By:
'Svayam'- Global Centre for Inclusive
Environment
Jindal Centre, 12, Bhikaiji Cama Place
New Delhi-110066
www.svayam.com
Access Audit Report
of
Circuit House, Jaipur
under
Accessible India CampaignMinistry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
, Govt. of India
1
Building Summary
Circuit House , Jaipur
Building Type: Office building
Building Use: Staying facility for
senior government
representatives
Date of Audit: 19 May, 2016
Audit Team Members :-Er. Naveen Kumar Ar. Harshita
Vashishth, Anil kumar, Shubhas Sharma
Methodology:
Audit conducted on the basis of:
• Checklist issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment.
• Measurement done on the site, based on the existing
situation of the building.
• Pictures and videos made on the site as per the existing
situation of the building.
• Notes prepared on the basis of the problems faced by the
user group on site.
• “Handbook on Barrier Free and Accessibility”2
Preface
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that came into
force on 3rd May 2008 after its ratification by 20th nation (India being one of
the first few signatories), National Policy on Disability- 2006 and The Persons
with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full
Participation) Act 1995 all mandate an enabling and barrier free environment
for persons with disabilities.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social
Justice & Empowerment has launched ‘Accessible India Campaign’ (Sugamya
Bharat Abhiyan ), as a nation wide flagship campaign for achieving universal
accessibility for persons with disabilities.
In line with the above Action Plan, Dept. of Empowerment of PwD, has
engaged ‘Svayam’ as an Expert Agency to conduct Access Audits of 340 major
Government Buildings in identified 8 Cities across nation and suggest cost
effective solutions to make them accessible to persons with disabilities.
This Access Audit Report documents the observations of the auditors on the
existing level of accessibility at the site and suggests cost effective solutions
to make it more accessible, and welcoming to all, irrespective of their age or
abilities. The suggestions/recommendations have been indicated by a tick
mark.
May 2016
New Delhi Team Svayam
3
Building Summary
Building Overview:
Evaluation criteria is based on evaluating each element as per
the rating recommendation in “Annexure II”
Evaluati
on Rank
Evaluation Criteria Symbols Priority for
creating
access
1. Hazardous,
Inaccessible and
Unsatisfactory
Highest
2. Inaccessible and
unsatisfactory
High
3. Unsatisfactory but
acceptable
Moderat
e
4. Accessible and
Acceptable - Access
Code
Compliant
Low
5. Accepted as a Best
Practice in Accessibility
Lowest
4
Building Summary
Building Overview:
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY SYMBOLS PRIORITY
FOR
CREATING
ACCESS
1. PARKING HIGH
2. ALIGHTING LOW
3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE LOW
4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE MODERATE
5. RECEPTION & LOBBY HIGHEST
6. STAIRS MODERATE
7. RAMP HIGHEST
8. HANDRAIL MODERATE
9. LIFT MODERATE
10. CORRIDORS MODERATE
11. DOORS & DOORWAYS MODERATE
12. ACCESSIBLE TOILET HIGHEST
13. CAFETERIA HIGHEST
14. DRINKING WATER
FACILITY
HIGH
15. SIGNAGE HIGH
16. EMERGENCY
EVACUATION
HIGHEST5
Contents
S. No. Subject
1. Preface
2. Approach and Main Gate
3. Parking
4. Entrance to the Building
5. Reception
6. Staircase
7. Lifts
8. Ramp
9. Corridors
10. Doors & Room
11. Cafeteria
12. Toilets
13. Drinking Water
14. Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness
15. Information & Communication
16. Evaluation of the service
17. Standards I (Design Guidelines for Tactile Paving)
18. Standards II (Signage specifications)
19. Standards III (Accessible parking specifications)
20. Standards IV (Accessible lift specifications)
21. Standards V (Ramp & Handrail specifications)
22. Standards VI (Staircase specifications)
23. Standards VII (Accessible toilet specifications)
24. Standards VIII (Kerb Ramp specifications)6
External Environment
Approach & Main Gate
• The building is easily approachable as it is located on the main road.
• There are uneven surface on the main gate .
• There are provided sheeter channel in main gate.
• The main entrance is wide, leveled and barrier free.
• Signage in Braille is missing to aid visually impaired.
• There is no tactile orientation for visually impaired visitors.
• The signage is prominent from the approach road to indicate the building.
• The existing signage is in Hindi & English which is a good practice, however, fonts are small and doesn’t follow a uniform pattern.
• There is no route map/lay out plan of the building.
Observations:
7
External Environment
Approach & Main Gate
Suggestions:
� Ensure periodic maintenance of approach ways.
� The flooring requires maintenance & beveling of the uneven
surface.
� Provide Tactile pathways for persons with vision impairment
from entrance leading to the main building gates .
� Tactile should be provided at main gate.
� Smooth surface should be provided9
External Environment
Parking
Observations:
• Parking space available for two wheeler and
four wheeler vehicle parking.
• There is a no shelter parking.
• There is no reserved parking for disabled
person .
