January 2015

Access Review of Clapton & Wayford

Village Hall

Report to South Somerset District Council

Prepared by

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Access Review Checklist

Establishment name & full address: Clapton & Wayford Village Hall Date: 13 January 2015 Condition: Wet Reviewed by: Stan Shayler & Cherry Cobb Start time: 11am Finish time: 12.15pm

1. Approach to client’s premises Yes,No,N/A

Is there an approach that is level? Note: If approach route has steps or is too steep then a comment on availability of a suitable Ramp should be made in section 5. Gradients less than 1 in 60 are considered to be level, above 1 in 60 to less than 1 in 20 is gently sloping. 1 in 20 or greater is considered a ramp

Yes

Is the surface appropriate Ideally the parking surfaces should be firm (tarmac, concrete, paviours, bonded gravel etc. and loose surfaces such as gravel should be avoided.

No*

Is the approach wide enough (free of obstructions)? Minimum width for an accessible approach is 1800mm, the width may be reduced to down to 1200mm but only for a maximum of 2m in length.

Yes

Is it well lit? Yes

Is it visually obvious? Yes

Comments: * Gravel drive and car park

2. Parking Yes, No,N/A

Is there designated parking for people with disabilities within 50m of the main entrance?

No

Is there a setting down point clearly identified and safe to use? No*

Is it suitable? i.e.: enough bays, correct size, markings on ground and signage of status. Note: If parking spaces are provided by the client then they are responsible for ensuring that the spaces meet the correct standards. Correct parking should have a sign with the bottom edge higher than 1000mm from the ground and include the words ‘Blue Badge holders only’ International symbol for access (person in a wheel chair) greater than

N/A

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1400mm in length painted in the bay. The parking bay should have a minimum width of 2400mm and length of 4800mm and be surrounded by an access zone of at least 1200mm

Comments: *The gravel surface is inappropriate for wheelchair users

3. Entrances Yes, No,N/A

Are glazed doors appropriately marked or etched to aid visual contrast? A glass door or fully glazed door with a narrow stile must have something visually contrasting from the background between 850mm to 1000mm from the floor. (A glazed doors stile is the frame around the glass). The edge of the glass door should be apparent when open.

Yes

Is the main entrance easy to locate? Yes

Is there a level entrance? Gradients less than 1 in 60 are considered level, above 1 in 60 to less than 1 in 20 is gently sloping. 1 in 20 or greater is considered a ramp.

Yes

Is it wide enough for disabled people? Effective door widths for new buildings should be 800mm or for existing buildings 750mm clear where the entrance is straight on. With an approach at right angles from an access route, the width should be at least 1500mm clear. External doors and internal lobby doors for buildings used by general public for new buildings should be 1000mm or existing buildings 775mm. Effective door widths are from the edge of one side of a door measured across the door for as far as it is clear, this may be as far as a door leaf or door handle as the narrowest point. See page 37 of BS 8300:2009

Yes

Is it easy to open (including use of power operation)? Door controls should be between 750mm and 1000mm from the floor.

Yes

Is there a suitable means of calling for assistance (such as a bell) close to the entrance? Is it clear of any obstructions, can you access/reach the service call button?

No

Is it visually distinct & have good colour contrast? Entrance should contrast visually with immediate surroundings and avoid mirrored finishes

Yes

Is the bell well lit? N/A

Comments:

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4. External Steps Yes, No,N/A

Is there a hazard warning at top and bottom of steps? N/A

Are the steps easy to use by ambulant people with disabilities (height and depth)? Preferred step riser between 150mm and 180mm; 300mm to 450mm wide for the step. Width at least 1 200mm. Max overlap (nosing) 25mm. Max of 20 steps in one run without landing stairs.

N/A

Are the edges of the steps visually distinct? N/A

Do the steps have suitable handrails? N/A

Do the steps have a non-slip surface? N/A

Is there an area at the top of the steps clear of any outward opening door?

N/A

Are they well lit? N/A

Are there tactile surfaces at the top and bottom of the steps? N/A

Is there good colour contrast? N/A

Comments:

5. External Ramps Yes, No,N/A

Is the gradient of any ramp suitable for people with disabilities? Max gradient 1:12, max length 10m, without level resting areas.

