Introduction

Background
The access audit was undertaken on the 20-01-2011 following instruction from Limerick Institute of Technology The audit is an assessment of the accessibility of the building for disabled people and takes into account the needs of those with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, and those with sensory impairments. The accessible environment benefits everyone, so the issues raised in this report will affect the convenience of everybody accessing the building.

Aim of the Study

This report records and accesses the current situation, particularly the physical elements that effect accessibility. The report shall highlight problems and give recommendations to improve accessibility. The report will in general point out elements that are below the standards set out by the assessment criteria.

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1.0
1.1

Accessible Staff Car Parking South Staff Car Park

The car parking facilities provided for use by staff members. Accordingly, they should be available and accessible to the mobility-impaired person. The features of the car parking facilities are considered below.

Feature
1.2 Is a minimum of 5% of the total available car parking in the South Staff Car Park allocated for disabled motorists?

Conforms
Yes

Access Comment
TGD M Paragraph 1.1.5 - recommends that at least 5% of parking space is allocated for disabled parking if there is an absence of guidance from the local authority. There are currently 18 No. standard parking spaces & 1 No. Disabled Parking Bay. No action required. The existing Disabled Parking Bay measures 2830 mm wide X 4800mm with one access zone provided on the left side of the bay. A 1200 mm wide access zone should be provided on both sides and at the rear of each designated parking bay. The access zone should contrast visually with the adjoining surfaces to ensure it is kept clear. The access symbol should be 1200mm wide x 2500mm long. The parking bay should be 2400mm wide X 4800mm long. Reconfiguring the Disabled Parking bay shall cause the loss of one on the standard bays on the left side of the south staff car park he left side of the car park shall have to be set out marked out. No action required.

Action

Priority

1.3

Is accessible parking clearly marked out with bays at least 2400mm wide x 4800mm long plus a 1200mm rear and side transfer zone on either side?

No

Rearrange the accessible parking bay so it conforms to TGD M Diagram 8

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

Is the accessible parking bay on slip resistant, firm level ground and located closest to the accessible entrance to the building? Does the accessible parking bay have more than 2600mm vertical headroom to allow the passage of high top conversion vehicles? If there is an automatic barrier entry system to the car park, is this accessible to disabled people including deaf and hard of hearing people who do not speak? Are alternative parking arrangements available to wheelchair users if all accessible spaces in the South Staff Car park are occupied?

Yes No action required. Yes Barrier control systems should conform to BS 6571- 4:1989. No action required.

Yes

Yes

There are additional accessible parking bays in the North Staff Car Park. No action required.

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South Staff Car Park

South Staff Car Park - Southside South Staff Car Park - Northside

South Staff Car Park Stepped exit

South Staff Car Park Disabled Parking

South Staff Car Park Disabled Parking

South Staff Car Park Barrier entrance\exit system

South Staff Car Park Barrier entrance\exit system

South Staff Car Park Barrier communication system

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2.0
2.1
2.1.1

External Steps
The following locations along the south access route to the building were identified as having external steps: (1) Two sets of steps of equal dimensions from the south car park & (2) at front of main entrance steps.

South Car Park Steps - 2 sets of 5 steps Feature

Is there a minimum 1200mm clear width between enclosing wall or upstands Are there landings at top and bottom levels that are at least 1200mm long and clear of any door swing? Are tactile hazard warning surfaces provided both the top and bottom landings?

Conforms
No

Access Comment
The existing steps have a width of 1190mm. However TGD M Paragraph - 2.1.3.5 A, permits that for existing dwellings a width of 1000mms is acceptable. No action required.

Action

Priority

2.1.2

Yes An 800mm wide corduroy tactile warning surface should be provided at the top and the bottom of the external steps. The tactile surface should extend across the width of the stairway plus 400mm either side of the stairway. The tactile surface should be set back 400mm from the top and bottom step. This will make visually impaired people aware of a change in level and the direction of the stairway. No action required. The treads do not taper. No action required. No action required. A 50mm wide permanently contrasting continuous material should be provided across the extent of the edge of the tread. This will help visually impaired people identify the edge of the treads. No action required. Provide a handrail 900 1000mm above the pitch line of the flight of steps and 9001100mm above the surface of a landing. The handrail should extend at least 300mm beyond the top of the steps, but not at the bottom into the traffic corridor. Provide a 50mm wide continuous material strip in accordance with TGD M, sections 1.1.3.5 G and 1.6.4. Provide 2 Handrails to each set of steps in accordance with TGD M, Diagram 6 & 7. 5 Provide a corduroy tactile warning surface in accordance with TGD M, Diagram 4a & 4b.

2.1.3

No

2.1.4 2.1.5 2.1.6 2.1.7

Is the total rise of the flight less than 1500mm or 18 risers? Is the uniform going of the steps greater than 300mm? Is the uniform rise of the steps between 150mm & 180mm? Do all step nosings incorporate a permanently contrasting continuous material on the tread?

Yes Yes Yes

No

2.1.8 2.1.9

Are the risers solid/ closed in ? Is there suitable continuous handrail each side?

Yes No

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