• Cars have been parked in the pathway due to
lack of dedicated car parking facility.
• Signage indicating parking facility is missing.
• No parking signage available.10
External Environment
Parking
Suggestions:
� Consider creating earmarked parking spaces (both for
cars and two wheelers) for persons with disabilities
with proper signage and aisle space.
� The signage of accessible parking should be displayed
at the entry point itself and also at the site of
earmarked spaces at a height of 2100 mm so as not to
get obstructed by the parked vehicle.
� Ensure leveling and periodic maintenance of parking
lot.
� For parking specifications, standers .
Signage indicating Accessible Parking
Fig. Sample drawing for single car parking
12
Suggestions:
External Environment
Parking
• Parking signage should be provided.
• Reserve parking space for wheelchair user should be
made.
Two wheeler
parking
Parking
13
Internal Environment
Entrance
Observations:
• Entrance to the building has been not accessible for
wheelchair.
• There are one steps at the entrance, however, there is
no marking on the edge of the steps for the benefit of
people with visual impairments.
• Both side openable main door depth size 1600mm,
handle height 1050mm.
• There are no tactile paving at the beginning for the
benefit of visually impaired visitors.
• Tactile warning blocks in the beginning and towards the
end of the staircase are missing.
• No tactile and signage at main entrance. 14
Internal Environment
Entrance
Suggestions:
� Consider installing proper signage “Accessible Route” to
indicate the accessible ramp. For details on signage.
� Highlight locations of ramp on tactile maps at the main
entrance.
� Tactile warning blocks should be placed 400 mm before
the beginning and end of each ramp to indicate the
level change to visually impaired persons.
� It is suggested that walking area in front of the ramp
run be kept free of parking by ensuring that vehicles
are parked in the area earmarked for parking facility.
� Wherever there are steps provide a 50mm colour
contrast on the tread edge help people with visual
disabilities & elderly even in dim light conditions.
� Consider tactile warning blocks at 300mm before the
beginning and at the end of every flight of stairs.Entrance
15
Internal Environment
Entrance
Entrance
Suggestions:
• Signage and tactile at main entrance should be
provided.
16
Internal Environment
Reception
Observations:
• It’s a covered reception area with separate
reception desk.
• The height of the reception counter is 1100
mm which is not accessible for wheelchair
users
• No signage for reception .
• Sheeting facility available for visitor.
• The signage is inadequate and with no braille
markings.
• There is no induction loop available at the
reception counter for hearing impaired
visitors.
• There are not audio system at reception.
17
Internal Environment
Reception
Observations:
• No signage for reception and sheeting area.
• Reception counter height is 1100mm not
accessible for wheelchair user. 18
Internal Environment
Reception
Suggestions:
Reception
� Reception signage should be provided.
� Reception counter height is 750 to900mm should be
provided for wheelchair user.
19
Internal Environment
ReceptionSuggestions:
� The reception counter should have a clear
knee space of 350mm.
� Ensure display of proper signage with Braille
to assist people with vision impairments. For
signage specifications.
� For specifications of accessible reception
counters.
20
Internal Environment Staircase
• There are flight of 11 stairs with a landing with 170 mm riser and 300,width 970mm tread which is a good practice.
• There are two stairs in building.
• Handrail exists only on one side in stair A doesn’t continue on landing
• Handrail exists on both side in stair B continue on handrails height 800mm.
• There is no edge marking on the tread for the benefit of visually impaired visitors.
• There are no tactile warning blocks to guide the visitors with visual impairments.
• Signage indicating staircase is inadequate and is not legible.
• The floor surface is non-slippery & the under-stair area has been cordoned off to avoid accidents, which is a good practice.
Observations:
21
Observations:
Internal Environment Staircase
Stairs A
Stairs B
• No handrail at stair A and no colour contrast. 22
Internal Environment
Staircase
Suggestions:
� It is advisable to have handrails on both sides and at two levels i.e. 700mm and 900mm so as to cater to children or persons of short stature as well as adults. Ref annexure V on handrails.
� The handrails of 35-45 mm diameter is preferred and should have minimum clearance of 40-50 mm from the wall.
� Handrails should extend horizontally between 300mm and 450 mm before and after the stairs/ramp run, except in places where extensions could obstruct the pedestrian flow.
� Consider colour contrast strips of 50 mm bordering the edge of the tread as shown in the drawing. Refer Annexure VI.
� Tactile warning blocks of 300 mm size should be placed at the beginning and at the end of the stairs which should continue on landings so as to caution the guests with visual impairment about the presence of stairs. Refer Annexure VII.
� The stairs surface be made slip resistant.
� A minimum of 100 lux illumination should be ensured on staircases, in absence of natural illumination.
Contrasting edge marking
helps visually impaired users to
identify the steps and use them
safely.
23
Internal Environment
Staircase
� Handrail both side Should be provided, tactile and colour
contrast also.
Stairs A
Stairs B
Suggestions:
24
Internal Environment
Lifts
Observations:
• There are three lifts connecting all floors
in the building.
