Access Audit Report
ENSA HUTMENT
MAHAPALIKA MARG,MUMBAI
Prepared by: Svayam
(An Initiative of S J Charitable Trust)Jindal Centre, 12 Bhikaji Cama Place
New Delhi – 11 0066Tel: 011-41462323
E-mail: [email protected]: www.svayam.com
Under
Accessible India CampaignMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India
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 Summary
ENSA HUTMENT MAHAPALIKA MARG,MUMBAI
Building Type :Civic Services
Building Use:
Town Planning,Creating Ration
cards & construction of buildings
Date of Audit:07 June 2016
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
Audit Team Members: Ar.Chandan Malik,Er.Piyush Garg,
Audt.Amit Pahwa, Subash
Building Summary
Building Overview:
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY PRIORITY FOR
CREATING
ACCESS
SYMBOLS
1. PARKING MODERATE
2. ALIGHTING MODERATE
3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE LOW
4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE HIGH
5. RECEPTION & LOBBY HIGHEST
6. STAIRS HIGH
7. RAMP HIGH
8. HANDRAIL LOW
9. LIFT HIGHEST
10. CORRIDORS HIGH
11. DOORS & DOORWAYS HIGH
12. ACCESSIBLE TOILET HIGH
13. CAFETERIA HIGH
14. DRINKING WATER
FACILITY
HIGH
15. SIGNAGE HIGH
16. EMERGENCY EVACUATION HIGH 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
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. Waiting Area & Corridorss
7. Lifts
8. Stairs & Ramps
9. Drinking Water
10. Cafeteria
11 Toilets
12. Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness
13. Information & Communication
14. Evaluation of the service
15. Standard I (Design Guidelines for Tactile Paving)
16. Standard II (Signage Specifications)
17. Standard III (Accessible Parking Specifications)
18. Standard IV (Ramp & Handrail Specifications)
19. Standard V (Lift Specifications)
18. Standard VI (Staircase Specifications)
20. Standard VII (Accessible Toilet Specifications)
21. Standard VIII (Reception Counters Specifications)
22. Disclaimer6
External Environment – Approach & Main Gate
Main Entry (Gate No-1)
Observations:
• The building is easily approachable and located on the main road.
• There are two entrance gates for access the building.
• Each entry is 5000mm wide. It is easily accessible to wheelchairusers .
• There was no signage on above the gate or at side the building.
• Guard room not available at the entrance.
• There is no route map/ layout plan of the building.
• There is no tactile orientation for visually impaired visitors.
`
No Signage
No Guard room
No Layout map
7
External Environment – Approach & Main Gate :-
Observation :
Gate No. 2Sign Board Required
Tactile required on pathway to building.
8
External Environment – Approach & Main Gate
Suggestion :
Gate No. 2Sign Board should be there
Tactile could be install there
9
External Environment – Approach & Main Gate
Suggestions:• Guard room should be installed.
• There should be Sign Board above the main gate at proper height asindicated below.
• Tactile orientation for visually impaired visitors can be installed also can behanded over a braille map of the site.
• Handy Braille Paper Map can be provided to the blinds.
• Board with brails should be used for ease access to the blinds.
• Entrance leading to the main building gates. (Ref. Standard I forspecifications)
.
`
Guard window should be there
with proper window Height
Sign Board should be there
10
External Environment – Parking
Observations:• Parking is provided at both side along the drive way go to building campus.
• Accessible parking was not there.
• There are no appropriate signage of visitor parking.
• There no separate parking for two wheeler and cars.
No dedicated parking there car park along with the buildings
Signage was not
easily visible
11
External Environment – Parking
Suggestions:• 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.
• Signage should be in bold letters and good contrast.
• Car parking and two wheeler parking should be separate.
• We observe there was no enough space for accessible parking but they
should provide accessible parking along with visitor parking.
Parking signboard should
be clear & in bold letters.
CAR
Parking
Two Wheeler
Parking
12
External Environment – Parking
Suggestions:
• Consider assigning two earmarked spots for persons with disabilities with
proper signage & aisle space and a leveled pathway leading from the parking
to the building.
13
Parking for disables can be install just before the two wheeler parking and right
side after the main gate entrance
Internal Environment – Entrance
Observations (Rationing Office ):• There were following barracks in Ensa Hulment Building :
• Rationing, Town Planing & P.W.D. office and some private barracks like
Rajiv gandhi Bhawan, BSP office etc.
