Access Audits
Access auditing involves an inspection of the building to appraise its accessibility and is judged against predetermined criteria.
Why You Need an Access Audit
Access for ALL-The purpose of an Access Audit is to establish how well a building performs in relation to access and ease of ALL users, including people with physical mobility and sensory impairments.
The objective is to identify areas of concern and to make recommendations that resolve access barriers for employees of a company, their clients and members of the public using the company’s services and visiting their premises.
It is valuable:
· To identify necessary adjustments in the service provided to disabled customers to meet the requirements of current provisions of the Equality Act, BS8300:2009 + A1:2010 and Part M of the Building Regulations. Together with other relevant legislation dependant on the service provider.
· As the first "reasonable step" to disabled access indicated in legislation, in recognising the possible obstacles, and devising solutions, to avoid possible litigation by discriminating by way or a worse service to a disabled customer.
· To consider existing management and organisation of a building and the service from it, to achieve maximum accessibility.
· To help gain consent for alterations, extensions and new builds in compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations.
The Access Audit and Its Contents
The Access Audit is the first "reasonable step" in consideration of maximum accessibility in a building.
The Access Audit Report records the building, and establishes how well that building performs in terms of access and ease of use by a wide range of potential users.
It identifies good and bad practice, design and layout in regard to disabled access, identifying obstacles to people with mobility and sensory impairments.
In addition, the audit report will then seek to find solutions to access problems, with recommendations.
Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living Access Auditors produce comprehensive Access Audit Reports and an Action Plan can be developed to help demonstrate your commitment to eliminate discrimination. Successful completion of the Action Plan will elevate the company’s services and buildings towards a more inclusive environment, which is enjoyable for all people to use.
Our Access Audits contain photographs of the access issues identified. The audit will contain principle recommendations for each building and will clearly identify priorities for the Action Plan.
Recommended work will be prioritised into absolutely essential work so as to remove any major obstacles or comply with legislation. It will also identify this work in these categories:
a) As soon as possible, to meet legislation.
b) As part of general maintenance or refurbishment
c) Subject to a full feasibility study, or of significant structural significance
d) If a specific need is identified
e) Management/Training issue.
The criteria used for these recommendations will be the Equality Act 2010, Part M Building Regulations, and BS8300:2009+A1:2010 and best practice to consider positively towards complete accessibility for ALL.
Physical Barriers Considered In The Audit Getting To the Premises
· Parking
· Approach and routes to entrance
· Lighting and signage to entrance
· Surfaces of approach
· Street and grounds furniture
Getting Into the Premises
· Steps and ramps
· Entrance doors and thresholds
· Door entry systems
· Reception areas including desks, seating and lighting
Getting Around the Premises
· Lateral circulation, width of corridors etc
· Signage, way finding and notices
· Floor surfaces, and tonal contrasts of surfaces
· Vertical circulation - lifts and stairs
Using the Services in the Premises
· Toilets, washrooms, changing and bathroom facilities
· Access to and in eating and bar areas
· Public room access and layout
· Lighting
· Accessibility of switches, handles and controls
· Seating and furniture
· Telephones and electrical equipment
· Conference/Seminar provision
· Getting Out Of the Building
· Fire exits and escape routes
· Emergency lighting and warning systems
· Safe refuge areas in event of fire
· Managing the Building and Service
· Keeping routes clear and obstructions removed
· Maintenance of lighting, heating and alarm systems
· Attitudinal approach of staff
· Publicity material, menus etc
Our customers include:
- Blaby District Council Offices
- Pavilion Leisure Centre, Huncote
- Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service
- Leicester City PCT
- St Anne’s Church
- Various venues for the Special Olympics.
- Leicester Aids Support Services
- The Race Equality Centre Leicester
- The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) Leicester
- The Salvation Army Leicester South Corps
- All Nations Centre, Frog Island
- Bradgate Mental Health Unit, Glenfield Hospital
- Apex, Apex House
- Spinney Hill Community Centre
- Gorse Hill City Farm
- The Asquith Surgery
- Bishop Street Methodist Church
- Alfred Hill Training Centre
- Somali Community Solutions-The Response Centre
- Leicester Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Centre
- British Red Cross Society Community Equipment Services, 113/115 Clarendon Park Road.
- British Red Cross Society, Community Equipment Services 11 Euston Street.
- ShowSec Leicester
- Hand in Hand, Tenants and residents association
Please contact Eric Day to discuss your Access Audit requirements and a quotation based upon your specific needs.