• Door width is 800 mm making it accessible
for wheelchair users.
• There are provided three side handrails
and no available mirror.
• There are no tactile warning strips at the
top and bottom end of the lift and
passenger conveyers.
• There is a visual display facility for the
benefit of hearing impaired visitors.
• Audio announcement is present for
visually impaired.
• The control panel height 1000mm.
25
Internal Environment
Lifts
Suggestions:
� Lifts designated for use by people with
disabilities should be marked with proper
signage and directional signs be provided from
all other entrances of the building to the
accessible lift.
� The lift door should have a clear opening of not
less than 900 mm.
Lift
� Should be provided signage and tactile. 27
Internal Environment
Cafeteria
Observations:
• The cafeteria has step free access making it accessible for
people with reduced mobility.
• There is signage available for cafeteria.
• The floor is slip-resistant with adequate circulation space.
• The height of the service counter 770mm .
• The hand wash facility available.
• There are table height 750mm,depth 780mm.
28
Suggestions:
� Consider installing directional signage to
guide people towards the canteen.
� Signage in Braille is required to aid visually
impaired.
Specifications accessible hand
wash facility
Internal Environment
Cafeteria
30
Internal Environment
Corridors
• The corridors were wide enough and
provided wheelchair maneuvering facility.
• There no seating facility provided in the
corridor.
• There were no protruding objects or barriers
in the corridor, which is a good practice.
• The floor surface is slip resistant and non-
reflective.
• There was a colour contrast between the
floor, wall, doors and the ceiling.
Observations:
31
�Corridors should be provided with seating
facility for visitors.
�Consider installing sufficient and uniformly
distributed lighting in the corridors.
�It is suggested that walking area in the corridor
should be kept free of any encroachments by
ensuring proper storage of the unused material.
Internal Environment
Corridors
Suggestions:
Exit
� Handrails, Proper signage and tactile should be
provided.
33
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Doors & Room
Observations:• The door width is 920mm which is accessible for wheel
chair users to enter the room.• Proper signage at door.• Door handle is at 1000mm.• There is no proper tactile guidance till the rooms.• The switch height inside the room is 1350mm which is
not accessible as required height is 800mm-1050mm.
Suggestions:
• There must be proper signage at all the doors.
• The signage should also be present in braille format.
• The handle height of the door must be 750mm-900mm.
• There must be proper tactile guidance till the rooms.
34
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Doors & Room
Observations:
Suggestions:
35•Tactile warning tiles must be installed from the entrance to the room doors.
•Signage must be there on the right wall of the room entrance.
No tactile
No signage
tactile
signage
01
Internal Environment
Drinking Water Facility
Observations:
• The drinking water facility located in the
circular area.
• There is no signage available for drinking
water.
• There are dispenser tap height 1300mm not
accessible for wheelchair user.
• The drinking water facility located every floor.
• Both the facilities are not sign posted.
• No signage and tactile for drinking water.36
Internal Environment
Drinking Water Facility
� Consider modifying at least one wash basin making it
accessible for wheelchair users
� Consider beveling the level difference to allow wheelchair
users use the facility.
� Drinking water cooler/taps that extend into corridors and
have an open space underneath the fountain 750 mm in
height should be protected by a wall guard. The provision of
two drinking facilities at different heights is very convenient
for people in wheelchairs and children. The 100mm high
water flow is to allow for the insertion of a cup or glass.
Drinking water
Suggestion :
37
Internal Environment
Toilets
• There is no separate toilet for disabled
person.
• There are separate toilets for males and
females.
• The door width is 700 mm making it difficult
for ambulant visitors and wheelchair users.
• The entry to the urinal is stepped (100 mm)
making it inaccessible.
• The signage is inadequate and is legible.
• The washbasin is at a height of 870 mm
making it inaccessible for wheelchair users.
• The toilets are maintained properly and
hygiene conditions are poor.
Observations:
38
Internal Environment
Toilets
� The existing toilet door width needs to be
widened to 900 mm to 1000mm allow at least
ambulant disabled visitor to use the facility.
� Signage in Braille is required to aid visually
impaired.
� There should be a wash basin facility, at a
preferable height of 750 mm to be accessible
for wheelchair users.
� Consider adding handrails to make to make
them accessible to ambulatory disabled.
� The existing toilets have very little scope for
accessible features due to space constraints.
� Its advisable to revamp the toilets. A
unisex/multi-use toilet can be constructed of a
dimension of 2000mm x 2200 mm on the
ground floor. For details refer to accessible
toilet stander
Suggestions:
40
Internal Environment
Toilets
Suggestions:
Suggested full stall
urinal
Specifications
accessible hand
wash facility
A reference figure for public toilet based on
universal design is given on the next slide.
41
Internal Environment:
Emergency Evacuation
• Currently ,there is no dedicated fire exit but
there are two entry /exit gate so one can be
use for fire exit.
• There is no emergency exit signage .
