Access Audit Checklist

ACCESS AUDIT CHECKLIST
Access for disabled people in healthcare premises
NHS in Scotland, P&EFE, February 2000
Contents
Introduction A: External Approach 1 External Approach 2 External Change in Level: Ramp 3 External Change in Level: Steps Entrance and Reception 4 Entrance 5 Reception Horizontal and Vertical Circulation 6 Corridor 7 Internal Ramp 8 Internal Staircase 9 Lift 10 Platform Stairclimber Lift 11 Vertical Platform Lift Internal Spaces 12 Internal Door 13 Internal Space 14 Wards and Treatment Areas 15 Catering and Refreshment Areas Sanitary Facilities 16 Accessible WC - Ambulant 17 Accessible WC - Standard Layout 18 Accessible WC - Peninsular Layout 19 Changing Facilities - Cubicle 20 Accessible Shower 21 Accessible Bathroom Signage and Information 22 Signage Evacuation and Management 23 Means of Escape Customer Care 24 Customer Care Implementation 25 Implementation Considerations
February 2000
Page 4 Page 11
B:
Page 32
C:
Page 43
D:
Page 73
E:
Page 89
F:
Page 127
G:
Page 131
H:
Page 135
I:
Page 138
NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form
Page 2
J:
Appendices A Access Action Summary Sheets B Points Scoring System C The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) D References E Advisory Organisations
Page 141
Acknowledgements The National Health Service in Scotland Property and Environment Forum thanks Norman Raitt Architects for their contribution to the revision and production of this publication.
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NHS IN SCOTLAND Property and Environment Forum Access Audit Checklist
Access for disabled people in healthcare premises

Background
This Access Audit Checklist, produced by the NHSiS Property and Environment Forum Executive on behalf of the Scottish Executive, is a version of a checklist originally developed by the NHS Executive in England to enable all health service providers to audit the accessibility of their premises. It provides a consistent baseline standard which aims to improve the quality of access for disabled people. NHS MEL (1998) 80 gave advance notification of the preparation of the audit tool and of the steps NHSiS providers need to take to ensure that they meet the requirements of Section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The audit tool should be used in conjunction with Good Practice Guide Equality for disabled people in the NHS in Scotland Access to services issued by the Scottish Executive Health Department.
Distribution
General Managers, Health Boards Chief Executives of NHS Trusts
Using the Access Audit Checklist

The Access Audit Checklist uses the concept of Inclusive Design, which endeavours to ensure that the built environment is not disabling to those who use it. Users will include people with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments which may be progressive, intermittent or permanent. In the NHSiS, it will also include people who may be temporarily disabled. An accessible environment benefits everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, older people and families, particularly those with young children. The Checklist is designed to be used across all healthcare buildings, from GP surgeries to major hospitals. This will be particularly relevant when providers are considering action they need to take to comply with the requirements of Section 21 of the DDA. The aim of the Checklist is to help providers assess whether it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for the public to access services and to identify areas where remedial action is required. Annex C contains a brief outline of the DDA. It can also be used as a tool for ensuring that new buildings and refurbishments are fully accessible.
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The Checklist covers access to areas of healthcare premises where disabled people are likely to go as a patient, visitor or employee. For example, arriving at the site, calling at reception areas, refreshment areas, clinics, consulting areas, wards and administrative areas. The Checklist provides a benchmark to highlight areas which need to be addressed. These should then be prioritised and incorporated into an Access Action Plan which should be part of a management strategy for improving access to services for disabled people. These might either be integrated with other work programmes or be single projects.
Standard
The Checklist takes as its basis Parts E, M and S of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 as amended (19931999) (Facilities for Disabled People and Means of Escape). Parts E, M and S specify approved access standards applying to new or substantially reconstructed buildings and extensions. Many buildings do not meet these standards. In testing the access audit tool in a variety of healthcare settings in England, NHS Estates showed that 75% of toilet facilities did not meet the requirements of Part M of the English Building Regulations. Healthcare facilities in Scotland are likely to demonstrate a similar level of compliance with Part M of the Scottish Building Standards. Parts E, M and S are statutory and require minimum access standards, but do not address all the elements required for an inclusive environment. This Checklist covers additional elements considered to be good practice over and above Parts E, M and S. There is no obligation to adopt the deemed to satisfy specifications of Parts E, M and S if the access requirements are equally well met in some other approved way. However, in the absence of other approved standards and for consistency of auditing, Parts E, M and S standards are taken as the baseline in this Checklist. Many newer adapted or refurbished healthcare premises will incorporate the access recommendations in Health Building Note 40 - Common Activity Spaces available from The Stationery Office. Health Building Note 40 expands on the recommendations of Parts E, M and S and applies more specifically to access design in healthcare premises, but is not mandatory. Diagrams illustrating the requirements of Parts E, M and S and Health Building Note 40 are included in the Checklist for reference. When auditing healthcare premises, both Parts E, M and S and Health Building Note 40 layouts may be encountered. As a general guide, Parts E, M and S are the regulatory baseline standard and will apply more to the public reception and outpatients areas where independent access is anticipated. Health Building Note 40 will extend to the clinical and medical areas where assisted as well as independent access is anticipated and where there is a higher degree of dependency.
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Audit Strategy
The audit should follow a logical sequential journey following how people arrive at, enter, move around, use and leave the buildings(s) starting from the site perimeter and progressing through car parking areas, pedestrian routes, building entrances, reception areas, information, delivery, horizontal and vertical circulation routes, internal spaces, facilities and exits. Every building varies and auditing a small GP practice in a suburban setting will be substantially different to auditing a major NHSiS Trust Hospital with different buildings on several sites. It is desirable to obtain floor plans of the building for ease of reference and identification of the areas being surveyed. The Checklist should preferably be carried out by a suitably competent survey team familiar with access and disability issues and with Parts E, M and S of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations. Suitably qualified professional access consultants can be sourced through the organisations listed at Appendix E. Advice can also be obtained from the NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Executive. It is advisable to consult with the Local Authority Access Officer and local Access Group or Disability Organisation. This is valuable in highlighting access consideration from the user perspective and for ensuring a comprehensive approach to their concerns.
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Using the Checklist

1. The details form on the front page of the Checklist should be completed in every case, in particular the date of the survey. Depending on the nature and function of the building, not all sections of the Checklist will apply and those sections which do not can therefore be omitted. Some buildings will contain more than one of the same element, for example more than one lift. A separate duplicated section of the Checklist should be used for each. Where there are large numbers of recurring elements such as doors, a matrix form is provided for ease of auditing. Matrix forms are only provided for those sections likely to have a large number or recurring elements. It is only necessary to record those elements which do not comply with access standards. All questions on the Checklist should be completed where relevant with a tick in the Yes, No or Not Applicable boxes. Not Applicable signifies that the element referred to in the question either does not exist or is irrelevant. One of the three boxes should always be ticked. Space is available for additional comments adjacent to each question. Questions which relate directly to Parts E, M and S of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations are in bold text and the tick boxes in the Parts E, M and S column are shaded. Relevant diagrams illustrating the requirements of Parts E, M and S of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations and from Health Building Note 40 are included at the end of each section for reference and for checking setting-out dimensions where necessary. On completion of the Checklist, a summary sheet should be drawn up to form the basis of an Access Action Plan, listing and prioritising the remedial action to be taken for each section. Access action summary sheets are included at Appendix A. Many small access improvements can be carried out relatively easily, at little or no cost. There is an optional scoring system which can be used to indicate access priorities within a building or across a range of buildings within the same management. The points scoring system is described at Appendix B.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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Implementation
The access audit tool is not an end in itself. The results should be used as a basis for identifying and prioritising access improvements over a rolling programme, many of which can be included within routine maintenance and refurbishment works as part of the overall development plan for healthcare premises. A time-tabled strategy of progressive access improvements should be developed ending in 2004 when implementation of the physical access requirements of Section 21 of the DDA comes into force. Opportunities for improving access provision occur through:

New Build Projects; Refurbishment Projects; Maintenance Works; Other Projects such as Fire Safety or Health and Safety Improvements; Simple Improvements such as the provision or renewal of equipment and fittings.
The findings from the Checklist may look daunting but much can be achieved through small access improvements when budgets and resources are too limited to fund major access alterations. These might include selecting suitable colour contrasts when redecorating to help people with visual impairments identify a doorway or make quieter areas available for hearing impaired people. It is important that the Access Audit Checklist is the responsibility of a designated Manager who also has responsibility for disability issues in the Trust, and that procedures are in place so that when any work takes place, the Designers, Project Teams and Contractors are fully aware of the Checklist and that access needs are fully understood. Providers should consider nominating a person or gatekeeper within premises specifically responsible for coordinating and monitoring access issues. In the case of leased premises there should also be a nominated person acting on behalf of the Landlord and any access improvements should be agreed with the Landlord prior to commencement. The local authority Access Officer and Building Control Inspector should be consulted where appropriate to ensure that the works comply at least with Parts E, M and S of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations. If the premises are listed or of special architectural merit, consent will be required to carry out any alterations. Access to the Built Heritage published by Historic Scotland gives appropriate guidance. Prior to commencement of the works, all contract documentation should be check by a suitably competent person to ensure access compliance. Spot checks and review of access requirements should also be carried out during the progress of the works to ensure there is no deviation from the specification. Prior to handover of the works, all access elements should again be checked by a suitably competent person to ensure compliance.
NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form February 2000 Page 8
Following handover, the relevant parts of the premises should be re-audited using the Checklist. If the premises have already been scored using the points system, a new score should be calculated. This will permit monitoring of progressive access improvements over time. This Checklist has been based on an NHS Executive publication entitled Access to Health Services Premises: Audit Checklist which was in turn developed from Access Audits - A guide for appraising the accessibility of buildings for disabled users published by the Centre for Accessible Environments and from other documents acknowledged at Appendix C. It is recommended that this Checklist is read in conjunction with Designing for Accessibility available from the Centre for Accessible Environments, SHFN 14 Disability Access and SHFN 20 Access Audits for Primary Healthcare Facilities both available from the Property and Environment Forum Executive. The diagrams indicated in the Checklist are from the following documents which are copyright.

Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (fifth amendment); NHS Estates. Health Building Note 40 - Common Activity Spaces (5 Volumes). (Note: Volume 5 is the Scottish Appendix.)
This Checklist is for use within the NHS in Scotland and is not for sale or publication.
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NHS IN SCOTLAND PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT FORUM ACCESS AUDIT CHECKLIST

Date of Survey Name of Health Authority
Name and Address of Healthcare provider
Name of Building
Address of Building
Type of Building (Hospital, Clinic, GP Practice)
Name and telephone number of Surveyor
Name, job title and telephone number of Site Contact Person Details of Departments floor by floor
NHSiS Drawings Reference
Reference Number (for Database)
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A: External Approach
Approaches from the site perimeter to the entrance of the building, external spaces, car parking, set down areas, ramps and steps
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EXTERNAL APPROACH
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: .
Relevant diagrams are attached at the end of this section

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
1.01 Is the building within convenient walking distance of: (a) a public highway? (b) public transport? (c) car parking facilities? 1.02 Have suitable dropped kerbs been provided where appropriate? See diagram. 1.03 Is the approach surface relatively even? Surfaces should permit manoeuvre by wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties 1.04 Is the approach surface slip-resistant? 1.05 Is the approach route reasonably level or ramped suitable for disabled people? If steeper than 1:20, route should be classified as a ramp. See Section 2. 1.06 If the approach route is steeper than 1 in 12, is there alternative provision to enable access by disabled people?
Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form February 2000
NHSiS
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BROUGHT FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
ACTUAL POINTS
MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 1.07 Is the approach route at least 1200mm wide? 1800mm recommended for passing in two directions. 1.08 Is the route free of hazards such as traffic signs, bollards, litter bins, and building features such as outward opening doors, windows or overhangs? 1.09 Is the route adequately and evenly lit? 1.10 Is the route clearly identified by visual, aural and tactile information? 1.11 Is the route safely and clearly separated from traffic flow? 1.12 Is the route to the building properly maintained and kept clear in all weathers? 1.13 Is accessible parking provided for disabled people? 1.14 Are sufficient dedicated accessible parking spaces provided? At least 1 in 20 or part thereof of parking provision should be accessible to wheelchair users.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 1.15 Is accessible parking clearly marked out and signposted, with bays at least 2400mm wide x 4800mm long plus a 1000mm side transfer zone? See diagram. 1.16 Are some bays available with a clear transfer space of at least 2400mm to one side for disabled people using vans with side hoists? Additional space is sometimes needed to use a side hoist and manoeuvre a wheelchair on and off it. 1.17 Are some bays available with more than 2400mm headroom for disabled people using vans with side hoists? 1.18 Is accessible parking suitably surfaced and level? 1.19 Is accessible parking within 45m of principal building entrances? 1.20 Is some accessible car parking available under cover? 1.21 Is accessible parking well lit, visible and safe? 1.22 Are clearly signed procedures or penalties in place to discourage abuse of accessible parking bays by non-disabled people?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 1.23 Are alternative parking arrangements available to wheelchair users if all accessible spaces are occupied? 1.24 If there is an automatic barrier entry system to the car park, is this accessible to disabled people including deaf and hard of hearing people who do not speak? 1.25 If there are ticket machines or meters for parking, are these appropriately located with controls and coin slots within a height range of 900mm 1200mm and clearly identifiable? 1.26 Are suitable, safe set-down and pick-up points provided for taxis, community transport vehicles, cars and minibuses close to principal building entrances? 1.27 Are suitable, safe set-down and pick-up points provided for ambulances?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS TOTAL POINTS FOR THIS SECTION

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HBN 40
DIAG. 1
wall, pavement/path boundary
1000
wall, pavement/path boundary
(see note 10)
3000
gradient 1:12 max (see note 7)
(see note 10)
gradient 1:12 max (see note 7)
2000
surface (see note 11)
dropped kerb and road surface to merge here (see note 13)
2000
2000 flush width (see note 9)
2000
kerb height can vary 13 - 170mm absolute max 200mm
2000 flush width (see note 9) 2000 2000 roadway should be marked with a yellow (or white) line to indicate that the area is to be kept clear of stationary vehicles (see note 12) 2000
Controlled Crossings/ Dropped Kerbs

Notes: a. See notes on next page.
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
Preferred minimum: (Restricted minimum, not recommended for general use.) Drawing not to scale
NORMAN RAITT ARCHITECTS
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Controlled Crossings/Dropped Kerbs

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. Reference should be made to Part S of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990; also the Department of Transport Mobility Units advice note DU/1/91 (The use of Dropped Kerbs and Tactile Surfaces at Pedestrian Crossing Points). 2. The design of dropped kerbs must take into account the different and conflicting needs of visually impaired people and wheelchair users. Dropped kerbs make it much easier for wheelchair users, and people with pushchairs, trolleys etc, to overcome abrupt changes in level which they would otherwise find difficult or impossible (for some wheelchair users, even a small jolt can cause acute pain). 3. Visually impaired people, however, require some physical indication of the edge of a pavement; in order to avoid walking unaware on to the road, kerbs are used by them to indicate the presence of a road. If kerbs are removed to aid people with mobility difficulties, a substitute indicator of the roads presence must be provided that is if the pavement is level with the road, there should be a change in texture (distinguishable through the soles of shoes, and by the canes used by visually impaired people) provided as a warning indicator; adequate drainage must also be provided. Location 4. Dropped kerbs must:

be provided at locations where people leave the pavement to cross the road, at which points there must be an unobstructed view of traffic approaching from any direction; always be directly opposite one another across a road. It is dangerous to have one on only one side of the road, as a person may be unable to mount the opposite kerb and then be stranded in the flow of traffic; be provided at any vertical rise greater than 13mm.
5. Dropped kerbs should be avoided at places where doors occur. Doors should not have to be opened at the same time as negotiating a kerb ramp, as this is extremely difficult for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs a wheelchair user, after mounting the kerb ramp, will be tilted backwards, and is therefore unlikely to be able to reach the door handle, whereas people with pushchairs will not be able to reach the handle without walking around the pushchair, and will then need to pull the pushchair through the door. Gradient 6. The gradient of the dropped kerbs must allow people to negotiate them easily and quickly move out of the flow of traffic. Steep dropped kerbs may cause people to lose control of wheelchairs and pushchairs. 7. The gentler the slope, the more people will be able to use it with ease and safety. The pavement must be dished over the area of the dropped kerb, with no abrupt change of slope and a maximum gradient of 1:12. 8. Dropped kerbs with returned sides are only acceptable where they do not interfere with the main direction of pedestrian flow and where people are not required to walk across them. Width 9. Dropped kerbs must be wide enough for double pushchairs and electric pavement vehicles to negotiate them. The flush width should normally be a minimum of 2000mm. (In locations of high flow, the flush width should be 3000mm.) The minimum width can be reduced to 1200mm adjacent to areas of car parking reserved for disabled users.
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Depth 10. At a 2000mm wide pavement, dropped kerbs should extend over the entire depth. Where the pavement is 3000mm wide or greater, a level area 1000mm wide can be provided behind the dropped kerb. Surface 11. The dropped kerb should have a tactile, modified blister surface covering the dropped kerb area in accordance with DU1/91, The Use of Dropped Kerbs and Tactile Surfaces at Pedestrian Crossing Points, to indicate its existence. Textured surfaces help ambulant disabled people to keep a firm grip, as well as indicating to visually impaired people the change in level. 12. The bottom of a dropped kerb should be rounded, or otherwise distinguishable for example, by a tactile strip to help visually impaired people locate them. A continuous yellow line should be painted along the edge of the road closest to the kerb. 13. The following types of dropped kerb should be avoided: those with non-parallel sides; with a camber; on to roads with a steep camber or concave gutter; projecting into the gutter; sited near drains; or those located close to loose surfaces such as gravel or earth (as these may get on to the ramp and affect the surface performance). 14. Where gratings are installed for the purpose of conducting rain water away, these should be located upstream of the kerb ramp, in order to prevent flooding at the bottom of the ramp. Where gratings occur in front of kerb ramps, the holes should be small to prevent wheelchair castors and walking aids becoming stuck; to achieve this, the slots should not be more than 12mm wide, with metal at least 13mm thick, and aligned at 90o to the direction of travel. All grating surfaces should be set level with the roadway; it is best that gratings are not located at crossings.
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HBN 40
DIAG. 2
3600 if each bay has an individual access aisle 6000 shared access aisle
1200
100 minimum allowance for variation in parking positions
parked attendant wheelchair during transit space 800 600
450 (300) (see note 2)
4500 average car (5700 max)
4800
1750 average car (2000 max)
1100 (1000) full door swing wheelchair users prefer a 2 door car with wider doors (i.e. 1100 is required)
200
clearance of obstruction dropped kerb to footpath 1200
2400 standard parking bay (see note 3)
2400
6000
External Approach: Car Parking (wheelchair access)

Notes:
All sizes in mm circulation space for fully ambulant users. 3. Standard parking bay width is an average for multi-bay situations. End bays against wall or other obstruction should be increased by 200 (100). Similarly 300-800 depending on level of convenience should be added to end bay for semi or non ambulant users.
1350 (1300)
Preferred minimum: (Restricted minimum, not recommended for general use). Drawing not to scale.
1. Average space length (in line parking) includes allowance for manoeuvring car into and out of parking space. Add 1000 to length and 200-300 to width for large (American type) car. An end bay against a wall or obstruction should be increased to 7000 (8000) overall to allow for safe manoeuvring. 2. 300 (pref. 450) allows restricted
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EXTERNAL CHANGE IN LEVEL: RAMP


NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
2.01 Does the approach route require a permanent ramp? See 1.05. 2.02 If a permanent ramp cannot be constructed (perhaps because the building is listed) is a secure suitable portable ramp available? Portable ramps are not recommended unless there is no other option. 2.03 Is there a min. 1200mm long level manoeuvring space at the top and bottom of the ramp? 2.04 Is the ramp slip resistant? 2.05 Is the surface width of the ramp at least 1200mm wide and the unobstructed width of the ramp at least 1000mm wide? Preferred width 1800mm. 2.06 If the ramp gradient is between 1 in 20 and 1 in 15, is the length of each individual flight 10m or less?

