Minor adaptations without delay - Foundations

College of Occupational Therapists

Minor adaptations without delay

Part 2: Technical specifications

Minor adaptations without delay - A practical guide and technical specifications for housing associations

Published by the College of Occupational Therapists Ltd106-114 Borough High Street, Southwark, London SE1 1LB

PublishedJanuary 2006

© 2006 College of Occupational TherapistsHousing Corporation

This document may be copied freely

AuthorsKate Sheehan, Mark Simons Powell

Enquiries about this document should be addressed toPractice Group


This document should be referenced as College of Occupational Therapists, Housing Corporation

(2006) Minor adaptations without delay. London: College of Occupational Therapists



College of Occupational TherapistsHousing Corporation

Introduction

This technical specification accompanies the practical guide ‘Minor Adaptations without Delay’. The guidehas been produced by the College of Occupational Therapists and the Housing Corporation to reassurehousing associations that some minor adaptations for older and disabled tenants may safely be carried outwithout the need for an occupational therapy visit and that this may be very beneficial in allowing a swifterservice.

This technical specification has been compiled to give Housing staff and surveyors a quick referencedocument on general guidelines when installing minor adaptations mentioned in this report. The itemsincluded are those where there was a wide consensus amongst housing officers, occupational therapistsand tenants that they were suitable for installation without professional assessment.

We recognise that all tenants are different and are the experts in their own problems and needs. Thesespecifications therefore need to be used as a technical resource in consultation and partnership with thetenants themselves.

The staff using this guide must remember that these are general specifications and will not be suitable forall dwellings or individual tenants. For further clarification on building construction, please consult yourin-house building surveyor or, if the tenant’s needs appear to be more complex than the initial request,refer to the local Social Services department.

This technical specification has been designed and written by Mark Simmons Powell, Head ofAsset Management of Habinteg Housing Association, and Kate Sheehan, IndependentOccupational Therapist.

Installation suggestions:

1. Visual ImpairmentStaircase applicationsExternal lighting

2. Hearing Impairment Flashing doorbellsSmoke alarm alerts

3. RailsMain entrance support railGrab railsNewel railsHandrailsStair handrails

4. AccessInternal door threshold rampsImprove access and widen pathway to main entranceDoor entry intercom

5. Kitchens and bathroomsWindow opening equipmentKitchen lever tapsKitchen cupboard handlesBathroom lever tapsW.c. lever flush handlesBathroom grab rails

6. General items Door and wall protectorsAlter heights of electric faceplates

7. Safety items Safety glass

8. HighwaysDrop kerb

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3Minor adaptations without delay

Technical specifications

1. Visual Impairment

1.1 Staircase applications

Minor amendments to the colouration ofstaircases on the approach to and within thehomes of tenants with sight problems canimprove their safety and ease of use. Theoptions available will largely depend on theconstruction and location of the stairs andwhether there are any pre-existing floorcoverings and, if so, are they theresponsibility of the landlord or tenant.

The main consideration is the introductionof contrast at key points, typically stair edges,the string line, skirting around landings andhandrails so that they stand out from thebackground and define the borders of thesteps. This can be achieved by usingcontrasting colours or strong variations ofshades.

At its simplest this can be accomplished byselective painting to bare concrete. Thisshould be specified to avoid gloss finishes (asthese may cause glare). Step edges are besttreated with a narrow strip of paint (say50mm width) using proprietary floor paint.In external locations or wet areas it may beworth adding carborundum grit to the paintfor greater slip resistance.

Where replacement of the landlord’s staircasefloor covering (vinyl or carpet) is beingconsidered, this should be done to ensure aclear contrast between the colour of the floorcovering and any pre formed nosing that maybe in situ. Where floor coverings are beingreplaced this may also offer an opportunity toinclude some tactile element to assist visuallyimpaired tenants on stairs. This can beaccomplished by introducing variations inthe material used on the floor on theapproaches to steps and on landings toprovide tactile clues and warnings to peopleof their position in relation to the steps.

