access audit report -...

Access Audit Reportof

Director General Medical Health, Dehradun

under

Accessible India CampaignMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India

By:

'Svayam'- Global Centre for Inclusive

Environment

Jindal Centre, 12, Bhikaiji Cama Place

New Delhi-110066

[email protected]

www.svayam.com

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

2

Building Summary

Director General Medical Health, Dehradun

Building Type: Government building.

Building Use: Administration, Provide medical facilities or control.

Date of Audit: 12th May 2016

Audit Team Members: Er. Ajay Kumar, Er. Virendra Singh, Ar. Chandan Malik, Shafiq Rehman

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”

3

Building Summary

Building Overview:

PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY SYMBOLS PRIORITY FOR

CREATING

ACCESS

1. PARKING HIGH

2. ALIGHTING LOW

3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE LOW

4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE HIGHEST

5. RECEPTION & LOBBY MODERATE

6. STAIRS MODERATE

7. RAMP HIGHEST

8. HANDRAIL HIGH

9. LIFT LOW

10. CORRIDORS LOW

11. DOORS & DOORWAYS MODERATE

12. ACCESSIBLE TOILET HIGHEST

13. CAFETERIA LOW

14. DRINKING WATER

FACILITY

HIGHEST

15. SIGNAGE HIGHEST

16. EMERGENCY

EVACUATION

HIGHEST4

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

Moderate

4. Accessible and

Acceptable - Access

Code

Compliant

Low

5. Accepted as a Best

Practice in Accessibility

Lowest

5

Contents

S. No. Subject

1. Preface

2. Approach and Main Gate

3. Parking

4. Entrance to the Building

5. Reception

6. Lift

7. Staircase

8. Corridors

9. Doors & Room

10. Toilets

11. Drinking Water

12. Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness

13. Information & Communication

14. Evaluation of the service

15. Standards I (Design Guidelines for Tactile Paving)

16. Standards II (Signage specifications)

17. Standards III (Accessible parking specifications)

18. Standards IV (Accessible lift specifications)

19. Standards V (Ramp & Handrail specifications)

20. Standards VI (Staircase specifications)

21. Standards VII (Accessible toilet specifications)

22. Standards VIII (Kerb Ramp specifications)

6

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

Approach and main road

Observations:

• The building is easily approachable and is located onthe main road.

• The signage was provided in large fonts.• There is no tactile orientation for visually impaired

users.• The approach road is plain and levelled.• There is no route map/ layout plan of the building.• Drop kerb is provided to maintain the level difference.

7

No color contrast


Approach and main road

Suggestions:

� Provide color contrast strip on gate.

� Provide tactile pathways for persons with visionimpairment from entrance leading to the main buildinggates. (Ref. Standards I for specifications).

� Installed signage with Braille language at main gate.

8

•Tactile warning tiles must be installed before the entrance to gate.

•Signage must be in Braille language.


Parking

Observations:

• Currently there is no dedicated parking spacereserved for people with disabilities within the buildingpremises.

• Basement is allotted for parking.• Vehicles are parked randomly in front to the entrance

to building.• There is no signage provided for the parking.• There is no tactile orientation for the visual

impairment visitors.• Surface of car parking area is anti skid bituminous.

9

Level difference

No signage


Parking

10

Observations:

Suggestions:

Parking

Two wheeler

There must be proper designated

parking for physically disabled userswith proper signage

Parking should be signpostedalong with tactile orientation.


Parking

Suggestions:

� Consider earmarking at least one dedicated parkingfor persons with disabilities with proper signage andaisle space leading to entrance in front of the wardsbuilding entrance.

� Provide tactile warning block for vision impairmentpeople.

� There should be asset signage indicating parking.

11

INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

Entrance to building

Observations:

• Entrance to building has been made accessible bya flight of 7 steps riser 160 mm & tread 400 mm.

• Both side handrails are provided.

• There is no marking on the edge of steps.

• There are no tactile and positional blocks provided.

• Entrance to building consist of a Aluminiumretractable double door both side opening with ashutter door closure.

12



13

Suggestions

Ramp should be provided

alternate to steps

There should be color

nosing strip along with

Tactile warning block.



Suggestions:

� Ramp should be provided adjacent to the steps.� Tactile warning blocks should be placed 400 mm

before the beginning and end of each ramp & steps atthe entrance to indicate the level change to visuallyimpaired persons.

� Consider providing circular handrails of diameter 35-45mm at two levels i.e. 700 and 900mm.

� Wherever there are steps provide a 50mm colourcontrast .

� Remove trees from the steps which are obstructing theuse of handrails.

14


Reception

15

Observations:

• Height of the reception counter is 760 mm.

