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Access Audit Reportof

Karyalaya Vaidijya Kar Vibhag,

Jaipur, Rajasthan

under

Accessible India CampaignMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment,

Govt. of India

(NOTE- Taking pictures was not permitted by

the concerned authorities.)

By:

'Svayam'- Global Centre for Inclusive

Environment

Jindal Centre, 12, Bhikaiji Cama Place

New Delhi-110066

[email protected]

www.svayam.com

Preface

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

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

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

with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full

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

for persons with disabilities.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social

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

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

accessibility for persons with disabilities.

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

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

Government Buildings in identified 8 Cities across nation and suggest cost

effective solutions to make them accessible to persons with disabilities.

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

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

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

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

mark.

May 2016

New Delhi Team Svayam

2

Building Summary

Building Type: Commercial Building:Building Use: Urban development

Date of Audit: 18th May, 2016

Audit Team Members: Ar. Harshita Vashishth, Er. VipinSaini, Rupak Singh, Shri Ram

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

Karyalaya Vaidijya Kar Vibhag, Jaipur, Rajasthan

NOTE- Taking pictures was not permitted by the concerned authorities.

Building Summary

Building Overview:

PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY PRIORITY FOR

CREATING

ACCESS

SYMBOLS

1. PARKING HIGHEST

2. ALIGHTING HIGH

3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE HIGH

4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE HIGH

5. RECEPTION & LOBBY MODERATE

6. STAIRS MODERATE

7. HANDRAIL HIGH

8. CORRIDORS HIGH

9. DOORS & DOORWAYS LOW

10. ACCESSIBLE TOILET HIGHEST

11. CAFETERIA MODERATE

12. DRINKING WATER

FACILITY

HIGH

13. SIGNAGE HIGHEST

14. 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

S. No. Subject

1. Preface

2. Approach and Main Gate

3. Parking

4. Entrance to the Building

5. Reception

6. Staircase

7. Corridors

8. Lifts

9 Rooms & Doors

10. Drinking Water

11. Toilets

12. Emergency/ Disaster Preparedness

13. Information & Communication

14. Evaluation of the service

15. Checklist

16. Standards

17. Disclaimer

Contents

6

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

Approach and main road

Observations:

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

• The building entrance does not have a proper ramped kerb for the wheel chair users to get off.

• Pedestrian entry had a level difference of 160mm with an uneven surface.

• There is a channel of drain trap at the entrance covered with iron bars creates a hindrance in the movement of people.

• The approach pathway is rough, smooth and anti skid.

• There is no tactile orientation for visually impaired users.

• The existing signage is in Hindi.• There is no directional signage at the entrance to

facilitate the visitors.• There is no proper illumination at the entrance

suitable for night/ evening time.• There is no route map/ layout plan of the building.

7


Approach and main road

Suggestions:

� Ensure periodic maintenance of approach ways.

� The channel drain trap at the entrance needs to be levelled and covered for the easy movement of wheelchair users.

� Provide tactile pathways for persons with vision impairment from entrance leading to the main building gates. (Ref. Standard I for specifications)

� Provide a kerb ramp to level the kerb to the road for wheel chair users to access the main entrance gate.

� There must be proper illumination at the entrance for the convenience of the users.

� There must be proper directional signage and layout plan of the building at the entrance to guide the visitor through the building.

8


Parking

Observations:

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

• There is a parking facility for staff and visitors on the surface.

• There is a separate parking provided for two wheelers in the basement.

• The parking is not sign posted. Also, there is no directional signage in the approach way leading till the parking.

• The surface parking is not sheltered. Also, there are no bays defined for cars to park.

• The bituminous parking surface is rough smooth and even.

9


Parking

Suggestions:� Consider earmarking at least one dedicated parking for

persons with disabilities with proper signage and aisle space leading to entrance in front of the wards building entrance.

� 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. (Refer Standard III)

� Ensure leveling and periodic maintenance of parking lot.

� Proper signage with good colour contrast indicating the parking facility is recommended. (Refer Standard II)

10

INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

Entrance

Observations:

• There are three entrances to the building. Two side entrances are approachable via ramp and the front entrance is approachable via steps.

• There is a sheltered drop-off at the front entrance.• The entrance is sign posted but not visible from a

distance. Whereas, there is no signage on the building.

• The stepped access to the building has a flight of 9 steps with 160mm riser and 450mm tread.

• 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.• There is enough space at the porch with good

illumination factor.• The ramped entrance has a good gradient of ramp

(1670mm wide) and allows independent access. Whereas, the approach to the entrance is hindered.

• There is no drop-off at the ramped entrance and it is not sign-posted.

• Handrails have been provided on the ramp on one side only at the height of 1070mm.

• Tactile paving for the benefit of visually impaired visitors has not been provided anywhere.

• The flooring is smooth and non-slippery.• The entrance door is 2300mm wide, which is easily

approachable. 11


Entrance

Suggestions:

� Consider installing proper signage “Accessible Route” to indicate the accessible ramp. (Refer Standard II)

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

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

� It is suggested that walking area in front of the ramp run be kept free of parking by ensuring that vehicles are parked in the area earmarked for parking facility.

� 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.