Further advice and good practice on makingminor adjustments within the homes of peoplewith sight problems may be found at:

http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/InternetHome.hcsp

1.2 Provision of external lighting

Partially sighted people can benefit fromimprovements to the external lighting oftheir homes. This may aid them in the task ofunlocking and entering their home and mayalso provide transitional lighting between theinside brightness of the home and the relativedarkness outside (the eyes of some peoplewith sight problems take longer to adjust tochanging light levels).

Choice of lighting and positioning will varydepending on the individual circumstancesof the person for whom the work is beingcarried out. However it may be worth takingaccount of the following considerations:

• Provide the light with a PIR detector forautomatic activation.

• Specify frosted “opal” lamps rather thanclear as they provide a more comfortablelight and produce softer edges toshadows.

• Installation of low energy or fluorescentlamp holders will benefit the tenantthrough reduced fuel costs and will alsomean that they need to access the lightfitting less often to renew lamps, due thegreater longevity of such lamps.

• Lamps need to be appropriately sized toensure that the lighting level is no greaterthan that found immediately on enteringthe property.

As with all electrical equipment, new lightingshould only be installed by competentelectricians registered with the NICEIC.Installation of the equipment should be inaccordance with the manufacturers’instructions and comply with BS.5671 and,following installation, be confirmed as suchwith an electrical installation certificate.

The benefits of improving external lightingcan be enhanced by also consideringthe decoration of the front entrance.Consideration should be given to repaintingthe door and/or frame to ensure there is goodcolour contrast between each of them andthe surrounding surfaces, and with any doorfurniture such as lock escutcheons anddoor handles.



2. Hearing Impairment

2.1 Flashing doorbells

Visual indicators for domestic mains-electricity-powered doorbells are available asitems of proprietary equipment termed ‘silentdimming doorbell alarms’. When selectingthe equipment, a range of options isavailable. However, choosing one that willindicate that the door bell is being activatedby flashing all the house lights on during daytime and flashing them off at night time willprovide the greatest cover within the home.To provide the tenant with the maximumflexibility, choose a unit that allows the userto turn the function on and off.

These units are an electrical appliance and assuch should only be installed by competentelectricians registered with the NICEIC.Installation of the equipment should be inaccordance with the manufacturersinstructions and comply with BS.5671 and,following installation, be confirmed as suchwith an electrical installation certificate.

Silent dimming doorbell alarms along withmore detailed advice on services for the deafand hard of hearing may be sourced through theRNID websitehttp://www.shop.rnid.org.uk/store.

2.2 Smoke alarm alerts

Smoke alarm alerts provide an alternativesensory warning to deaf and hard of hearingpeople that a smoke alarm has beenactivated. Typically, this warning is given by avibrating pad that is positioned in the bed(under the mattress or pillow) and a strobelight that flashes when smoke is detected. Inaddition, the facility of the audible warningshould be retained to alert other members ofthe household in the event of a fire.

Propriety equipment is available that caneither be linked into existing mains poweredsmoke detectors or be used as part of a newinstallation of smoke detectors. Whetherconnecting to existing or providing anall-new installation, it is important to ensurethat the detectors comply with BS.5446.

Specification for components of automatic firealarm systems for residential premises, Part 1and that they are suitably sited i.e.:

• At least one detector for each storey of thedwelling and located in circulation areassuch as halls and landings.

• The detectors are interconnected and fitted in positions to allow easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

• Positioned within 3 metres of bedroom doors.

• Sited away from areas that might cause false alarms i.e. bathrooms.

Operation of the vibrating pad and strobealarm is via a control box which should bewall mounted near to the deaf or hard ofhearing person’s bed and ideally should bemains powered, with back up provided byrechargeable batteries and hard wired to thesmoke detectors. It is highly recommendedthat the system employed should have a fail-safe function so that, in the event of a faultoccurring, a visual signal is given to warn theuser of the problem.

