accessibility audit report of district social welfare...

1 Access audit report- District Social Welfare,Nongstion-CBM India Trust

Accessibility Audit Report of District Social Welfare,

Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills

Audit commissioned by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India

Audited on August 26, 2016

Report submitted on

November 4, 2016

Audit conducted & Report prepared by CBM India Trust, Bangalore

www.cbmindia.org.in

http://www.cbmindia.org.in/


Table of Content Page no

Introduction 3 Acknowledgement 4

1 About the building 5 2 Purpose of the Access Audit 5 3 Methodology and Process adopted 5 4 Access audit team 6 5 Executive Summary- the

Recommendations 6

6 Physical Accessibility 6.1 External Environment

6.1.1 Parking 7 6.1.2 Alighting 9 6.1.3 Accessible route 9 6.2 Internal Environment

6.2.1 Accessible Entrance 11 6.2.2 Stairs/steps 13 6.2.3 Corridors 14 6.2.4 Doors and Doorways 16 6.2.5 Accessible Toilets 18 6.2.6 Drinking water facilities 21 6.2.7 Controls and Operating Mechanisms 22 6.2.8 Signage’s 23 6.2.9 Emergency Evacuation 28 7.0 INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION 30

Vendors List 31


Introduction

An accessible built environment has been recognised as a core element of an inclusive society. It provides citizens with autonomy and the means to pursue an active social and economic life. Many people with disabilities face a multitude of obstacles in their physical environment, which prevent them from participating in social, cultural and professional life on an equal basis with other citizens. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has launched a nation-wide “Accessible India Campaign (Sugamaya Bharat Abhiyan)” for achieving universal accessibility for persons with disabilities in all walks of life. One of the objectives of the Campaign is enhancing the proportion of the accessible Government building. In order to achieve the above objective, the Department invited the bids for conducting the access audit of some of the most important Government buildings and converting them into fully accessible buildings in the selected cities across the country. As a development organisation, CBM India Trust is committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and works for their inclusion and empowerment. It has a network of organisations in 25 states of India to promote Disability Inclusive Development. CBM India Trust has been promoting universal accessibility as a cross-cutting principle through its programmes and advocacy with concerned stakeholders and has also taken initiatives for the creation of a pool of access auditors in the country. CBM India Trust’s bid for conducting access audit of 24 buildings in Shillong and 5 neighbouring districts was accepted. 10 of the identified buildings for access audit are in Shillong, 2 in South West Khasi Hills, 4 in West Khasi Hills, 5 in West Garo Hills, 1 in East Garo Hills, and 1 in West Jainita Hills. As per Census 2011, Meghalaya has a population of 44,317 persons with disabilities. It is mountainous with stretches of valleys and highland plateaus. Meghalaya did not have any trained access auditors. CBM India Trust adopted a twin-track approach that combined capacity building of the stakeholders from amongst the persons with disabilities, the NGOs, students of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the Government functionaries in Meghalaya by organising an intensive training on access audit and also involving them in conducting the access audit of the assigned buildings. This approach will help create the required capacity within the state and district itself to conduct the access audits of the built environment in the future and help in making it accessible. The two day’s training programme, which included the conduct of access audits at Shillong was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, Govt of Meghalaya on 28 August 2016. The Commissioner & Secretary Social Welfare and the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities extended their full support in mobilising the officers from all the relevant Departments namely Social Welfare, Public Works, Health, Department of Architecture, North-East Hill University (NEHU) & Department Civil Engineering, Regional Institute of Science &


Technology. The CBM partner Bethany Society mobilised the DPOs and the NGOs. The participants who showed a keen interest in the training and wanted to pursue their interest in accessibility were included in the access audit teams and also involved in the preparation of the access audit reports. CBM India Trust in collaboration with the State Government and NEHU would provide technical support to enhance the capacity of the selected participants as Trainers so that a pool of access auditors is available in Meghalaya and in each district. Acknowledgement

Smt. Deborah Marak, Minister of Social Welfare, Meghalaya

Smt. C. Kharkongor Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Meghalaya

Smt. Lumor, Assistant Director of Social Welfare Department,

Meghalaya

Architect and Civil Engineers of Public Works Department and Health Department of Meghalaya

