smart access assessment - trinity college dublin audits pdfs for each building/zone 1...smart access...

Company Name

AuditorDate Of Audit

Trinity College DublinPremises

02 September 2008Tristan Seaton-Stedham

SMART Access Assessment

Regent's House JCR - Zone 1

Works and adjustments further considered for inclusion in longer term development planning or refurbishments.

Adjustments to be incorporated into an existing maintenance or development works programmes in the medium term to long term.

Adjustments required as a high priority to remove or avoid barriers to access for disabled people.

Priority 3Priority 2Priority 1

ForewordThis 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 BS5588 - 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.

Configure Limited provides consultancy, project management and equipment to help make buildings accessible for all.

For further information contact us on 01 708 9198 or e-mail [email protected]

Configure Limited, First Floor, 32 Upper Kevin Street, Dublin 8www.configure.ie

Introduction and General InformationThis 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.

BackgroundTrinity 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 Not compliant, major civil works required

Regent's House JCR - Zone 1Entrance from College Green StreetMain QuadrangleTrinity College Dublin.

Building TypeThis building is rated B (only part of ground floor area is accessible)

Building DescriptionThe building was built originally circa early 1700s, of 3 storey height stone construction and served by one central staircase accessing the upper exam hall and seminar room, there are no lift facilities.During the buildings' life it has remained as originally constructed, fire exit/escape routes have been added from the main upper hall into House 6 2nd floor level and an exit route from the Boydell Recital Auditorium in House 5 gains access through a storeroom via a spiral staircase.The main hall forms part of the overall structure at the upper floor level.Entrance to the building is from the College Green street to the west and Front Square from the east During daytime hours the Front Square of Trinity is open to public viewing and unlimited access with most visitors entering and leaving through the main archway.Currently the only universally accessible part of the building is the ground floor level, with no access is possible for wheelchair users to the upper hall.

Uses of the Building:Examinations HallSeminars Room/HallMain entrance arch into Trinity College from College Green StreetSecurity Reception RoomChief Stewards' OfficeSecurity Team Rest RoomSecurity Team Locker RoomStoreroom and workshop upper floor for Hall PorterMain Archway location of central notice boards for Trinity College Events, Activities, Sports and Clubs/SocietiesMeeting Point under archway

Building Opening Times:Main Archway open 24hrs - Security guarded during silent hoursDuring Examinations and Seminars the building is open 0900 to 1800hrs daily.The general visiting public to Trinity College do not have open access to the interior of the building main Hall upper level

Facilities offered are: Main Upper Level Hall for exams, seminars and meetings (seating capacity of 200 or during exams capacity of approx 140 desks)Security HelpdeskClock-in systems for TCD Staff (Security Reception Room)Keys Control point (Security Reception Room)

7/88 SMART Access Assessment: Regent's House JCR - Zone 1

Given that you do not provide general parking facilities for employees, students or visitors, you are not obliged to provide accessible parking. Ensure that your staff members know about local parking arrangements.

1.1

Accessible Parking Provision1.0


The ease with which mobility impaired people can approach the premises has an impact on their ability to access the services provided within the premises. Accordingly, the condition and layout of the access route to the premises is considered below. It is understood that you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the access route to the premises.

2.1

Access Routes to the Premises2.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesIs the access route from the car

park to the entrance to the premises a minimum of 1200mm wide?

2.2

No Action RequiredYesIf the access route to the premises extends for a distance greater than 50 metres and is predominantly less than 1800mm wide, are suitable passing places provided at regular intervals?

2.3

Repair the holes in the access route timber block paving.

There is a danger that holes and recesses deeper than 18mm can send a wheelchair off-course and restrict access for pedestrians with a visual or mobility impairment.

NoIs the access route surface free from holes or cavities more than 18 mm deep?

2.4

No Action Required.YesAre slots in drain gratings no more than 13mm wide and set at right angles to the line of pedestrian movement?

2.5

No Action Required.YesIs the access route clear of abrupt changes in level with cross falls or cambers being less than 1:50?

2.6


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureRemove or relocate moveable items to a position outside the main pedestrian thoroughfare. Highlight fixed or loose items such as bollards, litter bins, etc using high contrast markings.orCarry out repairs to sunken/raised duct covers/gratesorRepair damaged timber Blocks in footway routeorLevel out Cobble Lock surfaces

As far as possible, items of street furniture should be located outside the boundaries of the main pedestrian thoroughfare. Items to enhance security or limit access such as bollards should be easy to distinguish from the background. Chain link and low height fencing at the side of a footpath can be a dangerous trip hazard for sight impaired pedestrians and preferable should be replaced with a suitable balustrade or railing at least 900mm high. Any moveable items such as A-frame signboards or litter bins should be placed outside the main pedestrian route.

The following trip, slip, stumble or collision hazards were identified on the access route:

1. Litter bins set in the main thoroughfare2. Free-standing signage3. Wagon fender cornerstone blocks4. Sunken and raised duct covers.5. Cobble Lock paving approaches6. Gaps in Timber Block surfaces under main archway entrance7. Metal upstand block trip hazard at gate threshold8. Door threshold to main gate has damaged metal grates.9. Litter bins and parked bicycles obstructing access to directional signage

NoIs the access route free from any trip or collision hazards for visually impaired or blind pedestrians?

2.7


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureApply coloured bands on free-standing posts/columns.

All free standing posts and columns on the access route should be marked with a contrasting coloured band as they may not be easy to distinguish from the background for visually impaired people. A 150mm wide contrasting coloured band should be applied 1500mm above ground level. If the free-standing post or column is less than 1500mm high a 150mm wide contrasting coloured band should be applied 100mm from the top.

There are free-standing bollards, posts or columns on the access route which require a contrasting coloured band.

NoAre all free-standing posts or columns on the access route marked with a contrasting coloured band?

2.8

No Action Required.YesIs the access route clear of obstacles mounted more than 300mm above the floor and jutting out into the access route by more than 100mm?

2.9


View of Regent's House JCR from east elevation with main Archway.

View of main gate west elevation with main Archway.

Entrance gates approach from College Green Street: Cobble Lock surfaces in need of improvement to avoid trip, slip or stumble

hazards.

Sunken and Raised duct covers in approach route from College Green Street entrance

Sunken and Raised duct covers in approach route from College Green Street entrance

Wagon fender cornerstones, trip hazard.


Wagon fender cornerstones, trip hazard. Metal upstand in door threshold is potential trip hazard

Door threshold to main gate has damaged metal grates, repair or replace to avoid trip

hazard or wheelchair trap.

Cobble Lock surfaces un-even to both sides of the archway entrances

Timber Block surfaces under archway: some areas having gaps and potential trip

hazards.

