 1200mm2
b) To adjust the drop kerb to a flush finish by the staff entrance.
6.0 RECEPTION AREAS
6.1 A Reception area is usually the first point of contact for a visitor to a building and organisation and therefore
it is essential that it is well-planned and easy to use for everybody. Ideally, reception areas should have plenty
of circulation space. Routes to reception counters, lift, stairs and toilets should be clearly defined and
unobstructed. The Reception area within the Council offices consists of a main reception desk, waiting area
and several places where information is displayed (figure 4). The reception desk always has a member of staff
present during office hours.
figure 4
6.2 The route from the entrance door to the desk is restricted by the position of seating and only allows a clear
walkway of 1250mm. The sign indicating the reception desk has a highly reflective surface and would be very
difficult for anybody with a visual impairment to read. The reception desk has a counter surface height of
960mm and a lower counter surface of 720mm at the side, which would be suitable for a wheelchair user
(figure 5). There are no aids to communication particularly for people with a hearing impairment; the area is
generally very busy with a high level of background noise therefore making it difficult for effective
communication. The Reception staff do not know British Sign Language.
figure 5
6.3 The waiting area comprises of two semi-circular arrangements of chairs. All chairs have a seat height of
40.5 cm which some people with restricted mobility would have difficulty using.
6.4 The route to the Cash Office is behind the waiting area; there is often a queue. The route is narrow and
cannot accommodate people with double buggies and people with a helper.
6.5 Information carousels/ boards are located throughout the reception area and potentially could be a hazard
for people with a visual impairment.
6.6 The second floor reception is where planning and building regulations enquiries are dealt with. The
reception desk has a counter height of 1000mm with no lower counter surface for people seated. There is
signage indicating the location of the reception from the stairs and lift, but no sign indicating reception desk. In
the reception area there are both easy chairs with a seat height of 40.5 cm and chairs (seat height 43cm) at
tables (table height 740mm).
Recommendations
a) To re-look at the layout of the Reception area, to improve circulation space, define and improve routes
particularly to the cash office.
b) Good practice recommends that a waiting area should have some chairs with an increased seat height of
at least 46cm. Provision of two chairs on ground floor and one chair on second floor with increased seat
height.
c) To provide a central place for information within the ground floor reception area.
d) Proportion of counter to be at a lower height of 750-800mm on the Second floor reception.
e) Replace highly reflective Reception sign on ground floor and provide new sign to indicate Reception desk
on Second floor.
f) Aids to communication should be provided both at the reception and cash office.
g) Reception staff should be trained in the use of BSL (British Sign Language) and disability
awareness/equality training.
7.0 AREAS ACCESSED BY PUBLIC
7.1 Areas, which are accessed by the public, are predominantly situated on the ground floor. These areas
include the Council Chamber, Cash Office, Housing/ Benefit Advice Centre and Interview rooms.
7.2 The Council Chamber is used for Council meetings, as a training venue and for public meetings.
The Council Chamber is fitted with an induction loop, which needs to be tested to ensure that it is working. The
decoration of the room offers very little tonal contrast. Good practice suggests that with the effective use of
tonal contrast can provide people with visual impairments important visual clues to their environment and assist
with orientation. The raised platform has a portable ramp to achieve access by a wheelchair user.
7.3 The Cash Office is used extensively by members of the public. The counter surface has a height of 940mm
with no lower height for seated users. The counter has a glazed screen with a certain amount of reflection,
which can cause difficulties for anybody wishing to lip-read. There is no speech enhancement or induction loop
system fitted. In discussion with the cashier, it was stated that communication through the screen with
members of the public was extremely difficult and often led to misunderstandings. In addition members of the
public are often confused when a cashier is free, as there is no audible or visual indication.
7.4 The Housing/ Benefit Advice Centre is located off the main reception area. It has three booths all with a
counter surface height of 1010mm, with no lower counter surface for people seated (figure 6).