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 2.07 If the ramp gradient is between 1 in 15 and 1 in 12, is the length of each individual flight 5m or less? The ramp gradient should be between 1 in 20 and 1 in 12. If it is shallower than 1 in 20 it is considered a level approach. If it is steeper than 1 in 12 it is too steep to be used by disabled people and would not comply with Building Regulations. A gradient shallower than 1:15 1:20 is recommended. 2.08 Are appropriate intermediate landings provided at least 1200mm long? See diagram. 2.09 Does the open side of the ramp have a raised kerb at least 100mm high? 2.10 Are there suitable continuous handrails each side and also to landings? See diagram. 2.11 Are the ramp and landing handrails colour contrasted from their background? 2.12 Is the top of the handrail 900mm above the surface of the ramp and 840 1000mm above the surface of a landing?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 2.13 Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp? 2.14 Does the handrail terminate in a closed end which does not project into a route of travel? 2.15 Does the profile and projection of the handrail provide a firm grip? 2.16 If the ramp gradient is 1:20 or steeper, are there accompanying steps?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 22
HBN 40
DIAG. 3
possible location of door
handrails (see notes 9-14) handrail extension 300 handrail extension 300
1100
1000
610
1000
protected barrier at bottom of ramp (see note 20)
steps (see note 2) 1500 (1200) landing (see notes 6-8)
1500 (1200) landing (see note 21)
900 circulation recess at bottom route of ramp (see note 21)
ramp: gradient max 1:15, length max 10000 without landing (see note 3)
450 tactile warning (see note 8)
450 tactile warning (see note 8)
preferred cover for external ramp (see note 19)
unobstructed height for ramp (see note 22) 1980
900
10-15mm (see note 18)
100
1500 (1200) ramp width (see note 4) min
max
edge protection (see note 15)
1500
section a-a
100
edge protection details

All sizes in mm
External Change in Level: Ramp (general)

Notes: a. See notes on following pages
1350 (1300)
February 2000
75 max
75
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External Change in Level: Ramp (general)

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. Reference should be made to Part S of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 for specific legislative requirements. 2. Ramps enable people with wheelchairs and pushchairs to move easily between one level and another, and should be provided where any changes in level occur. However, for ambulant disabled people, a ramp is not as convenient, easy or safe to use as steps, and therefore a ramp should always be accompanied by steps. Gradient 3. Ramps must be of a gradual gradient, in order that wheelchair users can negotiate them independently (most can manage a slope of 1:15 or 1:20). The following gradients are recommended:

1:12 for distances up to 5000mm (and for distances up to 5000mm between landings); 1:15 for distances up to 10000mm (and for distances up to 10000mm between landings).
Width 4. The preferred width for a ramp is 1500mm (a minimum width of 1200mm, with an unobstructed width of 1000mm). A width of 1800mm will allow two wheelchair users to pass.
Length
5. The length of a ramp is dependent on the gradient and the change in height to be overcome, but should never exceed 24000mm, and in any case should not exceed 10000mm without a rest landing. Approach space and landings 6. Level approach spaces (clear of any door swing or obstruction) should be provided at the top and bottom of any ramp. Areas measuring 1500mm x 1500mm are preferred (minimum 1200mm x 1200mm), and any intermediate landings should be not less than 1500mm in length. 7. Landings should be provided at any changes in direction of the ramp which are greater than 10 , and at intervals of 10000mm where appropriate. 8. Tactile cues should be provided, including foot-detectable changes in surface 450mm long across the landing at both ends of the ramp. Such changes could simply be corduroy or blister tactile surfaces. Handrails 9. It is important that ramps have handrails, which give vital support, confidence and security to all users by providing lateral body support and hand support as well as providing tactile cues for visually impaired people. Handrails may also provide support for independent wheelchair users when resting on the ramp. 10. Handrails are required on both sides of a ramp to assist people with disabilities on their right or left, as well as those carrying bags in one hand. Handrails should be provided on any ramp with a rise greater than 150mm 11. It is recommended that handrails are provided at two heights a standard one 900mm above the ramp surface, and a lower one 610mm above the ramp surface for children and wheelchair users. 12. Handrails must be continuous around dog-legs or switchbacks and over landings; where this is not possible, they should extend horizontally a minimum of 300mm beyond each end of the ramp before being returned to the wall, floor or post in order to allow users to regain their balance on the level area.
o
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13. These extensions also indicate the presence of a ramp for visually impaired users, but they should not project out into the path of other pedestrians. 14. Further detailed guidance is given in the Notes to the handrails ergonomic data sheets later in this volume. Edge protection 15. The open side of a ramp or landing should have a raised kerb in order to prevent feet and wheels slipping off. The kerb or barrier should be painted in a contrasting colour to the ramp and its surroundings. Surface/appearance 16. There should be contrasts of colour and tone between the ramp and adjacent areas, such as handrails and background colour. If the coloured markings are to be provided on the ramp itself, however, they should form a V configuration pointing in the change of direction, rather than a line at top and bottom which could create confusion with stairs. 17. Ramps should have a permanent, regular, non-slip surface. Indoor ramps should not be covered in deep- or shag-pile carpet, as this is difficult to traverse in a wheelchair. External ramps should not be covered with glazed or polished masonry or cobblestones. 18. Outdoor ramps should not allow the accumulation of water on their surface; for this reason, a camber of 1:100 (max. 1:50) is permissible, which should not affect the steering of wheeled conveyances or other items. There should be gaps of 10-15mm left at intervals in the edging, above the level of the ramp, to enable rainwater and grit to drain off. 19. Ramps can be dangerous in wet or icy weather. Where possible, outdoor ramps should have a canopy above, to protect them from rain and snow. 20. Where a ramp leads down to a road or any place where there may be traffic, a barrier in the form of a railing to a height of 1100mm across the full width of the ramp should be installed at the bottom of the ramp, in order to prevent users walking or rolling into the road; such a barrier should be no more than 1500mm from the base of the ramp. 21. Where a ramp intersects with a pedestrian route, there should be a level area of 900mm length, in order to allow wheelchair users and people with pushchairs to turn round and join the flow of pedestrians. 22. The ramp should be clear of obstructions for the width of the ramp and to a minimum height of 1980mm (excluding handrails). Lighting 23. External ramps and walkways should have a minimum lighting level of 75 lux at the pavement. This should be increased to 150 lux where the building is designed specifically for visually impaired people.
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EXTERNAL CHANGE IN LEVEL: STEPS


NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
3.01 Does the approach route incorporate steps? Note: The Building Regulation items listed below are for steps attached to buildings only. Steps not attached to buildings should be audited in the same way but their scores should be recorded in the NHSiS column. 3.02 Do the top and bottom landings to each flight of steps have tactile surfaces to give advance warning of the change in level? See diagram. 3.03 Is the lighting adequate and well positioned? Lighting should be free of shadows. 3.04 Are all step nosings readily identifiable and colour contrasted? A nosing is the front edge of the step. 3.05 Is the unobstructed width of the flight at least 1000mm? A flight is the length of a single run of steps. 3.06 Is the rise of the flight between landings not more than 1200mm maximum? Note: The Building Regulations allow a maximum rise of 16 risers. 3.07 Are the top, bottom and intermediate levels at least 1200mm long and clear of any door swing? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 3.08 Is the rise of each step uniform and no more than 170mm? See diagram. 3.09 Is the going of each step at least 250mm? If the treads taper, the going should be measured 270mm from the inside of the stair. 3.10 Are the risers solid/closed in? 3.11 Is the tread nosing profile suitable and designed to avoid risk of people catching their feet? See diagram. 3.12 Is there suitable continuous handrail each side? See diagram. 3.13 Is the top of the handrail 900mm above the pitch line of a flight of steps and 8401000mm above the surface of a landing? 3.14 Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the steps? 3.15 Does the handrail terminate in a closed end which does not project into a route of travel?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 27
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 3.16 Does the profile and projection of the handrail provide a firm grip? 3.17 Are any hazardous overhangs to the underside of steps protected to avoid people walking into them?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 28
HBN 40
handrail extension 300
DIAG. 4
handrails (see notes 18-20)
900
2000
edge protection (see note 10) recess at bottom of steps (see note 5) 750 circulation recess at top of steps (see note 5) 650 circulation landing (see notes 3-5) 1500 (1200)
landing (see notes 3-5) 1500 (1200)
clear distance between handrails to be maintained on landings 1500 (1200)
1700 (1200) (see notes 13-17)
2000 (1500)
1500 (1000)
800 400 min max tactile warning (see note 12)
400 max
800 min tactile warning (see note 12)
130(100) 150 max
300(280) 350 max 13mm radius
nosings see note 9
External Change in Level: Steps

Notes: a. See notes on following page
150
max1200 (see note 6)
610
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
February 2000
Page 29
External Change in Level: Steps

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. Reference should be made to Part S of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 for specific legislative requirements. 2. If a level approach to the buildings entrance cannot be achieved, then steps and a ramp must be provided. Steps are preferred to ramps by many people, and, when correctly detailed, steps provide independent access for many ambulant disabled people for example, those with arthritis or those who use crutches. However, steps are a barrier to people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs/prams etc, so a ramp should be provided wherever there are steps (see notes to data sheet ramps). Approach and landings 3. People with impaired sight are at risk of tripping or losing their balance when meeting sudden changes in level; this risk is at its greatest when approaching the head of a flight of steps. The existence of steps, on their own or within a flight, should be made apparent; stairs should be designed so that they are not a continuation of the line of normal pedestrian travel. 4. The clear, unobstructed length of landings should be 1500mm (1200mm as a minimum). The top and bottom steps of a flight should not encroach onto the landing area. 5. Steps should not interfere with circulation spaces; they should be recessed from the circulation route by at least 600mm at the top and 750mm at the bottom, to avoid pedestrian collisions and to allow handrails to level out. Height 6. Although many ambulant disabled people find it easier to climb steps than to use ramps, it is still important that any flights of steps are not too long and are broken up by landings. The maximum recommended height for the rise of a flight of external steps between landings is 1200mm and there should be a minimum of three and a maximum of nine steps. (Note: The Technical Standards allow a maximum rise of 16 risers.) 7. Generally, the flatter the pitch (angle), the safer steps will be. The recommended pitch for public steps is 27o (with a maximum of 34o). Risers and goings 8. Risers and goings should be uniform throughout the flight, as any irregularities can cause people to stumble. Nosings 9, Nosings should be marked in a colour/tone that contrasts with the colour of the stairs, extending the full width of the step and reaching a depth of 50-60mm on both tread and riser. Any edges should be firmly fixed and be of a non-slip type. Sharp nosings and abrupt angles should be avoided. Edge protection 10. It is necessary to prevent feet, crutches and sticks from accidentally slipping off the edge of open-plan steps. For steps not adjacent to walls, a barrier, with a maximum height of 100mm above the level of the treads, should be provided.
February 2000
Page 30
Step surface and type 11. The surface of the steps must be (and also appear to be) non-slip, and to aid visually impaired people the risers should be a contrasting colour to the treads. A fall of 1:100 is recommended, to prevent water from accumulating on the steps and to maintain a non-slip surface in wet conditions. 12. A change in surface texture at the top and bottom of each flight of steps is needed, to act as a warning for visually impaired people that there is a change in level ahead. This surface should be of a corduroy texture. Width of steps 13. Distractions should be avoided, especially at the top of steps where people may lose their concentration as well as their footing. 14. In addition, the use of open risers is not recommended, since they are especially dangerous for the ambulant disabled such as those users with braces and prostheses who need a solid rise to guide their feet onto the next tread. Open risers allow feet to catch on the underside of the tread, and are therefore also hazardous to those using sticks and canes. 15. Single steps, and any changes in level of less than 100mm, are to be avoided, as are spiral and helical steps. 16. The steps must be wide enough for people to negotiate comfortably by holding onto either one or both handrails or by being assisted. The width of the steps should reflect the amount of pedestrian traffic. 17. A minimum clear step width of 1000mm for one person, or 1500mm for two-way traffic, is necessary. A middle handrail should be provided on any flights of steps wider than 1800mm. Handrails 18. Reference should be made to the handrail data sheet later in this volume for further guidance. 19. Handrails are required by some users to help them to pull up steps; they are also used for balance and support when descending. Handrail extensions also provide tactile cues to the presence of changes in level for visually impaired people. 20. Handrails:
must continue for a minimum of 300mm horizontally from the top step; where the handrail does not interrupt pedestrian routes, an extension of 450mm from the top step is recommended. Central handrails may project into the landings by the same amount as the going, and for external steps leading to an entrance door the central handrail should continue across the landing to the door; must be located within the width of the tread; and should be provided on both sides of the steps, to assist people with left or right disabilities, those using a walking stick, or those carrying a bag in one hand.
Balustrades 21. Balustrades should be provided around landings to a height of 1100mm, to prevent people falling. They should not allow young children to fall between the gaps (which should be no wider than 100mm), nor provide toeholds for climbing up. Lighting 22. Steps and landings should be well illuminated, either naturally or by artificial means. The lighting should be designed so that it highlights the differences between risers and treads, the top and bottom steps, and any changes in direction.
February 2000
Page 31
B: Entrance and Reception

External doors, lobbies and reception areas
February 2000
Page 32
ENTRANCE

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
4.01 Is the door clearly colour contrasted or distinguishable from the surrounding faade? 4.02 If a glass door, is it visible in its closed position through transoms, large pull handles, glazing manifestation bands or logos? 4.03 Does the entrance door contain a leaf which provides a minimum clear opening width of at least 800mm? See diagram. 4.04 Does the door have a flush threshold? 4.05 Is there a glazed panel in the door giving a zone of visibility of at least between 900mm and 1500mm above floor level? 4.06 Is there adequate unobstructed space (300mm) available alongside the leading edge of the door to enable a disabled person to open the door clear of the door swing? See diagram. Not required for automatic doors. 4.07 Is the door handle/control clearly colour contrasted from the door? 4.08 Is the door handle/control set at approximately 1000mm above floor level?

NHSiS
Page 33
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 4.09 Is the door handle/control easy for a person with restricted mobility to operate? 4.10 If a door closer is fitted, does it have slow action or delay check to give disabled people time to pass through? 4.11 Is the door closer pressure gentle and not greater than 25-30 Newtons? Closer pressure should be minimum necessary to close the door effectively. 4.12 Is the door automatically operated? Automatic sliding doors preferred to automatic swing doors where possible. 4.13 If the door is automatically operated, does it have both visual and tactile information and warnings? 4.14 If the door is automatically operated, does it have a safety sensor override to avoid trapping users? Remote photo eyesensor, or floor pressure mat sensors, are preferred to impact baffle sensors fitted to the leading edge of the door, which can injure users.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 34
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 4.15 If a revolving door is used, is there an immediately adjacent alternative door meeting the above criteria and available at all times? Neither manual nor automatic revolving doors are easily accessible to disabled people. 4.16 Is there a means of summoning assistance if the door cannot be operated? 4.17 If the door is security-protected, is the entry system or entry phone suitable for use by people with hearing, sight, speech or mobility disabilities and set between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level? 4.18 Is any weather mat of firm texture and flush with the floor? 4.19 Are doors regularly checked and maintained? 4.20 If a lobby is provided, does the inner door meet the same access criteria as the outer door? 4.21 Does the lobby layout enable wheelchair users to clear one door before opening the second, with minimal manoeuvring? See diagram. This is for external lobbies. For internal lobbies see Section 6. Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

Page 35
B. REGS.
DIAG. 5
1500
1800
2000
800 min clear 300
2300
1800
1500 800 min clear
300
Plans of Typical Lobby Arrangements
Entrance and Reception: Entrance

Notes:
1800
2400
All sizes in mm
February 2000
Page 36
RECEPTION

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
5.01 Are signs consistently designed and located to convey information to wheelchair users and people with sensory disabilities? See Signage Section 22. 5.02 Are the lighting levels suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from excessive glare and shadows? 5.03 Are the acoustics suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from unwanted noise, echo and reverberations? 5.04 Are floor surfaces slip-resistant, even when wet? 5.05 Are floor surfaces easily negotiable by wheelchair users? 5.06 Are floor surfaces colour or tactile contrasted where appropriate to guide blind and partially sighted people? 5.07 Are junctions between floor surfaces detailed so as not to constitute a trip hazard or an obstacle to wheelchair users? 5.08 Is the line of approach to the reception desk clearly defined and unobstructed?