Mr. Carmo Noronha, Executive Director, Bethany Society, Shillong

Bro. Jose, Montfort Centre for Education, Tura

Mr. Banbhalang Swer, Teacher in Charge, Department of Architecture,

School of Technology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong

Mr. AH Barbhuiya, Registrar, Regional Institute of Science & Technology, Guwahati

Members of Disabled People’s Organisation

Staff members of Bethany Society and Montfort Centre for Education,

Tura

Architect students of North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong

Civil Engineer students of Regional Institute of Science & Technology, Guwahati

Students of University Science and Technology, Guwahati


1. About the building The Office of the District Social Welfare is located at Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills. The office is of an Assam type and single storied building. There are different departments, namely; Child Welfare Committee, Disability Sector, Integrated Child Development Scheme, and Women Welfare Development house under same roof.

2. Purpose of the Access Audit To assess the accessibility of the District Social Welfare building and provide clear and concise recommendation and guidelines to make the building accessible for all its users including persons with disabilities. 3. Methodology and Process adopted

• Formed a group of 6 members, including persons with disabilities and Civil

engineer. • Undertook a physical survey of the building using the checklist, examined

external environment, horizontal and vertical circulation, interior design, facilities, communication and evacuation.

• Measured aspects that were found to be obstacles and inaccessible and made recommendations in reference to “Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly person” 2016, of Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India.

• Photographed the existing inaccessible facilities, other barriers, identified locations for relocation/ construction of accessible facilities.

• Consulted the maintenance engineers and the senior level administration functionaries.


4. Access audit team The team includes persons with disabilities and Civil engineer Mr. Darwin Mr. R.D Prakyntein Ms. Celine Mr. Subu Ms. Kerlinda War Mr. Suk 5. Executive Summary MANDATORY RECOMMENDATIONS The standards prescribed in the “Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly person” 2016, of Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India should be followed

Accessible parking bay

Alighting point

Tactile pavers for guiding, warning and positioning

Recommended Handrails on both sides to steps /ramps/corridors

Remove thresholds at the door

Accessible toilet

Directional and Information Signage & Maps

Multilingual and Brail Signage

Emergency Evacuation provisions

Accessible Website


6. Physical Accessibility

6.1 External Environment 6.1.1 Parking

Observations Recommendations • There is no specific parking lot for

staff and visitors, vehicles are parked anywhere near the building

• There is no accessible parking bay reserved for the persons with disabilities.

• Identified place for demarcating the parking bay for persons with disabilities

• The designated accessible parking bay should be no more than 30 meters away from the main accessible entrance

• The parking bay should have a minimum dimension of 5000 mm X 3600 mm, including aisle space of 1200 mm

• International symbol of accessibility (wheelchair sign) should be displayed at approaches and entrances to car parks to indicate the provision of accessible parking lot for Persons with Disabilities within the vicinity at the height of 2100 mm and shall be 600 mm X 600 mm size, to be identified from the driver seat

• International Symbol of Accessibility should be clearly marked on the accessible parking lot, a square with a dimension of at least 1000 mm not exceeding 1500 mm, and the colour of the symbol should be white on a blue background

Total number of parking spaces in open car parks or car park

buildings

Required minimum number of accessible space

1 to 25 1 26 to 50 2 51 to 75 3 76 to 100 4


Example

Height of signpost

Propose location for demarcating parking bay for persons with disabilities


6.1.2 Alighting Observation Recommendations

• There is no alighting point for persons with disabilities next to the entrance

• Identified space for alighting point • Alighting point should be level and

free from traffic • Signage and drop off area should be

clearly marked • Tactile pavers should be provided to

guide persons with visual impairment from this area to the building entrance

6.1.3 Accessible Route Observations Recommendations

• The route connecting to the main entrance is not accessible

• Uneven ground, potholes and gravels

• Accessible route to be provided (min 1200 mm clear width) with tactile pavers, level, anti- skid surface, resting spaces at max. 30m distance