Figure 6
7.5 Close to the Housing/ Benefit Advice Centre there are interview rooms. The rooms have a clear door
opening width of 770mm and the doors have vision panels. The rooms are accessible, but do not have
induction loop.
figure 7
7.6 Close to the Council Chamber is located a Public Pay Phone. This is located in an area where background
noise levels are minimal. The telephone is set at a height of 1020mm. Access to the telephone by a wheelchair
user is restricted by the position of table and chair (figure 7)
Recommendations
a) When redecoration takes place of the Council Chamber to improve the tonal contrast to enhance the
environment for people with a visual impairment.
b) The Cash Office should have a part of its counter at a lower height (750-800mm) suitable for people using
a wheelchair and aids to communication should be provided to improve communication between cashier
and customer.
c) To install an audible / visual indicator as to which booth is available at Cash Office.
d) One booth at Housing Benefit Advice Centre to have a lower counter (750-800mm) suitable height for
people using a wheelchair.
e) Ensure area by the Public Telephone is kept clear for wheelchair access.
8.0 HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION
8.1 In general corridors connect spaces, they should be simple and safe to negotiate, as they provide access
and form part of means of escape routes. All horizontal circulation within the Council offices building has level
access and generally provides adequate space for all users. However in the corridor by the canteen the width
is reduced by storage of chairs and trolley which could cause difficulties for people using a wheelchair and
those with a visual impairment (figure 8).
figure 8
Recommendations
a) To ensure that corridors are kept clear.
9.0 VERTICAL CIRCULATION
9.1 A single main staircase and lift provides vertical access to the upper floors of the Council Offices. There are
three additional staircases, which provide means of escape from the upper floors.
9.2 The stairs are formed as follows:
Risers 170mm, tread 280mm. The handrail is continuous on both sides of the staircase at a height of 1000mm
and extends beyond the top step. The handrails are easy to grip and provide a good colour contrast to the wall
colour.
9.3 Lifts are often the most convenient form of access between storeys and provide access throughout the
building for disabled people. The lift is accessed through the double doors off the main reception; there is an
absence of signage indicting the location of the lift at the ground floor. On the second floor by the lift is a large
plant, this obstructs the view of the lift entrance for a person with a visual impairment.
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figure 9
The call panel of the lift is positioned at a height of 1280mm and is not easily distinguishable from its
background.
There is no suitable tactile and visual indication on the landing and adjacent to the lift call button to identify
the storey.
The lift carriage dimensions are 1500mm x1280mm.
The inside of the lift is a matt colour, which provides a good contrast to control panel.
The control panel inside the lift is within 1140mm -1460mm from the floor and only 120mm from the front
wall.
The controls within the lift are tactile.
Access to the Emergency telephone is difficult; handle is small and not colour contrasted with background.
There is voice indication of the floor reached and doors opening and closing.
There is no visual indication of the floor reached.
There is only a handrail inside the lift on the left handside as you enter the lift compartment.
Recommendations
a)
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Improvements to the lift are required to include the following:
Suitable tactile and visual indication adjacent to the lift call button on each landing
Handrail to be continuous around the inside of the lift
Call panel to be more distinguishable from background
To improve access to the emergency telephone and ensure colour contrasted against background
10.0 INTERNAL DOORS
10.1 Doors provide access into spaces but poor design can turn them into barriers. A single door leaf should
provide a minimum clear opening width of 750mm (Building Regulations Part M) but good practice suggests
800mm, preferably 900mm. Doors across circulation routes should have vision panels, giving a zone of visibility
from a height of 900mm to 1500mm.
10.2 Colour contrast between the door, frame, handles and its surroundings can assist people with a visual
impairment to locate the door.
10.3 The door clear opening widths in toilets and first aid room are only 670mm. Other doors meet minimum
requirements. The majority of doors have vision panels within requirements except some of small individual
offices, which only have a high vision panel.
figure 10
10.4 All the doors in the Council Offices are dark coloured wood finish with brown door handles. In the main
areas where the walls have a brick finish there is very little colour contrast between the doors and walls (figure
10).
10.5 On some of the double doors, the door closures require some force to operate particular for somebody
with limited dexterity and strength. Good practice guidance recommends a maximum force of 25-30 Newtons.