This equipment is an electrical appliance andas such should only be installed bycompetent electricians registered with theNICEIC. Installation of the equipmentshould be in accordance with themanufacturers instructions and comply withBS.5671 and following installation, beconfirmed as such with an electricalinstallation certificate.

The effectiveness of any fire detectionequipment relies on regular routinemaintenance and cleaning. It is thereforeessential that the tenant is fully briefed onhow to service and test the equipment intheir home and provided with easy tounderstand written instructions.

Smoke alarm systems along with more detailedadvice on services for the deaf and hard ofhearing may be sourced through the RNIDwebsite http://www.shop.rnid.org.uk/store



3 Rails

3.1 Main entrance support rail

Assistance for people ascending/descendingsteps to enter their home can be given byproviding either “D” grab rails or floor towall handrails to one or both sides of theentrance. Both are acceptable, however thehandrail option should always be used wherethere is a significant height differencebetween the internal floor level and theexternal path level (anything in excess of360mm elect for handrails). For comfort,select a grab rail with a diameter of between30-45mm that stands clear of the wall by 45-65mm.

Do ensure that the tenant is fully consultedon what is being proposed. If they have anyconcerns that the proposed work will notoffer them adequate support, do refer them toSocial Services for a more thoroughassessment. In either case, considersupplying rails with a self finished easy cleancoating, which provides a good colour ortonal difference to the background.

3.2 Grab rails

Do consult the tenant on their preferredsiting of the grab rail(s). However, theillustration provided does give workabledimensions to use as a general rule.

Ideally the grab rail(s) should be sited toallow fixing to masonry with 3 x No 10(minimum 50mm) plugs and screws at eachend. Consider using brass or chromium-plated screws to avoid unsightly ruststaining.

Where fixing to a timber doorframe isunavoidable, it should be assessed as towhether the frame section is robust enoughto carry a grab rail. Using “flat” lugged grabrails, consider bolting directly through theframe with M6 bolts, rather than screwinginto it. Bolting through a mild steel spreaderplate on the reverse side of the frame wouldalso contribute to its strength.

Fixing to PVCu frames should be avoided, asthey are unlikely to have the necessary

internal steel framing in the right location toadequately support grab rail fixings. If thereis no satisfactory alternative, consider afloor-to-floor handrail instead.



3.3 Newel rails

Preformed steel grab rails known as newelrails and/or twister rails are designed toprovide a grab rail that turns through 90°around a stair newel post. These products aresupplied as stock size and are handed to suiteither a clockwise or anticlockwise turningstep; therefore care needs to be taken whenspecifying the choice of rail. Commonlyfitted with fixing flanges, they will require 3No 10 woodscrews at each end.

3.4 External Handrails

Use a minimum M10 expansion bolts tosecure the rail at the wall end. If the externalpaving is cast in situ concrete, the use ofexpansion bolts will also suffice. For other

pre-cast or formless paving, the handrailsshould be secured by either having anextended leg cast into concrete oralternatively being seated into a proprietysocket that is cast into a concrete pad (i.e.Kee Klamp “Advantage” modular system).

Due to the greater leverage potential offeredby the length of the handrail, it is inadvisableto attempt to secure the upper end of thehandrail to anything other than a masonrywall. Where no masonry fixing point isreadily available consider using a floor-to-floor handrail instead.

3.5 Stair handrails

Handrails to one or both sides of an internalflight of stairs may be provided to suit theuser’s needs. Where retrospectively fitting ahandrail, do consider applying the minimumstandards of Approved Documents M and Kto comply with the requirements of theBuilding Regulations.

Handrail:Consider using a 50mm x 50mm mop headcross section softwood, sited to runcontinuously from the bottom to the topflight, to include the perimeters ofintervening landings and across windowopenings. Where space allows, the handrailshould be allowed to continue past the topstep by up to 300mm.