• Identification and directional signage’s to be provided. Braille and tactile signage should be placed at a height between 900 mm to 1500 mm (ideal location at 1050 mm) above the finished floor level

Proposed location for alighting point


6.2. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

6.2.1 Accessible entrance Observations Recommendations

• Ramp has been provided as an alternative for steps at the main entrance, but it is not accessible for all

• Ramp gradient is 1:12 and width 1200 mm, which is equal to prescribed gradient and width i.e. 1:12 and 1200 mm

• There are no handrails on both sides of the ramp

• There is no warning block at the two ends on top and bottom of the ramp

• Ramp surface is slippery • There is no appropriate directional

and identification signage to identify the accessible entrance

• Handrails to be provided for ramp on both sides at 2 levels at 760 mm and 900 mm Should be circular in section with

a diameter of 38-45 mm. Have maximum clear space of 50

mm from the wall or any surface to which they are attached

Extend horizontally for a distance of not less than 300 mm beyond and top and bottom of the ramp and is either grouted or turned downwards

• Warning blocks to be installed 300 mm from the top and bottom of the ramp

• Ramp surface to paved with anti-skid tiles

• Identification and directional signage’s to be provided. Braille and tactile signage should be placed at a height between 900 mm to 1500 mm (ideal location at 1050 mm) above the finished floor level

Ramp as an alternate for steps at main entrance

Proposed design


Accessible entrance

Directional Signage

Handrails return to ground

Handrails return to wall

Handrails return to post

Identification Signage


6.2.2 Steps /Stairs Observations Recommendations

Varying riser and tread • Width of steps is 1200 mm • Riser- 14mm, 20 mm, 150 mm and

130 mm • Tread- 80 mm, 170 mm and 140

mm • The tread of the first step is 80 mm,

not enough foot space • There are no handrails on both sides

of the steps • There is no color contrasting strips

at the edge of the steps • No warning tiles on the floor at the

beginning and at the end of the steps

• Increase the floor level to match the height of the first step, so that there is enough foot space or remove the first step

• Steps should be equal/uniform riser 150 mm and tread 300 mm

• Handrails to be provided On both sides at two levels 760

mm and 900 mm. Circular section should have a

diameter of 38-45 mm Have a minimum clear space of

50 mm from the walls Extend horizontally for a

distance of not less than 300 mm beyond and top and bottom of the steps and is either grouted or turned downwards

• Colour contrasting stripes of 50 mm to be provided at tread and risers.

• Warning blocks to be installed 300 mm from the top and bottom of the steps

Warning blocks

Steps in front of the main entrance Proposed design


6.2.3 Corridors Observations Recommendations

• Width of the corridor is 1860 mm which is more than the prescribed width i.e. 1500 mm

• The floor finish is non-slippery and non-reflective and it is well illuminated

• The floor colour is in contrast with the colour of the wall

• There are no handrails and guiding tactiles

• The colour of standalone pillars in the corridor is not in contrast with the colour of the background wall

• The doors open into the corridor • There are no directional signages

• Handrails to be provided throughout the corridor at least on the wall side To be provided at two levels

760 mm and 900 mm throughout the corridor,

Should be circular in section with a diameter of 38-45 mm

Have a minimum clear space of 50 mm from the walls

• Guiding tiles to be paved, if not, at least the tactile carpet of 2 feet width with less than 12mm thickness and colour contrast to the floor to be used

• Pillars to be painted in contrast with the colour of the background wall

• Doors to be replaced with sliding doors or to be opened inside fully flat against the wall

50 mm

Handrails return to ground

Handrails return to wall

Handrails return to post


• Accessible directional, multilingual and tactile signage to be provided as per standards

Example-Tactile floor mat Example

Proposed design


6.2.4 Doors and doorways Observations Recommendations

• All the doors having width of 900 mm, which is equal to the prescribed width i.e. 900 mm

• Except toilet door, none of the doors have handles

• Toilet door having threshold of 35 mm

• The colour of the doorframe is in contrast with the colour of the wall, but not with the colour of the doors

• All the doors open into the corridor

• Change the colour of the doorframe in contrast with the colour of the wall and the doors

