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Access Audit Reportof

Civil Hospital, Sec 10. Gurgaon

under

Accessible India CampaignMinistry of Social Justice and 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

Building Summary

Civil Hospital, Sec 10.Gurgoan

Building Type: Healthcare Building:Building Use: Healthcare institution, treating patients.

Date of Audit: 09st June, 2016

Audit Team Members: Ar. Chandan, Rupak and Praveen Sharma and Sohan.

Methodology:Audit conducted on the basis of:

• Checklist issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.• Measurement done on the site, based on the existing situation of the building.• Pictures and videos made on the site as per the existing situation of the building.• Notes prepared on the basis of the problems faced by the user group on site.• “Handbook on Barrier Free and Accessibility”

2

Preface

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that came into

force on 3rd May 2008 after its ratification by 20th nation (India being one of

the first few signatories), National Policy on Disability- 2006 and The Persons

with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full

Participation) Act 1995 all mandate an enabling and barrier free environment

for persons with disabilities.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social

Justice & Empowerment has launched ‘Accessible India Campaign’ (Sugamya

Bharat Abhiyan ), as a nation wide flagship campaign for achieving universal

accessibility for persons with disabilities.

In line with the above Action Plan, Dept. of Empowerment of PwD, has

engaged ‘Svayam’ as an Expert Agency to conduct Access Audits of 340 major

Government Buildings in identified 8 Cities across nation and suggest cost

effective solutions to make them accessible to persons with disabilities.

This Access Audit Report documents the observations of the auditors on the

existing level of accessibility at the site and suggests cost effective solutions

to make it more accessible, and welcoming to all, irrespective of their age or

abilities. The suggestions/recommendations have been indicated by a tick

mark.

June 2016

New Delhi Team Svayam

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PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY PRIORITY FOR

CREATING

ACCESS

SYMBOLS

1. PARKING LOW

2. ALIGHTING LOW

3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE LOW

4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE MODERATE

5. RECEPTION & LOBBY MODERATE

6. STAIRS LOW

7. RAMP LOW

8. HANDRAIL MODERATE

9. LIFT LOW

10. CORRIDORS LOW

11. DOORS & DOORWAYS LOW

12. ACCESSIBLE TOILET HIGHEST

13. CAFETERIA HIGH

14. DRINKING WATER

FACILITY

MODERATE

15. SIGNAGE HIGHEST

16. EMERGENCY EVACUATION HIGHEST

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. Main ward

6. Reception

7. Staircase

8. Lift

9. Ramps

10. Corridors

11. Toilets

12. Drinking Water

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. Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness

23. Standards VIII (Kerb Ramp specifications) 6

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

Approach and Main Road:

Observations:

• The building is easily approachable and is located on the main road.

• The building entrance surface is levelled for the wheel chair user, its good practice.

• There Entrance is not tactile orientated for visually impaired users.

• The existing signage is in Hindi and English, which is a good practice.

• The entrance gate is much wider for the wheel chair user • There is no route map/ layout plan of the building.

7


Approach and main road

Suggestions:

� Ensure periodic maintenance of approach ways.

� Route map/ layout plan of the building should be provided at the main Entrance

� Provide tactile pathways for persons with vision impairment from entrance leading to the main building gates.

� Braille information should be provided at Entrance.

Entrance should be tactile oriented for Visually Impaired

Braille Information Required

8


Approach and main road

Suggestions:

Entrance should be clear for smooth mobility

Directional Signage should be Provided

9


Parking

Observations:

• Currently there is no dedicated parking space available for people with disabilities within the hospital campus.

• 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.

• There was no tactile pathway from main entrance to parking and connecting hospital area.

• No shelter was provided for the vehicles.

10


Parking:

Suggestions:

Parking

Staff Parking

Parking pathway should be Tactile Oriented

Parking Should be Sheltered

Parking Area should be Specified for Staff and visitors11


Parking:

Suggestions:

�Consider assigning earmarked spots for persons with disabilities with proper signage & aisle space and a leveled pathway leading from the parking to the building.

�The parking should be designated for Visitor and staff with proper signage.