N/A

Is the ramp width suitable? Min width 1 500mm N/A

Does the ramp have suitable handrails? N/A

Is there a clear area at the top and bottom of the ramp? N/A

Does the ramp have a non-slip surface? N/A

Is the ramp location obvious? N/A

Is the ramp well lit? N/A

Is there good colour contrast? N/A

Comments:

6. Reception/Customer Service Areas / Main Hall Yes, No,N/A

Does the area have enough space for wheelchair to turn? Yes

Is there suitable space for wheelchair user to wait? Yes

Once in the building, Is there a clear route to at least one customer service area?

Yes

Does the counter have a section for disabled people (height and depth)? Top 760mm, 600mm knee access if possible for wheelchair.

N/A

Has an induction loop system been provided (working and clearly signed)? Portable systems are usually best.

No

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Is there a range of suitable seating provided (including chairs with arms)?

Yes

Do tables have enough clearance (height and depth)? Yes

Is that service counter visually distinct? N/A

If no counters are accessible are alternative means of service delivery provided?

Yes

Is the area well lit? Yes

Is there good colour contrast in the area? Yes

Comments:

7. Restaurant/Bar/Service Areas / Back Room Yes, No,N/A

Once in the building, is there a clear route to at least one restaurant/bar service area?

Yes

Does any counter have a section for people with disabilities (height and depth) Top 760mm, 600mm knee access if possible for wheelchair.

N/A

Has an induction loop system been provided (working and clearly signed)? Portable systems are usually best.

N/A

Is there a range of suitable seating provided (including chairs with arms)?

Yes

Do tables have enough clearance (height and depth)? Top 760mm, 700mm height underneath, width

Yes

If no counters are accessible are alternative means of service delivery provided?

Yes

Comments:

8. Kitchen Area Yes, No,N/A

Is there level access? N/A

Are the work surfaces at a suitable height for wheelchair users? Worktop height 760mm, 600mm knee access with 700mm height underneath.

N/A

Are sinks at a suitable height for wheelchair users? (Optimum 760mm plus 600 mm knee access).

N/A

Is the storage easily accessible for wheelchair users? N/A

Are the electrical sockets/ light switches accessible for wheelchair users?

N/A

Is it well lit? Yes

Comments:

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9. Auditoria/Performance areas Yes,No,N/A

Once in the building, is there a clear route to at least one auditorium? If internal ramps and steps are part of this route then separate comments on their suitability should be made.

Yes

Are there suitable spaces for wheelchair users (width and depth)? Min 1 400mm x 900mm

Yes*

Is there suitable seating provided next to the wheelchair accessible spaces for their companions?

Yes

Is there a variety of accessible spaces for wheelchair users (allowing for different sight lines to the stage)?

Yes

Is an induction loop system provided for part of the auditorium (working and clearly signed)?

No

Comments: *It is just one large hall.

10.Changing Areas Yes, No,N/A

Is the route to this level? N/A

Are any large enough for wheelchair users? N/A

Is suitable seating in at least one cubicle provided? N/A

Comments:

11.Lifts Yes, No,N/A

Is the lift entrance distinct enough with appropriate colour contrast?

N/A

Is the entrance to the lift wide enough? For 1 user of a wheelchair and 1 accompanying person the lift must be 1100 mm wide * 1400 mm deep. Lift doors should have a clear width of at least 900 mm.

N/A

Is the lift large enough: width and depth? N/A

Are both external and internal controls suitable re position and colour contrast?

N/A

Is the location of the lift obvious? N/A

Are the light levels in the lift suitable? N/A

Comments:

12. Internal Ramps Yes, No,N/A

Is the gradient of any ramp suitable for people with disabilities? N/A

Is the ramp width suitable? N/A

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Does the ramp have suitable handrails? N/A

Is the ramp location obvious? N/A

Is there a clear area at the top and bottom of the ramp? N/A

Comments:

13.Internal Steps/Stairs Yes, No,N/A

Are the steps easy to use by ambulant people with disabilities (height and depth)?