NHSiS
Page 37
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 5.09 Is any reception desk or counter suitable for use from both sides by people either standing or sitting? Preferably not higher than 800mm, with knee space at least 650mm high x 400mm deep under. 5.10 Is a movable seat provided adjacent to the reception desk for people who need to sit when talking to the receptionist? 5.11 If the reception desk is behind a glazed screen, is the glazing non-reflective? 5.12 Does the natural and artificial lighting to the reception desk permit the receptionists face to be clearly seen? 5.13 Are wall finishes non-reflective and free from confusing or distracting patterns? 5.14 Is a hearing enhancement system provided for communication with hearing aid users? Induction loop or infra red systems are the most commonly specified.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 38
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 5.15 Are appointment call announcements given both audibly and visually for deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted people? Usually via digital display or TV monitor. 5.16 If appointment call number/ticket dispensers are provided, are they located at not more than 1200mm height with at least 1200 x 1200mm clear space in front? 5.17 Is the waiting area seating designed with a choice of seating heights, with and without armrests? 5.18 Does the waiting area have sufficient space for wheelchair and buggy users to wait and manoeuvre? 5.19 Does the waiting area have sufficient space for people to pass without compromising legroom for people who are seated? 5.20 If coat hooks are provided in the waiting area, are these at approximately 1200mm height for wheelchair users and 1700mm height for others? 5.21 If a television or video is provided in the waiting area, does this have a hearing enhancement system for deaf and hard of hearing people? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
NHSiS
Page 39
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 5.22 If a television or video is provided in the waiting area, does this have teletext subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing people? 5.23 Is the waiting area within 45 metres of an accessible WC? 5.24 Are public telephones mounted at a height suitable for all users with no controls or coin slots higher than 1200mm from floor level? 5.25 Is there at least 1200 x 1200mm clear space in front of public telephones? 5.26 Do public telephones have an amplifier and inductive coupler for hearing aid users? 5.27 Is a suitable seat available for use by people who need to sit down when using the telephone? 5.28 Are public telephones fitted with a small shelf at approximately 750mm height for placing change, bags and portable textphones? 5.29 Is a textphone facility provided for deaf and hard of hearing people?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 40
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 5.30 If a childs play area is provided, is it accessible to disabled children and parents? 5.31 Is there a nappy change space and separate feeding area, with nappy change table and washbasin accessible to wheelchair users? Recommended height of nappy change table max. 800mm with knee space at least 650mm high x 400mm deep under. 5.32 Is there a suitable secure parking area for prams, buggies and scooters? 5.33 Are water and toileting facilities available for assistance dogs? 5.34 Are suitable charging facilities available for powered wheelchairs and other equipment? 5.35 Are any charging facilities for powered wheelchairs and other equipment located in a secure fire-resisting ventilated enclosure? 5.36 For people progressing beyond this area into other parts of the building, is information given by appropriate signs, supported by tactile information such as a map or a model? See Signage Section 22 of this Checklist. Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

Page 41
HBN 40
DIAG. 6
1750 eye level tall man 1150 eye level small woman in wheelchair 700 shelf for bags and knee hole for w/ch user 900 independent wheelchair passing 600 standing at counter 250 shelf for bags 600 ambulant passing 1200 space for wheelchair 1420 eye level small woman 1000 counter height 1100 seated eye level small woman 700 worktop height seat height adjustable from 430 to 530 and footrest (see note 3) 800 600 person seated at counter 600 ambulant passing (800 is required for the passing of a records trolley)
100
500 900 space for space for keyboard access and and withdrawal papers
1200 space for assisted passing
1500 wheelchair turning circle and access to and withdrawal from counter
300 writing shelf/computer housing and stationery side storage on/and under worktop worktop workspace side storage on/and under worktop worktop workspace possible location of glass screen between receptionists
400
800
400
min workstation width per receptionist
Entrance and Reception: Reception Counter

Notes:
800
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
Preferred minimum: (Restricted minimum, not recommended for general use.) Drawing not to scale 1. A sitting height counter may act as a psychological barrier to a patient/escort who may be violent. A counter depth of 800 should help to protect staff, whilst still
allowing receptionist and patient to hear each other. A counter depth of 800 will also allow adequate space for the computer. The computer could be protected by a raised area, although this should not throw shadows on the screen. The worktop height should be 700 for sitting to use the keyboard. 2. Glazed screens between receptionists maximise confidentiality of discussions between patient and receptionist.
3. An adjustable height (430 - 530), swivel chair with castors is required for the receptionist. A footrest should be provided. 4. Each workstation should incorporate an alarm button for staff to summon assistance. 5. Mobile, under worktop storage units for personal belongings are preferred for greater flexibility.
February 2000
1200
Page 42
C: Horizontal and Vertical Circulation

Horizontal and vertical circulation, corridors, internal ramps, stairs and lifts
February 2000
Page 43
CORRIDOR

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
6.01 Does the corridor or passageway have an unobstructed width of at least 1200mm? If the corridor is approachable by stairway alone and does not have lift access, then an unobstructed width of 1000mm is permissible. For people to pass, min. 1500mm corridor width is recommended. 6.02 Do all lobbies allow users, including wheelchair users, to clear one door before approaching the second with minimal manoeuvring? See diagram. This is for internal lobbies. For external lobbies see Section 4. 6.03 Is the corridor free from obstructions to wheelchair users and hazards to blind and partially sighted people? 6.04 Are radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched? 6.05 Is turning space available for wheelchair users? If turning 90 degrees from a 900mm wide corridor into a doorway, a 1000mm doorset is the minimum acceptable. If turning from a 1200mm wide corridor, a 900mm doorset is acceptable but a 1000mm doorset is preferred.

NHSiS
Page 44
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 6.06 Are rest points with suitable seats provided on long corridors? 6.07 Is the natural and artificial lighting free from excessive glare and shadows? Windows at the end of corridors can cause excessive glare and shadows unless balanced with artificial lighting internally. 6.08 Are the acoustics free from echo and excessive reverberation? 6.09 Are floor, wall and ceiling surfaces free from reflections? 6.10 Are visual clues available to help orientation, such as colour coding? 6.11 Are textured surfaces used to convey information to blind and partially sighted people, such as contrasting floor textures at corridor junction and on lift landings? 6.12 Are floor surfaces easily negotiable by wheelchair users? 6.13 Does signage and information comply with Signage Section 22 of this Checklist? 6.14 Are the above features regularly checked and maintained? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

Page 45
LOCATION
6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14
CORRIDOR Does the corridor or passageway have an unobstructed width of at least 1200mm? Do all lobbies allow users, including wheelchair users, to clear one door before approaching the second? Is the corridor free from obstructions to wheelchair users and hazards to blind and partially sighted people? Are radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched? Is turning space available for wheelchair users? Are rest points with suitable seats provided on long corridors? Is the natural and artificial lighting free from excessive glare and shadows? Are the acoustics free from echo and excessive reverberation? Are floor, wall and ceiling surfaces free from reflections? Are visual clues available to help orientation, such as colour coding? Are textured surfaces used to convey information to blind and partially sighted people? Are floor surfaces easily negotiable by wheelchair users? Does signage and information comply with Signage Section 22 of this Checklist? Are the above features regularly checked and maintained?
Total
Maximum possible points Actual points
February 2000
Page 46
B. REGS.
DIAG. 7
1500
1800
2000
300
2300
1800
1500
300
300 min 1500 750 min clear
1200 min
1100
300
Plans of Typical Internal Lobby Arrangements
Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Corridor

Notes:
Corridor suitable for wheelchairs
2000
1800
2400
All sizes in mm
February 2000
Page 47
INTERNAL RAMP
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . NHSiS Y N N/A COMMENTS
7.01 For a short rise within a single storey is a permanent ramp available? Ramps are not required if alternative lift provision is made (see Sections 10 and 11). 7.02 If a permanent ramp cannot be constructed, is a suitable secure portable ramp available and are staff trained to use it? Portable ramps are not recommended unless there is no other option. 7.03 Is there adequate manoeuvring space at the top and bottom of the ramp? Min. 1200mm long level approach recommended. 7.04 Is the ramp surface slip resistant? 7.05 Is the surface width of the ramp at least 1200mm wide and unobstructed width of the ramp at least 1000mm wide? 7.06 If the ramp gradient is between 1 in 20 and 1 in 15, is the length of each individual flight 10m or less?

NHSiS
Page 48
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 7.07 If the ramp gradient is between 1 in 15 and 1 in 12, is the length of each individual flight 5m or less? The ramp gradient should be between 1 in 20 and 1 in 12. If it is shallower than 1 in 20, it is considered a level approach. If it is steeper than 1 in 12, it is too steep to be used by disabled people and would not comply with Building Regulations. A gradient shallower than 1:15 1:20 is recommended. 7.08 Are appropriate intermediate landings provided at least 1200mm long? 7.09 Does the open side of the ramp have a raised kerb at least 100mm high? 7.10 Are there suitable continuous handrails each side and also to landings? 7.11 Are the ramp and landing handrails colour contrasted from their background? 7.12 Is the top of the handrail 840-1000mm above the surface of the ramp and above the surface of a landing?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 49
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 7.13 Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp? 7.14 Does the handrail terminate in a closed end which does not project into route of travel? 7.15 Does the profile and projection of the handrail provide a firm grip? 7.16 If the ramp gradient is 1:20 or steeper, are there accompanying steps? 7.17 Are the ramp and approaches maintained free of obstruction?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 50
INTERNAL STAIRCASE
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . Under Part S access within a building must be level or ramped or by way of a suitable passenger lift to any storey above or below the principal entrance storey, except in a two storey building where the net floor area of the storey is less than 280 sq metres, or in a building of more than two storeys where the net floor area of the storey is less than 200 sq metres. In these exceptional cases, access may be by stair, complying with the Part S questions in this section. Note: Net floor area excludes vertical circulation, sanitary accommodation and plant rooms.

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
8.01 Is the location of the stair adequately signed at each level? 8.02 Is each level clearly identified by tactile and visual information? 8.03 Is there adequate well positioned lighting? Lighting should be free of shadows. 8.04 Is the unobstructed width of the flight at least 1000mm wide? A flight is the length of a single run of steps. 8.05 Is the vertical rise of a flight between landings 1800mm maximum? Note: The Building Regulations allow a maximum rise of 16 risers.

NHSiS
Page 51
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 8.06 Are the top and bottom and intermediate landings at least 1200mm long clear of any door swing? See diagram. 8.07 Is rise of each step uniform and no more than 170mm? See diagram. 8.08 Is the going of each step uniform and at least 250mm? See diagram. 8.09 Are the risers solid/closed in? 8.10 Is the tread nosing profile suitable and designed to avoid risk of people catching their feet? See diagram. 8.11 Are all step nosings readily distinguishable and contrasted? A nosing is the front edge of the step. All stairs should comply with this question and be suitable for blind and partially sighted people.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 52
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 8.12 Does the stair have a suitable continuous handrail each side? See diagram. 8.13 Is the top of the handrail 840-1000mm above the pitch line of the stairs and above the surface of a landing? 8.14 Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the stairs? 8.15 Does the handrail terminate in a closed end which does not project into a route of travel? 8.16 Does the profile and projection of the handrail provide a firm grip? 8.17 Are any hazardous overhangs to the underside of stairs protected to avoid injury to blind and partially sighted people? 8.18 Are the stairs maintained in good condition and regularly checked for obstructions?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 53
LOCATION
8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18
INTERNAL STAIRCASE Is the location of the stair adequately signed at each level? Is each level clearly identified by tactile and visual information? Is there adequate well positioned lighting? Is the unobstructed width of the flight at least 1000mm wide? Is the vertical rise of a flight between landings 1200mm maximum? Are the top and bottom and intermediate landings at least 1200mm long clear of any door swing? Is rise of each step uniform and no more than 170mm? Is the going of each step uniform and at least 250mm? Are the risers solid/closed in? Is the tread nosing profile suitable and designed to avoid risk of people catching their feet? Are all step nosings readily distinguishable and contrasted? Does the stair have a suitable continuous handrail each side? Is the top of the handrail 840-1000mm above the pitch line of the stairs and above the surface of a landing? Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the stairs? Does the handrail terminate in a closed end which does not project into a route of travel? Does the profile and projection of the handrail allow a firm grip? Are any hazardous overhangs to the underside of stairs projected to avoid injury to blind and partially sighted people? Are the stairs maintained in good condition and regularly checked for obstructions?
Total
February 2000
Page 54
HBN 40
DIAG. 8
handrails (see notes 19-21)
900
2000
edge protection (see note 9)
landing (see notes 4-5) 1500 (1200) clear distance between handrails to be maintained on landings 1500 (1200)
landing (see notes 4-5) 1500 (1200)
1700 (1200) (see notes 17-18)
2000 (1500)
1500 (1000)
800 400 min max tactile warning (see note 12)
400 max
800 min tactile warning (see note 12)
nosings see note 8

170 max
280(250) 290 max 15-25mm a square nosing is less satisfactory than a splayed riser as it can trap the toe during ascent
Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Internal Stairs

Notes: a. See notes on following page
150
max 1800 (see note 6)
610
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
February 2000
Page 55
Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Internal Stairs

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. Reference should be made to Part S of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990. 2. Stairs are a barrier to people in wheelchairs or those with pushchairs or prams. A ramp can be provided in some situations, which will also facilitate egress in an emergency (see data sheet for Ramps); however, ramps are generally not considered appropriate for any significant changes in level within a building. 3. The dimensions illustrated in this data sheet only provide for general ambulant and semi-ambulant access. (Reference should be made to SHTM 81 and the Staircase, mattress evacuation data sheets in Volume 4 of HBN 40 with regard to the requirements for mattress evacuation.) Approach and landings 4. People with impaired sight are at risk of tripping or losing their balance when meeting sudden changes in level; the risk is greatest when approaching the head of a flight of steps. The existence of steps, on their own or within a flight, should be made apparent; stairs should be designed so that they are not a continuation of the line of normal pedestrian travel. 5. The clear, unobstructed length of landings in hospitals should be 1500mm (1200mm minimum). The top and bottom steps of a flight should not encroach onto the landing area. Height 6. The maximum permitted height for the rise of a flight of internal stairs between landings is 1800mm. (Note: The Technical Standards allow a maximum rise of 16 risers.) Risers and goings 7. Risers and goings should be uniform throughout the flight, as any irregularities can cause people to stumble. Risers should not be of the open type. The minimum internal going is 280mm. Nosings 8. Nosings should be marked in a colour/tone that contrasts with the colour of the stairs, extending the full width of the step, and reaching a depth of 50-60mm on both tread and riser, to allow visually impaired people to detect the edge of each step. Any edges should be firmly fixed and be of a non-slip type. Although rounded nosings can cause slipping, sharp nosings and abrupt angles should still be avoided. Edge protection 9. It is necessary to prevent feet, crutches and sticks from accidentally slipping off the edge of open-plan steps. For steps not adjacent to walls, a barrier, with a maximum height of 100mm above the level of the treads, should be provided. Step surface and type 10. The surface of the steps must be (and appear to be) non-slip, and to aid visually impaired people the risers should be a contrasting colour to the treads. 11. Stair finishes must not have patterns which cause step edges to be indistinguishable to visually impaired people, or which can otherwise cause visual confusion of any kind. 12. A change in surface texture at the top and bottom of the steps is needed, to act as a warning for visually impaired people that there is a change in level ahead. Such changes could simply be from a carpeted surface to a vinyl surface; corduroy or blister tactile surfaces should not be used in this instance.
13. Distractions should be avoided, especially at the top of steps where people may lose their concentration as well as their footing. 14. In addition, the use of open risers is not recommended, since open risers are hazardous to all users; they are especially dangerous for the ambulant disabled with leg braces and prostheses, who need a solid riser to guide their feet onto the next tread. Open risers allow feet to catch on the underside of the tread, and are therefore hazardous to those using sticks and canes. 15. Open areas on the underside of stairs should also be avoided, to eliminate the possibility of anyone including the fully sighted walking into the overhang created. If enclosure is not possible, then two rails one at 1000mm, and one at 200mm above floor level for cane users or some other strategically placed, permanent barrier, should be provided. 16. Single steps and any changes in level less than 100mm are to be avoided, as are helical and spiral steps (the treads of which are often too narrow). Width of steps 17. The steps must be wide enough for people to negotiate comfortably by holding onto either one or both handrails or by being assisted. The width of the steps should reflect the amount of pedestrian traffic. 18. A minimum clear step width of 1000mm for one person, or 1500mm for two-way traffic, is necessary. A middle handrail should be provided on any flights of steps wider than 1800mm. It is recommended that channels are a minimum of 1000mm wide, to ensure that people can use both handrails if they wish. Handrails 19. Reference should be made to the Handrails ergonomic data sheet later in this section for further guidance. 20. Handrails are required by some users to help them to pull up steps; they are also used for balance and support when descending. Handrail extensions also provide tactile cues to the presence of changes in level for visually impaired people. 21. Handrails:
must continue for a minimum of 300mm horizontally from the top step; where the handrail does not interrupt pedestrian routes, an extension of 450mm from the top step is recommended. Central handrails may project into the landings by the same amount as the going; must be located within the width of the tread; and should be provided on both sides of the steps, in order to assist people with left or right disabilities, those using a walking stick, or those carrying a bag in one hand.
Balustrades 22. Balustrades should be provided around landings to a height of 1100mm, to prevent people falling. They should not allow young children to fall between the gaps (which should be no wider than 100mm), nor provide toeholds for climbing up. Lighting 23. Steps and landings should be well illuminated, either naturally or by artificial means. The lighting should be designed so that it highlights the differences between risers and treads, the top and bottom steps, and any changes in direction.
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HBN 40
DIAG. 9
alternative recessed handrail section (see note 5) 900-1000 height of handrail (see note 6) must be rounded to minimise possible injury
900 space for independent wheelchair circulation
700 space for independent walking using handrail 750 with recessed handrail (see note 5)
250 (200)
minimum arm access to recessed rail
ambulant circulation 600
space for assisted walking using handrail 1300 (1100)
height of handrail (see note 6) 900-1000
45-50 125 (100)