Handrails should be positioned to follow thepitch of the staircase, at a height to suit theuser’s needs but which shall be between900mmm and 1000mm measured verticallyfrom the pitch line of the steps. Any joints inthe handrail must be sited at changes of angleor intersections (i.e. at landings).

Handrail support:Stair handrails should be supported at amaximum of 1000mm centres and at nogreater than 150mm from either end of thehandrail and or any joint in the handrail.Support should be provided by 63.5mmsilver anodised handrail brackets using 3screws per bracket.



Fixing of handrail brackets should be directlyonto a 144mm x 19mm (finished size)patruss or backing board out of eithersoftwood or plywood (good one side). Thepatruss should have its 2 external cornerswell rounded and run the full length of thehandrail. Fixing of the patruss should beappropriate to the wall type encountered:

1. When fixing to masonry, the patrussshould be secured at centres notexceeding 900mm using plug and screwfixings of not less than size 8 x 63mm.

2. When fixing to timber stud walls, thepatruss should be twice secured at eachvertical timber stud and be supported by aminimum of 3 timber studs.

3. When fixing to dry lined walls the patrussshould be secured at centres notexceeding 900mm into solid softwoodspacers cut into the plasterboard with thespacers plugged and screwed to the underlying masonry.

Finishes:Fully rub down the handrail and patruss toremove all sharp edges and if the tenant hasa visual impairment do consider decoratingthe new handrail in a contrasting colour tothe surrounding surfaces, for all installationsuse a semi gloss or vinyl silk paint tocomplete the work.



4. Access

4.1 Internal door threshold ramps

Internal thresholds on both internalcirculation doors and at the rear face ofexternal doorframes can impede the passageof wheelchair users. Traditionally internalthreshold bars were fitted as integral parts ofthe doorframe to form a carpet-edging stripand ensure that the door gave clearance tothe floor covering.

The simplest solution may be to cut thissection out altogether, particularly if thedoorframe has a simple profile that is easy totrim back to. Where this is not practicableand a small ramp is needed, do specify ahardwearing fillet of hardwood i.e.mahogany or seasoned oak. Avoid using afillet that diminishes in thickness to nothingas the thin edge will split and be a hazard,instead have a leading edge of between 3mmand 5mm which has been bull nose rounded.Secure the ramps in position using aminimum of 3 fully countersunkwoodscrews (ideally brass) with plugging tosolid floors as necessary. Consider a linseedoil finish to the wood rather than varnish orgloss paint, as this will retain the timbersinherent none slip qualities.

Prior to carrying out this work, do advise thetenant that this may involve cutting backtheir existing floor coverings. Where this isnecessary do require that it is donesympathetically and that gripper rods forcarpets, if existing, are resited.

4.2 Improve access and widen solepathway to main entrance

Where widening of paths is required, it willalmost invariably be to improve the access ofa wheelchair user to their home, the specificsof how it is done will vary widely due to localfactors such as space, existing gradients andexisting materials. Whilst acknowledging theneed to work within the constraints imposedby the location, the objective should be toprovide a pathway that is planned in terms ofthe wider principles of good access design.With this in mind, the opportunity should betaken to assess whether simply widening an

existing path is the best option available andconsider the possibility of resiting andrebuilding the path. Whichever option isadopted the key provisions should includethe following aspects:

• The path should be 1200mm wide andensuring at least 900mm remains uninterrupted by obstacles such as fall pipes.

• Where space allows, form a 1500mm x 1500mm paved area by the front entrance door to facilitate the manoeuvring of a wheelchair user entering the home.

• Where kerbs are provided, these must be flush with the path surface.

• The gradient of the path along its length should not exceed 1:20 and should avoid any abrupt changes in gradient or level.

• If possible crossfalls should be avoided orkept to a minimum that does not exceed 1:40.

• Ensure the path provides a common colour and texture along its length and width (particular attention will be required where widening rather thanreplacing). The exception to this is where there is a potential obstacle or hazard where textured hazard warning paving may be considered.