• Fitted with lever action locks and D-handles of circular section, between 850 mm and 1100 mm from the floor level

• Length of the handle should be minimum 300 mm and space between the door and handle should be 45 mm

• Height of door lock should not exceed 1030 mm

• Threshold to be removed or to be beveled

• Doors to be replaced with sliding doors or to be opening inside fully flat against the wall


Example


6.2.5 Accessible toilet Observations Recommendations

• There is no accessible toilet in the building

Existing general toilet block • Door having width of 650 mm and

threshold 35 mm • Door opens inside • There are no directional signages

• Identify place for providing unisex accessible toilet

• Visual and Audio alarm to be fixed inside the toilet, so that person inside the room should get an alert

• Signage with international symbol of accessibility to be mounted either on the wall or on the door


The unisex toilet should have: - • Minimum internal dimensions of 2200 X 2000 mm minimum • The layout of the fixtures in the toilet should be such that there is a clear

manoeuvring space of 1800 mm x 1800 mm in front of the water closet and wash basin in the accessible toilet unit

• All fixtures and utilities should provide a clear space of 900 mm x 1200 mm for wheelchair users to access them;

• Have a clear space of not less than 900 mm wide next to the water closet

• Have the toilet roll dispenser and hand water faucet mounted below the grab bars and at not more than 300 mm from the front edge of the seat and at a height between 50 mm and 200 mm from the top of the water closet seat

• The toilet door should be either an outward opening door or two-way opening door or a sliding type and should provide a clear opening width of at least 900 mm

• Be provided with a horizontal pull-bar, at least 600 mm long, on the inside of the door, located so that it is 130 mm from the hinged side of the door and at a height of 1000 mm.

• Be capable of being locked from the inside by a device that is operable with one hand, activated by a force not more than 22N and which does not require fine finger control, tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist

• Water closet be located between 460 mm to 480 mm from the centreline of the water closet to the adjacent wall

• It should have a clear dimension of 750 mm from the front edge of the water closet to the rear wall to facilitate side transfer

• The top of the water closet seat should be 450 to 480 mm from the floor. There should be an adequate clear floor space of at least 1350 mm depth and900 mm width, both in front and on the transfer side, adjacent to the water closet

• The flush control should either be lever type or automatic, and located on the transfer side of the water closet. The flush control should not be located more than 1000 mm from the floor

• Water closets should be provided with grab bars, be mounted at a height between 200 mm and 250 mm from the water closet seat

• One L-shape grab bar: 600 mm long horizontal and 700 mm long vertical should be mounted on the side wall closest to the water closet

• A hinged type horizontal grab bar should be installed adjacent to the water closet; at a distance of 320 mm from the centre-line of the WC, between heights of 200 mm - 250 mm from the top of the water closet seat and extending 100 to 150 mm beyond the front of the water closet.

• An emergency alarm cum call switch should be provided within easy reach on the wall near water closet at two levels: at 300 mm and 900 mm from the floor level to allow user to call for help in case of an emergency


Washbasins should: - • Be mounted such that the minimum

distance between the centreline of the fixture and the side wall is 460 mm;

• Be mounted such that the top edge is between 700 mm- 800 mm from the floor

• Have a knee space of at least 750 mm wide by 200 mm deep by 680 mm high with an additional toe space of at least 750 mm wide by 230 mm deep by 230 mm high

• Have a minimum clear floor space of 750 mm wide by 1200 mm deep, of which a maximum of 480 mm in depth may be under the wash basin

• Have the hot water and drain pipes within the knee space or toe space properly insulated and have automatic or lever type faucets

• A mirror installed in a way to have the bottom edge at a height of not more than 1000 mm from the floor and the mirror should be tilted at an angle of 30 degrees for better visibility of wheelchair user.

• Towel and soap dispensers, hand dryer and waste bin positioned such that the operable parts and controls are between 800 mm and 1000 mm from the floor.

Urinals Recommendations

• Urinals shall be stall-type or wall-hung, with an elongated rim at a maximum of 430 mm above the finish floor.

• A clear floor space 760 mm width and 1220 mm deep should be provided in front of urinals to all forward approach.

