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Access Audit ReportPodar Medical college,Annie Basant Road,
Worli, Mumbai
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
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.
June 2016
New Delhi Team Svayam
2
Building SummaryPodar Medical college, Mumbai
Building Type: Educational Building
Building Use: Medical Education institution, educating pupils.
Date of Audit: 9 June, 2016
Audit Team Members: Er. Deep Narayan Tiwari, Er. Raghvendra singh, Ar. Kanika kapoor, Paresh
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
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. Toilets
12. Drinking Water
13. Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness
14. Information & Communication
15. Evaluation of the service
16. Standards I (Design Guidelines for Tactile Paving)
17. Standards II (Signage specifications)
18. Standards III (Accessible parking specifications)
19. Standards IV (Accessible lift specifications)
20. Standards V (Ramp & Handrail specifications)
21. Standards VI (Staircase specifications)
22. Standards VII (Accessible toilet specifications)
23. Standards VIII (Kerb Ramp specifications)4
Building Summary
Building Overview:
Evaluation criteria is based on evaluating each element as per the rating recommendation in “Standard 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
5
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY SYMBOLS PRIORITY FOR
CREATING ACCESS
1. PARKING HIGH
2. ALIGHTING MODERATE
3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE MODERATE
4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE HIGH
5. RECEPTION & LOBBY HIGH
6. STAIRS MODERATE
7. RAMP HIGH
8. HANDRAIL HIGH
9. LIFT MODERATE
10. CORRIDORS MODERATE
11. DOORS & DOORWAYS LOW
12. ACCESSIBLE TOILET MODERATE
13. CAFETERIA MODERATE
14. DRINKING WATER FACILITY MODERATE
15. SIGNAGE HIGH
16. EMERGENCY EVACUATION HIGH6
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Approach and main road
Observations:
• The building is easily approachable and is located on the main road.
• The building entrance does not have a proper ramped kerb for the wheel chair users to get off.
• There is no tactile orientation for visually impaired users.
• The existing signage is in English and Hindi both.• Some signage are yet to be put.• There is no route map/ layout plan of the building.
7
An additional signage can be put here with better color contrast so that it is clearly visible to all.
The encircled area at all the entrance must be leveled.
8
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Approach and main road
Suggestions:
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Approach and main road
Suggestions:
� Ensure periodic maintenance of approach ways.
� The road in front of the entrance gate requires to be free of barriers for the free movement of wheel chair users.
� Provide tactile pathways for persons with vision impairment from entrance leading to the main building gates.
� Provide a kerb ramp to level the kerb to the road for wheel chair users to access the main entrance gate.
� Signage should be proper in every way, to assist all kind of people.
9
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Parking
Observations:
• There is no dedicated parking space available for people with disabilities within the building premises.
• The parking is common for both college and hospital.• There is a parking facility for visitors in front of the
wards building and for staff in front of the administration department but not sign posted.
• Cars and two-wheelers have been parked unsystematically in the parking.
• Signage indicating parking facility is not available.
There is a space behind the medical block to be converted into parking lot.
10
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Parking
Suggestions:
• Space behind the college block can be converted into the parking lot.
• The signage should be color contrasted.
• Wheel chair parking space should be allotted with proper signage.
• Shelter for vehicles should also be provided.
11
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Entrance
Observations
• There is stepped and ramp entry at the entrance.• Route is accessible to the entrance.• No of steps -3, riser -160mm, tread -300mm, width -
2050mm.• Color contrast at step nosing is missing.• No handrail and warning block.• Ramp is available at gate without handrail, it is very
steep.
No tactile paving to assist visually impaired. 12
13
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Entrance
Suggestions:
Provide tactile paving Instal handrail on rampNose strips at tactile at stairs area
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Entrance
Suggestions:
� Consider installing proper signage “Accessible Route” to indicate the accessible ramp at the entrance.
� Tactile warning blocks should be placed 400 mm before the beginning and end of each ramp at the entrance to indicate the level change to visually impaired persons.