14
Entrance is accessible but path is not smooth signage was missing every where.
Hindrance in the way to the Rationing office.
Internal Environment – Entrance
Observations: (Town Planning Office )
Entrance is not accessible signage was not clear.
:
15
Internal Environment – Entrance
Observations: (PWD Office )
Entrance is not accessible, signage was not clear 16
Internal Environment – Entrance
Signboard should be there at Rationing office Entrance.
Rationinig
Office
Office
Ramp with handrails should be at entrance at town planning office
17
Suggestions:
• Signage should be there at entrance of building at appropriate height.
• Ramp should be there with hand rails.
Signage and ramp with handrails required at P.W.D. office at Entrance.
P.W.D.
Internal Environment – Entrance
18
Suggestions:
• Signage should be there at entrance of building at appropriate height.
• Ramp should be there with hand rails.
Internal Environment – Waiting Area & Corridors
Observation (Rationing office):
• There was a open courtyard in rationing office.
• A application deposit window was exist there.
• Window was not accessible for wheel chair visitor due to putting the
benches in the way.
Suggestions:
Benches are movable so they can be adjust at another place.
Application form deposit window at Rationing office.
Window is not accessible due to putting the benches in the way
19
Internal Environment – Waiting Area & Corridors :
Observation (Town Planning ):
• No corridors are there except Town Planning building there was a
small corridor and it was blocked by office records.
Hindrance in Corridors
Suggestions:
• It is suggested that walking area in the corridor should be kept free of any
encroachments by ensuring proper storage of the unused material.
• All Corridors should be provided with seating facility for visitors.
• Consider installing sufficient and uniformly distributed lighting in the
corridors.
• There should be handrails in corridors for visual apparent and blind
peoples.
20
Internal Environment – Staircase
Observations:
• There are no staircase at any building .
• All the buildings not have upper floor so stair case is not required.
21
Internal Environment – Drinking Water :
Observations:
• Drinking water facility is very poor in all buildings .
• There was a water cooler at Town Planning office but it was not
accessible for wheel chair user due to steppedup.• At Rationing office there was tap for drinking water but it was not in working
condition and not accessible due to barrier.
Tap at Rationing office is
not accessible
Water Cooler at Town
Planning office
22
Internal Environment – Drinking Water :
Suggestions:
• Removing the hurdle in way of tap.
• Should be Install a new water cooler at rationing office and remove
the existing step.
• Drinking water facility should be pictorial signpost .
Install a new water cooler at Rationing office.Level the step
Water Cooler at Town
Planning office.
Level the step
23
Drinking
Water
Internal Environment – :Cafeteria
Observations:
• There was a small cafeteria there but it was stepped up.
• Surface was uneven.
• No signage was there.
• No proper sitting arrangement there.
• No drinking water there.
• Counter height was 1200 mm it is very high for wheel chair user.
24
Drinking water is
not accessible
Entry is Stepped Up
Uneven surface
No proper sitting area
1200 mm
Internal Environment – :Cafeteria
Suggestions:
� Consider installing directional signage to guide people towards the canteen and its facilities.
� Consider having at least one service counter at lower height of 750-850mm with clear knee space of 350mm to cater the needs of people with reduced mobility.
� Sitting area should be there.
� There should be a ramp for entry .
25
CAFETERIASign Board should be there
Kerb Ramp should be
there for
access the service
counter
Internal Environment – Toilets & Wash Room
Observations :
• No Separate washroom for wheelchair users.
• All the washrooms available inside the campus were in a very
bad condition.
Stepped Up WC at Rationing office
Stepped up at urinal Rationing office 26
Internal Environment – Toilets & Wash Room
Observations :
• No proper signage on toilets.
• Some toilets were locked.
Locked Toilet at Rationing office Stepped up Toilets at Town Planning office
Very narrow wash basin at Town
planning office27
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Toilets
Suggestions:
� Provide adequate directional signage leading to accessible public
toilet unit.
� Provide the ramp at stepped up toilets.
� Reopen the locked toilets provide maintenance if required.
� Provide the accessible toilets if it could be possible.
At town planning toilets
a ramp should be install
Toilet
Signage should be there in good
size and contrast
Emergency/Disaster Preparedness
Observations:
• There are no fire exit and fire extinguisher present there.
29
Suggestions:
� At least on fire exit should be there.