• Aim to use materials that give a good colour/tonal contrast to any adjacent hard-standings or walls.

Although not currently a retrospectiverequirement, Approved Document M section 1,which supports Part M of the BuildingRegulations, provides clear complianceinformation on external access to buildings.

4.3 Door intercom

Door intercoms linked to an electronic lockrelease can considerably improve theindependence and security of people withmobility problems. A wide range of suppliersand installers in a competitive market placenow offers door entry solutions and thefollowing points may be of assistance ondeciding on what to select:

• Consider having 2 apartment stations, one sited in the users bedroom and



positioned so that it can be reached from the bed and one sited in the lounge/sittingroom close to the main seating area.

• Site the apartment station so that the maincontrol buttons are at 1050mm above the floor.

• The apartment station should be provided with a privacy button.

• Ideally the external door panel should have a stainless steel face with the control box chased into the surrounding masonry so that the faceplate sits flush with the wall.

• Site the door panel so that a visitor in awheelchair is able to speak into the panel and push the call button simultaneously.

• The call button on the door panel shouldbe at 1050mm above the external path level.

• The tenant may additionally benefit fromthe inclusion of a lock release switch conveniently sited in the hall approaching the entrance door.

It is likely that a new lock will need to beprovided with the new door entry system.This should be compatible with the doorentry equipment and the type of door andframe; typically a 5-lever rim automaticdeadlock will be the most appropriate forretro fitting. Choose one that will allowescape from the property without a key.

One factor to note is that there is currentlyno effective door entry system that operateson doors with multi point locking. Wherethe existing door is fitted with multi pointlocks and there is a need for a door entrysystem, the compromise is to fit a new rimlock and rim lock release and retain the multipoint lock. This will provide the tenant withthe choice that will allow the added securityof 3 point locking, say at night, whilst relyingon a single lock controlled by door entryduring the day.

As with all electrical equipment, a new doorentry system should only be installed bycompetent electricians registered with theNICEIC. Installation of the equipmentshould be in accordance with themanufacturers instructions and comply withBS.5671 and, following installation beconfirmed as such with an electrical

installation certificate. As the dwelling’ssecurity relies on the system, it should beconfigured so that the electronic lock releasefails in the locked position should there be apower outage or cut.

4.4 Reposition door handle

Door furniture should be within easy reach ofthe user and, where possible, usable with onehand to open and close the door.

Re-siting existing lever and lever-lockfurniture at 1050mm high above the floorwill provide a relatively convenient height fora wide range of users. Replacing short-bodiedmortice latches/locks with one with a longerbody (75mm or greater) would have thebenefit of providing greater clearancebetween the lever handle and keyhole andthe doorframe, which will make theiroperation easier and safer.

Fitting a horizontal grab bar atapproximately 900 mm above floor level onthe closing side of the door may provideassistance to the user in closing the doorbehind them.

If the door furniture is being renewed as apart of this work, do consider having itsupplied in colours that contrast with thedoor as an aid to the users with visualimpairment.

5. Kitchens and bathrooms

5.1 Window opening equipment

Functionally, there is little differencebetween manual and electrical windowopeners. On the basis purely of cost to installand cost in use, therefore, the manual openerwill usually be the favoured choice. Theexception to this concerns those tenants whohave limited manual dexterity or strength. Inthese cases, an electrical opener is the clearchoice. Both types of openers are available ina number of styles to suit different types ofopening light and material, therefore themanufacturers information sheets will needto be consulted prior to detailedspecification.



Prior to installation it is worth consideringthe following factors:

• If possible, fit the opener to a small high-level opening light, as this will be moresecure when open.

• Do specify an opener that allows the user to choose whether the window is partly or fully opened.

• Do site the equipment of the opener where it may be easily serviced.

• Ensure that the opening gear can bedisengaged from the window formaintenance.