Timber Block surfaces under archway: some areas having gaps and potential trip

hazards.


Wagon fender cornerstones, potential trip or stumble hazard to vision-impaired

pedestrians.

Litter bins and parked bicycles obstrucing access to directional signage

Litter bins and free standing signage in archway are potential trip or stumble

hazards.

Transition from Timber Block surfaces to Cobble Lock from inner archway.


The following entrances were identified at the premises:

1. Main Archway Doors westend2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby3. Door entry to Security Desk Reception4. Entry Door to Chief Steward's Office

3.1

Building Entrances and Entrance Doors3.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureBest practice recommends that disabled and non-disabled people should use the same entrances and access points to enter the premises. It is considered discriminatory that a service entrance should be the sole point of access for people with disabilities. Consideration of the following door entrances were assessed:1. Main Archway Doors westend2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby ground floor3. Door entry to Security Desk Reception4. Entry Door to Chief Steward's Office

Not Applicable

Are all secondary entrances used for general access and not used exclusively by people with disabilities to avoid physical barriers such as steps at the other defined main entrances?

3.2


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide additional signage to clearly indicate the location of the identified entrances.

Clear signage identifying the location of the entrance from the access route is essential. Colour contrasting signage with a minimum character size of 150mm is recommended. The presence and location of the following entrances are not adequately indicated by appropriate signage:

1. Main Archway Doors westend2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby ground floor3. Door entry to Security Desk Reception4. Entry Door to Chief Steward's Office

NoIs the entrance clearly indicated by appropriate signage?

3.3

Provide additional lighting in the identified location.

Entrances should be well lit to ensure they can be easily identified and approached.

2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby: This entrance does not have adequate lighting.

NoIs an adequate and even level of lighting provided at the entrance?

3.4

Identify the entrance by structure, colour contrast or other visual and tactile clues.

Every building entrance should be easy to locate and should be distinguished from the rest of the building by contrast or structure. Providing colour contrast between an entrance door and its immediate surround will assist sight impaired visitors to locate the door panel with ease.

The following entrances do not have a colour contrast between the doors and their frame surround:

1. Main Archway Doors westend2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby

NoIs the entrance easy to identify and clearly distinguishable from the rest of the building by provision of colour contrasting doors, frames or ground surfaces?

3.5


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureConsider upgrading doors to power operation or incorporating a low energy pneumatic opener for self closing doors.

Power operated entrance doors, although not essential, are of benefit to a wide range of people. It was observed that the doors at the following entrances are not power operated:

2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby

NoAre the doors at the entrance power operated?

3.6

No Action Required.YesIs the maximum force exerted by the door self-closing device no more than 20 Newtons?

3.7

Adjust door/entrance design.

The availability of a 300mm recessed space alongside the opening edge of the door allows wheelchair users to reach the door handle without interference from the return wall. The entrance doors in the following locations require adjustment:

3. Door entry to Security Desk Reception4. Entry Door to Chief Steward's Office

NoIs at least 300mm of clear space provided between the leading edge of the door and any side wall or other obstruction so that wheelchair users can manoeuvre to reach the door handle?

3.8

No Action Required.YesIs the door handle set at a height between 900-1100mm?

3.9

No Action Required.YesIs the door handle D- or U-shaped with a minimum clearance between the handle and door of 45mm?

3.10


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureReplace the door handle

Improve the contrast between the handle and door in the following locations:

3. Door entry to Security Desk Reception

NoDoes the door handle contrast in colour and luminance with the door surface?

3.11

Provide warning markings for the identified fully glazed door and any glass side panels.

Provide opaque warning markings to clearly distinguish the fully glazed door and any adjacent glazed panels in the following locations:

3. Door entry to Security Desk Reception

NoDoes the fully glazed door incorporate opaque warning markings (manifestations) at two levels (850–1000mm and 1400-1600mm) to indicate its presence to visually impaired users?

3.12

Adjust the doorway to provide an effective single door width of at least 800mm

Best practice recommends that the minimum effective width of an entrance door should be at least 800mm to facilitate access for wheelchair users and mobility impaired people.

2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby: The effective width at the single door is 720mm (1480mm twin doors).

NoIs an unobstructed passage width of at least 800mm available in the doorway when the door is fully open?

3.13

Level out entrance route to provide effective wheelchair access.

Best practice recommends that the entrance door threshold should be level to facilitate access for wheelchair users and mobility impaired people.

Currently a step barrier access the following entrance/area impedes wheelchair access:4. Entry Door to Chief Steward's Office

NoIs level access provided at the entrance such that users are not required to navigate unavoidable flights of steps, individual steps or threshold lips more than 13mm high?

3.14


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide a weather mat at the identified location.

Entrances inside buildings used by the public need to have a mat or floor surface that will remove rainwater from shoes and wheels.

2. Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby: This entrance should be provided with a suitable weather mat.

NoIs there a weather mat or floor surface at the entrance to remove rainwater from shoe soles and wheelchair wheels?

3.15

No Action Required.YesDoes the weather matting at the entrance provide a level and even surface?

3.16

No Action Required.YesDo the dimensions and shape of the lobby permit wheelchair users and an assistant to move clear of the first door before opening the second?

3.17


Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby: Lower level foyer, lighting requires improvement from within main archway, single door width is

720mm.

Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby: Threshold and lack of weather matting

Entry Door to Main Hall Lobby: Interior view

Main Archway Doors westend: viewed from College Green Street

Entry Door to Chief Stewards Office: Letter box too high for wheelchair users access.

Entry Door to Chief Stewards Office: Threshold


Door entry to Security Desk Reception: fully glazed door requires improvements to markers and clearer font print on glass

panel.

Door entry to Security Desk Reception: threshold

Door entry to Security Desk Reception: Door handle would benefit to be in high colour

contrast.

Door entry to Security Desk Reception: interior view

Main Archway westend: viewed from front square

Main Archway Doors westend: view of handles and locks


Entry Door to Chief Stewards Office


If the reception area is located at the main entrance to a building which incorporates facilities which are accessed by members of the public, accessible way-finding signage to indicate the routes to the principal facilities should be provided. The reception area should provide level access and sufficient room for visitors to manoeuvre in front of the main desk and any seating provided in the waiting area. It is recommended that the desk should be configured not to disadvantage sight, hearing or mobility impaired users. Members of staff should be trained to anticipate the requirements of a range of different users and to offer assistance when required. Any information or literature provided should be physically accessible and, where applicable, should be available in alternative formats.