12


Reception

Observations:

• The reception area is accessible from the entrance and is sign-posted.

• There is a good color contrast between the counter, flooring walls and ceiling at the reception.

• The reception table top is at two levels, i.e., 920mm and 1090mm with 130mm knee space.

• There is proper illumination at the reception counter.

• Wall, floor and ceiling at the reception are in proper color contrast.

• There are no directional signage provided at the reception to facilitate the visitors.

• There is ample space in the lobby in front of the reception table.

• There is enough seats provided at the entrance.

• The flooring at the reception is non-slippery and smooth.

13


Reception

Suggestions:

• The reception counter should have a counter at 750mm height for the wheel chair users to access the area.

• The reception counter should have a clear knee space of 350mm.

• Ensure display of proper signage with Braille to assist people with visual impairment. (refer Standard II)

• Ensure that there are directional signage at the reception to facilitate the visitors.

• For specifications of accessible reception counters, refer Standard V.

14


Staircase

Observations:

• There is a U-shaped staircase present with 1 intermediate landing after a flight of 13 steps having 160 mm riser and 320mm tread which is a good practice.

• 1600mm wide staircase provides enough space.

• Handrail exists on one side only and it continue on the landing.

• Handrails are at a height of 960mm.

• The handrail ends 150mm behind the last step.

• There is an edge marking on the tread for the benefit of visually impaired visitors.

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

• Signage indicating staircase is missing.

• The floor surface is non-slippery & the under-stair area has been cordoned off to avoid accidents.

15


Staircase

Suggestions:

� It is advisable to have handrails on both sides and at two levels i.e. 700mm and 900mm so as to cater to children or persons of short stature as well as adults. Ref Standard V on handrails.

� The handrails of 35-45 mm diameter is preferred and should have minimum clearance of 40-50 mm from the wall.

� Handrails should extend horizontally between 300mm and 450 mm before and after the stairs/ramp run, except in places where extensions could obstruct the pedestrian flow.

� Tactile warning blocks of 300 mm size should be placed at the beginning and at the end of the stairs which should continue on landings so as to caution the guests with visual impairment about the presence of stairs. Refer Standard VI.

Contrasting edge marking

helps visually impaired users

to identify the steps and use

them safely.

16


Corridors

Observations:

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

• Corridors were 2020mm wide.

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

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

• The floor surface is slip resistant and non-reflective.

• There was good colour contrast between the floor, wall, doors and the ceiling.

• There were no guide rails in the corridor to support the people with visual impairment.

• There was proper illumination inside the corridor even in the day.

• The signage in the corridor was present on the door. No perpendicular signage were present in the corridor for identification.

• Switch board height in the corridor is 1350mm. 17


Corridors

Suggestions:

� It is suggested to provide guide rails on both the sides in the corridors at a height of 760mm to support the visitors with visual impairment .

� it is suggested that the guide rails must have a thickness of minimum 300mm to provide markings with braille to support the visitors with visual impairment.

� It is suggested that walking area in the corridor should be kept free of any encroachments by ensuring proper storage of the unused material.

� Provide tactile marking inside the corridor for the easy movement of visually impaired users.

18


Lifts

Observations:

• There is a lift connecting all floors in the building.

• There is a directional signage indicating the presence of the lift.

• Door width is 820 mm.

• A rear mirror at not present in the lift.

• There are no handrails inside the lift.

• There is a visual display facility for the benefit of hearing impaired visitors.

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

• Lift controls are at 1220 mm are not Braille enabled rendering them inaccessible for wheelchair & visually impaired visitors.

19

20


Lifts

Suggestions:

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

�It is suggested to have handrails on all three sides inthe lift.

�Provide a rear view mirror on the rear wall of the lift forthe free and easy mobility of wheel chair users in andout of the lift.

�Consider providing at least one lift on each side thatmeets accessibility standards. For details refer toStandard VIII.


Drinking Water Facility

Observations:

• The drinking water facility located in the building and has a level difference of 140mm making it inaccessible for wheelchair users.

• Tap ht. is 820 mm. which again makes it inaccessible for use by differently abled.

• All the drinking water facilities are not sign posted.

• No grab rail is provided for convenience of differently abled users.

21

Suggestions:

• There should be no level difference at the drinking water area. It should be leveled and kerbed for the access of wheel chair users.

• The tap height must be 550mm for the wheel chair users to access the drinking water.

• All the drinking water facilities available should be sign posted.

• Provide grab rails for the wheel chair users to access.

• Provide tactile marking till the drinking water area for the benefit of blind users.


Toilets

Observations:

• There is a dedicated accessible toilet unit dedicated for the disabled. Also, it is a unisex toilet.

• The toilet is used as a store room and is not in use.

• There are no guard rails inside the toilet.

• There are separate toilets for males and females.

• The door width is 800 mm making it difficult for ambulant visitors and wheelchair users.

• The entry to the urinal is stepped (120 mm) and at 630mm height making it inaccessible.

• The door is sign posted.

• Washbasins were present at a height of 850mm..

• The toilets are maintained properly and hygienically.

22


Toilets

Suggestions:

� The existing toilet door width needs to be widened to 900 mm to allow at least ambulant disabled visitor 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.