• Flush controls should be located not more than 1200 mm from the floor. • At least one urinal should have chest supporting bars at the height of 1100-

1200 mm from the floor level and grab bars on both the sides.

Example: Urinal


6.2.6 Drinking water Observations Recommendations

• Drinking water filter is accessible for all

• A water filter is placed at a height of 700 mm from floor level, which is within the prescribed height i.e. 800 mm from the floor level

• Glasses are not kept next to the water filter

• There are no direction and identification signages

• Have a water glass provision at accessible height not higher than 1200 mm

• Direction and Identification signages to be provided in accessible format


6.2.7 Controls and Operating Mechanisms Observations Recommendations

• In most sections of the building switches are placed at a height of 1000 mm from the floor level

• Switches-board and switches are not contrasted with the background colour

• Switches to be placed at a height between 600 mm-1100 mm

• Paint or stick contrast colour border of minimum 15 mm width

The operable part of controls such as vending machines, electrical switches, wall sockets and intercom buttons should be:

• Located at a height of between 600 mm to 1100 mm from the floor with the exception of vending machines where the upper limit is relax able by a maximum of 100 mm to cater for wheelchair users • Controls should be placed not less than 400 mm from room corners • Operable with one hand and should not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist • Operable with a force less than 22N.


6.2.8 Signage Observation Recommendations

• There are no directional and identification signages in the building

• Prominent visible signage using the international symbol of accessibility, identifying accessible entrance and exit, reserved car parking, presence of toilets for persons with disabilities, drinking water fountain, stairs, lifts and availability of special services to be provided in tactile and braille too

• Directional signs in the corridors indicating the location of accessible facilities like lift, ramp, drinking water filter, toilets and emergency exits to be provided

• The signage size not to be less than 60 mm for doors, 110 mm for corridors and 200 mm for external use

• All visual signage in the building to be uniform and with high colour contrast

• All signage should be multilingual, provided with Braille and Tactile supplements

• All Braille and tactile signage to be placed between the height of 900 mm and 1500 mm


Colour Contrast: Text should contrast with sign background Sign should contrast with environment Light levels (measured in Lux) 70% contrast between wall and sign panel Avoid shades of colours Avoid using same colours as safety signs Maximum 5 colours Non-reflective surface


Positioning the Signage

• Signs should be located where they are clearly visible. A person with low vision should be able to read a sign if she/he approaches the sign for close up viewing. Wall-mounted signs that contain detailed information; timetables, maps or diagrams, should be centred around 1400 mm from the ground, with the bottom edge not less than 900 mm from the finished floor level and the top edge up to 1800 mm from the finished floor level.

• Braille and tactile signage should be placed at a height between 900 mm to 1500 mm (ideal location at 1050 mm) above the finished floor level

• Duplicating detailed signs and instructions, especially safety notices, should be located at high and low levels, i.e. at 1600 to 1700 mm and at 1000 to 1100 mm to allow conveniently close viewing by wheelchair users

• Signs should be positioned in a way that the reader does not obstruct circulation paths. The position is projecting or ceiling suspended signs above head height at 2300 mm from floor level. Although it is important that the sign does not create a head height obstacle, it is equally important that the size of the lettering increase in proportion to the distance from the reader.

• Top of building directory signage, building direction signage and bulletin board signs should be 1800 mm from the finished floor level.

• Room number and identification signage to be at 1400 mm from the finished floor level to the bottom of the sign, and 50 mm from the door frame.

• In the case of tile wall, the closest horizontal joint should be used. • Detailed signs and instructions, especially safety notices, should be located

at both high and low levels, i.e. at 1600-1700 mm and at 1000-1100 mm to allow convenient, close viewing by wheelchair users.

Viewing Distances for signage

• Long distance signage includes fascia signs, external location, external direction, house numbers

• Medium range includes location + direction, identification signage • The close range would include room signs, directories, wall mounted

information, etc.