1. Security Desk2. Chief Steward's Desk/Office

4.1

Receptions or Helpdesks4.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureInstall accessible way-finding signage

Is is important that the location of the reception area is clearly identified from the nearby access routes by suitable way-finding signage. Provide signage to indicate the location of the following reception or information desks:


NoIs the location of and the route to the reception area identified by clear signage from the nearby access routes?

4.2

Adjust or improve the illumination provided at the reception desk.

Poor or undiffused lighting at the reception counter can prevent a lip reader from correctly interpreting verbal information. Improve the provision of lighting at the following reception desks:

2. Chief Steward's Desk/Office

NoDoes lighting at the information desk clearly illuminate the face of the person delivering service behind the desk?

4.3


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureConsider to Install hearing loops in the identified locations.

Visitors to the reception desk who use hearing aids will benefit from a hearing induction loop, particularly where the desk is located in an area where there is a high level of background noise or poor environmental acoustics. Install a hearing induction loop at the following reception and help desks:


NoDoes the reception desk incorporate a hearing induction loop?

4.4

Provide a 760mm high writing surface with a suitable knee recess or alternative means for wheelchair users to provide written information at the service counter.

A suitable means should be provided for wheelchair users to provide written information at the following reception counters:


NoDoes the information desk provide a 760mm high writing area with a knee recess 500mm deep or other means for a wheelchair user to provide written information?

4.5

Install accessible signage to guide visitors to the facilities provided within the building.

Where a number of different facilities are provided within a building, it is recommended that accessible route finding directions are provided in the reception area.

2. Chief Steward's Desk/Office

NoIs a directory board or other signage provided to indicate the location of the facilities provided in other parts of the building?

4.6


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide appropriate auxiliary aids to improve access to the services provided at the identified reception desks.

Auxiliary aids should be provided at the reception desk if visitors are required to read information or provide a signature or written information. Suitable aids include the following items.

Pen dexterity gripsMagnifiersTemplates for signing cheques, passes and forms.


NoAre suitable auxiliary aids to improve accessibility, such as magnifiers, pens with dexterity grips etc, available at the information desk?

4.7

Security Desk: Example of 'Clocking-In' devices for TCD Staff, limited access for

wheelchair users (if required)

Security Desk: Security Desk: Doorway access


Chief Steward's Desk/Office: Step access to rear of desk/office

Chief Steward's Desk/Office: visitor view of helpdesk from doorway entrance.


The existing signage provision within the premises is examined below.5.1

Signage5.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesAre external signs clear of

overgrown vegetation?5.2

No Action Required.YesDo suspended and wall mounted signs provide a minimum headroom of at least 2300mm?

5.3

Reposition signage at eye level on the wall next to the latch side of doors.

In order to assist blind and sight impaired people to identify specific room locations, it is recommended that room identification signage should be positioned on the wall next to the door in case the door is left open or is opened when the sign is being read.

NoAre room identification signs located consistently both at eye level (1500mm) and on the wall immediately adjacent to the latch side of the door?

5.4

Where blind or visually impaired people are required to navigate a building independently, it is recommended that Braille and tactile way-finding information is provided

Where blind or visually impaired people are likely to navigate a building independently, it is recommended that Braille and tactile way-finding information should be provided.

NoIs Braille and embossed signage provided in conjunction with standard signage?

5.5


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureImprove internal non-tactile signageorImprove the font sizes to listed information, also high gloss glazing causes reflective glare making the notices difficult to read, replace glazing panels with low-reflective toughened glass panels.andImprove clocks for exams in main upper hall area.

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.

NoAre internal signs presented without a glass or reflective surface?

5.6


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureReplace signs which do not have a clear colour contrastandSuggest to provide a consistency of same type face signage, with combination of pictograph symbols, clear fonts/colours and dual language signs where appropriate for the college main entrances

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.

NoDo signs incorporate clear colour contrast between the lettering and the sign background?

5.7


Example of Fire Zones adjacent to Fire Alarm Panel

Example of poster signs mounted on glazed door panels

Example of poster signs mounted on door panels


Example of fire notice signage Example of "Hard to Read' poster signs mounted on door panels

Example of existing exam clocks utilised in main upper hall, clear clock face and

removal of glass would avoid reflective glare, also an alternative digital clock provided

could assist vision-impaired persons.


Example of existing exam clocks utilised in main upper hall, clear clock numbering is recommended, also an alternative digital

clock provided could assist vision-impaired persons.

Signage requires improvement to indicate postion of fire exit doors in upper hall area.

Suggest to provide a consistency of same type face signage, with combination of

pictograph symbols, clear fonts/colours and dual language signs where appropriate for

the college main entrances


Example of disclaimer signs (in English) provided in archway entrance to main

college. generally are too low for reading and in main throughfare route.

Example of existing notice boards for clubs and activities provided in main archway, high gloss glazing causes reflective glare making the notices difficult to read, replace glazing panels with low-reflective toughened glass

panels.

Example of disclaimer signs (in Irish) provided in archway entrance to main

college. generally are too low for reading and in main throughfare route.






panels.

Example of free-standing warning and information signs (in English) provided in

archway entrance to main college.





Example of warning and information signs (in English) provided in archway entrance to

main college.Suggest to provide a consistency of same

type face signage, with combination of pictograph symbols, clear fonts/colours and dual language signs where appropriate for



panels.



panels.


panels.

Example of warning and information signs (in English) provided in archway entrance to

main college.Suggest to provide a consistency of same

type face signage, with combination of pictograph symbols, clear fonts/colours and dual language signs where appropriate for



Example of directional and information signs (in English) provided in archway entrance to

main college

Improve the font sizes to listed information, also high gloss glazing causes reflective glare making the notices difficult to read, replace glazing panels with low-reflective

toughened glass panels.

Example of directional and information signs (in English) provided in archway entrance to main college, obstructed by parked bicycles

and litter bin.


Example of telephones use information signs (in English) provided in archway entrance to

main college


The following corridors were observed at the premises:

• Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor• Main Archway• Security Reception Area• Security Lockers Room• Security Team Rest Room• Main Hall Upper Floor

6.1

Corridors6.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesDoes the corridor have an

unobstructed circulation width of 1200mm?(A reduction in width to 1000mm around a permanent obstruction is permissable for a short distance only)

6.2

No Action Required.YesIs there a clear radius of at least 1800mm in which to circulate (i.e. the turning circle) at the junctions of the corridor with other corridors?

6.3


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureWhere feasible, remove obstructions from the identified corridors. Where projections and obstructions are unavoidable, provide guarding and warning notices as appropriate.

It is important that removeable items and projections such as service pipes and hosereels do not reduce the circulation width available in the corridor.

• Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor• Main Archway• Main Hall Upper Floor (clear route through furniture to Fire Door Exit)

NoAre the corridors and room areas kept free from obstructions?

6.4

Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor: view from main doorway

Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor: internal mail boxes, high level boxes too high

for wheelchair users.

Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor: rubbish and waste items left in foyer under staircase, potential trip and fire hazards.


Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor: Bicycles left in foyer, potential trip hazard.

Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor: view towards main doorway entrance and

mailroom side doors interior.

view towards main doorway entrance interior.

Main Hall Staircase Lobby Ground Floor: overhead view.

Main Hall upper floor level laid out in exams style seating.

Main Archway: view towards east arch entrance


Main Archway: Mobile signage causing obstruction

Main Archway: view towards west arch gate entrance

Security Team Rest Room: viewed for doorway entrance

Main Archway: External mail and postbox location

Main Archway: Access to external mail and postbox too high for wheelchair users

Main Archway: Internal mail postbox location


Main Archway: Access to internal mail box too high for wheelchair users


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.

7.1

Internal Surfaces7.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureReplace the identified flooring with a more slip-resistant surface when next refurbishing. In the interim, provide hazard signs whenever the flooring is wet and ensure cleaning and maintenance operations are appropriate.

Internal flooring which is not slip-resistant can be a hazard to users during wet weather, after cleaning operations and in cases of accidental fluid spillage or other contamination. It is recommended that flooring materials with high slip potential characteristics should be replaced when next refurbishing. Hazard signs should be erected whenever the floor is wet and members of staff should be trained to deal promptly with any occurrence which compromises the safety of floor surfaces on internal access routes.

The floor surfaces in the following locations were identified as lacking in slip-resistance when wet:

1. Stone Steps to Upper Main Hall2. Flooring in Lower Staircase Lobby

NoIs the flooring throughout the building slip-resistant even when wet?

7.2

No Action Required.YesAre access routes within the building clear of highly reflective finishes or glass walls and partitions?

7.3


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action RequiredYesWhere fitted, do carpets give a

firm surface to allow wheelchair passage without sinking in?

7.4

No Action Required.YesAre there flush joints between different types, textures and/or colours of flooring?

7.5

Flooring in Lower Staircase Lobby slippery when wet.

Flooring in Lower Staircase Lobby slippery when wet, also requires repairs

Stone steps to lower Staircase Lobby slippery when wet.


The following internal doors or generic door types have been identified within the premises:

1. Inner Lobby Doors to Main Hall Staircase2. Door to Security Lockers Room3. Door to Security Team Rest Room4. Access doors to Mail Room in House 55. Access door to Chief Steward's Office6. Access doors Upper Level Main Hall7. Access door to Upper Level Storeroom8. Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6

8.1

Internal Doors8.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesIs the minimum unobstructed

width of the door opening at least 750mm?

8.2

If a minimum of 300mm unobstructed area cannot be created at the side of the leading edge of the door, it is recommended that an automatic door opener should be provided.

Where a door is located in a corner position or there is a wall or other obstruction at the side of the leading edge, wheelchair users are unable to reach the door handle to manipulate the door. It may be possible to rehang the door and present the door handle on the opposite side. If 300mm clear space cannot be created and the door is likely to be used frequently by wheelchair users, you should consider installing power operation in conjunction with proximity sensors.

• Access door to Chief Steward's Office

NoIs at least 300mm of unobstructed space available at the side of the leading edge of the door for wheelchair users to manoeuvre and operate the door handle?

8.3


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesAre clear visibility panels

incorporated in doors which are in constant use?

8.4

Reposition or replace the door handle.

Best Practice requires that door handles should be located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor and a minimum of 50mm in from the leading edge of the door. The handles for the following internal doors are not set at the recommended height:

• Access door to Chief Steward's Office• Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6

NoIs the door handle located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor and 50mm in from the leading edge of the door?

8.5


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureReplace or adjust the configuration of the identified door handles.

The configuration of the door handles which do not fully conform with the recommended specification is provided below:

Door to Security Lockers Room• Is the door handle U or D-shaped? No• Is there at least 45mm grip area between the handle and door? No• Does the handle contrast visually with the door? No

Door to Security Team Rest Room• Is the door handle U or D-shaped? No• Is there at least 45mm grip area between the handle and door? No• Does the handle contrast visually with the door? No

Access doors Upper Level Main Hall• Is the door handle U or D-shaped? No• Is there at least 45mm grip area between the handle and door? No• Does the handle contrast visually with the door? No

Access door to Upper Level Storeroom• Is the door handle U or D-shaped? No• Is there at least 45mm grip area between the handle and door? No• Does the handle contrast visually with the door? No

Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6• Is the door handle U or D-shaped? No• Is there at least 45mm grip area between the handle and door? No

NoIs 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?

8.6


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeaturehandle and door? No• Does the handle contrast visually with the door? No

Adjust the identified door closers to exert 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:

• Inner Lobby Doors to Main Hall Staircase• Access door to Chief Steward's Office

NoIs the maximum closing force of the leading edge of the door less than 20 Newtons? (A simple test is whether the door can be opened or closed using only one little finger)

8.7

Inner Lobby Doors to Main Hall Staircase: viewed from main door entrance

Inner Lobby Doors to Main Hall Staircase: Viewed from interior, posters on doors

obstruct vision panels.

Inner Lobby Doors to Main Hall Staircase: Viewed from interior, posters on doors

obstruct vision panels.


Access doors to Mail Room in House 5: vieded from lower level foyer staircase

lobby.

Access doors to Mail Room in House 5: posters mounted to doors and position of

door handle

Access door to Upper Level Storeroom: view of door from top level landing staircase

Access doors Upper Level Main Hall: viewed from top landing of staircase

Access doors Upper Level Main Hall: Door handles require replacement

Access doors Upper Level Main Hall: view into main hall upper


Access doors Upper Level Main Hall: threshold area into main upper hall, repairs

reqired to un-even surfaces.

Access doors Upper Level Main Hall: interior view from main hall

Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6: viewed from main upper hall

Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6: view of steps immediately after door openning

Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6: Clarity of fire exit doors position needs

improving

Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6: In-appropriate locking device on fire exit doors




Fire Exit Door Main Halll into House 6: Fire Exit doors very difficult to open and operate.

Door to Security Lockers Room: Door handles require replacement

Example of replacement U-shaped door handles suggested for improvements.

Door to Security Team Rest Room: Door handles require replacement


If telephones are provided in the premises, they should be accessible to users with a range of different abilities. Public telephone facilities were identified at the following locations:

• Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones

9.1

Telephone points9.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureRelocate the telephone to a more accessible height.

Relocate the telephone (or at least one unit if a number of telephones are provided) to a height accessible for wheelchair and seated users and people of short stature.