45-50 see right 60 (45) (see notes 3-5)
(see note 3)
minimum preferred clearance
Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Handrails

Notes: See notes on following page.
50
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
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Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Handrails

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. Many people rely on handrails for balance and support, particularly when walking up and down steps, stairs and ramps, but also when in lifts and moving along corridors. In ascent, handrails are grasped at intervals, whereas during descent hands are usually slid continuously down them. Handrails are important for wheelchair users to hold onto when resting on ramps. Handrails also provide safety barriers on open ramps and stairways. Appearance/texture 2. Handrails:

should be easily visible in advance, and be of a contrasting colour to the surface to which they are fixed; should be smooth, and free of any abrasive elements; should be neither too cold nor too hot to the touch, especially those which are situated outdoors; can have raised indicators built in, to convey such information as floor level.
Shape and size 3. Handrails should be easy to grasp, and the shape and size must allow a firm but comfortable grip with the whole hand. Handrails which are too small are uncomfortable and provide an unsatisfactory grip, whereas handrails which are too large are difficult to grip for people with weak or arthritic hands. A round cross-section is recommended; this type of handrail is easiest to grip, and should ideally have a diameter of between 45mm and 50mm; the next most acceptable handrails are oval, measuring between 18mm and 37mm horizontally and between 32mm and 50mm vertically. (Whilst other shapes may also be acceptable, handrails with a large, square or vertically mounted and rectangular cross-section should be avoided.) Clearance 4. Handrails must allow enough space between them and the adjacent walls or other obstacles for fingers and hands to pass without scraping knuckles. (A clearance of 60mm is preferred; although a minimum clearance of 45mm complies with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations, this is uncomfortably tight for arthritic hands, especially if gloves are worn.) 5. Recessed handrail sections are not satisfactory, since they cannot be leant on for support. If this solution is unavoidable, any recesses containing handrails should extend for 250mm above the top of the rail. Height 6. The top of the handrail should ideally be 900mm above the surface of the ramp or pitch line of a flight of steps; a second, lower, rail the top of which should be at a height of 610mm should also be provided, for the benefit of wheelchair users and children. Extent 7. Continuous handrails on stairways and landings help visually impaired people to negotiate changes in direction. Handrails should therefore be continuous around the inside of dog-legs on stairways and ramps and continue around intermediate landings. Vertical handrail risers on turns, or any interruption of handrails to accommodate newel posts and supports, should be avoided. 8. Handrail extensions provide tactile cues as to the presence of changes in level for visually impaired people; they should extend horizontally for 300mm past each end of the feature, and where they do not interrupt pedestrian routes an extension of 450mm is recommended. They should return to the wall or floor or at least 100mm downwards, and should not project into any pedestrian routes. 9. A central handrail of a stairway may project into the landing by the same amount as the going.
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Distance between rails 10. For guidance regarding the recommended distance between handrails on corridors, steps and ramps, reference should be made to the relevant data sheets elsewhere in this volume. Withstandable force 11. Handrails should be rigid, securely fixed and able to support the weight of a person leaning on them. They should be able to withstand a concentrated momentary horizontal force of 91 kg applied to the top edge and 30% of that vertically down, and they should be able to withstand a minimum vertical load or horizontal pull of 1.33 kN. Balustrades 12. Balustrades must be provided around landings to a height of 1100mm, to prevent people falling. They should not allow young children to fall between the gaps (which should be no wider than 100mm), nor provide toeholds for climbing up.
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LIFT

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
9.01 Is a passenger lift provided? See Section 8 for guidance on access within a building and the provision of lifts. 9.02 Are the lift landing doors adequately colour contrasted from the surrounding wall? 9.03 Is the floor landing indication clear and the call controls between 900-1200mm high? 9.04 Immediately outside the lift is there sufficient unobstructed space of at least 1500 x 1500mm for wheelchair users to turn? 9.05 Is there a 1500 x 1500mm contrasting texture floor finish immediately outside the lift for blind and partially sighted people to identify the lift location? 9.06 Does the lift door provide a clear opening width of at least 800mm? 9.07 Do the lift doors have a delayed action closer and a photo sensor safety override to allow for 5 second delay and avoid trapping disabled people? Door edge strike sensor systems are hazardous and not recommended. Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 9.08 Is the lift car at least 1100mm wide and 1400mm long? 9.09 Does the car have internal handrails, appropriately designed and positioned? 9.10 Are the lift controls and emergency call located between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level and set back at least 400mm from the front wall corner? 9.11 Is the storey identified by suitable tactile indication on the landing and on the lift call buttons? 9.12 Is there suitable tactile indication to the lift buttons within the car to identify the floor selected? Raised letters or numerals are recommended in preference to engraved. 9.13 If the lift serves more than two floors, is there visual and audible indication of the floor reached, with a voice announcer for blind and partially sighted people?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 9.14 Does the lift car floor accurately align with landings at all levels? 9.15 Is the lift regularly checked and maintained? 9.16 Is there an alternative suitable staircase? Some users cannot tolerate lifts and alternative stairs should always be available in the event of lift breakdown or evacuation.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


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LOCATION
9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16
LIFT Is a passenger lift provided? Are the lift landing doors adequately colour contrasted from the surrounding wall? Is the floor landing indication clear and the call controls between 900-1200mm high? Immediately outside the lift is there at least 1500 x 1500mm for wheelchair users to turn? Is there a 1500 x 1500mm contrasting texture floor finish immediately outside the lift? Does the lift door provide a clear opening width of at least 800mm? Do the lift doors have a delayed action closer and a photo sensor safety override? Is the lift car at least 1100mm wide and 1400mm long? Does the car have internal handrails, appropriately designed and positioned? Are the lift controls and emergency call located between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level? Is the storey identified by suitable tactile indication on the landing and on the lift call buttons? Is there suitable tactile indication to the lift buttons within the car to identify the floor selected? Is there visual and audible indication of the floor reached, with a voice announcer? Does the lift car floor accurately align with landings at all levels? Is the lift regularly checked and maintained? Is there an alternative suitable staircase?
Total
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HBN 40
landing/manoeuvring space, assisted users (see note 4) 1900 landing/manoeuvring space, independent users (see note 4) 1500 acceptable zone for location of lift call controls 600 200
DIAG. 10
600 (500) manoeuvring space beyond door opening, assisted users (minimum dimension only suitable for independent use)
manoeuvring space assisted wheelchair users 2900
tip up seat
600 clearance
acceptable zone for location of call controls
handrails (see note 20)
acceptable zone for display and controls (see note 10-14, lifts general)
200
200 600 600 acceptable zones for display and controls (see note 8-14, lifts general)
Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Lift and Controls

Notes:
900
300
1350 (1300)
recess of 100mm just allows independent wheelchair turning, although some users may have difficulty. However, space is available for an assistant/attendant. 3. Handrails should be provided on both the side and rear walls of a passenger lift car. 4. The landing/lobby dimensions shown are for wheelchair movement only. Reference should be made to BS 5655 Part 5 and Part S of the Technical Standards for actual/ minimum requirements. 5. The controls should be positioned inside the lift as follows:
i. Where the wheelchair user can turn 180 , 600 (400)mm from the front edge of the lift. ii. Where the wheelchair user cannot turn (i.e. a 1100mm x 1400mm lift), frontal entry only, 500mm from the front edge of the lift. 6. In a 1100mm x 1400mm lift the visual indicator for lift activity should be located on the side wall of the car to allow a frontal access wheelchair user to see it. In a 1600mm x 1400mm lift the indicator can be located above the door as standard. 7. See also Lifts general notes on the following pages.
1. The minimum lift size for wheelchair use is a 630kg, 1100 x 1400mm lift. However, this size of car does not allow for turning of a wheelchair or reasonable space for an assistant/attendant. A 1100mm x 1400mm lift is therefore not recommended for general use in health care buildings. 2. A 1600mm x 1400mm car with a door
February 2000
minimum dimensions not recommended for wheelchair use (see note 1)

All sizes in mm
1400 (see note 1)
1200 (1000)
1100 (see notes 21-23, lifts general)
1600 (1400)
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Horizontal and Vertical Circulation: Lift and Controls

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) Lifts - General 1. The following guidance is provided for planning purposes only. More detailed technical information is contained in HTM 2004, Lifts. Lifts are provided in health buildings as a primary method of moving a number of different types of load between two or more defined, fixed floor levels; these loads will generally be embraced by one of the following categories: a. pedestrian(s) (fully ambulant and the mobility impaired): visitors, staff or patients, including those in wheelchairs, mothers with buggies, the visually impaired and people with walking frames, etc. The alternatives to lifts (steps/stairs, stair lifts, platform lifts, escalators and travelators) are not ideally accessible to all, and internal ramps between floors are only considered appropriate for materials supply and disposal purposes (see paragraph 1c below), and therefore a wheelchair accessible lift must be provided; b. patient trolley: the majority of bed patient movement between wards and treatment areas, as well as emergency patient movement (for example from A and E), will be on a stretcher trolley; c. goods trolley: in large healthcare buildings, the movement of all essential supplies will be carried out either by a manually propelled trolley or by a trolley propelled by an electric tow truck;
d. bed(s): the movement of patients in beds should be minimised in new building design by the proper design of departmental layouts and inter-departmental relationships. Selection of lifts 2. When considering the need for lifts, the selection should not restrict one type of load to a certain type of lift. The lifts should be selected so that they are versatile and can accommodate as many types of load as are considered practical. 3. The number, types, size and speeds of lifts should be determined from a traffic analysis specific to the proposed building development, and should allow adequate flexibility of the lift solution to accommodate future changes. Lift landings 4. Each lift should open onto a lobby of adequate depth, in order not to restrict the flow of traffic in front of the lift entrance that is, lifts must not open directly onto corridors. 5. The dimensions given on the individual ergonomic data sheets for the lift landing relate to the space requirements for the manoeuvring of users and equipment only. The depth of the lobby should be a minimum of that recommended in BS 5655 Part 5 1989 (Table 9, Landing depth), for non-residential and bed/passenger lifts. 6. There should be a contrast of tone and colour between the walls and the lift doors and between the landing and the lift floor, to assist visually impaired people. Additionally, a distinguishable floor surface measuring at least 1500 sq mm outside the lift door area will assist visually impaired people to locate the lift door. Landing indicators 7. Lift indication at the main landing entrances should comprise:

a digital full position indicator; lift direction-of-travel arrows; a lift arrival gong (sounding two strokes for up, one for down).
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Lift indication at all other floors should comprise:

lift direction-of-travel arrows; a lift arrival gong.
For a single lift, the floors other than that where the main entrance is situated may also have a full position indicator. Landing calls 8. The controls for calling the lift should be easy to understand, accessible, and simple to operate. BS 5655 Part 7 provides suitable information on the provision and nomenclature for types of lift call systems relevant to the type of control system selected. 9. The landing controls should be mounted at a height of between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level, and the push-button controls should:

be mounted in a single face-plate which contrasts with the landing decoration; be configured so that the up push-button is located above that for down; have raised or tactile embossed arrowhead symbols, either upon the pressel or on a chicklet adjacent to the push-button corresponding to the lifts direction of travel; have an illuminating bezel to signify that the call has been accepted by the lift; provide a positive movement (touch-type or engraved-letter buttons should not be used in any instance). The pressel of the push-button should measure at least 22mm square or in diameter.
Lift car controls 10. The lift car controls should be mounted at a height of between 900mm and 1200mm above the lift car floor, and should be located on the side wall of the car, at least 400mm from the front return of the car, to allow wheelchair users to access the lift controls. 11. The lift car operating panel should provide the following:

a digital full position indicator; direction-of-travel arrows; an alarm push; a push-button for each floor served; a key switch, for independent service.
12. All symbols for floor designation should be provided as a raised tactile-embossed numeral, either on the push-button or on a chicklet adjacent to the push-button. The push-button corresponding to the main entry/exit floor should have a raised five-pointed star adjacent to it as well as the floor designation symbol. (This is the internationally recognised method for delineating the entry/exit floor to the visually impaired.) The push-button should be contrasted in tone and colour to the panel on which it is mounted. 13. Audible indication of the floor levels, the lifts direction of travel, door movements, etc should be provided for the visually impaired by means of a digitised, sampled voice-speech synthesis unit within the lift car. The basic information provided by the speech synthesis unit (direction of travel, current floor level) may be enhanced by further, specific information about the department(s) situated on that particular floor of the building. 14. All visual information should be mounted at a height that is visible above other passengers heads (that is > or = 2m). Emergency communication 15. Emergency communication should be provided in each lift car by an alarm push-button on the car operating panel which sounds an electronic alarm (min 95 dBa) located in the vicinity of the lift well at the main entrance level, and which initiates an auto-dial, hands-free two-way communication link to a permanently manned point (for example, a telephone switchboard).
Lift car size 16. The lift cars should be sized to suit the various types of traffic identified in paragraph 1a to 1d above. In no case should the lift car be less than an 8-person (630 Kg) lift (that is, a car having internal dimensions of 1100mm x 1400mm). Reference should be made to the notes on the individual data sheets in HBN 40 for guidance on the appropriate sizes for use. Where a mixture of different sizes of lift is provided in a building which includes a bed/passenger lift, then the bed/passenger lift must serve all floors in that building. Lift finishes 17. The lift car should be fitted with a non-slip floor covering which will maintain its non-slip properties even when wet. The floor covering must allow small wheeled trolleys, baby buggies and wheelchairs to be easily manoeuvred that is, it should provide good grip and a minimum resistance to wheels (studded flooring is not recommended). 18. The lift car wall finishes should be selected dependent upon the type of healthcare building in question and the surrounding dcor. All finishes should be easily cleanable, should not support the growth of bacteria etc, should provide class 1 flame spread or better, and should be of a vandal resistant nature where possible. Lighting 19. The lighting within the lift car should be sympathetic to patients being transported on beds or trolleys that is, not dazzling when viewed from below. Wall wash lighting, reflected uplighting or perimeter lighting should therefore be adopted in preference to direct downlighting for trolley or bed lifts. Reference should be made to CIBSE Guide D, SHTM 2024 and BS 5655 for further details. Handrails 20. Handrails should be provided on the rear and side walls of passenger lift cars (see the handrails data sheet). Reference should be made to the individual data sheets for trolley and bed lifts for the space implications of (and recommendations for) the provision of handrails in lifts. Doors 21. Lift doors in healthcare buildings should be a minimum of 900mm (preferably 1100mm) wide x 2000mm high on all non-bed/passenger lifts, and 1300mm wide x 2100mm high on bed/passenger lifts. 22. All lift doors should be automatic power-operated and fitted with a full-height detector edge which will detect an obstruction without coming into physical contact with it. In the event of failure of the car door edge safety device, the lift door operating mechanism should be limited to less than 3 J by a pressure sensitive switch. In addition to the safety device and pressure sensitive switch, movement through the door should be monitored by an infra-red ray. 23. The lift doors should remain open for a minimum of 5 seconds, and the doors should have a maximum closing speed of 0.25 m/s. Provision of an audible warning of the doors closing should be considered. Dynamics 24. The lift car must accelerate and decelerate smoothly, and stop accurately in relation to the landing floor level.
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10
PLATFORM STAIRCLIMBER LIFT

10.01 Where part of a floor is not served by a ramp or by a passenger lift, has a fold-down platform stairlift to BS 5776:1996 been provided? Platform stairlifts are only acceptable for access within a storey. Stairclimber lifts are not generally recommended unless there is no option when adapting existing buildings. 10.02 Is the platform of adequate size for wheelchair users and capable of taking heavier powered wheelchairs? At least 800 x 1000mm recommended. 850 x 1200mm preferred. 10.03 Is there adequate manoeuvring space at the lower landing? At least 1200 x 900mm recommended. 10.04 Is there adequate and safe manoeuvring space at the upper landing? At least 1200 x 900mm recommended. 10.05 Are the fixed controls at the lower and upper landings clearly identifiable and located between 900mm and 1200mm height? 10.06 When not in use, does the platform revert to a folded position so that it does not place stair users at risk?

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 10.07 In the event of power failure or emergency is backup power or battery supply provided? 10.08 Is the platform stairclimber lift regularly checked and maintained?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


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11
VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT

11.01 Where it is impractical to effect a ramped change in level within a storey accessible to wheelchair users, has a short rise vertical platform lift to BS 6440:1983 been installed? Only recommended for short changes in level up to 1980mm. In some situations can be used up to 4000mm if suitably enclosed and protected. 11.02 Is there adequate and safe manoeuvring space at the lower landing? At least 1200 x 1200mm recommended. 11.03 Is there adequate manoeuvring space at the upper landing? At least 1200 x 1200mm recommended. 11.04 Are the controls easily identifiable and located between 900mm and 1200mm height? 11.05 Is the platform suitable for wheelchair user and manoeuvre, including heavier powered chairs? At least 850 x 1300mm recommended. 11.06 In the event of power failure or emergency, is backup power or battery supply provided?