� Provide separate accessible toilets for wheel chair users wherever the space is available. For specifications refer Standard VIII.

23


Emergency Evacuation

Observations:

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

• There are no emergency exit signage , also no signage indicating the emergency exit for those with disabilities or have mobility problems.

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

• The escape route is not clear.

Suggestions:

� 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 providing at least one fire lift inside the building.

24

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

25

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

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

26


1. PARKING (Chapter 17 of CPWD Handbook)

No. Question Answers Remarks/recomm

endations

YES NO

1.a Is there a parking lot

available for visitors and

staff?

YES AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

1.b Are there accessible

parking bays reserved for

persons with disabilities?

If yes,

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

How many bays are

reserved?NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

Is the size of the bay 3600

x

6000mm?

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

Are they located within

500mm from the

accessible entrance?

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

Does it have signage as

per requirement?NO AS PER REPORT

Does the parking have a

shelter?NO PARKING MUST BE

SHELTERED

CHECK LIST

27


endations

YES NO

Is there a firm, covered,

levelled pathway minimally

1200mm wide connecting

the parking bay with the

building entrance?

NO THE PATHWAY IS

NOT COVERED,

MUST BE

COVERED

Is the accessible parking

bays monitored to ensure

rightful use of the space?

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

Is there tactile floor

guidance in the parking

area for independent

mobility for persons with

blindness and low vision.

Specifically routes guiding

from parking area to

entry points of buildings,

emergency exits.

NO THERE MUST BE

TACTILE STRIPS

TILL THE MAIN

ENTRANCE.

1.c If there is no accessible

parking bay then identify

the space for it

NEAR THE MAIN

ENTRANCE GATE

28

2. ALIGHTING (Chapter 17 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

2.a Is there an alighting

point for persons with

disabilities next to the

entrance?

YES THE SURFACE

NEEDS TO BE

LEVELLED.

2.b If yes

Is the space levelled,

covered and out of the

traffic lane?

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

Is it signposted? NO AS PER REPORT

Have a step free

route leading to

entrance?

NO AS PER REPORT

Does not require the

disabled person to

cross the traffic lane?

YES GOOD PRACTICE

Does it have a tactile

guiding path including

directional, hazard

warning and positional

tiles directing till the

entrance?

NO TACTILE STRIPS

MUST BE PRESENT

TO AID VISUALLY

IMPAIRED PEOPLE

2.c If there is no alighting

point then identify space

for it

29

3. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE (Chapter 1 of the CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

3.a An accessible route

connects the entrance

gate, parking, alighting

point all other external

facilities with the

accessible entrance

NO PROVIDE PROPER

TACTILES IN A

SHELTERED

PATHWAY FROM

THE ENTRANCE TO

PARKING

3.b The accessible path is:

Minimally 1200mm wide NO

The surface of the

pathway must be firm

non-slip and preferably

covered

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

There should not be a

gradient of more than

1:12 or a cross slope of

1:50 in the pathway

YES THE SURFACE

MUST BE MADE

FIRM AND

LEVELLED

If free of any barriers or

obstacles. Grating if any

is perpendicular to the

direction of the path

YES AS PER THE

REPORT

Has a kerb ramp in case

there are and level

changes between the

traffic lane and the

accessible path.

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

30


endations

YES NO

Has tactile guiding path

including directional,

hazard warning and

positional tiles provided

for independent

navigation across all the

chief functions at the

building

NO PROVIDE TACTILE

MARKINGS

Has resting spaces and

wheelchair parking

spaces outside the line of

traffic in cases where the

walking distance is more

than

300mm

NO AS PER REPORT

Has accessible directional

signage directing to the

accessible entrance (see

corresponding section on

signage in the Handbook

and section 16 below)

NO AS PER REPORT

Is there adequate

artificial light on the path

after sunset?

YES GOOD PRACTICE

3.c If there is no accessible

path or if some elements

are missing then record

recommendations

31


4. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE (Chapter 7 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

4.a The main entrance is

accessible to all users, if

not there is an alternate

accessible entrance to

the front of the building

and into the entrance

lobby. (If stairs or ramp

are present please refer

the

corresponding section)

YES PROVIDE

HANDRAIL

SUPPORT ON THE

RAMP WITH THE

TACTILE STRIPS.

The accessible entrance

has a landing 1500 x 1500

m

YES AS PER REPORT

The entrance door is

usable by disabled

persons (see

corresponding section

11)

YES AS PER REPORT

There is a difference in

floor finish that is

identifiable by blind users

at the door entrance

YES AS PER REPORT

32


endations

YES NO

The entrance is

illuminated after sunset if

the building is in use at

that time.

YES AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

The entrance has an

audio signalNO AUDIO SIGNAL

SHOULD BE THERE

4.b If an accessible entrance

is not present, then

identify the best option

to create one.

33

5 RECEPTION & LOBBY (Chapter 6, 11 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

5.a Is the reception counter

identifiable from the

entrance?

YES IT SHOULD

SIGNPOSTED

PROPERLY

Is there 900mm wide and

1200mm deep clear

space in front of the

reception counter?

YES IT SHOULD BE

FREE FROM

VEHICULAR

ENCROACHMENT

Is a part of the counter

between 760 mm to

800mm from the floor

with a 400mm to600mm

clear recess under the

counter?