� Wherever there are steps provide a 50mm colour contrast on the tread edge help people with visual disabilities & elderly even in dim light conditions.
� Hand rail should be provided at stairs and ramp� Ramp to be made with a proper gradient, available ramp
is very steep..
Handrails at two levels and extended 300 beyond helps the users be prepared for the level change and avoid accidents. 14
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Reception
Observations:
• No designated Reception/ Registration desk was provided at the entrance of the building.
• The registrations were done directly inside the college.
• Height of reception is 1100mm• No signage was there for reception.
No signage
1100mm
15
Signage at proper height required.
1100mm
Poor color contrast and shiny surface with 1100mm ht of reception
16
Observation:INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Reception
Suggestions:
• Provide a designated Reception/ Registration desk at the entrance for the visitors.
• The reception counter should have a clear knee space of 350mm.
• Ensure display of proper signage with Braille and without Braille and a bilingual signage to assist people with visual impairment.
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTReception
17
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Staircase
Observations:
• There are flight of 13 stairs with a landing, riser 160 mm and 260 tread. and 1450 wide.
• Handrail in form of wall exists on both the sides and continue on landing.
• 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.
• The floor surface is non-slippery and non-reflective which is a good practice.
18
19
Color contrasting strips and tactile should be provided so that it does not look like a wall to visually impaired people
Suggestions:
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Staircase
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.
� The handrails should continue on the landing.� Consider colour contrast strips.� Tactile warning blocks should be provided.
Contrasting edge marking helps visually impaired users to
identify the steps and use them safely.
20
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Lift
Observations:
• There is no lift at present condition.• But building is having space at the back side for the
provision of lift.
21
Suggestions:
� Consider providing audio announcement system along with visual display for the benefit of people with hearing impairments and low vision.
� The lift should be properly sign posted.
� Floor should be numbered.
� There must be proper directional signage at all the entrances to guide towards the lift.
� There must be a rear view mirror inside the lift on the rear wall of the lift for a wheelchair user to independently access the lift.
� All lift controls must be Braille enabled for the benefit of visually impaired persons.
� Consider fixing the intercom facility inside the lift at high priority to be used in case of emergency.
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Corridors and doors
Observations:
• The corridors are wide enough (2300 mm) and no protruding objects lie in between.
• Having good color contrast.• Proper lighting is there.• Surface is non slippery but a little bright and reflective.• Doors having a clear width of 1300mm with handle height
of 1200mm.• Proper signage are available at the door
Reflective surface
23
•Poor color contrast of door and floor.•Available signage is too high and has inadequate color contrast
1300mm
24
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Corridors and doors
Suggestions:
� Consider installing sufficient and uniformly distributed lighting in the corridors.
� It is suggested to provide guide rails on both the sides in the corridors.
� Provide color contrast between the door, walls, ceiling and floor.
25Hand rail and tactile to be provided
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Auditorium
Observations:
• Auditorium is available on top floor of the building.
• Stair is the only medium to reach auditorium.
• Riser- 150, tread- 280, width- 900mm
• Not accessible to disable person
• Door width 920mm .
• Auditorium not accessible due to stairs.
Auditorium Signage not color
contrasted
26
Suggestions:
� Steps should be having color contrasting strips.
� The steps should not be reflective as are in present condition.
� There should be proper ramp to stage.
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAuditorium
27
Reflective surface is a hindrance
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTLibrary
Observations:
• Separate building is available for library.
• Entrance is through ramp only which is a little steep.
• length- 6300, height- 830, width- 2600mm
• no handrail, no tactile, no warning block,
• No directional signage to access the new building.
Board and direction for
another building
28
Suggestion:
• Proper signage required to access another building.
• Ramp to be modified to made it of proper gradient.
• Internal stairs to be given color contrasting strips and tactile block to assist visually impaired people.
• Signage should be such that it is color contrasted and properly visible at clear height.
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTLibrary
29
Handrail to be provided
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
ToiletsObservations:
• There is no provision of accessible toilet unit for the disabled. However new toilet can be made in backyard for them.