Recommendations
a) Door opening width should be enlarged for access to first aid room.
b) Improved colour contrast should be provided between door handles and doors.
c) Door closures should be checked to ensure a maximum force of 25-30 Newtons.
11.0 TOILETS/ SHOWER FACILITIES
11.1 Accessible toilets are an essential facility within a building for disabled people. Within the Council Offices
there is one fully accessible toilet situated on the ground floor. The toilet cubicle is of suitable dimensions (Part
M Building Regulations) and there is good colour contrast between the sanitary ware and walls. One potential
problem is the positioning of the electric hand dryer, which could hinder people transferring from their chair to
toilet. Also there is no colour contrast on the door between the grab rails, door furniture and door. There is no
emergency alarm. The floor surface is vinyl and not slip resistant. The flush lever is difficult to distinguish from
background (figure 11 and 12).
figure 11
figure 12
11.2 There are other toilets located on each floor with a similar colour scheme as to the accessible toilet. None
of the toilets have any grab rails. Access to the toilets is via a clear door opening of 670mm making access
difficult for anybody with a disability. The door furniture on some of the doors is of same colour as door and
offers no colour contrast. Doors and floors are the same colour and offer no contrast.
11.3 On the ground floor there is a shower room. The room is 1700mm x 1030mm. The decoration is white with
no colour contrast at all. The shower is accessible by a 310mm step. There is no seating within the shower.
Within the size constraints of this room it is not possible to make it wheelchair accessible.
Recommendations
a) To provide a second accessible toilet on first/ second floor of building. New toilet to be left handed or
peninsula lay out. Building Regulations Part M recommends that the cumulative horizontal travel distance
from a work station to a toilet is not more than 40 metres. The present arrangement exceeds 40 metres for
an employee.
b) Minor alterations to the accessible toilet are required to include the following:
 Hand dryer to be repositioned closer to the basin away from transfer space in the accessible toilet.
 Grab rail and door handle to be changed on accessible toilet door to contrast with background.
 Provision of Alarm system
c) When shower room is redecorated to include good colour contrast between floor and walls and possibly
remove step to provide level access.
12.0 SIGNAGE
12.1 Effective use of signage can assist people in orientation around a building. Signs need to be simple with
good use of colour contrast and consistent.
Within the Council Offices there is good clear signage, however there is some inconsistency. The West
Berkshire Council signage is white lower case letters on green background, however this is the same colour
scheme as the fire exits signs. There are some signs white upper case on a brown background.
12.2 There are some areas where signage is a problem:
 There is an information board obscuring a sign indicating way out in the ground floor reception area.
 Lack of signage indicating the location of the lift.
 Some D-I-Y signage with reflective surface making it difficult to read by the Council Chamber (figure 13).
 Highly reflective sign for reception on ground floor
figure 13
Recommendations
a) To ensure that there is consistency of signage throughout the building.
b) To discourage D-I-Y signage.
c) To replace Reception desk sign with a sign with non-reflective surface.
d) To provide a sign indicating location of the lift.
e) To ensure that no sign is obscured.
13.0 ACOUSTICS/ LIGHTING/ DECORATION
13.1 The Council chamber is fitted with an induction loop but no other rooms have a loop. As stated, previously
communication is difficult for people in the main reception area on the ground floor particularly the cash office.
13.2 Lighting levels appeared satisfactory with no particular problem areas. Luminaires appeared properly
maintained.
13.3 Light switches are positioned at 136 mm from floor level and security scanning box 90mm from floor.
13.4 Decoration in the main areas as stated previously offers little colour contrast between doors, floors and
walls. In other areas there is some colour contrast between walls and doors.
13.5 Floorings throughout the building are plain in colour. The majority of areas are carpeted except toilets and
stairs.
Recommendations
a) To increase the number of rooms fitted with Induction Loop i.e. Committee room, training rooms
b) To check that Induction Loop in Council Chamber is in working order.
c) When building is refurbished to ensure improved colour contrast between walls, doors and floors to assist
people with a visual impairment orientate within the building.
14.0 SPECIAL ROOMS
14.1 First Aid room is situated on the second floor. Door opening width is only 670mm making access very
difficult for wheelchair user.