• No hearing induction loop or amplifying device fittedin reception.

• Proper space is provided for wheel chair users.

• No signage indicating reception.


Reception

Suggestions:

� The reception counter should have a clear kneespace of 350mm.

� Ensure proper signage with Braille and withoutBraille.

� Provide tactile warning to reception.

16

Reception should be sign posted along with tactile orientation.


Lift

Observations:

• There are 2 lifts connecting all floors in the building.

• There is no directional signage indicating the presenceof the lift.

• Door width is 800 mm which is not as per standard.

• No rear mirror was present in the lift.

• Placement request buttons are placed at a height of1150 mm.

• There is visual display facility for the benefit of hearingimpaired visitors, which is a good practice.

• Lift doesn’t have a provision of audio announcementfacility indicating the arrival at a floor.

• Lift controls are above 1000 mm are not Braille enabledrendering them inaccessible for wheelchair & visuallyimpaired visitors.

• There is no tactile warning block for the lift.

17


LiftObservations:

Suggestions:

18

There must be proper signage indicating lift.There must be proper tactile orientation till lift


Lift

Suggestions:

� Consider providing audio announcement systemalong with visual display for the benefit of people withhearing impairments and low vision.

� The lift should be properly sign posted. (refer toStandards II)

� There must be proper directional signage at all theentrances to guide towards the lift.

� There must be a rear view mirror inside the lift on therear wall of the lift for a wheelchair user toindependently access the lift.

� All lift controls must be Braille enabled for the benefitof visually impaired persons.

� Provide tactile orientation to the lift.

19


Staircase

Observations:

• There are a flight of 12 steps with a landing with 150mm riser and 300 mm tread.

• Handrail exist only one sided.

• There is no edge marking on the steps of thestaircase.

• There are no tactile warning blocks to guide thevisitors with visual impairments.

• Signage indicating staircase is missing.

• The surface of the staircase is anti skid.

20


Staircase

Observations:

Suggestions:

21

Contrasting edge marking must be

on the stairs along with tactile

warning tiles.


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.

� The handrails should continue on the landing.

� Handrails should extend horizontally 300mm before and after the stairs run.

� Consider colour contrast strips of 50 mm bordering the edge of the tread as shown in the drawing. Refer Standards VI.

� Tactile warning blocks of 300 mm size should be placed at the beginning and at the end of the stairs.

Contrasting edge marking helps visually impaired

users to identify the steps and use them safely.22


Corridors

Observations:

• The corridors width is 2500 mm.

• There is barrier available in form of almirah.

• The floor surface is slip resistant and reflective.

• There is colour contrast between the floor, wall, doorsand the ceiling.

• There is no tactile orientation in the corridor.

• There are no guide rails in the corridor to support thepeople with visual impairment.

23


Corridors

24

Suggestions:

� Consider installing sufficient and uniformly distributedlighting in the corridors.

� It is suggested to provide guide rails on both thesides in the corridors at a height of 760mm.

� Remove the almirah box from the corridor.

� Provide color contrast between the walls, ceiling andflooring .

� Provide tactile in corridor.

ToiletReception

Barrier in form of Almirah

Provide asset signage along

with tactile orientation


Doors & Room

Observations:

• The door width is 1090 mm single door non-retractable.

• Door handle is at 1050 mm.

• There is no proper tactile guidance.

• The switch height inside the room is 1350mm which isnot accessible as required height is 800mm-1050mm.

Suggestions:

� There must be proper signage at all the doorshorizontal as well as perpendicular to the wall.

� The signage should also be present in Braillelanguage.

� The handle height of the door must be 750mm-900mm.

� There must be proper tactile guidance till the rooms.

25


Doors & Room

Observations:

Suggestions:

26

•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.


Toilets

Observations:

• There is no provision of accessible toilet unit for the disabled.

• There is gender specified toilet provided in the building at each floor.

• The door width is 780 mm which should be widened to 900 mm.

• There is a 40 mm level difference between toilet floor and corridor.

• The signage is available indicating the toilet.

• Wash basin height is 870 mm and urinal height is 700 mm.

• Indian standard WC is provided.

27


Toilets

28

Observations:

Suggestions:

•Signage should be installed perpendicularly to the wall.

•There is a no scope for wheel chair users in this existing toilet.


Toilets

Suggestions:

� The existing toilet door width needs to be widened to 900 mm to make it accessible..

� Provide adequate directional signage leading to accessible public toilet unit.

� The existing toilets have very little scope for accessible.

� Ensure periodic maintenance and cleaning of the toilet unit.

� Suggest to construct a new unisex toilet disabled user friendly.

29


Drinking Water

Observation:

• There is a 250 mm stepped access to the drinking water facility, which is inaccessible.