NO AS PER REPORT

Does the counter

contrast in colour with

the background wall and

the floor?

YES AS PER REPORT

Is the counter top

adequately illuminated?YES AS PER REPORT

Is the counter to surface

non-reflective?YES GOOD PRACTICE

34


endations

YES NO

Is there accessible

identification signage for

the reception?(see



and section

16 below)

NO AS PER REPORT

Is there accessible

directional signage directing

to various building facilities

at the reception?(see



and section

16 below)

NO AS PER REPORT

In case of glass

empaneled receptions

there is a microphone

that is used by the

receptionist

NO

Is there an induction loop

available at the reception

counter?

NO

Is there live assistance

available at the counter

to guide persons to their

destination?

NO AS PER ATTACHED

REPORT

35


endations

YES NO

5.b Is printed information

available in accessible

alternate formats?

(see corresponding

section under point 2 of

Information and

Communication table

above)

NO

Can any of the staff

members’ communicate in

sign language?

NO

Does staff policy require

the staff to assist people

with disabilities in filling

forms if required?

NO

5.c The lobby is at one level

with adequate

manoeuvring space for

wheelchair users.

YES GOOD PRACTICE

36


endations

YES NO

5.d The lobby has adequate

seating for waiting, based

on the function of and

human traffic in the

building.

YES AS PER REPORT

37

6. STAIRS (Chapter 4 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

6.a Are the step risers 150

mm high and tread

300mm wide?

YES AS PER REPORT

Is there a colour

contrasting strip at the

edge of the steps?

YES GOOD PRACTICE

Do the stairs have

handrails at two levels on

both sides that are

continuous on the

landing? (also refer to the

section on handrails)

NO HANDRAIL

SHOULD BE ON

TWO LEVELS, i.e.,

700mm & 900mm

RESPECTIVELY.

Do the handrails project

beyond the end of the

flight and curve back in

accordance with section

on handrails.

NO AS PER REPORT

Is there tactile warning

tiles provided at the

beginning and end of

each flight?

NO AS PER REPORT

Is there adequate

illumination on the

stairs?

YES GOOD PRACTICE

38

No.` Question Answers Remarks/recomm

endations

YES NO

Is the floor surface of the steps non-slippery and non-glary?

YES AS PER REPORT

Is the under-stair area cordoned off to avoid accidents?

YES AS PER REPORT

Are steps uniform in width and height?

YES AS PER REPORT

The staircase is not circular and not sharp?

YES AS PER REPORT

Are the stairs continuous withoutany abrupt breaks and gaps?

YES AS PER REPORT

39

7. RAMP (Chapter 2 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO AS PER REPORT

7.a Is a ramp is provided as

an alternate route to the

stairs?

NO THERE IS NO

ENOUGH SPACE

INSIDE THE BUILDING

TO MAKE A

PROVISION FOR

RAMP

Is the ramp gradient not

steeper than 1:12. In

case of higher height

difference the gradient

may be gentler

NO

Ramp width is not less than

1800 mm.NO

Handrails have been

provided on both sides of

the ramp and are

continuous on the landing

NO

Landings have been

provided at specified

internals and at the

beginning and end of

the ramp.

NO

Tactile warning blocks

have been installed

300mm from the top,

bottom and landings of

each ramp run in external

environments.

NO

40

* Ground Floor to be made totally accessible, then there is no requirement for the Ramp to connect the first floor of the building.


endations

YES NO

The ramp is well

illuminatedNO

The floor surface is

non-slippery and non-

glary

NO

Do the ramps have

tactile warning tiles at

the beginning and end

of each ramp run

NO

7.b If alternate access route

by ramp has not been

provided then identify the

space and design for the

ramp.

NO

41

8. HANDRAIL (Chapter 5 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

8.a Handrails have been


the stairs and ramp?

NO AS PER REPORT

Handrails have been

provided at the height of

900 mm and 760 mm.

NO HANDRAILS

SHOULD BE AT

BOTH LEVELS.

Handrails contrast in

colour from the

background wall and

the floor?

YES AS PER REPORT

Handrails are circular

and non-slippery.YES AS PER REPORT

Have an uninterrupted

grip?YES AS PER REPORT

The end of the handrail is

either grouted or turned

downwards.

YES AS PER REPORT

There is adequate hand

clearance between the wall

and the handrail?

YES AS PER REPORT

42


endations

YES NO

8.b Handrails are

maintained and kept

free from dust,

especially if they are

provided externally?

YES AS PER REPORT

Accessible Signage for

directional arrow and

floor number provided on

all floors at designated

location (see



and section 16 below)

NO AS PER REPORT

43

9. ELEVATOR / LIFT (chapter 13 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

9.a There exists an elevator

that connects all floors of

the building?

YES

9.b If yes, it has - YES

Step free access from the

entrance to the lift?YES

The elevator car has a

internal space of

2000mm deepx 1100

mm wide?

YES

The elevator door

width is 900mm wide?YES

There is a visual and an

audio floor

announcement system in

the lift.

NO

The elevator controls in the

lift (including alarms

/speakers/phones)are

between 800mm to

1200mm. They have a good

contrast and the buttons

are self- illuminating, in

raised numbers and Braille?