N/A

Are there tactile surfaces at the top and bottom of the steps? N/A

Do the steps have suitable handrails on both sides? N/A

Are the edges of the steps visually distinct? N/A

Is the staircase area well lit and free of areas of shadow? N/A

Comments:

14.Corridors and Doors (Access from main hall to back hall) Yes, No,N/A

Are routes along corridors wide enough? Min width 1 800mm with min of 1 200mm past permanent obstructions.

No

Are doors leading off corridor wide enough? No

Are any doors on routes easily opened by people with disabilities?

No

Are there suitable turning areas in corridor routes? No

Is the corridor well lit?

Is there good colour contrast? Yes

Comments:

15.Toilets

If toilets are provided, are any designated as suitable for people with disabilities? Min dimensions 2 200 x 1 500. Equipment should include: sanitary dispenser toilet paper dispenser, soap dispenser, paper towel dispenser (additional automatic hand dryer), disposal bin, shelf (for colostomy bag changing (950mm), wheelchair turning space (1 500 x 1 500mm), long mirror, hand rinse basin (within reach of WC), vertical and horizontal grab rails, drop down support rail, two clothes hooks, red alarm pull cord, alarm cancel button (inside and outside toilet), flat-topped close coupled cistern providing a back rest.

Yes

Is any designated cubicle large enough to allow wheelchair to turn?

Yes

Is the entrance into this cubicle suitable for people with disabilities?

Yes

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Is a baby changing table installed in the accessible toilet? No

Are the internal fittings suitable? Yes

Is there a suitable and functioning alarm system in the accessible toilet?

Yes

Is the location of any accessible cubicle clearly signed? Yes

Are the toilets well lit? Yes

Is there good colour contrast? Colour contrasts between fittings and wall surfaces should be in contrasting colour to assist users with sight impairments.

No*

Comments: * All white fittings – explained the purpose of good colour contrast.

16.Signage Yes, No,N/A

Are signs easy to see? Yes

Are signs at a suitable height? Yes

Are signs large enough? Yes

Are signs using symbols, rather than print, used? Yes

Comments:

17.Emergency Egress Provision Yes, No,N/A

Are some exit routes level? No

Are some exit routes wide enough (allowing for any occasional obstructions)?

Yes

Are exit routes that are suitable for people with disabilities clearly signed?

If emergency exit routes for people with disabilities are restricted, are suitable refuge areas for them provided?

Has the clients’ staff been instructed in how to assist people with disabilities to leave a building?

Yes

Is the exit well lit? Yes

Is there good colour contrast? Yes

Is the fire warning alarm audible and visual? Yes

Comments:

Additional Comments: The village hall committee have made great efforts to make their hall accessible. The entrance doors are a really good example of good level access. The committee now want to secure funding to enable them to install two accessible parking bays alongside the hall and a drop off point at the front. The committee have identified that they have an aging population and several wheelchair users.

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Appendix:

Supporting Photos

Entrance doors

Proposed Blue Badge Parking Bays

Access Review Point 2. Accessible Parking: The recommendations for

accessible parking are shown on the attached sheets 11/12. Ideally this should be

sited in front of the main entrance providing a drop off area.

Access Review Point 14: Main / Rear Hall transfer: The access from the main

hall the rear hall is not suitable for wheelchair users due to its narrow width of

800mm and door clear opening widths of 720mm. The only potential way to give

access would be to widen the passage to 1200mm with door openings of 800mm.

If you were to decide to make the rear end of the hall completely separate for

independent use, you would have to provide a fully accessible entrance and

accessible toilet. Due to the height difference of 800mm between the hall and the

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car park a ramped entrance would be required. The ramp would need to be in two

sections of 7 metres each at a gradient of 1:17.

Access Review Point 15 Toilets: Baby Changing Table: The correct height of for

a baby changing table is 750mm.

Access Review Point 17: Fire Exits: Providing the hall has one accessible fire

exit (in your case the main entrance) no other exits need to be accessible. Your

health and safety management plan should state what assistance would be offered

to wheelchair users to exit the hall in case of emergency

Parking Bays – Additional sheets 11/12 see below.

If we can be of further assistance please feel free to contact us.

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