• There is emergency exit /signage indicating the
emergency exit for those with disabilities or
have mobility problems.
• Main door width 1600mm.
• There are available fire alarm.
Observations:
43
Internal Environment:
Emergency Evacuation
Suggestions:
�Emergency exit signage should be installed in English ,Hindi and Braille.
�Emergency exits should have emergency alarm both audio (hooter type) and visual (flashing bulb) on each floor/level at strategic locations.
�Conduct periodic training of staff in disability equality and handling in emergency.
� Fire proof lifts must be installed for easy evacuation.
45
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
No. Question Answer
1.a The website proving information about the building/service
complies with web accessibility standards.
NO
1.b There is information detailing the accessible facilities in the
building with photographs
NO
2. All publications/brochures are available is also available in
alternate accessible formats such as:
- Braille
- Large Print
- Audio
- Pictorial (wherever possible)
- Easy-to-read
- Plain language
- Available in Hindi& English
- Accessible Electronic formats that can be shared over email or
mobile platforms.
NO
3. Printed service related documents such as forms, menu cards,
etc. are in accessible formats
NO
4. Forms can be filled electronically through an accessible
software
NO
5. Additional support is available to fill written forms if required. NO
6. Staff members are trained in Indian Sign Language
interpretation. If not, then Sign language interpreters are
available on call.
NO
7. Assistive technology such as Loop hearing systems, Audio
orientation tools, interpretative video’s or audio tours in with
captioning or sign language, wheelchairs etc. are available
NO
8. There is adequate lighting and no glare for deaf persons and
persons with low vision
NO
9. Adequate support is available for persons from different
cultures, learning disabilities, those not formally educated, in
all the above provisions
NO
46
EVALUATION OF THE SERVICE
No. Question Answer
1. Disability sensitization sessions are part of the staff induction
programme.
NO
2. Staff are trained to assist persons with disabilities, including
persons with learning disabilities.
NO
3. Staff are trained in basic Indian sign language NO
4. Staff are aware of the accessible facilities that are available and
know how to operate them
NO
5. All accessibility equipment is checked regularly and maintained
well.
NO
6. There is a procedure for a client with disabilities to lodge a
complaint or make suggestions
NO
7. Guide dogs are allowed in the premises NO
8. Trained live assistance is available in premises for all disability
constituencies where it may be required
YES
9. There is a plan to improve accessibility over a set
timeframe
NO
10.a There is an equal opportunities policy within the organisation to
promote the employment of staff with disabilities
NO
10.b Policy also includes commitment to reasonable adjustment of
work place environment to accommodate new staff and
clients with disabilities
NO
11. Organisation has a disability focal person in charge who manages
the concerns of employees and clients with disabilities
NO
47
Standards
Standards No. Contents
Standards I Design Guidelines for Tactile Paving
Standards II Specifications : Signage
Standards III Accessible Parking
Standards IV Ramp Designs and Specifications
Standards V Handrails for ramps and stairs
Standards VI Reception Counters
Standards VII Staircase Specifications
Standards VIII Accessible Lifts
Standards IX Accessible Toilet Specifications
Standards X Emergency/Disaster Preparedness
49
Standards I
Design Guidelines for Tactile Paving to assist
Persons with Visual Impairment
• Tactile indicators for visually impaired visitors should be provided.
• Tactile guiding and warning blocks should be placed in the centre/side
of the pedestrian and approach pathway per guidelines in next slide.
• Warning of any level change and obstruction on the pathway should be
indicated by warning blocks such as, on the approach to a ramp.
Guiding Blocks Warning Blocks
Clear visual and tactile clues are
required to facilitate visit of vision-
impaired or people with low vision
50
Specifications: Placement of Tactile Paving
Tactile paving on pathways, turns
and intersections
Tactile paving on stairs and
crosswalks
51
Standards II
Specifications: SignageGeneral• Signage includes direction signs, signs of locality, street names and numbering, information
signs, etc. The main purpose of signage is to provide clear designation of places, warningand routing information. Symbols should be displayed at various facilities for people withdisabilities such as lifts, entrances, telephone booths, toilets, car parks and the like. Thesymbol of access should be permanently and conspicuously displayed to indicate thelocation of various facilities in the building.
• All types of signs should be visible, clear, simple, easy to read andunderstand, and properly lit at night.
• In general, signs should not be placed behind glass because of possible reflection.
• Signage placed on the pedestrian path of travel are considered obstructions; thus, theyshould be detectable and be clear of the path of travel.
• Universal signage helps to overcome language barriers.The art of designing signs and signage is rapidly evolving. It is worth
considering the following issues :
– Make clear distinctions between signs that offer directions and those that indicate
arrival.
– The design of signs should allow for contrasting colours, serif-free text, simple and
consistent use of symbols and the provision of tactile information, including Braille.
– Signs need to be well lit.
– Signs need to be carefully located so as to help visitors throughout their journey by
providing information at junctions or in long passageways.
– The use of voice activated signs may need to be considered.