NO THEY SHOULD BE

IN BRAILLE

44


endations

YES NO

The elevator call buttons

and floor numbers outside

the lift on each floor are in

Braille and Raised

Lettering.

NO

There is no use of only

touch panels for lift

controls in the lift as also

at the floor level

NO

Door opening/closing

time is at least 30 secondsYES

The floor finish of the car is

non-slippery. The walls of

the car are non-

reflective?

NO

There are handrails on

both the sidewalls and the

rear wall of the lift car?

(refer to the section on

handrails)

NO

A rear mirror is present in

the car.NO

45


endations

YES NO

There is no level

difference between

the landing and the

lift?

NO

Horizontal gap if any

between the lift and the

landing, is no more than

12 mm?

NO

There is a landing 1500

mm x 1500mm in front of

the lift?

NO

There is signage directing

to the accessible lift?NO

The control panel has

buttons and not a touch

panel

NO

There is floor number and

floor directory signage on

the lift lobby which is

visible from all lift cars?

NO

46


endations

YES NO

The Emergency

information given inside

the lift car is mounted at

eye level and is in

accessible format (Braiille

/ font size).

NO

The lift has a live

attendant when required

and at all times for

public buildings with a

heavy footfall.

NO

9.c If there is no lift and it is

required then identify a

space for it.

NO

47

10. ESCALATORS & PASSENGER CONVERYERS (Chapter 14 of CPWD

Handbook)


endations

YES NO

Escalators must not be

considered as the barrier-

free route, however they

must have adequate

warning for users with

vision impairments

NO THERE IS NO

REQUIREMENT OF

THE ESCALATORS

INSIDE THE

BUILDING

10.a Tactile warning strips are

provided at the top

and bottom end of the

the escalator and

passenger conveyers

NO

10.b The speed of the

escalator or the

passenger conveyer is

slow

NO

10.c Angle of inclination of the

escalator is not more than

30 degrees

NO

10.d There is adequate landing

space on top and bottom

of the escalator and

passenger converyer for

safe alighting and getting

off.

NO

10.e Each step edge in the

escalator has a colour

contrasted band.

NO

48


endations

YES NO

10.f There are colour

contrasted moving

handrails provided on

both sides of the

escalator and passenger

conveyer.

NO

10.g There is an audio indicator

indicating moving up or

down or moving forward

with the escalator or

passenger conveyer

respectively.

NO

10.h There is a alternate

accessible route where

escalators or passenger

conveyers are provided

NO

10.i In case of emergency,

the stop button of the

escalator should be easy

to reach and clearly

indicated at the landings

NO

49

11. CORRIDORS (Chapter 6 of CPDW Handbook)


endations

YES NO

11.a The corridor is

minimally 1200mm

wide?

YES AS PER REPORT

There are no protruding

objects or barriers on

the corridor?

NO ENSURE THAT

THERE IS NO

ENCROACHMENT

If there are protruding

objects then they are

guarded?

NO AS PER REPORT

There is 1500 mm x

1500mm space to allow

a wheelchair user to turn

around at some point

on the corridor?

YES AS PER REPORT

The floor finish is non-

slip and non- reflective?YES AS PER REPORT

The corridor is well

illuminated?NO AS PER REPORT

There are handrails


the corridor?

NO AS PER REPORT

There is a colour contrast

between the floor, walls,

doors and the ceiling?

NO AS PER REPORT

50


endations

YES NO

11.b Are the corridors

maintained and kept free

of unwanted barriers such

as furniture, plants etc?

NO AS PER REPORT

51

12. DOORS & DOORWAYS (Chapter 7 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

12.a The clear width of the

door is minimally 900

mm?

YES AS PER REPORT

It does not take too

much energy to open

the door?

YES AS PER REPORT

Lever type handle is used

with a horizontal bar 800

mm from the floor and a

vertical bar in the

opening side

with its lower edge at

800 mm from the floor.

YES AS PER REPORT

The colour of the

doorframe contrasts in

colour with the door and

the background wall?

And the colour

of door furniture

contrast from the

door?

YES AS PER REPORT

The doors have a lever

type handle and not a

knob type handle?

YES AS PER REPORT

There are no thresholds

present on the door? If yes

they are less than

12 mm high?

NO

52


endations

YES NO

The doors are double

hinged and swing both

ways.

NO SINGLE SIDE

SWING ONLY

The doors have a

timed-release spring for

shutting

NO

12.b There is adequate space

available to open the

door even by a

wheelchair user?

YES AS PER REPORT

No other door opens in

the corridor, except

the accessible toilet

door

YES AS PER REPORT

If there are two doors in

a series, there is at least

1500mm deep space

between the two doors?

YES AS PER REPORT

12.c If a vision panel is

provided, it is

comfortable for both

wheelchair users and for

standing persons?

NO AS PER REPORT

Kick plates have been

provided on the doors?NO AS PER REPORT

53


endations

YES NO

12.d If glass doors are present,

then do they have

manifestations to make

them prominent and at

what heights?

NO

Are there door

closures? If any, they

should be avoided.

NO

Automatic doors should

preferably be provided

at the building entrance.