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 11.07 Is the vertical platform lift regularly checked and maintained? 11.08 Is there an alternative accessible staircase? Alternative means of access/escape should always be available if the lift cannot be used.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 72
D: Internal Spaces
Internal doors, internal spaces, wards and treatment areas, catering and refreshment areas
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12
INTERNAL DOOR
12.01 Is the door absolutely necessary for safety or functional reasons? 12.02 Is the door clearly colour contrasted or distinguishable from its surroundings? 12.03 If the door is all glass, is it clearly visible in its closed position through contrasting bands, etching or logos? 12.04 Does the door have a glazed panel giving a zone of visibility at least between 900mm and 1500mm above floor level? Not required for spaces where privacy is needed. 12.05 Does the door contain a leaf which provides a minimum clear opening width of at least 750mm? For health service premises it is desirable to have at least 850mm clear opening. This also applies to one leaf of a double door set. 12.06 Is there at least 300mm unobstructed space alongside the leading edge for a wheelchair user to open the door clear of the door swing? Not necessary for automatic doors or doors on automatic hold-open devices. 12.07 Is the door/handle/control set at approximately 1000mm height?

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 12.08 Is the door/handle/control clearly colour contrasted from the door? 12.09 Can the door/handle/control be easily gripped and operated? 12.10 If a door closer is fitted, does it have slow action or a delay check to give disabled people time to pass through? 12.11 Is the door closer pressure easy and not greater than 25-30 Newtons? 12.12 Is the door closer of electromagnetic hold-open type and linked to the alarm system to close automatically in emergency? 12.13 Is the door regularly checked and maintained?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


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LOCATION
12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13
INTERNAL DOORS Is the door absolutely necessary for safety or functional reasons? Is the door clearly colour contrasted or distinguishable from its surroundings? If the door is all glass, is it clearly visible in its closed position? Does the door have a glazed panel giving a zone of visibility at least between 900mm and 1500mm above floor level? Does the door contain a leaf which provided a minimum clear opening width of at least 750mm? Is there at least 300mm unobstructed space alongside the leading edge of the door? Is the door/handle/control set at approximately 1000mm height? Is the door/handle/control clearly colour contrasted from the door? Can the door/handle/control be easily gripped and operated? If a door closer is fitted, does it have slow action or a delay check? Is the door closer pressure easy and not greater than 25-30 Newtons? Is the door closer of electromagnetic hold-open type and linked to the alarm system? Is the door regularly checked and maintained?
Total
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13
INTERNAL SPACE
13.01 Is the space function or use identified by visual and tactile information? 13.02 Can the lighting, heating and ventilation be independently controlled by the users? 13.03 Are the lighting levels suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from excessive glare and shadows? 13.04 Can the natural and artificial lighting be adjusted to suit the range of activities and tasks carried out? 13.05 Are the acoustics suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from unwanted noise, echo and reverberations? 13.06 Are wall finishes non-reflective and free from confusing or distracting patterns? 13.07 Are floor surfaces easily negotiable by wheelchair users? 13.08 Is sufficient circulation space available for wheelchair users? Generally at least 900mm aisle width, with 1200mm width if turning through 90 degrees at junctions and doorways. 1500mm full turning circle is desirable.

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 13.09 Is the space maintained clear of obstructions which would create hazards for people with visual impairments? 13.10 Are radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched? 13.11 Are storage systems and equipment suitable for use from a seated position and by people with sensory disabilities? 13.12 Are telephones fitted with amplifiers and inductive couplers and textphones available for use by deaf and hard of hearing people? 13.13 Are all areas where information is given or meetings held equipped with a suitable hearing enhancement system (e.g. induction loop)? Under Part N of the Building Regulations, this relates to spaces in excess of 100m2 in areas such as meeting or seminar rooms. Suitable hearing enhancement systems must be provided in areas such as information counters where separating glazed screens are used.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 13.14 If areas are not fitted with a hearing enhancement system, is a portable hearing enhancement system available as required? 13.15 Is the hearing enhancement system regularly checked and maintained?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


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LOCATION
13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 13.11 13.12 13.13 13.14 13.15
INTERNAL SPACE Is the space function or use identified by visual and tactile information? Can the lighting, heating and ventilation be independently controlled by the users? Are the lighting levels suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from excessive glare and shadows? Can the natural and artificial lighting be adjusted to suit the range of activities and tasks carried out? Are the acoustics suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from unwanted noise, echo and reverberations? Are wall finishes non-reflective and free from confusing or distracting patterns? Are floor surfaces easily negotiable by wheelchair users? Is sufficient circulation space available for wheelchair users? Is the space maintained clear of obstructions which would create hazards for people with visual impairments? Are radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched? Are storage systems and equipment suitable for use from a seated position and by people with sensory disabilities? Are telephones fitted with amplifiers and inductive couplers and are textphones available? Are all areas where information is given or meetings held equipped with a suitable hearing enhancement system? If areas are not fitted with a hearing enhancement system, is a portable hearing enhancement system available? Is the hearing enhancement system regularly checked and maintained?
Total
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14
WARDS AND TREATMENT AREAS


NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
14.01 Is the space function identifiable by visual and tactile information? 14.02 Are the lighting levels suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from excessive glare and shadows? 14.03 Are natural and artificial lighting levels locally controllable? 14.04 Are heating and ventilation levels locally controllable? 14.05 Is the space free from excessive noise, echo and reverberation? 14.06 Are floor, wall and ceiling surfaces free of confusing patterns and reflections? 14.07 Are floor surfaces non slip, even when wet? 14.08 Are radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched? 14.09 Is there adequate circulation space for wheelchair users and assistants? At least 1200mm width is desirable see diagram. 14.10 Are circulation spaces clearly defined and kept free of hazards and obstructions for blind and partially sighted people?

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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 14.11 Is visual privacy possible using screens or curtains if required? 14.12 Are private rooms available if required? 14.13 Can the height of examination couches be adjusted? 14.14 Is there a choice of bed heights or can bed heights be adjusted? 14.15 Is there a choice of seating heights, with and without arms? 14.16 Are bedside switches and facilities easily identifiable, reachable and usable by people with limited dexterity or with visual impairments? 14.17 Is assistive equipment such as trolley hoists and pressure sore mats available if required? 14.18 Are suitable charging facilities available for powered wheelchairs and other equipment if required? 14.19 Are any charging facilities for powered wheelchairs and other equipment located in a secure fire resisting ventilated enclosure?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 82
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 14.20 Is there a trolley telephone accessible to disabled people and fitted with a volume control and inductive coupler for deaf and hard of hearing people. 14.21 Is a trolley textphone facility available for deaf and hard of hearing people? 14.22 If a television is provided, does this have teletext subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing people? 14.23 Are there personal hearing enhancement systems for linking into the television or radio service, fitted with volume controls and induction loops for deaf and hard of hearing people? 14.24 Is an accessible WC available within a total horizontal travel distance of not more than 45 metres from any accessible point? WC should generally comply with the criteria in the accessible WC section of this Checklist 14.25 Is an accessible shower available within convenient distance? Shower should generally comply with the criteria in the accessible shower section of this Checklist.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 83
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 14.26 Is an accessible bathroom available within convenient distance? Bathroom should generally comply with the criteria in the accessible bathroom section of this Checklist.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 84
LOCATION
14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 14.19 14.20 14.21 14.22 14.23 14.24 14.25 14.26
WARDS AND TREATMENT AREAS Is the space function identifiable by visual and tactile information? Are the lighting levels free from excessive glare and shadows? Are natural and artificial lighting levels locally controllable? Are heating and ventilation levels locally controllable? Is the space free from excessive noise, echo and reverberation? Are floor, wall and ceiling surfaces free of confusing patterns and reflections? Are floor surfaces non slip, even when wet? Are radiators of low surface temperature type? Is there adequate circulation space for wheelchair users and assistants? Are circulation spaces clearly defined and kept free of hazards and obstructions? Is visual privacy possible using screens or curtains if required? Are private rooms available if required? Can the height of examination couches be adjusted? Is there a choice of bed heights or can bed heights be adjusted? Is there a choice of seating heights, with and without arms? Are bedside switches and facilities easily identifiable, reachable and usable? Is assistive equipment such as trolley hoists and pressure sore mats available if required? Are suitable charging facilities available for powered wheelchairs and other equipment? Are any charging facilities for powered wheelchairs and other equipment located in a suitable enclosure? Is there an accessible trolley telephone fitted with a volume control and inductive coupler? Is a trolley textphone facility available for deaf and hard of hearing people? If a television is provided, does this have teletext subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing people? Are there personal hearing enhancement systems for linking to the television or radio service? Is an accessible WC available within convenient distance? Is an accessible shower available within 45 metres distance? Is an accessible bathroom available within convenient distance?
Total
February 2000
Page 85
HBN 40
DIAG. 11
clearance 100
space to allow turning (see note 2)
550 (450) space for assisstant
(see note 3) 1200 space for patient in wheelchair frontal approach (1000) (where feet can pass under bed) 550 (450) 800 (700) space for patient in wheelchair lateral transfer bed width - varies 900-960 KF (without side rails)
space for independent wheelchair users to pass end of bed in straight movement
space for assisstant
access space for independent user and space to make bed (for unimpeded activities and for unrestricted assistance 1400 1200 (1000) (see note 3)
1600 space for assisted wheelchair turning 1500 independent users (see note 2)
Internal Spaces, Wards and Treatment Areas: Bed, Various

Notes:
1000 (950)
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
1. Compressed height of mattress for transfer by wheelchair users is critical and should be equal to the effective seat height of the wheelchair (i.e. 480 or up to 550 with a 100 deep cushion). Where the person stands during transfer a compressed mattress height of 500 is preferred. 2. If space for wheelchair turning is not available to one side of the bed, then turning
space should be available nearby. 3. Space at foot of bed must be increased to 1400 to accommodate a 90 turn when only (1000) is available at the side of the bed. Similarly, where space at bottom of bed is only (1000), space at side of bed should be 1400. Where space at side of bed is 1200, space at foot of bed should be 1200.
February 2000
bed length (varies) (extended KF bed)
2000-2500
Page 86
15
CATERING AND REFRESHMENT AREAS

15.01 Is suitable access available to the full range of services offered? 15.02 Are all self-service counters accessible to wheelchair users? 15.03 Is at least half the area where seating is provided accessible to wheelchair users? 15.04 Where the nature of the service varies and is divided into different areas in the same or different storeys, is at least half of each area accessible to wheelchair users? 15.05 In areas of fixed seating, is there space for wheelchair users to draw up to a table or is some seating easily movable? 15.06 Are circulation routes between tables clear of obstructions and clearly identifiable to blind and partially sighted people? 15.07 Are the lighting levels suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from excessive glare and shadows? 15.08 Are floor, wall and ceiling surfaces free of confusing patterns and reflections?

NHSiS
Page 87
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 15.09 Are the acoustics suitable for people with sensory disabilities and free from unwanted noise, echo and reverberations? 15.10 Are floor surfaces non slip even when wet? 15.11 Are radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched? 15.12 Are all automatic vending machine controls and dispenser points located within a height zone of approximately 700-1400mm from floor level? 15.13 Are all automatic vending machine controls and products identifiable to blind and partially sighted people?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 88
E: Sanitary Facilities
Ambulant, standard and peninsular WC layouts, changing cubicles, showers and bathrooms
February 2000
Page 89
16
ACCESSIBLE WC - AMBULANT

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
16.01 Where WCs are provided in storeys accessed only by stairs and inaccessible to wheelchair users, are there male and female WCs for ambulant disabled people? An ambulant persons WC is a standard sized WC compartment fitted with grabrails for the use of people with mobility difficulties. It is not suitable for wheelchair users see diagram. 16.02 Is the travel distance to a suitable WC for ambulant disabled people no greater than that for non disabled people? 16.03 Is the door to the WC colour contrasted against its background? 16.04 Is the WC identifiable by a colour contrasted tactile symbol on the door at approximately 150mm height? 16.05 Does the WC for ambulant disabled people have an outward opening or sliding door? 16.06 If the WC door opens outwards directly into a corridor, is this designed so as not to compromise means of escape or cause a hazard to corridor uses? WC door should be either set back from main line of travel, fitted with guardrails or have space of at least the width of the corridor between the arc of the door swing and any obstruction opposite. Alternatively the door might be of sliding or folding type. Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 16.07 Is the WC door of sliding type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 16.08 Is the WC door of bifold type and easily operated? Folding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 16.09 Are all door handles/controls and locks easily gripped and operated? 16.10 Can the door be opened from outside in emergency? 16.11 Is the floor slip resistant and colour contrasted from the walls? 16.12 Are all sanitary fittings and grabrails colour contrasted from their background? 16.13 Is the size of the WC for ambulant disabled people at least 800mm wide and 1500mm long? 16.14 Is the top of the WC pan no lower than 450mm from floor level? 16.15 Does the WC for ambulant disabled people have suitable support rails on both sides of the WC pan? See diagram.
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 91
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 16.16 Is a suitable panic alarm provided and linked to a permanently supervised point? 16.17 Is the alarm cord or switch colour contrasted red and reachable from a sanding, seated or lying position? 16.18 If a urine specimen shelf or hatch is provided within the WC, is this appropriately colour contrasted and located within a height zone of 750mm 1200mm from floor level? 16.19 Are any radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 92
B. REGS.
DIAG. 12
35mm dia support rail
800
200
1500
Sanitary Facilities: Accessible WC - Ambulant

Notes: 1. Washbasin to be provided outwith the cubicle; where provided within, additional space will be required. 2. A siding door is an acceptable option.
450
300
All sizes in mm
February 2000
Page 93
HBN 40
DIAG. 13
1400
height of vertical grabrail
1000-1200 height of lever flush handle (see note 2) clearance min 75 700 450 height of grabrail height of WC seat
600 height of toilet paper holder
turning space for sanichair access where door space is at side of cubicle 1050 550-600
min width of independent cubicle 800
1175 min. clear space between grabrails 700 space for grabrail 75 C L (350) 400 (325)
min grabrail projection beyond front edge of toilet 250
550-600
600
space for assisting 1200
space in front of WC
Sanitary Facilities: Toilets 2

Use of WC and handrinse facilities with front access space for assistant
Notes: 1. This layout allows space for entry with a child or bags etc. Where several unisex or ambulant WCs are provided they should be handed. 2. Flush handles below 1100 will obstruct positioning of a sanitary chair over the WC. 3. Floors should be slip resistant and in contrasting colour to the walls and WC. Floors should not be shiny or cause reflections or glare since this causes confusion for people with sight impairments. The colour or tone of the background should
space for door opening inwards
700 (600)
alternative door position
2200 (1950)
900 (800)
All sizes in mm allow grabrails and sanitary fittings to be easily distinguished. 4. An alarm cord, reachable from the toilet/basin and floor must be fitted. 5. Where assistance is minimal, the cubicle width can be reduced to 1100. 6. Side access to the WC for the assistant is generally preferred for semi-ambulant people. See Toilets 3.
1350 (1300)
February 2000
Page 94
HBN 40
DIAG. 14
1400
1000-1200 height of lever flush handle (see note 3) clearance min 75 700 450 height of grabrail height of WC seat
600 height of toilet paper holder
turning space for sanichair access where door space is at side of cubicle 1050 550-600
min width of independent cubicle 800 min width of assisted cubicle 1300 clear space between grabrails 400 space for grabrail 75 350 700 C L space for assistant (see note 2) 600
min grabrail projection beyond front edge of toilet
550-600
600
space in front of WC
900 (800)
250
Sanitary Facilities: Toilets 3

Use of WC and handrinse facilities with side access space for assistant
Notes: ambulant WCs are provided they should be handed. 2. This allows side access when the hinged grabrail is in the raised position. 3. Flush handles below 1100 will obstruct positioning of a sanitary chair over the WC. 4. Floors should be slip resistant and in
space above 600 from floor level for personal washing

All sizes in mm
alternative wall position for basin at side of WC
space for door opening inwards
700 (600)
1350 (1300)
Preferred minimum: (Restricted minimum, not recommended for general use.) Drawing not to scale 1. This layout allows space for entry with a child or bags etc. Where several unisex or
contrasting colour to the walls and WC. Floors should not be shiny or cause reflections or glare since this causes confusion for people with sight impairments. The colour or tone of the background should allow grabrails and sanitary fittings to be easily distinguished. 5. An alarm cord, reachable from the toilet/basin and floor must be fitted.
February 2000
550
1100
Page 95
17
ACCESSIBLE WC STANDARD LAYOUT


NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
17.01 Has a suitable independent standard accessible unisex WC been provided within a total horizontal travel distance of not more than 45 metres from any accessible point? This is a WC compartment set out to permit manoeuvring and independent or assisted transfer to the WC from one side by a wheelchair user and incorporates a washbasin reachable from a seated position on the WC see diagram. 17.02 Are sufficient accessible unisex WCs distributed throughout the building? 17.03 If more than one wheelchair accessible WC is provided, are the layouts handed to permit a choice of left or right hand transfer? 17.04 Is the route to the WC accessible to a wheelchair user and free of steps, hazards and distractions? 17.05 Is the WC location clearly signed and identifiable by visual and tactile information? See Signage Section 22. 17.06 Is the travel distance to the accessible WC no greater than that to a WC for a non disabled person?