14.2 A small Staff canteen is situated on the first floor, door into the canteen has no vision panel but is kept
open with door wedge. Counter height is 1080mm. Within the room there are tables and chairs. There is little
circulation space for a wheelchair to manoeuvre. Access to the cold cabinet is difficult for a wheelchair user.
14.3 Staff kitchen is located on the ground floor and access to the sink is very difficult for a wheelchair user.
Recommendations
a) To enlarge entrance to first aid room to improve access.
15.0 MEANS OF ESCAPE
15.1 The design of a building alone cannot ensure safety for the occupants in the case of a fire or other
emergency. Means of escape strategies must be devised by the building’s management in order to ensure
safe, swift, orderly evacuation.
15.2 I am not an expert on means of escape but will make the following comments. There are three staircases
for fire evacuation. There is good use of colour contrast and the stairs have nosings. On both first and second
floor there is a Evac chair. Individual staff who are wheelchair users have their own personal emergency egress
plans (PEEPS).
15.3 There is a ramped fire exit from Council Chamber. At the bottom of the ramp there is a bollard which may
be a potential hazard for ease of escape for people with visual impairments (figure 14). There is blister tactile
warning at the top and bottom of the ramp. On a ramp it is not necessary to have blister tactile paving. The use
of blister tactile paving provides a warning to visual impaired people primarily used to indicate where a foot way
ends and carriageway begins.
figure 14
15.4
There is no visual fire alarm anywhere within the building.
15.5 When a person visits the Council Offices they will sign in and are issued with a visitors badge, and they
have to sign out, on leaving the offices. Visitors visiting planning reception on the second floor are issued with a
visitor sticker and don’t sign in or out. Members of the public visiting the cash office or housing advice do not
sign in or have a visitor sticker. No record is made as to whether a visitor is a wheelchair user or has a hearing
or visual impairment for purposes of fire evacuation.
Recommendations
a) Removal of bollard and tactile paving on/by Council Chamber Fire Exit. On a ramp there is no requirement
to provide tactile paving. Blister paving provides a warning to visually impaired people to enable them to
differentiate between where the foot way ends and carriageway begins.
b) To review management of fire evacuation procedures concerning visitors.
16.0 REFERENCES
Building Regulations Approved Document Part M
Designing for Accessibility CAE
Barrier Free Design James Holmes-Siedle
Design Guide for the use of Colour and Contrast ICI Dulux plc
Project Rainbow University of Reading
17.0 PRIORITISED LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Estimated cost bandings
Band A Suggestions can be implemented at no additional cost
Band B estimated cost of works under £500
Band C estimated cost of works over £500
The Property Department (Contact Andy Green) have agreed to cost out all recommendations.
17.0 PRIORITISED SCHEDULE OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Problem
Recommendation
Priority
Raised pedestrian refuge by Removal of raised pedestrian refuge Essential
crossing point outside Council to provide level access across
Offices.
carriageway
Lack of nosings, tactile paving,Provision of additional hand rail, step Essential
and second hand rail by
nosings and tactile paving (corderoy
stepped approach to staff
type) on stepped approach to building
car park
Damaged paving slabs
Replacement of broken paving
Desirable
(to be incorporated within maintenance
schedule)
4.0 Car Parking Lack of designated car
Provision of designated car parking
Essential
parking bays for disabled staff bays for disabled staff minimum
dimensions of 4800mm x 3200mm
Preferably 3600mm. Clearly marked
Access from the existing
Increase width of existing bay by
Desirable
Disabled car parking bay
dropping the kerb along the whole
length of parking bay
Mark out bays to ensure adequate
space is left to allow access to rear of
vehicle
Repair surface between carriageway
and parking bay.
5.0 External
Access to staff entrance
To improve access to staff entrance Essential
Access
by providing a ramped approach with a
gradient of 1:15, with level area/
platform by the door minimum
dimensions of 1200mm.
To ensure that the drop kerb has a flush
finish.
6.0 Reception
Routes to cash office and lack To
of oflook at reception area to improve Essential
6.0 Areas
of adequate circulation space circulation space and improve routes
in ground floor reception area.