– The height of the sign should be lower rather than higher as there is no perfect
height for all visitors and be tactile/braille enabled.
– Wall hung signs should not hang below 2000 mm else it may obstruct the passage
of walkers and may use pictograms and text. (tactile & braille will not be of any use
in wall hung signage)
52
- Symbols should be used wherever possible.
They are useful for visually impaired people
and people with learning difficulties.
-A good pictorial symbol depends on
simplicity, legibility and good recognition /
familiar factor.
International symbol of accessibility
Accessible spaces and facilities should be identified by the international symbol of accessibility.
Contrasting colours
Should be used to differentiate the figure from the background. The commonly employed colours are white for the figure and blue for the background.
The wheelchair figure should always be seen from drawn facing right.
Accessible entrances should be clearly identified using the international symbol of accessibility including alternate locations of accessible entrances
Room Signs
Signs should be installed on the wall adjacent
to the latch side of the door at a height of
1500 mm from the finished floor to the
centre line of the sign. Where there is no wall
space to the latch side of the door, signs shall
be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.
The room nameplate in Braille should be
incorporated into the signage at an
approximate height of 1300 mm from the
floor level.
Directional signage with colour contrast
53
Signage fonts should :
– Be clear with Sans serif typeface
– Be in lower and upper case
– Be left justified
– Embossed with Braille and Braille locators
– Non glare
Character height
Characters and numbers on signs should be sized according to the viewing
distance from which they are to be read . The smallest letter type should never
be less than 15 mm.
Finish & Contrast
The characters and background shall be matte or other non-glare finish.
Characters and symbols should contrast with their background. The color
combinations red/green and yellow/blue should not be used in order to avoid
confusing color-blind persons.
Some Specifications for Signage � By paying attention to the background and panel contrast the sign will be more easily visible.� Contrasting the text & symbols with the panel allows the sign to be more easily read.� Tactile text & symbols along with Braille enable the sign to be read by a blind person.� Signs which show the correct use of colour contrast, words, pictogram and arrow directions caters to diverse users.
Fig. Character heightFig. Colour Combination for Signage
54
Signage-Some examples
with tactile/Braille
Pictorial signage with tactile and Braille information
55
Room /Door Signage
Signage, nameplates and
numbers of the rooms to
be in Braille & raised
alphabets at the eye
level, on the wall, bold
& color contrasted with
their background.
Suggested Door hardware
56
Standards IIISpecifications: Accessible Parking
• Accessible parking bays should be located on the shortest possible route as closest to the accessible entrance as possible preferably within 30m of the nearest accessible entrance.
• The accessible parking bay for a single car parking should :
– Have minimum dimensions 4800 mm x 3600 mm for a single car parking.
– Have a firm, level surface without aeration slabs.
– The parking to be provided closest to the entrance.
– There should be a 900mm wide clear path leading to the entrance of the premises from the parking.
– The parking needs to be well signed.
– The parking managers need to make sure that it is used by appropriate people.
– Should be referred to as ‘Accessible Parking’ and not ‘Handicap Parking’.
– The alighting point and boarding point wherever possible should be sheltered.
– A passenger alighting and boarding point should provide an access aisle of at least 1200 mm wide X 6000 mm long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space in case of single parking and 2400 mm wide and 6000 mm long for two cars with common aisle.
– Accessible parking areas should be marked by the international symbol of accessibility as a signpost at 2100 mm so that it doesn‘t get obscured by standing vehicles. Also, the symbol should also be panted on the ground surface of the parking space.
– Ensure that the signpost doesn’t block the access aisle or parking or pedestrian movement.
– Consider a bollard on the aisle so as to discourage parking. However, the bollard should leave at least 900 mm wide space so as to allow free movement of wheelchairs.
– Parking spaces should be located such that persons with disabilities are not compelled to wheel or walk behind the parked cars other than their own.
– The accessible route should not require persons on wheelchair to pass behind vehicles that are reversing.
– Wheel stoppers should be provided to avoid vehicles occupying space on the access aisle/pedestrian sidewalk.
• The Symbol of Access should also be displayed at approaches and entrances to car parks to indicate the provision of accessible parking lot for people with disabilities within the vicinity.
• Directional signs should be displayed at points where there is a change of direction to direct people with disabilities to the accessible parking lot.
Sample parking with painted
sign and bollard discouraging
unwanted parking on the
aisle and walkway connected
with the aisle.
Symbol of Access
Direction
al signs
Single and double Car
parking 57
Ramps Specifications
Fig. Design Specification of U-
shaped Ramp
Fig. Design Specification
of L-shaped Ramp
Fig. Example of an
alternate ramp with stairs;
Please note that handrails
benefit both ramp and
stair users and many
prefer one over the other.
Standards IV
58
Ramp Specifications
Gradient
• The ramp of a gradient of 1:15 is preferred and a gradient of 1:12 is the absolute maximum. A ramp gradient of 1:12 is often difficult to negotiate independently for many wheelchair users and may result in the wheelchair flipping backwards while ascending.