NoAre the phone controls and coin slot located between 750 and 1000mm?

9.2

Install a fold-down or perch seat.

Providing a seat helps ambulant disabled people to use the phone facilities. Suitable seating can be a fold down seat set at 450-520mm in the lowered position or a perch seat between 650-800mm above the floor. Provide suitable seating at each of the following locations:


NoIs a fold down or perch seat provided for ambulant disabled telephone users?

9.3

Install accessible signage for the identified locations.

The availability of accessible phone facilities must be adequately signed from the nearest appropriate access route. As a minimum, operating instructions should be provided in an easy to read large print format. Provide appropriate signage for the following public telephone locations:


NoIs tactile and Braille signage provided to identify accessible telephone facilities?

9.4


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesAre phone amplification and

induction loop facilities incorporated in at least one public telephone?

9.5

Replace or repair the hearing enhancement system.

The hearing enhancement system is not functioning correctly at the following locations:


NoIs the Induction Loop functioning correctly?

9.6

Incorporate induction loop testing into your maintenance plan.

The hearing enhancement system should be tested at regular intervals.


NoIs the Induction Loop tested every three months?

9.7


Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones: position of phones on southside of archway, no

'perch' seating provided and phones too high for wheelchair users access.

Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones: Example view of phone unit, dual use coin and card

access.

Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones: Coin slot and card access too high for wheelchair

users


Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones: Existing notice signs too high for wheelchair users

and lack of braille type signs.

Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones: Signage font styles on existing signs too small to

visually-impaired persons

Entrance Archway x 2 Payphones: Induction Loop sign on handset, loop unit appears to

be in-opeartive


The following locations were identified as having steps:

1. Main Hall Staircase2. Steps to Mail Room House 53. Steps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 64. Step-Up into Upper Floor Storeroom

10.1

Internal Steps10.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureAdjust the vertical height of the steps to conform with the dimensions recommended by best practice.

The vertical height of each individual step should be between 150mm to 170mm.

Steps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: The step height is 90mm.

NoIs the vertical height of each individual step between 150mm to 170mm (exceptionally 100mm to 180mm)?

10.2

Adjust the step tread depth to conform with the dimensions recommended by best practice.

The flat tread of each step should be between 250mm to 300mm deep.

The depth of the steps in the following locations is outside the recommended range:

Main Hall Staircase: The step tread depth is 315mm.Steps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: The step tread depth is 240mm.

NoIs the flat tread of each step between 250mm to 300mm deep?

10.3


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureRemove the risk of customers tripping on the step lip.

People who wear callipers and those with stiffness in their hip or knee joints are at risk of tripping by catching the front of their shoes beneath the protruding step lip. The overlap or lip on the front edge of the steps should protrude no more than 25mm.

Main Hall Staircase: The overlap or lip on the front edge of the steps is 35mm.

NoDoes the overlap or lip on the front edge of any step protrude less than 25mm?

10.4

As part of your building works and maintenance programme, consider to widen the identified step and door to the minimum recommended width.

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:

Step-Up into Upper Floor Storeroom: The minimum unobstructed width of this staircase is 850mm.Note: This door froms part of a fire escape route from the upper level of House 5 Boydell Recital Room, it will be important to provide an effective fire exit for a possible 100 persons.

NoDo steps have a minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm?

10.5

No Action Required.YesAre the vertical risers of each step solid and not open?

10.6

No Action Required.YesIs the flat tread of each step slip resistant?

10.7

Adjust the step configuration to conform with best practice recommendations.

People with a mobility impairment may find it difficult to traverse flights of steps if there are more than 12 individual steps per flight.

Main Hall Staircase: 17 steps.

NoDoes each continuous flight of steps between landings contain less than 16 individual steps?

10.8


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureInstall corduroy hazard warning surfaces in the identified locations.

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:

Main Hall StaircaseSteps to Mail Room House 5Steps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6

NoDo the top and bottom landings of the flight of steps incorporate a corduroy hazard warning surface?

10.9

Install colour contrasting nosings or strip markers for the steps in the identified locations.

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:

Main Hall Staircase: 48 steps require contrasting nosingSteps to Mail Room House 5: 2 steps require contrasting nosingSteps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: 3 steps require contrasting nosingStep-Up into Upper Floor Storeroom: 1 steps lack colour contrasting nosing.

NoAre contrasting step nosings incorporated on the front face as well as the top of each step?

10.10


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureImprove the lighting in the identified location.

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.

The lighting over the internal steps in the following locations requires improvement or adjustment:

• Main Hall Staircase (upper level flight)

NoIs lighting over the steps sufficiently bright and oriented so that people do not have to walk in their own shadow?

10.11

Provide dual handrails for the identified stairway locations.

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.

It was noted that there is inadequate handrail provision for the steps at the following locations:

Main Hall Staircase: Left hand sideSteps to Mail Room House 5: Right hand sideSteps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: Left hand sideSteps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: Right hand sideStep-Up into Upper Floor Storeroom: Left hand sideStep-Up into Upper Floor Storeroom: Right hand side

NoLooking from the bottom of the steps is there a handrail to the left and right hand side?

10.12


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesIs the handrail provided between

900mm and 1000mm above the surface of the steps?

10.13

No Action Required.YesIs the height of the handrail above the steps consistent throughout its entire length?

10.14

No Action Required.YesIs the handrail sufficiently well secured to provide adequate support?

10.15

No Action Required.YesDo the handrail support brackets provide continuous hand contact with the rail and/or is the rail clear of other obstructions?

10.16

No Action Required.YesIs the handrail continuous, leaving no gaps at any point and extending across landings?

10.17

No Action Required.YesDoes 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?

10.18

Install tactile warning marks in the identified location.

Tactile warning marks at the top and bottom of a handrail assist people with a visual impairment to identify the approaching change in gradient.

Main Hall Staircase: The right handrail does not incorporate tactile warning marks.

NoDoes the handrail contain tactile warning marks to indicate the top and bottom of the steps?

10.19


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureNo Action Required.YesIs the handrail easy to grip and

not cold to the touch?10.20

Replace the handrail in the identified location.

Handrails with the correct diameter will be accessible to the broadest number of people.

Main Hall Staircase: The right handrail is not of the recommended diameter.

NoIs the handrail between 45mm to 50mm in diameter?

10.21

No Action Required.YesIs the handrail contrasting in tone and colour to its surroundings?

10.22

No Action Required.YesIs 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?

10.23


Steps to Mail Room House 5: Viewed from ground level staircase lobby

Steps to Mail Room House 5: Wooden steps showing signs of wear and tear, potential

stumble hazard.