Lack of suitable seating for Provision of seating with a seat height Desirable
3.0 Approach
Cost band
B
B
B
B
C
C
A
B
7.0 Areas
accessed by
Public
7.0
8.0 Horizontal
Circulation
9.0 Vertical
Circulation
10.0 Internal
People with limited mobility of at least 46cm
Information carousels
To centralise all information displays andEssential
sited throughout reception
carousels.
potential hazard for people
with visual impairment
Second floor reception counterProvision of a proportion of counter on Essential
too high for wheelchair access second floor reception to be lower for
wheelchair access (height of 750mm800mm)
Highly reflective sign at
Replacement of sign with non reflective Desirable
Ground floor reception
surface
Difficulty with communication Provision of aids to communication
Essential
at both reception and cash i.e. induction loop
office counters.
Staff to be trained in the use of BSL
Counter height at Cash office One booth at both cash office
Essential
and Housing Benefit Advice (dependent on whether a security
Centre has no lower height risk) and housing benefit advice centre
suitable for people using a
to have a lower counter (height of 750
wheelchair.
mm - 800mm)
Lack of appropriate aids to To improve communication between Essential
assist with communication
Cashier and customer by provision of
at cash office for people with eg induction loop
visual /hearing impairments. Installation of an audible/ visual
Desirable
Indicator indicating which booth is free
Lack of tonal contrast in the To improve the tonal contrast to
Long term
Council Chamber
assist with orientation within
the Council Chamber for people with a
visual impairment. Reference Dulux
Design Guide
Difficult access to Public
Ensure area by phone kept clear exceptEssential
Telephone
for seat
Storage of equipment in
Ensure corridors kept clear
Essential
corridors
Health and safety issue
Lift requires improvements Improvements required to lift include:
to improve accessibility
Suitable tactile and visual indication Essential
adjacent to the lift call button on each
landing,
Hand rail to be continuous inside the lift Desirable
Call panel to be more
Essential
distinguishable from background
Improve access to the emergency
Essential
Telephone and ensure colour
contrasted against background
Lack of adequate door width Enlarge door opening to meet
A
B
B
C
C
B
C
A
A
C
Essential B
doors
to first aid room
minimum requirements or relocate
First aid room to more suitable location
Door pressure on some doors Door closures to be checked to ensure Desirable
Required some force
a maximum force of 25-30 Newtons
To be incorporated as part of
Maintenance schedule.
Lack of colour contrast
Improved colour contrast between
Long Term
between door and door
Doors and door furniture
furniture
Reference Dulux Design Guide
11.0 Toilet and Only one accessible toilet in Provision of second accessible toilet Essential
Shower facilities whole building
on 1st /2nd floor
Minor alterations to accessible To improve accessible toilet by:
toilet
Provision of alarm
Essential
Grab rail and door handle to be colour Essential
contrasted
Hand dryer to be repositioned closer to Desirable
basin away from transfer space
Floor to be non slip
Long term
Shower area has poor
When redecorated to include good
Long term
colour contrast, lack of
colour contrast between floors and
Grab rails and high step into walls and to improve access remove
Shower area.
step to provide level access.
12.0 Signage
Some areas of concern
Ensure consistency of signage
Desirable
regarding Signage
Replace ground floor reception sign to
sign with non reflective surface
Provide sign indicating location of lift on grounfl
ground floor
A
C
C
B
B
B
B
C
B
To ensure that no sign is obscured
Discourage D-I-Y signage
(To be incorporated as part of
maintenance schedule)
13.0 Acoustics/ Lack of rooms/spaces fitted Increase no: of rooms fitted with aids to Desirable B
lighting/
with Induction loops
communication
decoration
Reception areas fitted with Induction Essential
Loops (previously mentioned)
Ensure Induction loop in Council
Essential A
Chamber is in working order
Lack of colour/tonal contrast When refurbishment takes place to
Long term C
in main areas to assist people ensure improved colour/tonal contrast
with visual impairment with between doors, floors and walls.
orientation.