�The pathway of the parking should be tactile oriented for the Visual I

� Directional Signage's should be Provided

12

INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

Entrance

Observations (Casualty Building):

• Entrance to the Casualty building has been made accessible by a ramp with the two flight of steps in the centre.

• Signage are posted at the main entrance which is good practice.

• The ramp surface is smooth and non- slippery.• The ramp gradient is not accessible for the wheel chair

users.• The handrails have not been not provided at two levels.• There are three steps at the entrance, however, there is no

marking on the edge of the steps for the benefit of people with visual impairments.

• There are no handrails at either side of the steps.• Tactile paving for the benefit of visually impaired visitors was

not available.

13


Entrance

Suggestions: (Casualty Building):

�The Entrance should be tactile oriented for the Visual Impaired person

�Handrails should be provided on ramp as well as steps� Braille Information should be Provided �Directional Signage missing to be provided for the

visual impaired.

Braille Informationrequired

The entrance should be tactile oriented for Visual Impaired Persons

Hand rails Should be Provided with Two Levels

14


Entrance:Observations (Main Wards):

• Entrance to the Main Wards building has been made accessible by a ramp only.

• The entrance is not sign posted.• The ramp surface is smooth and non- slippery and in curve shape• The ramp gradient is steep and doesn’t allow independent

access.• The handrails have not been not provided at two levels.• There are no tactile paving for the benefit of visually impaired

visitors.• Entrance through door are accessible for the wheel chair user.

15


Entrance

Suggestions: (Main Wards):

Entrance should be Tactile Oriented.

Ramps as well as Steps should have hand rails for Disabled.

16

Directional Signage should be Provided


Entrance

Suggestions: (Main Wards):

� 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.

� It is suggested that walking area in front of the ramp at the entrance run be kept free.

� Consider providing circular handrails of diameter 35-45mm at two levels i.e. 700 and 900 mm respectively which should continue on landings.

� Wherever there are steps provide a 50mm colour contrast on the tread edge help people with visual disabilities & elderly even in dim light conditions.

� Consider tactile warning blocks at 300mm before the beginning and at the end of every flight of stairs.

17


Reception

Observations:

• Signage was available at reception area it is good practice• No tactile pathway was their for the visual impaired persons.• No induction loop was available for the disables• No live assistance was available.• Surface floor and counter are in same color• The height of the counter was1060 mm .

18


Reception

Suggestions:

Reception

Reception area should be tactile oriented

Signage Should be in bigger font

Knee space should be 350 mm for wheel chair users

Live assistance should be there for disabled

19


Reception

Suggestions:

� Font size of the signage should be more bigger for low vision

persons.

� Induction loop should be available for the disables

� 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.

� Live assistance should be available.

� Reception should be tactile oriented for the visual impaired.

20


Staircase

Observations:

• There are flight of 10 steps with a landing with 150 mm riser and 300 tread which is a good practice.

• Stair case having one handrail with one level• 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.• Staircase is not sign posted.• The floor surface and the steps are slippery.• The illumination on the staircase area is not sufficient

21


Staircase

Suggestions:

Should be Sign Posted.

Tactile warning block should be placed Before first step of the staircase area

Hand Rails Should be provided as per standards

22


Staircase:

Suggestions:

� The handrails should continue on the landing.� Consider colour contrast strips of 50 mm bordering the edge

of the tread as shown in the drawing.� Tactile warning blocks of 300 mm size should be placed at

the beginning and at the end of the stairs which should continue on landings so as to caution the people with visual impairment about the presence of stairs.

� The staircase area should be sign posted� Good illumination should be required for low vision persons.� 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.

23


Lift:

Observations:

�Lift was not in operation.�As per external view the area was not sign posted�The height of the external controls buttons was

1300mm�width of the doors was 1200mm�Button are not in Braille.�Due to lift not in operation the internal area was not

covered

24

Lift was not in operation


Lift:

25

Suggestions: Repair the lift and have it maintained regularly

Controls buttons should be in Braille For visual Impaired.

Signage Required


Lift:

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.

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

26


Ramp:

Observations:

• There is an internal ramp connecting all floors in the building.• There is no directional signage indicating the presence of the

ramp.• The ramp width is 2240 mm which is fair according to the

required minimum width of 1200mm.• No handrails was available both • There are no tactile warning blocks to guide the visitors with

visual impairment.• The floor surface of the ramp is non-slippery and non-reflective,

which is a good practice.