Main Hall Staircase: viewed from bottom.

Main Hall Staircase: viewed from bottom, lack of handrails to left-hand side.

Main Hall Staircase: 1st mid-flight landing Main Hall Staircase: Handrail profile


Main Hall Staircase: Handrail profile Main Hall Staircase: Steps to 3rd mid-flight landing

Main Hall Staircase: Steps to 3rd mid-flight landing, short handrail provided over window

opening, lighting levels require improvements during evenings and at night.

Main Hall Staircase: Steps to 3rd mid-flight landing

Main Hall Staircase: Handrail profile Main Hall Staircase: Plan overview of staircase and lower lobby area.


Step-Up into Upper Floor Storeroom: step needs clear colour contrast to edge.

Steps down to 3rd mid-flight landing, lighting levels require improvements during evenings

and at night.

Steps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: Lack of handrails

Steps at Fire Exit from Main Hall to House 6: Lack of colour contrasting step nosings,

damage to top step nosing.

Step-Up to raised podium stage in Main Hall


The following assembly, lecture and entertainment halls with a seating capacity for up to 200 audience members were identified at the premises:

• Exams and Seminars Upper Level Hall

11.1

Auditorium11.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide a variety of different seating types including chairs with arm-rests.

Provide a variety of different seating types to suit people of large stature or restricted leg movements and people unable to use the generic seating provided.


NoIs a variety of different seating options available in the auditorium?

11.2

No Action RequiredYesAre at least two permanent or removable spaces provided for the use of wheelchair users?

11.3

No Action RequiredYesIs the width of the access route to the wheelchair seating spaces a minimum of 900mm in width?

11.4

No Action RequiredYesIs the floor area provided for wheelchair spaces a minimum of 900mm wide by 1350mm deep?

11.5


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureImprove artificial lighting levels to main upper hall.

It is important to provide adequate light levels for hall areas particularly if detailled study, lectures or examination are held within the facility, persons with vision-impairments require good and even lighting conditions.

Main Hall Upper Floor: areas of the exam hall are below recommended Lux Lighting levels during overcast days and during winter late afternoons, improve artificial lighting

NoIs there adequate lighting provided for the halls and auditoriums?

11.6

Install a suitable hearing enhancement system.

Where an amplified public address system is provided in an auditorium, it is recommended that a hearing enhancement system is incorporated for the benefit of people who wear a hearing aid.


NoIs a hearing enhancement system such as infra-red or an induction loop provided in conjunction with the PA system for the benefit of people who use hearing aids?

11.7

Formulate a management policy to identify and allocate appropriate seating for a range of different user requirements.

It is important that any issues which may affect access by disabled users to the auditorium have been identified. In order to assist prospective audience members, it is recommended that a seating plan is made available and members of staff are trained to be able to assist people.


NoIs there an existing management strategy for allocating appropriate seating for disabled people at events attended by general members of the public?

11.8


Main Hall Upper Floor: areas of the exam hall are below recommended Lux Lighting

levels during overcast days and during winter late afternoons, improve artificial lighting as required following detailed

engineer's report.

Main Hall Upper Floor: example of exams tables and seating.

Improvements suggested to provide proportion of chairs with arm-rests.

Main Hall Upper Floor: areas of the exam hall are below recommended Lux Lighting

levels during overcast days and during winter late afternoons, improve artificial lighting as required following detailed

engineer's report.

There were no toilet facilities observed during the audit. Accordingly, there is no obligation to provide toilet facilities that are accessible to mobility impaired people. If toilet facilities are added to the premises in the future, ensure that they are accessible to mobility impaired people.

12.1

Accessible Toilets12.0


Current legislative documents and standards specify that it it the reponsibility of building managers or service providers to ensure that there are suitable procedures in place to evacuate everyone from a building in the case of a fire or other emergency. The existing fire and evacuation procedures are examined below.

15.1

Fire and Evacuation Procedures15.0

PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureUndertake regular training in evacaution procedures for members of staff

Staff training and knowledge of the general evacuation procedure is vital to ensure the orderly and safe evacuation of a building. It is recommended that members of staff should receive training based on the agreed written evacuation procedure at annual intervals under the instruction of a competent person. Individual members of staff should be allocated reponsibility for assisting disabled people, particularly in buildings used by members of the public where the nature of an individual's requirements are not predictable. Members of staff may need to offer assistance and provide reassurance for wheelchair users at refuge locations. Similarly, ambulant disabled and sight impaired people may need assistance to negotiate fire stairs. Depending on the use and complexity of the building, it may be important for members of staff to undertake training in disability awareness, handling techiques and relevant interpersonal skills. It is recommended that regular practice fire drills including disabled people should be carried out at regular intervals followed by a review of the general evacaution strategy if any shortcomings are noted.

NoDo members of staff and volunteers involved in the evacuation procedures for disabled people receive regular training based on written instructions from a competent person?

13.2


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide a personal escape plan for each building occupant who has an impaired ability to evacuate using the existing generic escape procedures.

While emergency procedures are usually generic, it is necessary to carry out a risk assessment for anyone who may have a problem escaping in an emergency and, as well as permanently disabled people, this may include children, pregnant women and people with a temporary impairment such as a broken leg. A mechanism to identify people at risk is required which normally operates by referral or pre-employment questionnaire. The risk assessment should be undertaken as soon as an impaired ability to evacuate is declared or there are reasonable grounds to suspect an impairment. An interview with the person at risk should establish which escape routes and strategies will be suitable for the individual and whether any special adjustments will be required. The personal emergency egress plan for the individual should be committed to a printed document which should be reviewed at regular intervals.

NoHas each disabled student and member of staff been issued with a personal escape plan?

13.3

Allocate responsibility for members of staff to patrol and check evacuation routes at regular intervals.

Ensure that a policy is established for members of staff to conduct regular inspections of evacuation routes.

NoAre evacuation routes checked regularly for combustible materials, obstacles and locked doors?

13.4


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureInspect and maintain the self closing fire doors to ensure the closing device exerts no more than 20 Newtons at the leading edge of the door.

Ensure that when emergency doors and grilles close automatically in the event of a fire, disabled people will still be able to open them to escape. The opening force should therefore be maintained at the minimum pressure possible to achieve fire rating. A maximum closing force of no more than 20 Newtons is recommended.

NoWhen the self-closing fire doors are opened manually, is the maximum pressure exerted by the closing device no more than 20 Newtons?

13.5


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureImplement building adjustments to remove or alter the identified hazards. Consult with your local Fire Officer to establish whether refuge points are appropriate and if so, where they should be located.