14.0 Special
Restrictive access to first aid To enlarge doorway to first aid room Essential B
rooms
room as only clear opening Minimum width 750mm good practice
width of 670mm
Suggests 800mm preferably 900mm
15.0 Means of Bollard by Council chamber To remove bollard by fire exit
Essential B
Escape
fire exit
Tactile paving on ramp
To remove tactile paving
Management of visitors with To review procedures
Disabilities for fire evacuation
Desirable B
Essential A
Appendix B
Problem
Priority
Cost
band
B
Recommendation
3.0 Approach
Raised pedestrian
refuge by crossing
point outside Council
Offices.
Removal of raised
pedestrian refuge to
provide level access
across carriageway
Essential
Lack of nosings,
tactile paving, and
second hand rail by
stepped approach to
staff car park
Provision of additional
hand rail, step nosings
and tactile paving
(corderoy type) on
stepped approach to
building
Replacement of broken
paving (to be
incorporated within
maintenance schedule)
Essential
Provision of designated
car parking bays for
disabled staff minimum
dimensions of 4800mm
x 3200mm Preferably
3600mm. Clearly
marked
Essential
Damaged paving
slabs
4.0 Car Parking
Lack of designated
car parking bays for
disabled staff
Complete
Comment
Fully compliant
YES
B
programmed
within future
works
on going
works
Desirable B
DDA Parking
provision is
complete
general
maintainance
B
Compliant
YES
Access from the
existing Disabled car
parking bay
5.0 External Access
6.0 Reception Areas
Access to staff
entrance
Routes to cash office
and lack of adequate
circulation space in
ground floor reception
area.
Lack of suitable
seating for People
with limited mobility
Increase width of
existing bay by
dropping the kerb along
the whole length of
parking bay Mark out
bays to ensure
adequate space is left
to allow access to rear
of vehicle Repair
surface between
carriageway and
parking bay.
To improve access to
staff entrance by
providing a ramped
approach with a
gradient of 1:15, with
level area/platform by
the door minimum
dimensions of 1200mm.
To ensure that the drop
kerb has a flush finish.
To look at reception
area to improve
circulation space and
improve routes
Desirable C
Provision of seating
with a seat height of at
least 46cm
Desirable B
Compliant
YES
Essential
C
on going
discussion with
property to
ensure long term
compliance in
accordance with
planned works
in progress
scheduled
2006
Essential
A
compliant and
maintained
YES
YES
appropriate
seating is now
available
Information carousels
sited throughout
reception potential
hazard for people with
visual impairment
Second floor
reception counter too
high for wheelchair
access
Highly reflective sign
at Ground floor
reception
Difficulty with
communication at
both reception and
cash office counters.
7.0 Areas accessed by Public Counter height at
Cash office and
Housing Benefit
Advice Centre has no
lower height suitable
for people using a
wheelchair.
To centralise all
information displays
and carousels.
Essential
Provision of a
proportion of counter on
second floor reception
to be lower for
wheelchair access
(height of 750mm800mm)
Replacement of sign
with non reflective
surface
Provision of aids to
communication i.e.
induction loop Staff to
be trained in the use of
BSL
Essential
One booth at both cash
office (dependent on
whether a security risk)
and housing benefit
advice centre to have a
lower counter (height of
750mm - 800mm)
Essential
A
YES
information is
now sited at
perimeter walls
YES
removed
B
Desirable B
Compliant
YES
Essential
C
Induction
loop fitted.
Portable
available
C
investigate
status
Difficulties
indicated with
loop under
investigation
more suitable
portable loop for
concideration
Lack of appropriate
aids to assist with
communication at
cash office for people
with visual /hearing
impairments.