NHSiS
Page 96
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 17.07 Is there at least 1500mm x 1500mm space outside the accessible WC compartment for manoeuvre and door opening? 17.08 Is the door to the WC colour contrasted against its background? 17.09 Is the WC identifiable by a colour contrasted tactile symbol on the door at approximately 1500mm height? 17.10 Does the door to the WC cubicle have a minimum 800mm clear opening width? 17.11 Does the WC cubicle door slide or open outwards? 17.12 If the WC door opens outwards directly into a corridor, is this designed so as not to compromise means of escape or cause a hazard to corridor users? WC door should be either set back from main line of travel, fitted with guardrails or have space of at least the width of the corridor between the arc of the door swing and any obstruction opposite. Alternatively the door might be of sliding or folding type. 17.13 Is the WC door of sliding type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
NHSiS
Page 97
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 17.14 Is the WC door of bifold type and easily operated? Folding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 17.15 Can the WC door be opened from outside in emergency? 17.16 Are the WC door controls, lock and light switch easily reached and operated? 17.17 Is the floor slip resistant and colour contrasted from the walls? 17.18 Are all sanitary fittings and grabrails colour contrasted from their background? 17.19 Is the compartment at least 2000mm x 1500mm to allow for frontal, lateral, angled and rear transfer, both assisted and unassisted? 17.20 Do the positions of the WC and basin comply with the diagram of a wheelchair accessible WC shown at the end of this section? 17.21 Is the WC cistern flush located on the open transfer side of the WC and not higher than 1000mm from the floor?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 98
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 17.22 Is the WC cistern flush of lever or pull ring type and easily operated? 17.23 Are suitable handrails provided and do their positions comply with the diagram of a wheelchair accessible WC shown at the end of this section? 17.24 Are both hand-washing and drying facilities within reach of someone seated on WC? 17.25 Is the basin tap of lever type appropriate for use by a person with limited dexterity, grip or strength? 17.26 Is the basin tap thermostatically regulated to avoid scalding? Max. temperature should not exceed 43oC. 17.27 Is the top of the WC pan no lower than 450mm from floor level? 17.28 Is the transfer space to the side of the WC pan at least 700mm clear of obstruction by radiators, ducted pipework and freestanding items? 17.29 Is a suitable panic alarm provided and linked to a permanently supervised point? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
NHSiS
Page 99
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 17.30 Is the alarm cord or switch colour contrasted red and reachable from a standing, seated or lying position? 17.31 Is a full length mirror provided? 17.32 Is there a choice of coat hooks at approximately 1200mm height for wheelchair users and 1700mm height for others? 17.33 Are all sanitary dispenser or vending machine controls and coin slots located within a height zone of approximately 700 1400mm from floor level? 17.34 Are all sanitary dispenser or vending machine controls and products identifiable to blind and partially sighted people? 17.35 If a urine specimen shelf or hatch is provided within the WC, is this appropriately colour contrasted and located within a height zone of 750mm 1200mm from floor level? 17.36 Are all radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 100
B. REGS.
DIAG. 15
hinged support rail
300
650
450
250
400
C L
1500
2000
Sanitary Facilities: Accessible WC - Standard Layout

Notes: 1. Door width is clear opening width. 2. A sliding door is an acceptable option.
800 clear
hinged support rail
750
All sizes in mm
February 2000
Page 101
HBN 40
1900 1550
DIAG. 16
1400
1000-1200 height of lever flush handle 950 900 1000 750 450 300 height of grabrail for standing use height of grabrail for seated use and basin rim height height of WC seat
750 (700) projection of WC 500 (550) front edge of WC to grabrail 100 to be added if door opens inwards 2100 cubicle depth if door opens outwards
cubicle width 1900 (1750)
300 (200) to be added if door opens inwards
alternative parking for wheelchair transfer or space for assistant 100 rail and clearance 900 (700) clear space clearance between for rail grabrails 400 700 C L
750 (700)
750
15 00
space for frontal approach to WC by inependent wheelchair user
space in front of toilet
900 (800)
space for attendant in front of wheelchair
1000 door set
1200
900 (800)
1000 door set 800 (600) clearance for access from wheelchair
methods of transfer to be accommodated
side and side oblique
forward
through back of wheelchair
oblique
assisted frontal
All sizes in mm
Sanitary Facilities: Toilets 4: Independent wheelchair users

Notes:
1350 (1300)
a. See notes for Toilets 4, 5 and 6 on pages following Diagram 18.
February 2000
100 to be added if door opens inward
2100 cubicle depth if door opens outwards
space for wheelchair user
1200
250
Page 102
HBN 40
DIAG. 17
1400
1000-1200 height of lever flush handle height of 1000 dispensers for paper towels, soap and toilet roll holder 950 750 450 height of grabrail for standing use height of grabrail for seated use and basin rim height height of WC seat
750 (700) projection of WC 500 (550) front edge of WC to grabrail
1900 (1750) space at side of WC for sideways or side oblique transfer by independent wheelchair users or space for assistant 900 (800) clearance clear space between for rail grabrails (see note 20) 400 700 C L
750 (700)
space for wheelchair user
space for frontal approach to WC by independent wheelchair user assuming adequate manoeuvring space is available elsewhere in the room 1200
1200
250
750
space for attendant in front of wheelchair
800 (600)
d in
ep
en
methods of transfer to be accommodated
side and side oblique
forward
through back of wheelchair
oblique
assisted frontal
Sanitary Facilities: Toilets 5: Independent and assisted wheelchair users

Notes:
1600
g 00 nin 15 tur nt de
sp
ac
1350 (1300)
a. See notes for Toilets 4, 5 and 6 on pages following Diagram 18.
February 2000
space for access / withdrawal for frontal transfer by assisted wheelchair users
All sizes in mm
space in front of toilet
900 (800)
Page 103
18
ACCESSIBLE WC PENINSULAR LAYOUT


NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
18.01 Has a suitable peninsular accessible unisex WC been provided? A peninsular WC compartment is set out to permit manoeuvring and independent or assisted transfer to the WC from either side by a wheelchair user. The washbasin is not reachable from a seated position on the WC see diagram. 18.02 Is the route to the WC accessible to a wheelchair user and free of steps, hazards and restriction? 18.03 Is the WC location clearly signed and identifiable by visual and tactile information? 18.04 Is the travel distance to the WC no greater than that for a non disabled person? 18.05 Is there at least 1500mm x 1500mm space outside the accessible WC compartment for manoeuvre and door opening? 18.06 Is the door to the WC colour contrasted against its background? 18.07 Is the WC identifiable by a colour contrasted tactile symbol on the door at approximately 1500mm height? 18.08 Does the door to the WC cubicle have a minimum 800mm clear opening width? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 18.09 Does the WC cubicle door open outwards? 18.10 If the WC door opens outwards directly into a corridor, is this designed so as not to compromise means of escape or cause a hazard to corridor users? WC door should be either set back from main line of travel, fitted with guardrails or have space of at least the width of the corridor between the arc of the door swing and any obstruction opposite. Alternatively the door might be of sliding or folding type. 18.11 Is the WC door of sliding type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 18.12 Is the WC door of bifold and easily operated? Folding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 18.13 Can the WC door be opened from outside in emergency? 18.14 Are the WC door handles, lock and light switch easily reached and operated? 18.15 Is the floor slip resistant and colour contrasted from the walls?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 105
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 18.16 Are all sanitary fittings and grabrails colour contrasted from their background? 18.17 Is the compartment at least 2400mm x 2300mm to allow for frontal lateral, angled and rear assisted and unassisted transfer? 18.18 Do the positions of the WC and basin comply with the diagram of a peninsular accessible WC shown below? 18.19 Is the WC cistern flush located on the open transfer side of the WC and not higher than 1000mm from the floor? 18.20 Is the WC cistern flush of lever or pull ring type and easily operated? 18.21 Are hand washing and drying facilities accessible to a wheelchair user? 18.22 Are suitable handrails provided and do their positions comply with the diagram of a peninsular accessible WC shown below? 18.23 Is the basin tap of lever type appropriate for use by a person with limited dexterity, grip or strength?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
Page 106
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 18.24 Is the basin tap thermostatically regulated to avoid scalding? o Max. temperature should not exceed 43 C. 18.25 Is the top of the WC pan no lower than 450mm from floor level? 18.26 Is the transfer space to the side of the WC pan at least 800mm clear of obstruction by radiators, ducted pipework and freestanding items? 18.27 Is a suitable panic alarm provided and linked to a permanently supervised point? 18.28 Is the alarm cord or switch colour contrasted red and reachable from a standing, seated or lying position? 18.29 Is there a choice of coat hooks at approximately 1200mm height for wheelchair users and 1700mm height for others? 18.30 Is a full length mirror provided? 18.31 Are any sanitary dispenser or vending machine controls and coin slots located within a height zone of approximately 700mm - 1400mm from floor level? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
NHSiS
Page 107
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 18.32 Are any sanitary dispenser or vending machine controls and products identifiable to blind and partially sighted people? 18.33 If a urine specimen shelf or hatch is provided within the WC, is this appropriately colour contrasted and located within a height zone of 750mm 1200mm from floor level? 18.34 Are any radiators of low surface temperature type to avoid burning when touched?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 108
HBN 40
DIAG. 18
1400
950 750 450
height of grabrail for standing use height of grabrail for seated use and basin rim height height of WC seat
750 (700) projection of WC 500 (550) front edge of WC to grabrail
2300 (2000) C L 1150 (1000) space to assist patient 900 clear space between grabrails 700 rail and clearance 100 1150 (1000)
WC projection to allow lateral 250 transfer 750 (700)
100 700 100 350

) 00 ir 14 g ha al ( t in 00 l c 0 16 h e e r a w 150 d e n turn n ir w thd p e ha ed wi d e elc st s / i n he si as ces w ac
rail and clearance
grabrail length 1000
alternative curtain positions

35 0
grabrail (reduced length) clearance for access to door handles by independent wheelchair users
cubicle depth 2400
alternative basin position
reduced space for alternative basin position 100 (handrinse) 300 (medium)
300
200
250
clearance
200 addiional space for alternative basin position 200 (handrinse) 400 (medium) 800 clearance for access from wheelchair
Sanitary Facilities: Toilets 6: Independent and dual assissted wheelchair users

Notes:
900 door set
800
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
a. See notes for Toilets 4, 5 and 6 on following pages.
February 2000
Page 109
Sanitary Facilities: Toilets 4, 5 and 6

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. The space/spaces required vary depending upon the range of users and components to be accommodated. The space allowed for activities should take into account the varying degrees of assistance that may be required, and the fact that some users may be relatively inexperienced at manoeuvring a wheelchair or using any other aid to mobility. 2. Disabled users of the building (whether patients, visitors or staff) should not have to travel further, or make more effort than other users, to use a toilet. Consideration should be given to whether the overall toilet provision is adequate for the needs of particular ethnic groups if it is likely that there will be a significant number of users from any such group. 3. Accessible toilet facilities must be reached along fully accessible routes, and clearly indicated. 4. Toilet facilities should not be located within lobby areas if at all possible, since their doors and confined spaces can be difficult for people with problems of mobility and hand function, and also for those who use wheelchairs, to negotiate. However, privacy should always be maintained; toilet doors should therefore not open directly off busy circulation spaces, or the layout should be such that the open door does not give a view of the interior of the toilet. In assisted WCs where this is not possible, a curtain should be provided to ensure that the patient using the toilet cannot be seen from the adjacent corridor or activity space. 5. Toilet facilities for wheelchair users can be provided either on a unisex or integral basis. A unisex facility is approached separately from other sanitary accommodation; it has practical advantages, in that it is more easily identified, it permits assistance by a companion of either sex, and it can be used by others who require more space (such as those with a pushchair, child or guide dog). It is less demanding of space than an integral toilet facility, which effectively has to be duplicated in order to achieve the same level of provision for both sexes. (An integral facility is contained within each of the separate provisions for male and female users, thus precluding assistance from a companion of the opposite sex.) 6. Whether toilet compartments for wheelchair users are designed on a unisex or integral basis, they should be similar in layout and content, and should satisfy the following needs: to achieve necessary wheelchair manoeuvre; to allow for frontal, lateral, diagonal and backward transfer onto (and off) the toilet; to provide facilities for hand washing and hand drying within reach of the toilet, prior to transfer back onto the wheelchair; and to have sufficient space to allow a helper to assist in the transfer. Where more than one type of toilet is made available, it is suggested that mirrored unisex facilities would best meet the needs of individual preferences. 7. All fittings (toilet, basin, etc) should be securely fixed, since people may need to lean on them or grip them for support. Toilet 8. The shape of the toilet pan and bowl is important. Many wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people need to cleanse themselves while still sitting on the toilet, so it is useful if the pan offers a wide opening, and the water level should not be less than 200mm from the rim. The toilet pan should be made of tough material, the pan fixing must be strong, and effective seat stabilisers are important. It is especially important to avoid any sharp edges and rough surfaces. 9. Some users will only be able to use one hand, so that toilet-paper dispenser must be within easy reach and should dispense individual sheets or otherwise incorporate a locking device which allows sheets to be easily torn off with one hand. 10. Provision of a toilet lid will prevent use of the horizontal rail behind the pan. 11. A black or dark toilet seat should be fitted to a white ceramic WC unit, thus providing good colour contrast and helping the intended user to locate the facility.
February 2000
Page 110
Basin 12. The basin and soap dispenser should be positioned so that they can be reached while sitting on the toilet, and should be contrasted in colour and tone with the surface to which they are fixed. This will assist the visually impaired and will allow hands and other parts of the body to be washed before transferring back onto the wheelchair (thus avoiding the possibility of staining clothes or the wheelchair). 13. Hand rinse facilities vary from 350mm to 450mm in size. Basins which project for less than 300mm tend to be very unsatisfactory in that they do not adequately contain splashing, whereas basins over 350mm deep require an excessive sideways reach from the WC seat to access taps etc. Recessed basins are generally not favoured, because they tend to be too shallow and restrict access for and movement of hands by some disabled users. 14. To facilitate good access to the basin, the centre line of the bowl should not be forward of the front edge of the WC seat. Where the taps are positioned on the far side of the basin, the preferred location of the basin is set back between 200mm and 250mm from the front edge of the WC. 15. The towel dispenser must be within easy reach, to allow users to dry themselves. 16. Fittings such as toilet flush and taps should be equipped with lever handles, since these do not require the ability to grip and can even be operated using an elbow. Bins 17. Some people may wear bags which need to be emptied into the toilet, or they may wear disposable colostomy/ileostomy bags or incontinence pads. A suitable sealed bin should be provided for the disposal of these; this must be positioned within easy reach of the toilet and where it does not obstruct circulation space. 18. A bin will also be required if paper towels are provided; paper or cloth towels (which do not require strength to pull) are preferred to hand dryers, which have limited application for people with disabilities. Rails 19. Rails are used to provide support and stability when transferring, sitting down and standing up, and while adjusting clothing. The hinged fold-down rail is used in combination with a fixed wall rail by relatively independent users to provide support when lowering themselves onto the seat. Vertical rails are used for pulling back up to a standing position, and they are also important for a male standing to urinate when sticks and crutches have been discarded. 20. Grabrails must be positioned symmetrically over the toilet, and should be contrasting in colour and tone with the surface to which they are fixed. The 700mm dimension allows access to the toilet by patients on wheeled sanitary chairs; this dimension must not be exceeded, since it will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the handrails as an aid to users. Help call facility 21. An alarm cord, reachable from the toilet/basin area and the floor, must be fitted; it should be differentiated, both in colour/tone and diameter, from the light pull cord. Floor and wall surfaces 22. Good lighting and colour contrasting between floors and walls, and also between fixtures, walls and fittings such as toilet seats, enable those with impaired sight to use the facilities more easily and safely. 23. The floor must be non-slip, even when wet. Doors 24. The leading edge of the door should be in the middle of the room, not the corner. The door should open out, but if inward opening is unavoidable the room depth must be increased to clear the door swing. It must be possible to open the door outwards in an emergency.
February 2000
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Minimum requirements 25. To comply with statutory requirements, a WC must have as minimum provision the dimensions, equipment and fittings shown in the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990.
February 2000
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19
CHANGING FACILITIES - CUBICLE


NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
19.01 Is a wheelchair accessible changing cubicle provided? At least 1 in 20 or part thereof. 19.02 Is the cubicle clearly signed and identifiable by visual and tactile information? 19.03 If a door is fitted to the cubicle, does this open outwards? 19.04 Can the cubicle door be opened from outside in emergency? 19.05 Are the door controls, lock and light switch easily reached and operated? 19.06 Does the cubicle comply with the size and layout shown in the diagram below? 19.07 Is the floor slip resistant and colour contrasted from the walls? 19.08 Are all fittings and grabrails colour contrasted from their background? 19.09 Is there a choice of coat hooks at approximately 1200mm height for wheelchair users and 1700mm height for others?