The automatic door must

remain open for at least

5 seconds

NO

The door must have a

guardrail where it opens

into a route of travel

NO

Sliding automatic door

must have an overhead

sensor- operating device

or manual large button

control.

NO

54

13. Accessible Toilet (Chapter 8 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

13.a Is there an accessible

cubicle with dimensions

1750 mm x

2200 mm in the ladies and

the gents toilet block?

NO AS PER REPORT

Is there a unisex

accessible toilet in the

building?

NO AS PER REPORT

13.b If a unisex accessible

toilet or an accessible

cubicle are present then:

NO AS PER REPORT

Are they present on all

floors of the building?NO AS PER REPORT

Toilet door must be

outward opening,

double hinged or

sliding type.

NO AS PER REPORT

The WC should be

installed in a corner with

centreline of the WC at

a distance of

450mm to 500mm from

the adjacent wall. The

front edge of WC should

project 750mm of/from

the rear wall.

NO AS PER REPORT

55


endations

YES NO

There is a backrest for

the WC?NO AS PER REPORT

The seat height of the

WC is 450mm?NO AS PER REPORT

Lever type flush control is

installed at a height of


surface, or on the transfer

side of the

WC? The force required to

flush should be

comfortable

NO AS PER REPORT

There is 800mm of

clear transfer space

next to the WC?

NO AS PER REPORT

A horizontal grab bar is

installed on the adjacent

wall, at a height of

200mm from the WC seat.

NO AS PER REPORT

A fold up grab bar is

installed at a centreline

distance of

320 m-200mm from the

WC seat?

NO AS PER REPORT

56


endations

YES NO

A wash basin is installed

at a distance of at least

400mm from the side wall.

NO AS PER REPORT

The top-edge of the

wash is between the

height of 800mm and


level?

NO AS PER REPORT

There is clear knee

space of at least

750mm height x

750mm width x 200mm

depth under the wash

basin, with additional toe-

space of 300mm height x

750mm width

x 230mm depth

NO AS PER REPORT

The wash basin has

automatic or lever

type faucets

NO AS PER REPORT

13.c The floor-surface of the

toilet is non-slippery?YES AS PER REPORT

There is a colour contrast

between the floor, wall

and sanitary fittings?

NO AS PER REPORT

57


endations

YES NO

Is there an alarm system

within easy reach to

alert persons outside, in

case of emergency?

NO THERE SHOULD BE

AN ALARM AT

750mm HEIGHT

Visual alarm must be

there to alert people

with hearing disability in

case of emergency

NO VISUAL ALARMS

TO BE INSTALLED

AT PROPER

DISTANCES

The door can be locked

from inside but also

released from outside in

case of emergency

NO DOOR TO BE

LOCKED FROM

INSIDE BUT TO BE

RELEASED FROM

OUTSIDE IN CASE

OF EMERGENCY

13.d The accessible toilet is

not kept locked or used

as a janitor’s room.

NO AS PER REPORT

It is kept clean and

well-maintained.NO AS PER REPORT

13.e Mirror should be at

accessible heightNO AS PER REPORT

58


endations

YES NO

13.f All toilet accessories:

soap dispensers, coat hooks

are at accessible reach.

In addition to accessible

toilets, do the other toilets

following Standardization of

placement of utilities?

- Basin taps to

be placed at the centre of

the basin,

- Soap

dispensers must be either at

the immediate right or left

side of the basin,

- Water jets on

the right or left side of the

WC,

- Flush must be

either immediately

behind the seat or at the

centre.

- WC water tap

must be either at the

right or left of the WC.

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

59

13. CAFETERIA


endations

YES NO

13.a The cafeteria has a

step-free access?NO CAFETERIA IS NOT

THERE IN THE

BUILDING.

There is adequate

circulation space in

the cafeteria?

NO

13.b Tables allow easy

wheelchair access

and have a knee

space of 750 mm

under them?

NO

Floor is non-slip and

without any heavy

patterns?

NO

There is colour contrast

between the crockery,

glassware and the table

top?

NO

Cafeteria must have a

mix of different kinds of

cutlery and glassware to

allow ease-of-use

for people, based on their

needs. (For instance,

some people may be

unable to use disposable

cups and cutlery and

some may find use of

very heavy glasses and

cutlery difficult)

NO

60


endations

YES NO

All counters , buffet

tables and vending

machines should be

placed at accessible

height.

Menus at the cafeteria

are available in

accessible formats

(See section 2 under the

information and

communication head)

NO

13.c Staff is trained to assist

persons with disabilities.NO

There is agreed practice

to serve food on the

table for persons with

disabilities.

NO

61

14. Drinking Water Facility (Chapter 15 of CPWD)


endations

YES NO

14.a Can the drinking water

facility be easily accessed

by persons with

disabilities?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

Is the tap of lever type? NO AS PER THE

REPORT

Are there glasses

available to drink

water? Are they kept at

accessible height (not

higher than 1200 mm).