• Consult the user on the best height for thewindow controller; however, consider1050mm as a workable default.

As with all electrical equipment competentelectricians registered with the NICEICshould only install the fitting of electricalwindow openers. Installation of theequipment should be in accordance with themanufacturers instructions and comply withBS.5671 and following installation, beconfirmed as such with an electricalinstallation certificate.

5.2 Kitchen lever taps

Quarter turn lever taps are now availablefrom a variety of suppliers. For most people’scircumstances, a lever between 75mm and85mm will suffice, but do consult the tenantprior to specifying length. Whilst longerlevers are easier to hold and turn the shorterlength suggested is often better as it causesless obstruction and offers easier access tothe tap and sink. When positioning thelevers, do set them at right angles to thespout as this also offers less obstruction tothe tap and sink. Where adapting a kitchensink with pillar types, do consider consultingthe tenant on the benefit of replacing themwith a swan necked kitchen mixer tap fittedwith quarter turn lever taps.

Do consult the tenant on whether thedisability that raised the need for lever tapsaffects their ability to sense temperaturevariations. If there is any doubt, considerinstalling a thermostatic mixing valve with

the hot tap to eliminate the risk of scalding.These valves are relatively easily installedbelow the sink and usually come factorypreset to deliver hot water at temperatures nogreater than 43°C.

5.3 Kitchen cupboard door handles

Kitchen unit doors fitted with knobs orrecessed pull-strips may present a problem tosome tenants that can be readily addressed byretrospectively fitting “D” pull handles to thedoors. Consider fitting stainless steel orchrome finished handles, as these will tendto compliment existing colour schemes.Handles should be of a bolt-through fixingwith a round head bolt internally. Site thenew handles in consultation with the tenantto best suit their requirements. However, ifthe door previously had a knob, do considerreusing its fixing point as one of the “D”handles fixing points to mask any unsightlymarks.

For conformity do ensure that each doorreceives the new handles and avoid theinclination to only address a handful of, whatare viewed as, key kitchen units.

5.4 Bathroom lever taps

Quarter turn lever taps are now availablefrom a variety of suppliers. For most people’scircumstances a lever between 75mm and85mm will suffice however do consult thetenant prior to specifying length.

Consult the tenant on whether the disabilitythat raised the need for lever taps affects theirability to sense temperature variations. Ifthere is any doubt, consider installing athermostatic mixing valve with the hot tap toeliminate the risk of scalding. These valvesare relatively easily installed below the bathand usually come factory preset to deliverhot water at temperatures no greater than43°C.

As an alternative, consider replacing existingindividual taps with a thermostatic bathmixer tap with automatic shut off iftemperatures exceed a safe maximum.



5.5 W.c. lever flush handles

Where the existing cistern of a w.c. suite isnot “handed” i.e. there is a dummy cappedhole available for the flush handle, then thehandle can be moved to suit the tenant withlittle disruption and relatively low cost.

If the existing system is handed, then thetransferring of the lever from one side to theother would entail replacing the cistern andpossibly the whole w.c. suite. It wouldtherefore, in these circumstances, beappropriate to question whether thedisruption and expenditure is of a reasonablelevel for the benefits being gained. As acompromise, and in consultation with thetenant, consider retaining the existing w.c.cistern and accepting the handing butreplacing the lever with a longer “spatulate”model that requires less effort to operate.

Spatulate cistern lever flush handle may besourced from the Nicholls and Clarke group ofcompanies www.phlexicare.com.

5.6 Bathroom grab rails

Do consult the tenant on their preferredsiting of the grab rail(s); however, theillustration provided does give workabledimensions to use as a default.

Ideally the grab rail(s) should be sited toallow fixing to masonry with 3 x No 10(minimum 50mm) plugs and screws at eachend. Where the walls are of timber studconstruction the rails should be secured to a19mm thick patruss which is in its self,secured to a minimum of 2 vertical studs.Ensure patruss corners and edges are wellrounded and decorate the new woodwork oncompletion.