It may not be feasible to carry out special structural adjustments to final exit points to facilitate escape for disabled people. However, there is a risk that people unable to negotiate steps or other hazards in the escape routes and at final exit doors could become trapped inside the building if the location of a fire made evacuation by a more accessible route impossible. It is recommended that adjustments should be implemented ro remove or alter the identified hazards or, otherwise, the advice of the local Fire Officer should be sought regarding the provision of designated temporary safe spaces in protected lobbies or refuge areas from which assisted evacuation could be effected.

The following issues which may affect emergency egress by disabled building occupants were observed during the survey:1. Flight of steps at fire exit into House 62. Confined door lobby3. Fire Exit Door difficult to open into House 64. Fire Alarm Call Points not finished in recent upgrade works5. Visibility of the Fire Door Exit into House 6 from the upper hall needs improvement.6. Low lighting levels at night to top-flight main staircase.

NoAre escape routes and final exit points as accessible to sight and mobility impaired people and wheelchair users as the entry routes?

13.6


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureMake adjustments as necessary.

The following issues and barriers in the external emergency escape routes which are likely to affect unhindered passage by disabled from the fire escape doors to the muster and assembly points were observed:

The external evacuation routes are affected by the following:1. Cobble Lock pavings

NoAre external routes from the fire escapes to the assembly points free from hazards such as obstructions, unbound or slippery surface materials or poor lighting levels.

13.7

Consider to provide carry chairs or chair sliders for stairwell refuge locations to assist in final evacuation of disabled building occupants.

Apart from refuge areas associated with an evacuation lift, an appropriate evacuation aid should be provided to assist the final removal from the refuge areas to the nearest exit point. Evacuation chairs and stair sliders are now available that can be operated safely by one person.

NoAre carry chairs provided in stairwells and at designated refuge areas where there is no alternative means to evacuate people unable to negotiate stairs?

13.8


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide flashing fire beacons to supplement existing sounder units or Provide vibrating pagers system in conjunction with the main audible alarm system.

In some buildings it is necessary to provide the same level of fire warning to a profoundly deaf person as for a person with normal hearing. Buildings which contain residential accommodation should have visual alarms throughout and tactile alarms (a small vibrating unit that goes under a pillow) in rooms of sleep. It can be very costly to retro-fit visual alarms in every area of as building but you should consider providing supplementary visual alarms in locations where a hearing impaired person is likely to be alone when the alarm sounds, for example, a library or an individual study or bedroom. Other situations where this may be relevant are in a sports changing room where people change in individual cubicles or in disabled toilets where a deaf person could be on their own behind a closed door. Providing profoundly deaf individuals with a specialist remote pager system which listens for activation of the main alarm sirens and then sets off a vibrating alert is an option which should be considered for members of staff and recognised individuals who are known to be unable to hear the audible alarm.

NoIs the fire alarm system supplemented by visual indicators or vibrating alert pagers to assist people who are unable to hear the audible alarm?

13.9


PriorityActionAccess CommentConformsFeatureProvide an integrated system of accessible signage to clearly indicate evacuation routes

It was observed that the signage isinconsistent and confusing.

NoIs there a logical and consistent system of signage to indicate evacuation routes and fire doors throughout the premises?

13.10

Example of Fire Notice Sign and fire fighting equipment point at lower level staircase

lobby.

Example of Fire Notice Sign and Break-glass call point at upper hall level.

Example of un-finished fire alarm system upgrade, works in progress during audit

survey


Fire Exit route from main upper hall to House 6 requires improvements

Fire Exit route from main upper hall to House 6 requires improvements

Example of un-finished fire alarm system upgrade, works in progress during audit

survey

Fire exit routes impeded by un-even Cobble Lock paved surfaces.


PremisesCompany Name

SMART Access Plan

Date Of Audit

Trinity College Dublin

Tristan Seaton-StedhamAuditor02 September 2008Regent's House JCR - Zone 1

Executive Summary


ForewordThis 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 BS5588 - 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.


Configure Limited provides consultancy, project management and equipment to help make buildings accessible for all.

For further information contact us on 01 708 9198 or e-mail [email protected]

Configure Limited, First Floor, 32 Upper Kevin Street, Dublin 8www.configure.ie


Priority 1 AdjustmentsCostingActionFeature

Access Routes to the Premises2.0Self Help -

Maintenance Planor

€200 per metre2 to reinstate pavings

Repair the holes in the access route timber block paving.

Holes in the access route surface.2.4

Self Help - Maintenance Plan

or€50 per colour marker

or Relocate items

or€200 per metre2 to reinstate

pavingsor

€390 per Duct or Utility Cover

Remove or relocate moveable items to a position outside the main pedestrian thoroughfare. Highlight fixed or loose items such as bollards, litter bins, etc using high contrast markings.orCarry out repairs to sunken/raised duct covers/gratesorRepair damaged timber Blocks in footway routeorLevel out Cobble Lock surfaces

Trip and collision hazards in main thoroughfare

2.7

€24 eachApply coloured bands on free-standing posts/columns.

Unmarked free-standing posts/columns.2.8

Building Entrances and Entrance Doors3.0from €180 each signProvide additional signage to clearly indicate

the location of the identified entrances.Entrance identification signage inadequate

3.3


CostingActionFeature

€300 per light (estimate)Provide additional lighting in the identified location.

Lighting at the entrance.3.4

€240 per doorReplace the door handleDoor handle contrast3.11

From €120 per glazed doorProvide warning markings for the identified fully glazed door and any glass side panels.

Glazed Door warning markings3.12

From €400 per mat or

Self Help - Maintenance Plan

Provide a weather mat at the identified location.Entrance weather mat3.15

Receptions or Helpdesks4.0From €120 eachInstall accessible way-finding signageSignage to Reception4.2

from €200 per fittingAdjust or improve the illumination provided at the reception desk.

Reception counter illumination4.3

€320 per desk installedConsider to Install hearing loops in the identified locations.

Reception hearing induction loop4.4

€1040 per desk locationProvide a 760mm high writing surface with a suitable knee recess or alternative means for wheelchair users to provide written information at the service counter.

Low counter section4.5

From €120 eachInstall accessible signage to guide visitors to the facilities provided within the building.

Information and direction signs4.6

From €120Provide appropriate auxiliary aids to improve access to the services provided at the identified reception desks.

Auxiliary Aids4.7

Signage5.0Self Help - Maintenance

Plan.Reposition signage at eye level on the wall next to the latch side of doors.

Consistently positioned room identification signage.