� Fire extinguisher instrument should be there.
� Conduct periodic training of staff in disability equality and handling
in emergency.
� Emergency exits should have emergency alarm both audio (hooter
type) and visual (flashing bulb) at strategic locations.
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
30
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
31
Standard 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 32
Specifications: Placement of Tactile Paving
Tactile paving on pathways, turns
and intersections
Tactile paving on stairs and
crosswalks
33
Standard II
Specifications: SignageGeneral• Signage includes direction signs, signs of locality, street names and
numbering, information signs, etc. The main purpose of signage is to provideclear designation of places, warning and routing information. Symbols shouldbe displayed at various facilities for people with disabilities such as lifts,entrances, telephone booths, toilets, car parks and the like. The symbol ofaccess 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 possiblereflection.
• Signage placed on the pedestrian path of travel are considered obstructions;thus, they should 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 worthconsidering 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)
34
- 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 colour contrast
35
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
36
Size of signs
Size of letters in signs
Viewing Distance Size of signs
Up to 7 meters 60 mm x 60 mm
7 meters – 8 meters 100mm x 100 mm
Exceeding 8 meters 200 mm x 200 mm to 450
mm x 450 mm
Viewing Distance Height of letters
2 - 3 meters 15 mm
6 meters 20 mm
8 meters 25 mm
12 meters 40 mm
15 meters 50 mm
25 meters 80 mm
35 meters 100 mm
40 meters 130 mm
50 meters 150 mm
37
Signage-Some examples
with tactile/Braille
Pictorial signage with tactile and Braille information
38
Materials + maintenance
– Non-reflective - matt finish
– Glare levels
– Sun study (for exterior locations)
– Vandalism/wear and tear
– Colour matching
– Smooth finish
Image showing a poor
choice of material for
signage
Image of a tactile
map
39
Standard III
Accessible Parking Specifications
• Accessible parking bays should be located on the shortest possible route as closest to the accessible entrance as possible.
• The accessible parking bay should :
• Have minimum dimensions 4800 mm x 3600 mm (for one car parking);
• Have a firm, level surface without aeration slabs
• There should be a minimum of 900mm wide clear path leading to the entrance of the premises from the parking.
• Proper signage indicating presence of Accessible Parking at 2100 mm.
Signage indicating Accessible Parking
Fig. Sample drawing for single car parking
Fig. Sample drawing for accessible
parking for two cars with common aisle
40
Ramps & Handrails 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.
Standard IV
41
Ramp SpecificationsGradient• 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 mtsfor 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.
42
Handrails for ramps and stairs
Fig. Landings and placement of tactile warning strips on a ramp
Fig. Note handrails at two heights for children and adults and extended rail
before and after the ramp run to assist slow walkers/ elders and persons with
disabilities.
43
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.
44
Standard V
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; and
• 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.
45
Standard VI
Stairs
The following features need to be kept in mind in facilities where stairs are
being built or exist.
• 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.
• 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.
46
Standard VII
Accessible Toilets Specifications & Designs
47
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.
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 20 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.
48
….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.
49
….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
50
Standard VIII
Accessible Drinking Water Fountains
Recommendations
• The water fountain should not have any level differences. If at all there are level differences then these should be beveled so as to provide access to wheelchair users too.
• 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
•Freestanding or built -in-drinking water coolers or taps not having a knee space should have a clear floor space of at least 1200mm wide x 750mm in front of the unit.
•All wall-mounted drinking water provision in an Alcove is preferred, because it does not create a hazard for persons with visual impairments.
•Drinking water cooler/taps that extend into corridors and have an open space underneath the fountain 750mm in height should be protected by a wall guard. The provision of two drinking facilities at different heights is very convenient for standing adults, people in wheelchairs and children. The 100mm high water flow is to allow for the insertion of a cup or glass.
51
Some examples of Accessible Drinking Water Fountains
52
Standard – VIII Reception CountersFollowing 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 counters53
Disclaimer
• Although we have offered the best advice available to us atthe time of compiling this audit report, please be advised thatdue to the ongoing development of legislation in this area, allcompanies and organizations should seek continuing advice toensure that their services and facilities remain compliant withtheir statutory obligations.
• It is important that professionals with accessibility experiencebe involved in all stages of the design, construction,renovation and refurbishment process. Svayam can not acceptany responsibility for loss occasioned by reason 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.
54