In bathrooms, consider using moulded/extruded plastic and acrylic rails as the use ofmetal rails requires a higher degree of care toensure that there is no possibility of thembecoming conductive should they come intocontact with live wires or pipe work that maybe within the walls (if metal rails are beingused do ensure the installation complies withthe IEE Regulations).



6. General items

6.1 Door and wall protectors

Door and wall protectors are a cost effectivemethod of mitigating against the unsightlydamage caused by wheelchair footplates.

Door protecting kick plates are available inaluminium, steel and acrylics. Kick platesshould be at least 300mm high and be thefull width of the door and screw rather thanadhesive fixed. Site the plate at 15mm abovethe bottom edge of the door. Do select a kickplate that is self-coloured throughout andblends in with the colour of the door.

For walls, there are a number of proprietaryproducts available to protect surfaces andcorners and the choice made may depend on

whether the protection needs to fulfil purposes additional to just preventingdamage to the wall. As an example cornerprotection is available as PVCu “L” sectionsthat come with self-adhesive strips for fixing.If, however, there is also a risk of personalinjury from falling against a corner this canbe substituted for with a foamedpolyurethane corner protector (“CushionGuard” by PJP Plc for example availablethrough the Intrad website on www.intrad-pjp.co.uk) that absorbs impact. At lowerlevels, walls can be simply protected byforming an upstanding skirting of sheet vinylflooring up to a height of approximately 300mm.



6.2 Alter heights of electric faceplates

Positioning light switches at 1050mm andsocket outlets at 600mm above the floor willmake them accessible to wheelchair users inmost circumstances and allow those less ableto access them with minimal bending andreaching. If, however, the purpose is tofacilitate the use of a specific item ofequipment, do adjust the height accordingly.Do consider specifying new faceplates ratherthan reusing existing ones and select full facerocker type light switches and for socketoutlets, source those that have the switches atthe outer edges.

Where only one socket needs moving, orthere is concern that the disruptionassociated with any rewiring could put thetenant at risk, an alternative maybe to fit anextension riser. These simply plug into theexisting socket and can be screwed to thewall without the need to involve anelectrician (e.g. “Handisocket” by“Homecraft Supplies Ltd).

Any cable jointing that is necessary isprobably most appropriately done within theexisting back box and then left covered by ablank faceplate. If the work is to benefit along-term tenancy, do consider recessing thenew cabling and faceplates within the walls.

Competent electricians registered with theNICEIC should only carry out this work.Installation of the equipment should complywith BS.5671 and following installation, beconfirmed, as such with an electricalinstallation certificate.

7. Safety items

7.1 Safety glass

Glazing can be a serious hazard in the homeand accounts for a large number of domesticaccidents every year. As some disabledtenants may be at more risk of falling ontoglazed areas, the potential for seriousaccidents is significantly increased. It is forthis reason that it is appropriate to consider



installing safety glazing as an adaptation, toallow a disabled person to live independentlyand safely within their home.

When specifying for re-glazing considerworking to the standard of ApprovedDocument N of the Building Regulations.Although there is no duty to do so, it may beusefully referred to as the acceptableminimum good practice. The sketch is basedupon Approved Document N and indicatesthe potentially critical areas of glazing thatshould be considered for having glass thatbreaks safely (BS.6206:1981 covers theconcept of safe breakage of glass).

The Approved Document and associatedcodes of practice tests for breaking glass arebased on the effect of falling bodies. Alimitation of this is it overlooks the potentialfor point impacts from wheelchair footplates.Therefore, where the work is being carriedout for a wheelchair user, do considerspecifying laminated safety glass rather thantoughened safety glass.

Do be aware of the needs of people withvisual impairments if there is a large expanseof glass. Where there is a potential forcollision with large areas of transparent glass,consider discussing with the tenant whether

it is an option to lightly acid etch patternsonto the glass in order to make it morenoticeable.