Width
• The minimum requirement for the clear unobstructed width of a ramp (i.e between handrails) is 1200mm and preferred width for two way movement is minimum 1800 mm.
Landings
• Landings should be provided along the length of the ramp at intervals of every 5 mts for a gradient of 1:12 and every 10 mts for a gradient of 1:15 or 1:20.
• Landings along the ramp should be at least the width of the ramp, not less than 1500mm long and clear of any door swing or other obstruction.
• There should always be a landing at the top and bottom of a ramp.
• Ramps should not connect straight to doors as wheelchair users need a leveled platform at the end of the ramp to maneuver and negotiate opening the door.
Ramp Surface
• The ramp surface and landings should be smooth, level, even and slip resistant especially when wet.
• Outdoor ramps and their surfaces should be designed to prevent water from accumulating on the walking surfaces.
• The surface finish should be hard and suitable for the volume of traffic that the ramp is likely to experience.
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
• Tactile warning blocks should be placed 400 mm before the beginning and end of each ramp to indicate the level change to visually impaired persons.
General
• Where the horizontal run of the approach ramp exceeds 9000 mm in length, an alternative stepped approach in addition to the ramp approach, should be provided for people with ambulatory disabilities.
59
Standards V
Handrails for ramps and stairs
Fig. Landings and placement of tactile
warning strips on a ramp
Fig. Note handrails at two heights for children/persons with short stature & for adults and
extended rail before and after the ramp run to assist slow walkers/ elders and persons with
disabilities. Both handrails should be affixed in a way that allows a user to grasp it
continuously along its entire length — the location of brackets or posts should not require a
user to let go of the handrail at any time.
Fig. Two level handrails that
provide continuous hold to users.
60
Standard Specifications for Handrails
� Handrails should continue uninterrupted (except for doorways) on both sides
and around the landing. Both side railings helps people with left and right side
preferences and also for to and fro movement on the incline.
� Handrails should extend horizontally for a distance between 300mm and 450
mm at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps, except in places where
extensions could obstruct the pedestrian flow.
� For stairs or ramps more than 3000mm wide, a continuous intermediate
handrail should be considered.
Handrails should :-
• Be slip-resistant with round ends.
• Have a circular section of 30-45 mm in diameter.
• Be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.
• Have continuous gripping surfaces, without obstructions or interruptions that
can break a hand hold.
• Be provided on both the sides.
• Be continuous, even at the landings.
• Extend at least 300-450 mm beyond the beginning and end of the stairs/ramp
run. The ends of the handrails should return back to the railing or be grouted
in the wall or in the floor to prevent any injury to the users.
• Have a minimum clear space of 40 mm from the wall.
• Be installed at two heights, one at 700mm and the other at 900mm.
• Be finished so as to contrast in colour and luminance with the background
against which it will be viewed.
• Be made with a material that will not get hot in the direct sunlight, especially
in external installations.
• Be provided with Braille/tactile markings at the beginning and end to give
information to visually impaired people.
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Standards – V
Reception Counters
Following features should be included in the
reception area :
• Provide clear floor space of at least 900 mm x
1200 mm in front of the counters;
• Consider at least one counter on all public
dealing desks be receded to 750-800 mm from
floor level. The counter/desk should be
minimum 750mm high, have 480mm deep clear
knee space and be 900 mm wide to provide
accessibility to a guest with reduced mobility.
• There should be uniform light on the reception
desk of 300 lux and lighting should be so
positioned so as to illuminate the receptionist
and the desk top without creating any glare to
facilitate easy lip reading by Guest with Hearing
disability.
• The counters should have pictographic maps
indicating all the services offered at the counter
• The receptionists should be trained in basic sign
language to assist guest with hearing disability.
Some examples of accessible
reception counters
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In addition, the following are strongly recommended:-
• Have sound enhancement system available if required
with clear signage about its availability.
• Have a loop induction unit to benefit guests using
hearing aids and have a signage about its availability.
• Have a magnifying glass handy to benefit guests with
low vision on the counter.
• Staff managing the desk to be preferably fluent in sign
language or be acquainted with basic sign language.
• Provide a tactile guide map at the reception for visitors
with visual difficulties to orient themselves with the
building.
Sample Talking Tactile Map
Sample Tactile Guide Map
Tactile map-Germany Stuttgart’s Degerloch Rail Station
What is Induction loop system? : People with hearing
impairments find it difficult to grasp mass audio
activity. In an enclosed venue, it is possible to enclose
a small area with a loop-induction system so that
people with hearing impairments within it can hear
voices and sounds without ambient noise. A loop-
induction system comprises of a microphone, an
amplifier and a loop (a conducting wire encircling the
enclosure). The sound of music or the voices of actors
are converted into electromagnetic signals. The
signals are carried to the loop. A pickup coil fitted in a
hearing aid picks up the electromagnetic signals and
the receiver in the ear converts this into
comprehensible speech or music. Since the hearing
aid does not pick up actual sound signals, it receives
no ambient noise, ensuring good quality of sound.