Pictogram area


Size Landscape: 600 X 200 mm Portrait: 400 X 600 mm Viewing distance up to 20 meters

Size Landscape: 300 X 100 mm Portait: 200 X 300 mm Viewing distance up to 10 meters

Size Landscape: 450 X 150 mm Portrait: 300 X 400 mm Viewing distance up to 15 meters


6.2.9 Emergency Evacuation Observations Recommendations

• The emergency exits are not clearly marked with directional signs

• There are no fire extinguishers provided in both the buildings

• There is no audio and visual emergency alarm system available

• The staff has not been trained to assist persons with disabilities in an evacuation

• Evacuation chairs are not available

• The emergency evacuation provision should take into account people with disabilities

• There should be a step free or ramped accessible evacuation route identified leading to the exit or the ramp or to the refuge area

• The emergency exits should be clearly marked with directional arrow signs

• Sufficient number of fire extinguishers should be provided at the height between 1000 mm and 1500 mm

• Audio and visual alarm to alert all people, including people with hearing impairment to be provided

• The alerting buttons should be between 600-1200 mm from the floor, should have a high contrast with the wall and Place a small hammer near the fire alarm button to break the glass to get the alarm

• All emergency and directional signage should be accessible

• Provide evacuation plans on each floor. In the evacuation plan the accessible evacuation route must be identified. The fire evacuation plans: o Must be not too small making

them difficult to read. They must be large enough to be read easily even by people with low vision.

o ‘You are here’ point must be marked on the evacuation plan for the viewer to get their orientation

o The plan should contrast strongly against the background. Where possible, these should incorporate raised letters and tactile routes, and Braille for the benefit of persons with visual impairment.

o The evacuation plan must not have an acrylic sheet over it as it


causes reflection making it difficult to read for people with low vision.

o The evacuation plans and building maps should be available in tactile Braille formats

• The staff should be trained to assist persons with different disabilities in an evacuation

• Evacuation chairs should be available and their location be known to the staff

Evacuation chair

Signage for emergency evacuation

2000 mm

1220 mm

100 mm


7.0 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION Recommendations • The website should provide information about the building/service and should

comply with the web accessibility standards of given in W3C -Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. It has three levels – A, AA, AAA

Level A- The most basic web accessibility features Level AA- Deals with the biggest and most common barriers for disabled

users Level AAA- The highest (and most complex) level of web accessibility

Most websites designed to meet Level AA-plus and for some Level AAA.

• All publications/brochures/applications/instructions should be available in alternate accessible formats such as: Braille, Large print, Accessible electronic formats that can be easily shared over email or mobile platforms.

• The forms filling online should be through an accessible software and easy for person using JAWS, Magic or screen readers

• Staff members should be trained in Indian Sign Language


Vendors List

Guiding/Warning tactile pavers • Sati Tile Pvt Ltd, Gajraj Chambers, 4th Floor 86 B/2, Topsia Road

South, Kolkata • Amratlal Dhirajlal & Company, No. 412, Shaikh Memon Street,

Opposite Crawford Market, Mumbai

Braille signage and tactile maps

• Falak Enterprises, 206/1643, Motilal Nagar No. 1, Road No. 4, Near Usha Hall, Goregaon (West), Mumbai- 400104 • Idea Publicity, Shop 2 & 3, Shivtej Niwas, Near Airoli Circle Sector-9,

Airoli, Navi Mumbai-400708 • Naman Marble and Granite, N.H. 37, Lokhra, Charpali Lokhra,

Guwahati. Accessible lifts with audio, braille buttons, mirror, grab bars and door with vision pane • Johnson Lifts Pvt Ltd, No-11, Borabhawan, Ganeshguri, Guwahati,

Assam-781006 • Johnson Lifts Pvt Ltd, No-24/2, Garcha 1st Lane, Near Gariahat,

Kolkata-700019

Grab bars • Akash Mercantile, Andra Bank Building, Ground floor PC market, AT

Road, Guwahati- 781001

Stair Lift chair • Raj Elevator India Pvt Ltd, office No-205, 2nd floor, Hari Om Plaza,

M.G.Road, Borivali East, Mumbai-400066. • Orbit Hydraulic Elevator, Gosai Complex, Gosai bari, Bhet apara main

road, Opp- Unnati bajaj, Guwahati-781029

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