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 19.10 Is a suitable panic alarm provided and linked to a permanently supervised point? 19.11 Is the alarm cord or switch colour contrasted red and reachable from a standing, seated or lying position on the floor?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 114
B.REGS.
DIAG. 19
1500
600 mm long grabrail Tip-up seat
Curtain
1200
Sanitary Facilities: Changing Cubicle
1600
Hinged support rail
All sizes in mm
February 2000
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20
ACCESSIBLE SHOWER

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
20.01 Is a suitable accessible shower compartment provided? 20.02Is the shower compartment clearly signed and identifiable by visual and tactile information? 20.03 If a door is fitted to the shower compartment, does this open outwards? 20.04 If the shower compartment door opens outwards directly into a corridor, is this designed so as not to compromise means of escape or cause a hazard to corridor users? Shower compartment door should be either set back from main line of travel, fitted with guardrails or have space of at least the width of the corridor between the arc of the door swing and any obstruction opposite. Alternatively the door might be of sliding or folding type. 20.05 Is the shower compartment door of sliding type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 20.06 Is the shower compartment door of bifold type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 20.07 Are all sanitary fittings and grabrails colour contrasted from their background? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 20.08 Does the shower compartment generally comply with the size and the layout of the diagrams? 20.09 Is the shower compartment at least 1200mm wide by 1100mm deep? 20.10 Is there at least 1600mm x 1500mm unobstructed manoeuvring space in front of the shower compartment? 20.11 Is the shower head at a height which can be varied between 1050mm and 1950mm above floor level? 20.12 Are the shower controls at a height of between 1100mm and 1350mm above floor level? 20.13 Are the shower controls of lever type and easily operated by a person with limited dexterity. 20.14 Are the shower controls thermostatically regulated to avoid scalding? Max. temperature should not exceed 43oC. 20.15 Have a tip-up seat and suitable handrails been provided in accordance with the diagram below? Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
NHSiS
Page 117
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 20.16 Is there a choice of coat hooks at approximately 1200mm height for wheelchair users and 1700mm height for others? 20.17 Is a suitable panic alarm provided and linked to a permanently supervised point? 20.18 Is the alarm cord or switch colour contrasted red and reachable from a standing, seated or lying position on the floor? 20.19 Is the temperature and ventilation locally controllable to suite user needs? (21o-22oC desirable) 20.20 Is the shower compartment free of hazardous items and equipment which should be stored elsewhere?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 118
HBN 40
DIAG. 20
thermostatic control valve (for operation inside or outside the 1300 shower area 1100-1350
900-950 grabrails for standing use by semi-ambulant patients
arm rest / support rail height 750
seat width see note 2 500
handspray brackets or support rail range for adjustment for standing or seated use
450 seat height see note 3
1000 nurse call standing use 900-950 850 nurse call grabrails and seated use towel rail 50-100 nurse call use in the event of a fall
100
1100 wet zone shower cubicle to accommodate arm movement by patient or attendant
1950 1600 dry zone space for attendant to dry and dress semi-ambulant patient. 1950 is required to dry and generally attend to patient in wheelchair (see note 5)
space for arm movements when drying and dressing whilst seated 1100 thermostatic tip-up seat control valve 200-300 500 position of space for side water transfer from min nurse call from wall wheelchair 100-150 550 600 850 (800)
t 0 en e 50 nd ac 1 e p p s de g in rnin tu
250 750 (700)
600
1100 space for wheelchair parking (see note 5) 4000
Sanitary Facilities: Shower 1

Facilities for patients, who require assistance, to shower and use WC and wash basin
Notes: support rails (tip-up type) usable from tip-up seat. The rails/rests should be 300 above the supporting seat height. 3. A higher seat height of 500 is preferred where the facility is frequently used by wheelchair patients who normally use 50mm (or deeper) seat cushions. 4. The position of the user space for drying/dressing (dry zone) can be varied in relation to the shower cubicle (wet zone) provided that the individual activity requirements (patient transfer, wheelchair turning, drying and dressing) are fully maintained.
1350 (1300)
5. Where the space allowed for drying/dressing is the minimum recommended (i.e. 1600 x 1500), and no provision is made for a WC with associated space, additional space should be provided either inside the cubicle or conveniently outside the room to park the transporting wheelchair. 6. It is preferable that whenever possible and accessible a continuous handrail support system surrounding the ambulant user areas be available to semi-ambulant patients. This will not always be possible, i.e. immediately behind the tip-up seat where a grabrail would impede use of the seat.
1. The flexible hose outlet should be positioned so as not to impede clear access to the control valve. 2. Seated patients should preferably have
February 2000
1800 space required to assist patient in shower chair within the curtained wet zone (this space will also accommodate wheelchair patients using extended leg rests where assistance is given from outside the cubicle wet zone shown)
All sizes in mm
space at side of WC for sideways or side oblique transfer by independent wheelchair users or space for assistant 800 clear space Clearance between grabrails for rail
700
325
C L
900
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HBN 40
DIAG. 21
1600 2700 450 support for backrest where required backrest clear to backrest clearance for frontal approach by independent wheelchair users space for showering (seated patient)
1150 space for side transfer
1100 500 200-300
500
700
nurse call
control handspray valve space required to assist patient in shower chair from within curtained area
1200
min. pojection for wheelchair access in side transfer 1500 WET AREA
space for personal washing
1150
preferred door location 1600 600 400 1050 1550
1550 1100
WET AREA
1100
1000 space for access to and withdrawal from basin by independent wheelchair user (see note 2) 400-500
alternative door location
550
Sanitary Facilities: Shower 2

Notes:
Facilities for patients who require assistance, who may require the use of a wheelchair or sanitary chair, to shower, and to use the WC and wash basin
egress by assisting staff.
1000
900
1500
ALTERNATIVE LAYOUT
700
All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
Preferred minimum: (Restricted minimum, not recommended for general use.) Drawing not to scale 1. To safeguard the privacy of patients when changing or using the shower, it is desirable that access doors be adequately screened and that these should not impede access or
2. A space of 1200 is preferable to accommodate assisted wheelchair manoeuvres in front of basin. 3. The nurse call should be operable at 900 - 1000 above floor level (seated use) and at 50 - 100 above floor level for patients who have fallen.
4. Inward opening doors (in unscreened positions) are possible but cannot be recommended as wheelchair movement becomes restricted; also door swing may be obstructed by patient using the basin or WC preventing entry by staff. Therefore, if an inward opening door is proposed it must be possible to open it outwards in an emergency.
February 2000
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21
ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM

NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
21.01 Is a suitable accessible bathroom provided? Minimum plan dimensions 2400 x 2000mm and containing a bath or a shower accessible to disabled people. 21.02Is the bathroom clearly signed and identifiable by visual and tactile information? 21.03 Does the bathroom door slide or open outwards? 21.04 If the bathroom door opens outwards directly into a corridor, is this designed so as not to compromise means of escape or cause a hazard to corridor users? Bathroom door should be either set back from main line of travel, fitted with guardrails or have space of at least the width of the corridor between the arc of the door swing and any obstruction opposite. Alternatively the door might be of sliding or folding type. 21.05 Is the shower compartment door of sliding type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 21.06 Is the shower compartment door of bifold type and easily operated? Sliding doors may present operational and maintenance difficulties. 21.07 Is the floor slip resistant and colour contrasted from the walls?

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 21.08 Are all sanitary fittings and grabrails colour contrasted from their background? 21.09 Is a WC provided within the bathroom? 21.10 Is there a washbasin accessible to a wheelchair user and which can be reached from a seated position? 21.11 Is there at least 400mm transfer space at the head of the bath? 21.12 Is the bottom of the bath slip resistant? 21.13 Are the bath and basin taps of lever type suitable for use by a person with limited dexterity? 21.14 Are the bath and basin taps thermostatically regulated to avoid scalding? Max. temperature should not exceed 43o. 21.15 Is there space to manoeuvre a bath hoist if required? 21.16 Is there a choice of coat hooks at approximately 1200mm height for wheelchair users and 1700mm height for others?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 21.17 Is a suitable panic alarm provided and linked to a permanently supervised point? 21.18 Is the alarm cord or switch colour contrasted red and reachable from the bath and from a sanding, seated or lying position on the floor? 21.19 Is the temperature and ventilation locally controllable to suit users needs? (21o-22oC desirable.) 21.20 Is the bathroom free of hazardous items and equipment which should be stored elsewhere?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 123
HBN 40
DIAG. 22
space for assistant (space also to allow wheelchair transfer) 600 300 1700-1900 400
transfer seat
800 (see note 1)
grabrails (see note 5)
15
00
150 space for curtain
1000 door set
300
250 min. grabrail projection beyond front edge of toilet 750 (700)
3000
Sanitary Facilities: Bathroom 1: with WC and personal washing facilities

for patients who may require some assistance to have a bath, use WC or wash basin
Notes: 4. Grabrails are required to facilitate the bather transferring into and out of the bath. For a bath which abuts on to a wall these need to be at a height and angle to facilitate this. 5. People who are elderly or incapacitated tend to manoeuvre on to their knees before standing up in the bath; the width of the bath and the height and angle of the grabrails need to reflect this. (See grabrail data sheet in HBN 40 Volume 2.) 6. The bottom of the bath must be non-slip. 3. A fixed height bath should have a transfer area at the end opposite the taps. This allows a person to slide across from a chair or wheelchair and transfer down into the bath from a sitting position.
400
(350)
1350 (1300)
space for a patient to sit at the basin and for staff to manoeuvre around and open the door without knocking into the patient. 9. A soap dispenser is required fixed just above the basin. 10. A mirror is required placed above the basin. 11. A shelf is required at the side of the basin, at basin height, on which to put wash bags, a change of clothes, etc. 12. A towel rail is required close to the basin.
1. An 800 width bath is preferred, as a 700 bath is restrictive for larger adults. 2. A fixed height bath with a rim height of 475 should suit most, though not all, users.
7. Suitably located shelves are required for the storage of treatment and bath preparations and clothing. 8. Patients may sit at the basin to have their hair shampooed, thus there needs to be
13. To maintain the privacy of patients when in the bath, it is desirable that access doors be screened and that these should not impede access by assisting staff.
February 2000
C L 700 min. clear space between grabrails
All sizes in mm
min. space for assisting with dressing and undressing
space to dress using mirror 1100
towel rail
550
600
900 space to manoeuvre sanichair or wheelchair
2900
1100
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HBN 40
DIAG. 23
Plan A I(R)
Plan B I
1500
2000
900 1500 900
700
2100
1500
I(R)
I(R)
400
400
600 1500
(if lateral approach to basin is required by wheelchair users 800 800 800
Plan C I(R)
I(R)
1500
NOTES See also Door screen arrangements data sheet in HBN 40 Volume 2 900 Key = preferred position of access door(s)
400
1500
2100
= alternative position of access door(s) I = inward opening doors
I(R) = inward opening doors (recessed) (all 1500 doorsets) 800
Sanitary Facilities: Bathroom 2: Assisted with WC and personal washing

facilities for bathing, drying and dressing patient, including use of patient hoists and assisted WC and basin.
Notes: 1. See notes Bathroom 2, on separate page. All sizes in mm
1350 (1300)
February 2000
2100
Page 125
Sanitary Facilities: Bathroom 2

(Notes to ergonomic data sheets) General considerations 1. Assisted bathrooms should have adequate space for staff to carry out the tasks of assisting the patient to wash and bathe efficiently and safely. 2. The position of the door is important to facilitate easy entry with a hoist or wheelchair. 3. There should be adequate floor space to manoeuvre a hoist to and around the toilet, the basin and the bath. 4. It is strongly recommended that a variable height bath is provided. This can be lowered to allow more independent patients to get in and out themselves with minimal assistance and can be raised to assist staff bathing less able patients. Alternatively a bath with a built-in seat which can be raised, lowered and rotated out of the bath could be provided. 5. The bath and the hoists should be compatible. 6. The bottom of the bath must be non-slip. 7. Suitably located shelves are required for the storage of treatment and bath preparations and clothing. 8. Patients may sit at the basin to have their hair shampooed, thus there needs to be space for a patient to sit at the basin and for staff to manoeuvre around and open the door without knocking into the patient. 9. A soap dispenser is required fixed just above the basin. 10. A mirror is required placed above the basin. 11. A shelf is required at the side of the basin, at basin height, on which to put wash bags, a change of clothes, etc. 12. A towel rail is required close to the basin. 13. Adequate space should be allowed at the side of the toilet to enable staff to assist the patient. 14. A shelf should be provided above the toilet on which to store glove wipes and cream. 15. The toilet paper should be within easy reach of the person on the toilet. 16. The basin should be within easy reach of the patient on the toilet in case they are wheelchair users who may wish to wash their hands before transferring back to the wheelchair.
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F: Signage and Information
February 2000
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22
SIGNAGE
22.01 Are entry to the site and parking areas clearly identified? 22.02 Are accessible entry and exit points to the building clearly identified? 22.03 Are external and internal circulation routes clearly identified? 22.04 Are rooms and spaces clearly identified by visual and tactile means? Key spaces such as WCs should be identified by visual and tactile signage at approximately 1500mm height? 22.05 Is signage current, consistent and relevant throughout? 22.06 Is all signage clear, legible and obvious, in lower case letters clearly contrasted against background? Simple sans-serif text in lower case, preceded by capital letters for beginnings of sentences or proper nouns, is easier to identify by shape. Text should be contrasted against sign and sign itself contrasted against background. Capitals and numerals should be approximately 33% taller than lower case text. 22.07 Are direction or information signs at consistent heights? Signage should be located where visitors would expect to see it. Approximate comfortable heights for viewing signs are 12000 1700mm for standing and 750 1350mm for seated or wheelchair users. Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS
NHSiS
ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 22.08 Is all signage kept simple with approved pictorial symbols where appropriate? Symbols if used should be universal and easy to understand. 22.09 Is signage tactile? Raised embossed letters or symbols should be used at least 1-1.5mm proud of the surface with slightly rounded edges (a half-rounded section is not effective). Minimum recommended character height 15mm, max. 60mm. 22.10 Is all signage non-reflective and free from glare? 22.11 Is all signage unobstructed and clearly visible from both a standing and seated position? 22.12 Are spaces in front of tactile signs kept free of obstructions? Unobstructed approach to within 500mm of the sign recommended. 22.13 Is the space around signs kept free of posters or confusing decorative motifs?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 22.14 Is display or take-away information within easy reach of all users? Recommended height zone 750mm 1350mm. 22.15 Is written information available in alternative formats as set out in the Customer Care section of this Checklist?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 130
G: Evacuation and Management

Means of escape and safety management
February 2000
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23
MEANS OF ESCAPE
23.01 Is the audible emergency alarm system supplemented by a visual alert or tactile pager system for deaf and hard of hearing people? In locations particularly where deaf people are likely to be on their own, visual or tactile alerting systems are recommended. 23.02 Are ground floor emergency exit routes level and accessible to all, including wheelchair users? 23.03 Are accessible fire exit routes indicated with a fire exit sign incorporating a wheelchair symbol? 23.04 Is phased horizontal evacuation possible from one fire protected area to another on the same floor? Phased horizontal evacuation is generally the first tactic to be adopted, with vertical evacuation as a last resort. 23.05 Is vertical escape from upper or basement floors possible using a fire protected lift with an independent power supply?

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 23.06 Are safe refuge areas available on every escape staircase landing and within the escape stair enclosure or in protected lobbies? A safe refuge is a designated space not less than 700mm x 1200mm with at least 30 mins fire resistance where a disabled person may wait until assistance is available to evacuate the building. (See BS 5588 Part 8). Note: More than one space for a wheelchair may be necessary subject to an assessment of need. Note: If the building is designed to SHTM 81, safe refuges are not required. 23.07 Do safe refuge areas have communication facilities located at between 900mm and 1200mm height and linked to a supervised control point? 23.08 Do safe refuge areas have evacuation procedure notices clearly posted? 23.09 Are the stairs wide enough to permit mattress evacuation? 23.10 Is a personal emergency egress plan available for disabled members of staff?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS

NHSiS
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ACTUAL POINTS
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: . 23.11 Is there an overall escape strategy for visitors who may need assistance and are staff familiar with appropriate methods of establishing how disabled people prefer to be assisted? 23.12 Are emergency exit routes checked regularly to ensure that doors are unlocked and that there are no obstacles or combustible materials blocking egress? 23.13 Are the general escape strategy for visitors and the personal emergency egress plans for staff monitored and reviewed on a regular basis?
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS


Page 134
H: Customer Care
This section is separate from the other parts of the Checklist but should be considered in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Note: This section is not scorable under the points system
February 2000
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24
CUSTOMER CARE
Y LOCATION: . N N/A COMMENTS
24.01 Is there a clearly stated disability equality policy? 24.02 Is there a publicised procedure to enable disabled patients to specify their requirements in the pre-admissions process, at reception or in an emergency? 24.03 Is there a procedure for patients to consent to their case files being flagged to indicate that they have a disability 24.04 Is written information available in clear large text, simple language and with illustrations where necessary? 24.05 Is written information available on audio cassette, in large text or in Braille for blind and partially sighted people and is this fully publicised? 24.06 Is there an established and publicised policy for communicating with disabled people and identifying people with hidden disabilities? 24.07 Can interpreters, including sign language interpreters, facilitators and advocates, be made available when required and is this fully publicised? 24.08 Is there a procedure for extending appointment duration to allow for the extra time needed for people with communication difficulties? 24.09 Is there a textphone facility for deaf and hard of hearing people and is this fully publicised with a dedicated phone number?
February 2000
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Y LOCATION: . 24.10 Are the healthcare premises registered with Typetalk Relay service for deaf and hard of hearing people and are staff familiar with using Typetalk?
N/A
COMMENTS
24.11 Can necessary equipment for a disabled person be obtained quickly on request? 24.12 Are disabled patients allowed to bring their own support equipment into the healthcare premises where necessary? 24.13 Are there arrangements for carrying personal support equipment into ambulances either with the disabled person or by other suitable means? 24.14 Are appropriate discharge monitoring procedures in place to ensure the well being of disabled patients when they leave? 24.15 Is staff training given and are appropriate disability organisations consulted in the delivery of Disability Equality and Deaf Awareness training, using approved trainers? 24.16 Is there a disability advisory group which includes disabled people and is consulted when implementing changes to the environment practices procedures? 24.17 Are access issues audited and reviewed on a regular basis? 24.18 Are access issues incorporated into the overall development plan of the healthcare premises?
February 2000
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I: Implementation
Implementation considerations
Note: This section is not scorable under the points system
February 2000
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25
IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS
Y LOCATION: . N N/A COMMENTS
25.01 Is the intended use of the building long term? 25.02 Is the intended use of the building short term? 25.03 Is the function of the building likely to change in the near future? 25.04 Is any change in the function likely to affect access requirements? 25.05 Are there any administrative or departmental changes planned? 25.06 Will administrative or departmental changes affect the access requirements? 25.07 Have access requirements been appropriately agreed and prioritised? 25.08 Can access requirements be met without altering the building, for example by reorganising operational and management practices? 25.09 Are the access needs of staff the same as for visitors? 25.10 Is the building listed or of special architectural merit? 25.11 Have the relevant authorities been contacted regarding access proposals? 25.12 Have the local authority access officer and access group been consulted regarding access proposals? 25.13 Is the building leased?
February 2000
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Y LOCATION: . 25.14 Has the landlord been consulted regarding access proposals? 25.15 Are other alterations or refurbishment works planned for this building? 25.16 Can access recommendations be incorporated with other projected alteration works? 25.17 Is the nature of the building such that disposal and relocation should be considered?
N/A
COMMENTS
February 2000
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J: Appendices
February 2000
Page 141
ACCESS ACTION SUMMARY EXTERNAL APPROACH

Approach Routes
APPENDIX A
SHEET 1 of 6
PRIORITY
Car Parking
Set Down
Ramps
Steps
Briefly list the main points requiring action from each section. Continue on back of sheet if necessary.
February 2000
Page 142
ACCESS ACTION SUMMARY ENTRANCE AND RECEPTION

Entrance Doors
APPENDIX A
SHEET 2 of 6
PRIORITY
Entrance Lobbies
Reception Areas
February 2000
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ACCESS ACTION SUMMARY HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL CIRCULATION