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Standards VI
Stairs Specifications
• Risers should not be more than 150mm and treads
should not be less than 300mm deep.
• Open risers are a hazard for persons with reduced
mobility and hence should be avoided.
• Continuous handrails on both sides of the staircase
should be provided including the landings.
• Space under the staircase should be cordoned off by
putting guardrails or by closing the space with a wall
to prevent the visually impaired guest from walking
into it.
• Illumination of minimum 150 lux should be
maintained on the stair surface.
• Nosing on the stairs should contrast in colour and
tone with the tread. There should be colour contrast
strips/ Edge marking of 50 mm bordering the edge
of the tread as shown in the picture.
• Handrails should be provided on both sides,
preferably at two levels. At 700 mm and at 900-1000
mm.
• Tactile warning blocks should be installed 400mm
from the beginning and at the end of the stairs as an
indication of level change to visually impaired
persons.
The following features need to be kept in mind in
facilities where stairs are being built or exist:
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Standards VII
Accessible Lift Specifications
Lift• Where lifts are provided in a building, at least one lift should be made accessible from the
entrance level for vertical circulation.• The lift should serve all levels intended for access by people with disabilities.• Lifts designated for use by people with disabilities should be marked with proper signage and
directional signs be provided from all other entrances of the building to the accessible lift.
Lift Size• The minimum size of the lift should be 1200 mm wide by 1400mm deep.
Door• The lift door should have a clear opening of not less than 900 mm.• There should be no gap in level between the lift door and the floor surface at each level. If such
a gap is unavoidable, then it should not be more than 12 mm.
Call Button• Call button located outside the lift should have a clear floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200
mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a wheelchair user from reaching the call button; • Be installed at a height between 900 mm and 1200 mm.
• Control Panel• Have a dear floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a
wheelchair user from reaching it; • Be placed at a height of between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level and have buttons
with Braille/raised letters and in sharp contrast from the background to aid people with visual impairments.
• Review mirror and kick plates to be fitted.
Grab Bars• Be placed at a height of 900mm from the floor level and be fixed on both sides and at the rear
of the lift.
Audio and Visual Indicators• The lift should have a voice announcement system along with a visual display to indicate the
floor level.• Number of the floor/block in big fonts and good colour contrast should be placed on the
opposite wall where the lift door opens.
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Standards VIIIAccessible Toilets Specifications & Designs
Accessible Toilet Specifications.
Accessible Toilet Specifications.
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Features of Unisex Accessible Toilets
The unisex accessible toilet should be located as close as possible to the
entrance of the building and shall comply with the following guidelines:
1. Have clear internal dimensions of not less than 2000 mm x 2200 mm. If the toilet is within the male or female section, then the dimension of not less than 2000 x 1750 mm may be accepted.
2. Be equipped with a door:
– that opens outwards or sliding type or be foldable.
– Single leaf door 1000 mm wide.
– That has horizontal pull bar at least 600 mm long on the inside and 140 mm long on the outside at least 700 mm high.
– Have an emergency release mechanism so that they are capable of being opened from outside in case of an emergency.
– Be capable of being locked from the inside by a device that is operable by one hand, activated by a force not more than 22 N and which does not require:
• fine finger control,
• tight grasping, and
• pinching or twisting of the wrist.
3. Have a slip resistant flooring.
4. Have a 400 mm high kick plate.
5. Have the toilet roll dispenser 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 250 mm from the top of the water closet seat.
6. Be equipped with a cloth hook mounted on a side wall between 1000 -1300 mm from the floor and projecting not more than 40 mm from the wall.
7. Soap dispenser-single hand operation 900 mm high.
8. Provide space for sanitary bin clear of door and WC.
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….Features of Unisex Accessible Toilets
9. Wash Basin should comply with the following
features:
– Single lever mixer tap or sensor taps.
Recommended maximum temperature is
41 degrees.
– Be of a standard size with dimensions of
approximately 520 mm x 410 mm;
– Be mounted such that the minimum
distance between the centerline of the
fixture and the side wall is 460 mm;
– Be mounted such that the top edge is
between 800-900 mm and 840 mm from
the floor;
– Have a knee space of at least 750 mm wide
by 200 mm deep by 650- 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
– Mirror’s bottom edge to be 1000 mm from
the floor and maybe inclined at an angle.
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….Features of Unisex Accessible Toilets10. Water Closet should comply with the following
features:
– WC seat height should be 480-500 mm to the top of the seat for ease of transfer.
– Preferably be of wall hung or corbel type as it provides additional space at toe
level.
– Have a clear space of not less than 900 mm next to the WC.
– Be located between 460mm to 480 mm from the centerline of the WC to the
adjacent wall and have a clear dimension of 800 mm from the edge of the WC to
the rear of the wall to facilitate side transfer.
– Have a back support where there is no seat lid or tank. A back support reduces the chance of imbalance or injury caused by leaning against exposed valves or pipes.
– Grab bars at the rear and adjacent wall.