Do be aware that any re-glazing of externalwindows and doors must now comply withPart L of the Building Regulations(conservation of fuel and power).

8 Highways

8.1 Adopted highway drop kerb

Applying for and providing a drop downkerb(s) at a convenient point on adoptedfootpaths will greatly enhance theindependence of a wheelchair user. Manylocal authority highways departments willhave their own standard specifications forthis type of work (and may consider fundingit if a strong enough case is made). Whendiscussing this with the HighwaysDepartment, do seek to obtain the “best “layout of the drop for your tenant, whichmeans:

• A maximum crossfall across the path width of 1:40.

• A maximum longitudinal fall of 1:12.• No stepped rises of greater than 15mm.



Minor adaptations useful referencesites

Useful links

The following short list of web sites anddocumentation provide useful guidance on howbest to meet the needs of disabled people throughadvice and signposting to alternative means ofsupport, possible sources of funding and links tospecialists suppliers.

Royal National Institute for Deaf peoplehttp://www.rnid.org.uk

Royal National Institute of the Blindhttp://www.rnib.org.uk

Disabled Living Foundation http://www.dlf.org.uk

Disabled Living Centres Councilhttp://www.dlcc.org.uk

The Housing Corporation “Good Practice” guideshttp://www.housingcorp.gov.uk

Department of Works and Pensionshttp://www.direct.gov.uk/Audiences/DisabledPeopleAndCarers

Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitationhttp://www.radar.org.uk

Independent Living Centreshttp://www.independentliving.co.uk

Disability Rights Commission http://www.drc-gb.org

Possible suppliers

The following list of suppliers is offered as a shortcut to accessing some suppliers of specialistequipment, it is intended as an aid only and doesnot carry any specific endorsement of their goodsand services.

N&C Phlexicare http://www.phlexicare.com

Wide range of equipment including grab rails,lever taps, ironmongery, window control systemsand kitchen fittings.

Intrad http://www.intrad-pjp.co.uk

Wide range of door and wall protectors and grabrails.

Dyer Window Controls Ltdhttp://www.dyerwindowcontrols.com

Range of manual and electrical window controlsystems.

Tunstall http://www.tunstall.co.uk

Suppliers of door entry control equipment.

Reference bibliography

Appleton N, Leather P (1998) Carrying outAdaptations A Good Practice Guide for RegisteredSocial Landlords, London: The HousingCorporation.

Barrett J, Herriotts P, Houghton R H (1995)Home management and housing. (Equipment forDisabled People). Oxford: Disability InformationTrust.

British Standards Institution (2001) Design ofbuildings and their approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled: people-code of practice. (BS.8300:2001).Milton Keynes: BSI.

Department of Health (2003) A practical guide fordisabled people and carers : where to findinformation, services and equipment. (HB6) London:Department of Health.

Great Britain. Parliament (2000) The BuildingRegulations. (SI 2000/2531). London: StationeryOffice. Full information on the Building Act and BuildingRegulations are available at:http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1130483

Habinteg Housing Association (2001) DesignGuide. London: Habinteg Housing Association.




2006 College of Occupational Therapists Ltd. Housing Corporation

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Published January 2006



College of Occupational Therapists106-114 Borough High StreetLondon SE1 1LB

www.cot.org.uk

Tel: 020 7357 6480 Fax: 020 7450 2299

College of Occupational TherapistsCollege of Occupational Therapists


A practical guide and technical specifications for

housing associations

© 2006 College of Occupational Therapists Ltd. Housing Corporation

Reg. in England No. 1347374 Reg. Charity No. 275119 VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47

Published January 2006


A practical guide and technical specification for housing associations

College of Occupational Therapists106-114 Borough High StreetLondon SE1 1LB

www.cot.org.uk

Tel: 020 7357 6480 Fax: 020 7450 2299

Minor adaptations without delay - Foundations

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Transcript of Minor adaptations without delay - Foundations