Lack of tonal contrast
in the Council
Chamber
Difficult access to
Public Telephone
8.0 Horizontal Circulation
Storage of equipment
in corridors
To improve
communication
between Cashier and
customer by provision
of eg induction loop
Installation of an
audible/ visual Indicator
indicating which booth
is free
To improve the tonal
contrast to assist with
orientation within the
Council Chamber for
people with a visual
impairment. Reference
Dulux Design Guide
Essential
desirable
Ensure area by phone
kept clear except for
seat
Ensure corridors kept
clear Health and safety
issue
Essential
Long
term
Essential
B
investigate
status
Difficulties
indicated with
loop under
investigation
more suitable
portable loop for
concideration
investigate
status
Property
requested
refurbishment as
yet funds not
available
resolved
management
issue
C
A
A
resolved
9.0 Vertical Circulation
10.0 Internal doors
Lift requires
improvements to
improve accessibility
Lack of adequate
door width to first aid
room
Door pressure on
some doors Required
some force
Improvements required
to lift include:Suitable
tactile and visual
indication adjacent to
the lift call button on
each landing, Hand rail
to be continuous inside
the lift Call panel to be
more distinguishable
from background
Improve access to the
emergency Telephone
and ensure colour
contrasted against
background
Enlarge door opening to
meet minimum
requirements or
relocate First aid room
to more suitable
location
Door closures to be
checked to ensure a
maximum force of 2530 Newtons To be
incorporated as part of
Maintenance schedule.
Essential C
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
resolved in
main
mirror to be
installed and
handrail
continued round
further sides.
Understand
significant cost
implications and
pending
management
decision
non
compliant
further review
pending
new
legislation
governing
opening at
30 and 60
degree
further review
pending
B
Desirable A
11.0 Toilet and Shower
facilities
Lack of colour
Improved colour
contrast between door contrast between Doors
and door furniture
and door furniture
Reference Dulux
Design Guide
Only one accessible
Provision of second
toilet in whole building accessible toilet on 1st
/2nd floor
Long
Term
Minor alterations to
accessible toilet
Essential All B
Essential
Desirable
Long
term
Shower area has poor
colour contrast, lack
of Grab rails and high
step into Shower
area.
To improve accessible
toilet by:Provision of
alarm Grab rail and
door handle to be
colour contrasted Hand
dryer to be repositioned
closer to basin away
from transfer space
Floor to be non slip
When redecorated to
include good colour
contrast between floors
and walls and to
improve access remove
step to provide level
access.
Essential
Long
term
C
on going
further review
pending
no practical
solution at
this time
further review
pending
on going
further review
pending
on going
further review
pending
C
C
12.0 Signage
Some areas of
concern regarding
Signage
13.0
Lack of rooms/spaces
Acoustics/lighting/decoration fitted with Induction
loops
Ensure consistency of
signage Replace
ground floor reception
sign to sign with non
reflective surface
Provide sign indicating
location of lift on
grounfloor
To ensure that no sign
is obscured Discourage
D-I-Y signage (To be
incorporated as part of
maintenance schedule)
Desirable B
Increase no: of rooms
fitted with aids to
communication
Reception areas fitted
with Induction Loops
(previously mentioned)
Ensure Induction loop in
Council Chamber is in
working order
Lack of colour/tonal
When refurbishment
Long
contrast in main areas takes place to ensure
term
to assist people with
improved colour/tonal
visual impairment with contrast between doors,
orientation.
floors and walls.
on going
further review
pending
complete
further review
pending
on going
problem
identified and
currently being
investigated for
appropriate
replacement.
Temporary
portable
induction loop
available
on going
further review
required
B
A
C
14.0 Special rooms
15.0 Means of Escape
Restrictive access to
first aid room as only
clear opening width of
670mm
Bollard by Council
chamber fire exit
Tactile paving on
ramp
Management of
visitors with
Disabilities for fire
evacuation
To enlarge doorway to
first aid room Minimum
width 750mm good
practice Suggests
800mm preferably
900mm
To remove bollard by
fire exit
Essential
B
To remove tactile
paving
To review procedures
Desirable B
on going
Essential
B
further review
required
Compliant
complete
on going
Essential
A
further review
required
A Full DDA Survey Audit of Market Street Council Offices is Planned for the End of February 2006
Approximately £50,000 work have been carried out on Market Street Offices over the last 5 years
The £26,000 planned to resolve the rear access DDA issues and offer automated access is imminent and work in progress.
Following our revisit of DDA Audit a further £25,000 work is likely to be recommended.