Corridors
APPENDIX A
SHEET 3 of 6
PRIORITY
Internal Lobbies
Internal Ramps
Internal Stairs
Lifts
February 2000
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ACCESS ACTION SUMMARY INTERNAL SPACES

Internal Doors
APPENDIX A
SHEET 4 of 6
PRIORITY
Internal Spaces
Wards and Treatment Areas
Catering and Refreshment Areas
ACCESS ACTION SUMMARY SANITARY FACILITIES

Accessible WCs
APPENDIX A
SHEET 5 of 6
PRIORITY
Changing Facilities
Accessible Showers
Accessible Bathrooms
ACCESS ACTION SUMMARY EVACUATION, MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Signage
APPENDIX A
SHEET 6 of 6
PRIORITY
Means of Escape
Customer Care
Implementation
POINTS SCORING SYSTEM
APPENDIX B
The points scoring system is optional and is suggested as a guide in two ways: 1. 2. To identify which parts of the premises require access improvements. To prioritise work that needs to be carried out if a range of buildings are being audited.
This should assist identification of premises requiring access action plans, or relocation of services, depending on the suitability of the premises for adaptation. Some value judgements will be necessary relative to the long-term use of the premises and potential changes of use. Completing Section 25 of the audit will facilitate this evaluation. The points scoring system is set out to identify two sets of access considerations. 1. Building Regulations baseline standards which are mandatory for newly erected, substantially reconstructed buildings where there is also a change of use, and extensions which include a ground storey. Desirable good practice access standards consistent with the spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
2.
On the Checklist forms there are two columns of Yes and No tick boxes. The shaded column is for Building Regulations questions, the unshaded column for Non Building Regulations questions. The N/A column is for ticking when the question does not apply or the element does not exist in that particular building. The suggested method of using the points scoring system is as follows: A Step 1 1. 2. Tick each question on the form with a Yes, No or N/A. Do not leave any questions uncompleted. Award one point for each Yes box ticked in both the shaded Building Regulations and unshaded Non Building Regulations column and total these in the actual points summary boxes at the bottom of each sheet. Bring forward the totals to the actual points summary boxes at the top of the following sheet and add the totals to the total points for this section summary boxes at the end of each section.
3.
February 2000
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B Step 2 4. Establish the theoretical maximum possible number of points achievable for the Building Regulations shaded column and the Non Building Regulations unshaded column by totalling all the Yes boxes in each column except where N/A has been ticked. Enter these figures in the maximum possible points boxes at the foot of each question sheet, bring forward and total in the same way as for the actual points described above. Repeat this for each separate section of the Checklist.
5.
6.
C Step 3 7. On completion of all relevant sections of the Checklist, summarise the total Building Regulations and Non Building Regulations points for each section of the Building Regulations and Non Building Regulations summary sheets at Appendix B. Work out a percentage of accessibility for the premises by taking the actual score relative to the maximum possible score using the formula. % accessibility = actual score x 100 maximum possible score
8.
Having established relative accessibility percentages for both Building Regulations and Non Building Regulations elements of the premises, these can be applied to establish accessibility of the following, depending on the particular management requirements of each site.

All aspects of the premises (all questions); Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations aspects only; Specific sections of the premises only (e.g. sanitary facilities); Comparing a series of buildings or parts of buildings against each other.
Buildings or parts of buildings with low accessibility percentages indicate potential access problems and informed decisions should be taken as to whether these can reasonably be left as they are, whether the long term cost of improvements can be justified, or whether the building function should be moved to another location. Although a building may achieve a high accessibility score overall, there may be a significant accessibility problem in one crucial area. For example, fully accessible building internally but with steps at the front entrance preventing access in the first place. This should be highlighted in the audit and appropriate recommendations made for action.
February 2000
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POINTS SCORING SUMMARY BUILDING REGULATIONS SECTIONS

Name of Building Address of Building
APPENDIX B
SHEET 1 of 2
Site Contact Person Telephone Number Ref Section

BUILDING REG SECTIONS EXTERNAL APPROACH
Max. Possible Score
Actual Score
Access %
Notes
A 1 2 3
External Approach External Change in Level Ramp External Change in Level Steps Total
ENTRANCE AND RECEPTION
B 4 5 C 6 7 8 9 10 11 D 12 13 14 15
Entrance Reception Total

CIRCULATION
Corridor Internal Ramp Internal Staircase Lift Platform Stairclimber Lift Vertical Platform Lift Total
INTERNAL SPACES
Internal Doors Internal Spaces Wards and Treatment Areas Catering and Refreshment Areas Total
SANITARY FACILITIES
E 16 17 18 19 20 21
Accessible WC - Ambulant Accessible WC - Standard Accessible WC - Peninsular Changing Facilities - Cubicle Accessible Shower Accessible Bathroom Total
G 23
EVACUATION Means of Escape
SUM TOTAL (BUILDING REG)
SUM TOTAL
February 2000
Page 150
POINTS SCORING SUMMARY NON BUILDING REGULATIONS SECTIONS

APPENDIX B
SHEET 2 of 2
Site Contact Person Telephone Number Ref Section NON BDG REG SECTIONS A 1 2 3
EXTERNAL APPROACH
Max. Possible Score
Actual Score
Access %
Notes
External Approach External Change in Level Ramp External Change in Level Steps Total
B 4 5 C 6 7 8 9 10 11 D 12 13 14 15
Entrance Reception Total

CIRCULATION
INTERNAL SPACES
Internal Doors Internal Spaces Wards and Treatment Areas Catering and Refreshment Areas
SANITARY FACILITIES
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total E 16 17 18 19 20 21 F 22 G 23 H 24 Accessible WC - Ambulant Accessible WC - Standard Accessible WC - Peninsular Changing Facilities - Cubicle Accessible Shower Accessible Bathroom
SIGNAGE
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total Signage Total

EVACUATION
Means of Escape Total

CUSTOMER CARE
Customer Care Total SUM TOTAL
SUM TOTAL (NON BDG REG)
February 2000
Page 151
ACTUAL POINTS
3 4
0 2
WORKED EXAMPLE
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: MAIN ENTRANCE RAMP
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
2.07 If the ramp gradient is between 1 in 15 and 1 in 12, is the length of each individual flight 5m or less? The ramp gradient should be between 1 in 20 and 1 in 12. If it is shallower than 1 in 20 it is considered a level approach. If it is steeper than 1 in 12 it is too steep to be used by disabled people and would not comply with Building Regulations. A gradient shallower than 1:15 1:20 is recommended. 2.08 Are appropriate intermediate landings provided at least 1200mm long? 2.09 Does the open side of the ramp have a raised kerb at least 100mm high? 2.10 Are there suitable continuous handrails each side and also to landings? 2.11 Are the ramp and landing handrails colour contrasted from their background? 2.12 Is the top of the handrail 900mm above the surface of the ramp and 840 - 1000mm above the surface of a landing? X X X
LANDING 1000 LONG
ALL HANDRAILS AT 950MM
ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

Bdg Regs 6 8
NHSiS 1 3 WORKED EXAMPLE

Page 152
ACTUAL POINTS
6 8
1 3
WORKED EXAMPLE
Bdg Regs Y N LOCATION: MAIN ENTRANCE RAMP X
NHSiS Y N
N/A
COMMENTS
2.13 Does the handrail extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp? 2.14 Does the handrail terminate in a closed end which does not project into a route of travel? 2.15 Does the profile and projection of the handrails provide a firm grip? 2.16 If the ramp gradient is 1:20 or steeper, are there accompanying steps?
H/RAIL STOPS SHORT OF END
HANDRAIL IS FLAT SECTION, NOT ROUND

NHSiS 2 4 TOTAL POINTS FOR THIS SECTION WORKED EXAMPLE

Page 153
6 11
POINTS SCORING SUMMARY BUILDING REGULATIONS SECTIONS Worked Example

HEALTHCARE PREMISES ADDRESS
APPENDIX B
SHEET 1 of 2
Site Contact Person Telephone Number Ref Section

BUILDING REG SECTIONS EXTERNAL APPROACH
PERSON NUMBER
Max. Possible Score

11
Actual Score
6
Access %
55
Notes
A 1 2 3
External Approach External Change in Level Ramp External Change in Level Steps
Total B 4 5 C 6 7 8 9 10 11 D 12 13 14 15 Entrance Reception Total

CIRCULATION
INTERNAL SPACES
Internal Doors Internal Spaces Wards and Treatment Areas Catering and Refreshment Areas Total
SANITARY FACILITIES
E 16 17 18 19 20 21
Accessible WC - Ambulant Accessible WC - Standard Accessible WC - Peninsular Changing Facilities - Cubicle Accessible Shower Accessible Bathroom Total
G 23
EVACUATION Means of Escape
SUM TOTAL (BUILDING REG)
11
55%
SUM TOTAL
February 2000
Page 154
POINTS SCORING SUMMARY APPENDIX B NON BUILDING REGULATIONS SECTIONS Worked Example SHEET 2 of 2
HEALTHCARE PREMISES ADDRESS
Site Contact Person Telephone Number Ref Section NON BDG REG SECTIONS A 1 2 3
EXTERNAL APPROACH
PERSON NUMBER
Max. Possible Score

4
Actual Score
2
Access %
50
Notes
External Approach External Change in Level Ramp External Change in Level Steps
Total B 4 5 C 6 7 8 9 10 11 D 12 13 14 15 Entrance Reception Total

CIRCULATION
INTERNAL SPACES
Internal Doors Internal Spaces Wards and Treatment Areas Catering and Refreshment Areas
SANITARY FACILITIES
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total E 16 17 18 19 20 21 F 22 G 23 H 24 Accessible WC - Ambulant Accessible WC - Standard Accessible WC - Peninsular Changing Facilities - Cubicle Accessible Shower Accessible Bathroom
SIGNAGE
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total Signage Total

EVACUATION
Means of Escape Total

CUSTOMER CARE
Customer Care
4 2 50%
SUM TOTAL (NON BDG REG)
Total SUM TOTAL
February 2000
Page 155
THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995 (DDA)
APPENDIX C
The Disability Discrimination Act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a persons ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This might be seen as a definition of people who would generally be regarded as disabled; it includes physical and sensory impairments, but also other impairments including learning disabilities and mental health problems. People with a progressive condition are also included if their condition affects normal day-to-day activities. Long term in this regard means lasting, or likely to last at least 12 months or the remainder of the life of the person concerned. Adverse effects refer to effects in one of a number of areas listed in the Act: mobility; manual dexterity; physical coordination; continence; ability to lift, carry or move ordinary objects; speech, hearing or eyesight; memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand; being able to recognise physical danger. The DDA gives disabled people new rights in the areas of:

access to goods, facilities and services; buying or renting land or property; employment.
Since 2 December 1996, the DDA has made it unlawful for disabled people to be treated less favourably than other people, without justification, in areas such as buying goods, using services, finding somewhere to live and getting a job. The DDA recognises very limited circumstances in which there may be justification for treating a disabled person less favourably than other people. However, justification must not be used as an excuse for inaction. Less favourable treatment may be possible if a service provider reasonably believes that one of the following circumstances applies:

Health or safety No-one is required to do anything that would endanger the health or safety of any person, including the disabled person; Making contracts A trader can refuse to enter into a major or complex contract with someone who does not understand the nature of the contract because of their disability; Providing a service to others A disabled person could be refused a service if it would mean that the service could not be provided to others; Charging more A disabled person cannot be charged more for the same goods or services than anyone else. However, if a special service is provided or goods made which cost more to produce, the disabled person can be charged more.
What does the DDA mean for the NHSiS?

On 9 June 1998, the Government announced the timetable for implementing the later rights of the DDA that affect disabled peoples access to goods and services. The remaining provisions of the Act are to be implemented in two stages.
From October 1999, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use this service; provide auxiliary aids or services which would enable or facilitate disabled people to use a service and overcome physical barriers by providing a service by a reasonable alternative method. From 2004, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter, or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. Implementation of the remaining provisions on access to goods and services (Section 21) will be phased in over a period from October 1999 to December 2004. Section 21 refers to a service provider being under a duty to take such steps as it is reasonable, in all circumstances of the case. The Act does not specify that any particular factors should be taken into account. In the absence of a legal definition, it would seem appropriate to apply everyday meaning. The next stage of implementation of the DDA will cover the following areas:

Changing policies and practices: Service providers will need to take reasonable steps to change a practice, policy or procedure that makes it impossible or unnecessarily difficult for a disabled person to use a service. Auxiliary aids or services: From October 1999, service providers will have to provide auxiliary aids or services, if this will facilitate access to their services for disabled people. Physical barriers: Future requirements will also mean that from 2004 physical barriers that restrict or prevent the access of disabled people to services will have to be removed, or the service provided by alternative means.
February 2000
Page 157
REFERENCES
APPENDIX D
Acts and Regulations

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act TSO 1970 (extended to Scotland 1972) The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Act TSO 1976 The Disabled Persons Act TSO 1981 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act TSO 1972 Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as amended TSO 1990 Disability Discrimination Act TSO 1995 Code of Practice for the elimination of discrimination in the field of employment against disabled persons or persons who have had a disability, Department of Education and Employment TSO 1996 Code of Practice: Rights of Access: Goods, facilities, services and premises, Department of Education and Employment TSO 1996 Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability, Department of Education and Employment TSO 1996
British Standards
BS 5810:1979 Code of Practice for access for the disabled to buildings, British Standards Institution 1979 BS 5588-8:1999 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings Code of Practice for means of escape for disabled people, British Standards Institution 1999
National Health Service in Scotland Publications

Property and Environment Forum Scottish Health Facilities Notes (SHFN) SHFN 14 Disability access SHFN 20 Access audits of primary healthcare facilities Firecode NHS in Scotland Firecode
February 2000
Page 158
NHS Estates Publications

Health Building Notes (HBN) HBN 36 Local healthcare facilities, NHS Estates TSO 1995 (2 volumes) HBN 40 Common Activity Spaces, NHS Estates TSO 1995 (5 volumes)
Scottish Executive Health Department

Good Practice Guide Equality for disabled people in the NHS in Scotland Access to Services
General Publications
Disabled people using hospitals A charter and guidelines, Royal College of Physicians Towards Better Access A guide to the development of effective Access Action Plans, Access Committee for England Access Audits A guide and checklist for appraising the accessibility of buildings for disabled users, Centre for Accessible Environments Citizens Charter Checklist Audit Commission Performance Indicators How easy is it for disabled people to use Council Buildings? Access Officers Association Designing for Accessibility An Introductory Guide, Centre for Accessible Environments 1994 Reducing mobility handicaps Towards a barrier free environment, Institute of Highways and Transportation 1991 Building Sight, Royal National Institute for the Blind 1995 Access to the built environment, Historic Scotland Barrier free design A manual for building designers and managers, James HolmesSiedle, Butterworth 1986 Personal emergency egress plans, Northern Officer Group, c/o Equal Opportunities Department, Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council 1993
February 2000
Page 159
ADVISORY ORGANISATIONS
APPENDIX E
National Health Service in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Executive Room 8.51, Graham Hills Building 50 George Street Glasgow G1 1QE Disability Scotland 5 Shandwick Place Edinburgh EH2 4RG *Centre for Accessible Environments Nutmeg House 60 Gainsford Street London SE1 2NY * Access Officers Association Judith Forrest (Membership Secretary) Dept of Planning and Architectural Services Norwich City Council City Hall Norwich NR2 1NH *RADAR Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation 12 City Forum 250 City Road London EC1V 8AF *RNIB Royal National Institute for the Blind Joint Mobility Unit 224 Great Portland Street London W1N 6AA RNID Royal National Institute for Deaf People 19-23 Featherstone Street London EC1Y 8SL SCOPE (Formerly the Spastics Society) 12 Park Crescent London W1N 4BQ
0141 548 3446 tel 0141 553 4109 fax
0131 229 8632 tel
0171 357 8182 tel/text 0171 357 8183 fax
01603 622233 tel
0171 250 3222 tel
0171 387 2233 tel
0171 296 8000 tel 0171 296 8199 fax 0171 296 8001 text
0171 636 5020 tel
February 2000
Page 160
MENCAP Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults 123 Golden Lane London EC1 0RT MIND National Association for Mental Health 15-19 Broadway London E15 4BQ
0171 454 0454 tel
0181 522 1728 tel
Organisations marked * will advise on contacting approved access consultants.
February 2000
Page 161

Access Audit Checklist

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ACCESS AUDIT CHECKLIST

Access for disabled people in healthcare premises

NHS in Scotland, P&EFE, February 2000

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS IN SCOTLAND Property and Environment Forum Access Audit Checklist

Access for disabled people in healthcare premises

Using the Access Audit Checklist

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

Using the Checklist

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS IN SCOTLAND PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT FORUM ACCESS AUDIT CHECKLIST

Name and Address of Healthcare provider

Type of Building (Hospital, Clinic, GP Practice)

Name and telephone number of Surveyor

NHSiS Drawings Reference

Reference Number (for Database)

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

Relevant diagrams are attached at the end of this section

Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

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MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

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MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

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MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

NHSiS TOTAL POINTS FOR THIS SECTION

wall, pavement/path boundary

wall, pavement/path boundary

(see note 10)

gradient 1:12 max (see note 7)

(see note 10)

gradient 1:12 max (see note 7)

surface (see note 11)

2000 flush width (see note 9)

kerb height can vary 13 - 170mm absolute max 200mm

Controlled Crossings/ Dropped Kerbs

NORMAN RAITT ARCHITECTS

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

Controlled Crossings/Dropped Kerbs

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

100 minimum allowance for variation in parking positions

parked attendant wheelchair during transit space 800 600

450 (300) (see note 2)

4500 average car (5700 max)

1750 average car (2000 max)

clearance of obstruction dropped kerb to footpath 1200

2400 standard parking bay (see note 3)

External Approach: Car Parking (wheelchair access)

NORMAN RAITT ARCHITECTS

NHS in Scotland Property and Environment Forum Audit Form

EXTERNAL CHANGE IN LEVEL: RAMP

Relevant diagrams are attached at the end of this section

Bdg Regs ACTUAL POINTS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS

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