5.4



From €120 per signWhere blind or visually impaired people are required to navigate a building independently, it is recommended that Braille and tactile way-finding information is provided

Braille and tactile signage.5.5

Maintenance Planor

From €120 per replacement signor

From €80 per replacement clock

Improve internal non-tactile signageorImprove the font sizes to listed information, also high gloss glazing causes reflective glare making the notices difficult to read, replace glazing panels with low-reflective toughened glass panels.andImprove clocks for exams in main upper hall area.

Glass or reflective sign surfaces.5.6

Detailed Signage Assessment or survey

required

Replace signs which do not have a clear colour contrastandSuggest to provide a consistency of same type face signage, with combination of pictograph symbols, clear fonts/colours and dual language signs where appropriate for the college main entrances

Clear colour contrast on signs.5.7

Internal Doors8.0Self Help - Include in

Operational and Maintenance Plan

Adjust the identified door closers to exert less than 20 Newtons.

Door self closing force8.7

Telephone points9.0Contact telephone supplierReplace or repair the hearing enhancement

system.Induction loop correct operation9.6

Internal Steps10.0



from €1900 per rail per flightProvide dual handrails for the identified stairway locations.

Provide dual handrails for internal steps10.12

€40 per handrailInstall tactile warning marks in the identified location.

Tactile handrail markers10.19

Auditorium11.0Self HelpProvide a variety of different seating types

including chairs with arm-rests.Variety of Seating11.2

€2000 (estimate)or

Obtain detailed Engineers Report.

Improve artificial lighting levels to main upper hall.

Lighting levels for Halls and Auditoriums

11.6

Self HelpFormulate a management policy to identify and allocate appropriate seating for a range of different user requirements.

Management strategy for public events11.8

Fire and Evacuation Procedures15.0Self HelpUndertake regular training in evacaution

procedures for members of staff Evacuation plan training for staff members

13.2

Self HelpProvide a personal escape plan for each building occupant who has an impaired ability to evacuate using the existing generic escape procedures.

Personal Emergency Egress Plan (PEEP)

13.3

Self HelpAllocate responsibility for members of staff to patrol and check evacuation routes at regular intervals.

Check evacuation routes for obstacles13.4

Maintenance PlanInspect and maintain the self closing fire doors to ensure the closing device exerts no more than 20 Newtons at the leading edge of the door.

Self closing fire doors13.5



Self HelpImplement building adjustments to remove or alter the identified hazards. Consult with your local Fire Officer to establish whether refuge points are appropriate and if so, where they should be located.

Egress issues at final exit points13.6



Building Entrances and Entrance Doors3.0€320 per door entrance

(estimate)Identify the entrance by structure, colour contrast or other visual and tactile clues.

Entrance clearly distinguishable3.5

Self Helpor

Configure Engineers report required

Level out entrance route to provide effective wheelchair access.

Level surface approaches to main entrances

3.14

Corridors6.0Self Help - Include in

Operational and Maintenance Plan.

Where feasible, remove obstructions from the identified corridors. Where projections and obstructions are unavoidable, provide guarding and warning notices as appropriate.

Rooms and Corridor obstructions6.4

Internal Doors8.0€230 per doorReposition or replace the door handle.Door handle location8.5

€250 per doorReplace or adjust the configuration of the identified door handles.

Handle configuration8.6

Telephone points9.0Contact telephone supplier.Relocate the telephone to a more accessible

height.Height of phone controls and slots.9.2



Self Help - Include in Operational and

Maintenance Planor

from €320 per seat fitted

Install a fold-down or perch seat.Fold down or perch seat.9.3

From €120 eachor

Contact telephone supplier.

Install accessible signage for the identified locations.

Telephone signage.9.4

Maintenance Plan for telephone supplier

Incorporate induction loop testing into your maintenance plan.

Induction loop testing9.7

Internal Steps10.0from €540 per staircase flight (Dimensions 1.2m

wide x 800 depth).

Install corduroy hazard warning surfaces in the identified locations.

Corduroy hazard warning.10.9

€50 per metre fittedInstall colour contrasting nosings or strip markers for the steps in the identified locations.

Colour contrasting step nosings.10.10

€200 per light (estimate)Improve the lighting in the identified location.Lighting over steps10.11

Auditorium11.0€3000 (estimate)

orConfigure Engineers Report

required

Install a suitable hearing enhancement system.Hearing enhancement system in conjunction with PA.

11.7

Fire and Evacuation Procedures15.0Maintenance PlanMake adjustments as necessary.Hazards in external escape routes13.7



approx €1200 per chair, inc training

orapprox €2000 per chair, inc

training

Consider to provide carry chairs or chair sliders for stairwell refuge locations to assist in final evacuation of disabled building occupants.

Carry chairs and life sliders13.8

From €740 per sounderor

From €4000 per alerter system (estimate)

Provide flashing fire beacons to supplement existing sounder units or Provide vibrating pagers system in conjunction with the main audible alarm system.

Supplementary fire alert for hearing impaired people

13.9

Carry out detailled sign assessment or survey.

Provide an integrated system of accessible signage to clearly indicate evacuation routes

Evacuation signage inconsistent13.10



Building Entrances and Entrance Doors3.0€1,500 per door leaf -

subject to surveyConsider upgrading doors to power operation or incorporating a low energy pneumatic opener for self closing doors.

Power operated doors3.6


Adjust door/entrance design.Clear space alongside door3.8


Adjust the doorway to provide an effective single door width of at least 800mm

Minimum doorway width3.13

Internal Surfaces7.0Self Help - Include in

Operational and Maintenance Plan

orConfigure Engineers report

required

Replace the identified flooring with a more slip-resistant surface when next refurbishing. In the interim, provide hazard signs whenever the flooring is wet and ensure cleaning and maintenance operations are appropriate.

Slip-resistance of floor surfaces.7.2

Internal Doors8.0Configure Engineers report

requiredIf a minimum of 300mm unobstructed area cannot be created at the side of the leading edge of the door, it is recommended that an automatic door opener should be provided.

Side clearance of doors8.3

Internal Steps10.0



Configure Engineers Report required

Adjust the vertical height of the steps to conform with the dimensions recommended by best practice.

Vertical height of step.10.2


Adjust the step tread depth to conform with the dimensions recommended by best practice.

Flat tread depth.10.3


Remove the risk of customers tripping on the step lip.

Overlap or lip.10.4


orSelf Help.

As part of your building works and maintenance programme, consider to widen the identified step and door to the minimum recommended width.

Minimum unobstructed width.10.5


orSelf Help.

Adjust the step configuration to conform with best practice recommendations.

More than 12 steps per flight.10.8

from €1900 per rail per flightReplace the handrail in the identified location.Handrail diameter.10.21

smart access assessment - trinity college dublin audits pdfs for each building/zone 1...smart access...

Documents