– Pull down grab bars to be provided on the transfer side at a distance of 320 mm from the centre line of the WC.
– Have flush control which is hand operated and located on transfer side of the water closet and not more than 1200 mm from the floor.
11. Hinged support drop down rail should be between 700-
800 mm height.
12. Fire alarm system to include visual and audible alarm in
the toilet that can be seen and heard from all the
cubicles.
13. Light switches with large push pads should be
preferably used.
14. Emergency assistance call signal is so located outside
the toilet compartment so that it can be easily seen
and heard by those able to give assistance.
Fig. Low height wash basin &
Low height urinals cater to
children as well as people of
short stature. Additionally if
grab bars are also provided this
becomes very user friendly to
those needing support while
walking.
Fig. Accessible Toilet with grab
bars
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Standards IX
Emergency Egress / Evacuation
strategy/ Disaster Preparedness
• Disaster preparedness should always be of highest order and must
keep the most vulnerable user of the building.
• Always include elderly and disabled persons while planning for
emergency
• An accessible environment enables persons with disabilities to not
only enter and use the environment independently but also to
leave safely in the vent of an emergency.
• The basic principle of an emergency egress strategy is to move
persons horizontally to a safe area where, if necessary, they can
await assistance or rescue, before travelling vertically to reach the
final exit level.
• The egress routes therefore, will comprise horizontal escape routes,
refuges, stairwells and lifts.
• In addition, A fire evacuation strategy must be in place which
should identify management procedures based on the design of the
building, its occupancy and use. These procedures should include
the egress of persons with disabilities in the event of fire.
• Emergency exits should be clearly marked with proper signage .
These exits should be clear of all obstructions at all times.
• Clear Well illuminated signage indicating escape routes are
essential.
• An alternative to immediate evacuation is a safe refuge point within
the building where the persons with disabilities could remain there
until the fire is controlled or put out or until rescued by fire fighters.
Refuge area should be provided usually at the fire-protected stair
landing on each floor that can safely hold one or two wheelchairs.
• Each area of refuge must be separate from the remainder of the
story by a smoke barrier having minimally one hour fire resistance
rating. Each area of smoke is to be designed to minimize the
intrusion of smoke.
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• Two wheelchair spaces of size 800x1200mm each should be provided in the refuge area. The area
of rescue assistance shall not encroach on any required exit width. The total number of such areas
per story shall be not less than one for every 200 persons of calculated occupant load served by
the area of rescue assistance.
• All stairs next to the refuge should have a clear width of 1200 mm between the handrails
• A method of two way communication, with both visible and audible signals, shall be provided
between each area of rescue assistance and the primary entry.
• Each area of rescue assistance shall be identified by a sign “Refuge Area/Point” and displays the
international symbol of accessibility. The sign should be illuminated when exit sign illumination is
required. Signage should also be installed at all inaccessible exits and where otherwise necessary
to clearly indicate the direction to areas of rescue assistance. In each area of rescue assistance,
instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted adjoining the two
way communication system.
• Alarm Systems (vocal, vibrating alarms and instructions for escape from danger)
• Consider emergency alarm both audio (hooter type) and visual (flashing bulb) on each floor/level
at strategic locations.
• f emergency warning systems, eg. Vibrating alarms or vocal alarms, are installed, they should
include a means of warning for visually impaired persons.
• Visual alarm devices should be provided for persons with hearing impairments
• Sockets should be provided near beds to allow alarm systems, including vibrating under pillow
devices, to be connected easily.
• Alarm signals such as flashing lights, vibrating beds or variable velocity fans can alert deaf or deaf
and blind residents. Emergency exit lights and directional signals mounted near the floor have
been found to be useful in cases where a lot of smoke is present. Pre-recorded messages and on
the spot broadcast from a central control centre would be of great benefit.
• Conduct periodic training of staff in disability equality and handling in emergency.
• Consider placing good colour contrasted signage indicated location of emergency exits.
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Disclaimer
• Although we have offered the best advice available to us at the time
of compiling this audit report, please be advised that due to the
ongoing development of legislation in this area, all companies and
organizations should seek continuing advice to ensure that their
services and facilities remain compliant with their statutory
obligations.
• It is important that professionals with accessibility experience be
involved in all stages of the design, construction, renovation and
refurbishment process. Svayam can not accept any responsibility for
loss occasioned by reason of non-compliance with the requirements
of relevant legislation/rules, if revised in due course.
• Service Providers are more likely to be able to comply with their
duties if they:
– Periodically audit physical and non-physical barriers to access.
– Make appropriate adjustments.
– Provide training to staff which is relevant to these adjustments.
– Draw the adjustments to the attention of disabled people.
– Prepare, and monitor compliance with, an ‘Access
Implementation Plan’ taking into account the priority and cost
implications highlighted in the audit report, and incorporating
considerations to improvise access in planned maintenance
and management procedures.
– Let disabled people know how to request assistance.
– Regularly review the effectiveness of adjustments and act on
the findings.
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