• Door width of 600mm.
• There are separate toilets for males and females near the stair case.
• The signage is inadequate and is not legible.
• The entry to the urinal is stepped (100 ) with urinal height of 700 mm.
• Washbasin at the height of 1000mm, with no mirror.
• Western commode at a height of 400mm.
• The toilets are not maintained properly and hygiene conditions are poor.
• No proper lighting and no color contrast inside the toilet.
31
400mm
1000mm700mm
331
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Toilets
Suggestions:
� Make a separate toilet for the disabled
� The existing toilet door width needs to be widened to 900 mm.
� Provide adequate directional signage leading to accessible public toilet unit.
� The existing toilets have very little scope for accessible features due to step constrains.
� Ensure periodic maintenance and cleaning of the toilet unit.
32
Toilet MALE
Down step entrance
• Here proper signage for male toilet required• The toilet entrance of down step need to be rectified.
332
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Toilets
Suggestions:
� The existing toilet door width needs to be widened to 900 mm.
� Provide adequate directional signage leading to accessible public toilet unit.
� The existing toilets have very little scope for accessible features due to step constrains.
� Ensure periodic maintenance and cleaning of the toilet unit.
Suggested Grab rail heights 33
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Drinking Water
Observations:
• Drinking water facility is located inside the building on first floor near the stairs.
• The facility is not sign-posted.
• Water tap height 1000mm and no glass available.
• Not accessible due to its height and no knee space but accepted.
• Poor color contrast.
34
Internal Environment –
Drinking Water Facility
Suggestions:
� The water outlet should have:
• lever type or automatic faucets
• Have a clear floor space of at least 750mm x 1200mm
• Have a clear knee space between the bottom of the apron
• and floor or ground of at least 750mm wide, 200mm deep and 750mm high; and
• Have a toe space not less than 750mm wide, 230mm high as shown in the figure.
• Have a water glass provision
35
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Cafeteria
Observations:
• There is a common canteen for college and hospital.• Entry is through stairs and ramp both.• Width of ramp-1100mm, length-1000mm, height-190mm. Steep ramp as said by wheel chair user.• No signage at main gate.• Width of corridor is approx 3000mm.• Height of counter 800mm – no knee space• Water available at tables only
Cafeteria signage
36
Suggestions:
� There should be no barrier in entrance to canteen.
� Current ramp is too steep, it can be made accessible by giving it proper gradient of 1:15.
� Sufficient gate width should be there, so that there is no hindrance to enter inside the canteen.
� Counter should have adequate knee space for wheel chair users
38
Level difference
Tactile needed at stairs but there should be no level difference
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Cafeteria
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Emergency Evacuation
Observations:
• Currently, there is no emergency signage for any body
• No fire hydrant no fire extinguisher nothing is there but these all are being implemented as renovation is going on.
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.
39
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
No. Question Answer
1.a The website proving information about the building/service
complies with web accessibility standards.
YES
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
40
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
NO
9. There is a plan to improve accessibility over a set
timeframe
YES
10.a There is an equal opportunities policy within the organisation 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. Organisation has a disability focal person in charge who manages
the concerns of employees and clients with disabilities
NO
41
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
43
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
44
Specifications: Placement of Tactile Paving
Tactile paving on pathways, turnsand intersections
Tactile paving on stairs and crosswalks
45
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, 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 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)
46
- 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
47
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
48
Signage-Some examples
with tactile/Braille
Pictorial signage with tactile and Braille information
49
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
50
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 parking51
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
52
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.ebetween 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.
53
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.
54
Fig. Two level handrails that provide continuous hold to users.
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.
55
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
56
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 MapTactile 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 VIII
Accessible 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 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 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.64
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. 65
DisclaimerAlthough we have offered the best advice available to us at the time of
compiling 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 be involved inall stages of the design, construction, renovation and refurbishmentprocess. Svayam can not accept any responsibility for loss occasioned byreason of non-compliance with the requirements of relevantlegislation/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.