• The facility is not sign-posted.

• There is no tactile guiding path till the drinking water facility.

• The area around the drinking water should be leveled and filled.

• No specified tap for wheelchair users.

30


Drinking Water

31

Suggestion:

� There must be a signage indicating drinking water.

� The level difference at the access must be ramped.

� There must be proper tactile guiding path from theentrance leading to the drinking water facility.

� The area around the drinking water must be leveledand filled.

Drinking WaterDrinking Water

Ramp

Drinking water facility

must be signposted.Provide a curb for make it

accessible.


Emergency Evacuation

Observations:

• Currently, there is no fire exit for the entire building.

• There are no refuge areas earmarked for persons with disabilities. In fact, there is no declared evacuation plan for disabled people.

• The escape route is not clear.

• There is no arrangement of warning alarms.

• There is no knowledge of emergency to staff.

Suggestions:

� Emergency exit signage should be installed in 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.32

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION

No. Question Answer

1.a The website providing 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

33

EVALUATION OF THE SERVICE

No. Question Answer

1. Disability sensitization sessions are part of the staff induction

programme.

YES

2. Staff are trained to assist persons with disabilities, including

persons with learning disabilities.

YES

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

YES

5. All accessibility equipment is checked regularly and maintained

well.

YES

6. There is a procedure for a client with disabilities to lodge a

complaint or make suggestions

YES

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

NO

9. There is a plan to improve accessibility over a set

timeframe

YES

10.a There is an equal opportunities policy within the organization to

promote the employment of staff with disabilities

YES

10.b Policy also includes commitment to reasonable adjustment of

work place environment to accommodate new staff and

clients with disabilities

YES

11. Organization has a disability focal person in charge who manages

the concerns of employees and clients with disabilities

NO

34

Standards

35

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

36

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

37

Specifications: Placement of Tactile Paving

Tactile paving on pathways, turnsand intersections

Tactile paving on stairs and crosswalks

38

Standards II

Specifications: Signage

General

Signage includes direction signs, signs of locality, street names and numbering, informationsigns, etc. The main purpose of signage is to provide clear designation of places, warning androuting information. Symbols should be displayed at various facilities for people with disabilitiessuch as lifts, entrances, telephone booths, toilets, car parks and the like. The symbol of accessshould be permanently and conspicuously displayed to indicate the location of various facilitiesin the building.

All types of signs should be visible, clear, simple, easy to read and understand,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, they shouldbe 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)

39

- 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.

This image cannot currently be displayed.

Directional signage with colourcontrast

40

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 heightCharacters 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 & ContrastThe 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

41

Signage-Some examples

with tactile/Braille

Pictorial signage with tactile and Braille information

42

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

43

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

Directional signs

Single and double Car parking

44

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

45

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.

46

Standards VHandrails for ramps and stairs

Fig. Landings and placement of tactile warning strips on a ramp

Fig. Note handrails at two heights for children/p ersons with short stature & for adults and extended rail before and after the ramp run to assist slow walkers/ elders and persons with disabilities. Both handrail s should be affixed in a way that allows a user to grasp it continuously along i ts entire length — the location of brackets or posts should not require a user to l et go of the handrail at any time.

Fig. Two level handrails that provide continuous hold to users.

47

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.

48

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

49

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.

50

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:

51

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.

52

Standards VIII

Accessible Toilets Specifications & Designs

Accessible Toilet Specifications.

Accessible Toilet Specifications.

53

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 orfemale 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 least700 mm high.

Have an emergency release mechanism so that they are capable of being opened from outside in caseof an emergency.

Be capable of being locked from the inside by a device that is operable by one hand, activated by a forcenot 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 frontedge 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 andprojecting 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.

54

….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.55

….Features of Unisex Accessible Toilets

10. 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 thechance 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 mmfrom the centre line of the WC.

Have flush control which is hand operated and located on transfer side of the watercloset 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

56

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. 57

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. 58

DisclaimerAlthough we have offered the best advice available to us at the time ofcompiling this audit report, please be advised that due to the ongoingdevelopment of legislation in this area, all companies and organizationsshould seek continuing advice to ensure that their services and facilitiesremain compliant with their statutory obligations.

It is important that professionals with accessibility experience beinvolved in all stages of the design, construction, renovation andrefurbishment process. Svayam can not accept any responsibility for lossoccasioned by reason of non-compliance with the requirements ofrelevant legislation/rules, if revised in due course.

Service Providers are more likely to be able to comply with their duties ifthey:

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 theaudit report, and incorporating considerations to improvise access inplanned maintenance and management procedures.

Let disabled people know how to request assistance.

Regularly review the effectiveness of adjustments and act on thefindings.

access audit report -...

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