27


Ramp:

Suggestions:

Sign Posted

Handrails Should be provided with levels

Tactile warning block and tactile should be provided

Ramp area should be sign posted

28


Ramp:

Suggestions:

� Consider installing proper signage to indicate the ramp.

� Proper directional signage must be installed at all entrances to guide the visitors towards the ramp.

� Highlight locations of ramp on tactile maps at the main entrance.

� Tactile warning blocks should be placed 400 mm before the beginning and end of each ramp to indicate the level change to visually impaired persons.

� Handrail should be provided with two level

29


Corridors

Observations:

• The corridors are wide enough and provided wheelchair manoeuvring facility.

• There is proper seating facility provided in the corridor at proper distances.

• There is no protruding objects or barriers in the corridor, which is a good practice.

• The floor surface is slip resistant and non-reflective.• There is no colour contrast between the floor, wall, doors and

the ceiling.• The corridors are signposted to guide towards the different

blocks.• There are no guide rails in the corridor to support the people

with visual impairment.• The corridor walls has color strips to guide towards different

blocks, as in the picture the yellow and red color strips acted as guides to different blocks but are not sign posted.

30


Corridors:

Suggestions:

Braille information should be provided

Proper lighting should be provided for low vision peoples

Corridors should be tactile oriented with guide rails

31


Corridors:

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 at a height of 760mm and the thickness of the guiderails should be minimum 300mm to provide markings with Braille to support the visitors with visual impairment.

� Provide color contrast between the walls, ceiling and flooring at high priority for the benefit of visually impaired visitors.

� The corridors should be tactile oriented for the visual impaired.

32


Toilets

Observations:

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

• There are separate toilets for males and females.

• The door width is 980 mm making it difficult for wheelchair users.

• The entry to the urinal is stepped (150 mm) making it inaccessible.

• The signage is inadequate and is not legible.

• No washbasins were present inside the male toilets. The washbasin inside the female toilet was at the height of 900mm, making it inaccessible for the wheel chair users.

33


Toilets

Suggestions:

Urinal floor should be levelled

Western Pot should be provided

Wash basin should be accessible for the wheel chair user

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Urinal floor and Toilet floor should be levelled


Toilets

Suggestions:

� The existing toilet door width needs to be widened to 900 mm to allow wheel chair user to use the facility.

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

� The existing toilets have very little scope for accessible features due to space constraints

� Ensure periodic maintenance and cleaning of the toilet unit.

� Urinal floor should be leveled with hand rails bars.

35


Drinking Water

Observations:

• Drinking water facility is located outside the building.

• There are two water cooler area, one is provide at the main entrance of the hospital and second in internal Building area.

• Drinking area was sign posted which is a good practice

• No tactile pathway was provided.

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

36


Drinking Water

Suggestions:

Water cooler should be located on ground levelProvision for drinking water glasses to be made

Signage Should be in big Font

Water cooler area should be at clear area 37


Drinking Water:

Suggestion :

• The water drinking area should be tactile oriented for the visual impaired persons.

• Water cooler and connecting floor should be level for the wheel chair user

• Water glasses should be provided for the drinking use

• Drinking water cooler area should be relocated in accessible area

• Tap height should be accessible for the wheel chair user

38


Cafeteria:

Observation:

Note :Cafeteria was there but locked. Not in use.

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Cafeteria was not in use

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

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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

41

Standards

42

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

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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 vision44

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.

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 parking 51

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

Emergency/Disaster Preparedness

Currently, there is no good emergency exit /signage

indicating the emergency exit for those with disabilities

or have mobility problems.

There is no Fire Action signage informing visitors / staff about

what to do in emergency.

There are no refuge areas earmarked for persons with

disabilities. In fact, there is no declared evacuation plan

for disabled people.

� Always include elderly and disabled persons while

planning for emergency.

� Emergency exits should be clearly marked with proper

signage . These exits should be clear of all obstructions.

� Consider 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.

� Consider placing signage indicated location of

emergency exits.

� For more information, refer Standard IX.

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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.

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