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

14.b Is the area around the

water cooler is mopped

frequently and kept dry?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

62

15. Controls and Operating Mechanisms (Chapter 15 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

15.a The operable part of

controls such as

vending machines,

electrical switches, wall

sockets are:

Located adjacent to

the clear floor space

with dimensions of at

least 900 mm x

1200mm

NO AT A HEIGHT OF

1300mm

Located at the height of

between 400mm and

1200mm, measured from

the floor, with the

exception of vending

machines where the

upper limit is relax able to

1300 mm.

NO AT A HEIGHT OF

1350mm AND

400mm FROM THE

FLOOR FINISH

LEVEL

Electrical sockets must not

be placed at a height

lower than

400mm from the floor.

YES GOOD PRACTICE

Controls should be

placed at not less than

400mm from room

corners

YES GOOD PRACTICE

63


endations

YES NO

No control or switch has

a touch panel to

operate

YES GOOD PRACTICE

There is little pressure

required to operate the

switches or controls

YES GOOD PRACTICE

Controls should be

colour-contrasted, with

the surrounding face

plate panel and the

face plate contrasting

with the background

wall on which they are

mounted.

YES GOOD PRACTICE

Information on controls

and switches is in relief

(embossed letters/

symbols accompanied

with Braille

information) for tactile

reading.

NO THE CONTROLS

SHOULD BE

BRAILLE ENABLED

There is no use of only

touch panel switches.YES

64

16. Signage (Chapter 10 of CPWD Handbook)


endations

YES NO

16.a Is there prominent visible

signage using the

international symbol of

accessibility,

identifying/advertising/

signifying accessible

entrance and exit,

reserved car parking,

presence of toilets for

persons with

disabilities, cloakrooms,

and availability of

special services?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

16.b Does the signage size

comply with not less

than 60 mm for

doors,110 mm for

corridors and 200 mm for

external use?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

16.c Are all visual signage

in the facility provided

with Braille and Tactile

supplements?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

16.d Wherever possible, are

Audio signage provided

along with Braille and

Tactile signage

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

65


endations

YES NO

16.e Are all Braille and tactile

signage placed at

between the height of

900 mm and

1500mm, with ideal

location at 1050 mm

above the finished floor

level?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

16.f If braille and tactile signs

are provided at a door,

are the signs located

alongside the door at the

latch side? Where tactile

signs are provided at

double doors with one

active leaf, are they

located on the inactive

leaf? Where tactile signs

are provided at double

doors with two active

leafs, are the signs

located at the right hand

side of the door?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

16.g Are the Braille

specifications

following the

handbook

specifications?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

66


endations

YES NO

16.h Are Braille and Tactile

floor plans provided,

where they are

available for use of

public?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

16.i Are all visual signage in

the building using high

colour contrast (See

corresponding section

18)

YES AS PER THE

REPORT

16.j Is there adequate

illumination of visual

signage?

YES AS PER THE

REPORT

16.k Are there both visual

and auditory substitutes

for public address

systems and LED Display

board information in

the building

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

67

17. Emergency Evacuation


endations

YES NO

17.a is there an emergency

evacuation provision in

the building?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

17.b Does emergency

evacuation provision

takes into account

people with disabilities? If

yes:

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

Is There a step free or

ramped accessible

evacuation route

identified leading to the

exit or the ramp or to

the refuge area?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

is the alerting system

both visual and

audible?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

The alerting buttons are

between 600 mm and


and have a high contrast

with the background wall.

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

68


endations

YES NO

17.c On upper floors not

connected by a ramp, a

refuge area has been

identified and signposted

for wheelchair users.

(Some buildings have fire

lifts, Check if one of it

could be made

evacuation lift.)

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

is there a directional

signage leading to the

refuge area and the

evacuation plans have

the refuge area marked

on them?

All emergency and

directional signage are

accessible (See

corresponding section)

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

The refuge area has

minimally a 900 mm x

1200mm space for

parking a wheelchair

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

Are there smoke barriers

around the refuge area

that can hold the smoke

for at least one hour?

NO AS PER THE

REPORT

69


endations

YES NO

Is there an audio and

visual two way

communication system

in the refuge area at the

height of 1000mm?

NO

Does the Stairs next to the

refuge are minimally

1200mm wide?

NO

17.d Are evacuation plans

prominently displayed

on all floors?

The evacuation plans

and building maps are

available in tactile braille

formats.

NO

Is the plan of right size

and easy to readNO

Have The accessible

evacuation route and

the refuge points been

shown on the plan?

NO

Does The plan has ‘you

are here’ point identified

on it?

NO

Does The plan contrasts

well with the background

wall?

NO

70


endations

YES NO

17.e Has the Staff been

trained to assist persons

with disabilities in

evacuation?

NO

Are there evacuation

chairs available?NO

71

Standards

72

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

73

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

74

Specifications: Placement of Tactile Paving

Tactile paving on pathways, turnsand intersections

Tactile paving on stairs and crosswalks

75

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)

76

- 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

77

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

78

Signage-Some examples

with tactile/Braille

Pictorial signage with tactile and Braille information

79

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

80

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 parking81

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

82

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.

83

Standards VHandrails for ramps and stairs

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

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

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

84

Standard Specifications for Handrails

� Handrails should continue uninterrupted (except for doorways) on both sides and around the landing. Both side railings helps people with left and right side preferences and also for to and fro movement on the incline.

� Handrails should extend horizontally for a distance between 300mm and 450 mm at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps, except in places where extensions could obstruct the pedestrian flow.

� For stairs or ramps more than 3000mm wide, a continuous intermediate handrail should be considered.

Handrails should :-

Be slip-resistant with round ends.

Have a circular section of 30-45 mm in diameter.

Be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.

Have continuous gripping surfaces, without obstructions or interruptions that can break a hand hold.

Be provided on both the sides.

Be continuous, even at the landings.

Extend at least 300-450 mm beyond the beginning and end of the stairs/ramp run. The ends of the handrails should return back to the railing or be grouted in the wall or in the floor to prevent any injury to the users.

Have a minimum clear space of 40 mm from the wall.

Be installed at two heights, one at 700mm and the other at 900mm.

Be finished so as to contrast in colour and luminance with the background against which it will be viewed.

Be made with a material that will not get hot in the direct sunlight, especially in external installations.

Be provided with Braille/tactile markings at the beginning and end to give information to visually impaired people.

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Standards – V

Reception Counters

Following features should be included in the reception area :

• Provide clear floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm in front of the counters;

• Consider at least one counter on all public dealing desks be receded to 750-800 mm from floor level. The counter/desk should be minimum 750mm high, have 480mm deep clear knee space and be 900 mm wide to provide accessibility to a guest with reduced mobility.

• There should be uniform light on the reception desk of 300 lux and lighting should be so positioned so as to illuminate the receptionist and the desk top without creating any glare to facilitate easy lip reading by Guest with Hearing disability.

• The counters should have pictographic maps indicating all the services offered at the counter

• The receptionists should be trained in basic sign language to assist guest with hearing disability.

Some examples of accessible reception counters

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In addition, the following are strongly recommended:-

Have sound enhancement system available if required with

clear signage about its availability.

Have a loop induction unit to benefit guests using hearing

aids and have a signage about its availability.

Have a magnifying glass handy to benefit guests with low

vision on the counter.

Staff managing the desk to be preferably fluent in sign

language or be acquainted with basic sign language.

Provide a tactile guide map at the reception for visitors with

visual difficulties to orient themselves with the building.

Sample Talking Tactile Map

Sample Tactile Guide Map

Tactile map-Germany Stuttgart’s Degerloch Rail Station

What is Induction loop system? : People with hearing impairments find it difficult to grasp mass audio activity. In an enclosed venue, it is possible to enclose a small area with a loop-induction system so that people with hearing impairments within it can hear voices and sounds without ambient noise. A loop-induction system comprises of a microphone, an amplifier and a loop (a conducting wire encircling the enclosure). The sound of music or the voices of actors are converted into electromagnetic signals. The signals are carried to the loop. A pickup coil fitted in a hearing aid picks up the electromagnetic signals and the receiver in the ear converts this into comprehensible speech or music. Since the hearing aid does not pick up actual sound signals, it receives no ambient noise, ensuring good quality of sound.

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Standards VI

Stairs Specifications

Risers should not be more than 150mm and treads

should not be less than 300mm deep.

Open risers are a hazard for persons with reduced

mobility and hence should be avoided.

Continuous handrails on both sides of the staircase

should be provided including the landings.

Space under the staircase should be cordoned off by

putting guardrails or by closing the space with a wall

to prevent the visually impaired guest from walking

into it.

Illumination of minimum 150 lux should be maintained

on the stair surface.

Nosing on the stairs should contrast in colour and tone

with the tread. There should be colour contrast

strips/ Edge marking of 50 mm bordering the edge

of the tread as shown in the picture.

Handrails should be provided on both sides, preferably at

two levels. At 700 mm and at 900-1000 mm.

Tactile warning blocks should be installed 400mm from

the beginning and at the end of the stairs as an

indication of level change to visually impaired

persons.

The following features need to be kept in mind in facilities where stairs are being built or exist:

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Standards VII

Accessible Lift Specifications

Lift

Where lifts are provided in a building, at least one lift should be made accessible from the entrance level for vertical circulation.

The lift should serve all levels intended for access by people with disabilities.

Lifts designated for use by people with disabilities should be marked with proper signage and directional signs be provided from all other entrances of the building to the accessible lift.

Lift Size

The minimum size of the lift should be 1200 mm wide by 1400mm deep.

Door

The lift door should have a clear opening of not less than 900 mm.

There should be no gap in level between the lift door and the floor surface at each level. If such a gap is unavoidable, then it should not be more than 12 mm.

Call Button

Call button located outside the lift should have a clear floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a wheelchair user from reaching the call button;

Be installed at a height between 900 mm and 1200 mm.

Control Panel

Have a dear floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a wheelchair user from reaching it;

Be placed at a height of between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level and have buttons with Braille/raised letters and in sharp contrast from the background to aid people with visual impairments.

Review mirror and kick plates to be fitted.

Grab Bars

Be placed at a height of 900mm from the floor level and be fixed on both sides and at the rear of the lift.

Audio and Visual Indicators

The lift should have a voice announcement system along with a visual display to indicate the floor level.

Number of the floor/block in big fonts and good colour contrast should be placed on the opposite wall where the lift door opens.

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Standards 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.94

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.95

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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