Accessing the Physical Environment
The workplace can often be made accessible with minimum effort. At the very least, buildings and facilities should comply with Part M of the Building Regulations, 1997-2002 but an employer is not required to do anything under the Employment Equality Act, 1998-2004 that would result in a breach of any statutory obligations under Health and Safety legislation. In fact, it should be noted that compliance with one set of regulations eg Health and Safety, does not take away from or supersede the need to comply fully with other regulations eg Part M, Building Regulations. Solutions must be found that satisfy all legal requirements.
Where a workplace is generally accessible, additional provision may be required. Adaptations to suit the individual's needs may be necessary for the safety and convenience of the employee. The following are some general points to consider when creating an accessible workplace for all, ensuring easy access to, and within, the workplace. For more detailed information, see the publication Building for Everyone produced by the National Disability Authority in 2002. The NDA is in the process of producing an updated and more comprehensive version of Building for Everyone which is to be produced in a series of nine booklets. They are expected to be published by the end of 2010. The booklets will be available online in .pdf format to view or download, and there will also be a limited number of copies available.
Providing proper access to buildings and facilities is an important way of welcoming people with disabilities into your organisation or business, whether they are employees or customers.
- Are there designated parking spaces available for people with disabilities?
- Are they convenient to the building entrance and are they clearly marked?
- Is there level or ramped access at the entrance?
- Are pathways and ramped access slip resistant?
- Is the entrance doorway wide enough for wheelchair users?
- Does the entrance have a level threshold?
- Is the doorbell or intercom at a height accessible for wheelchair users?
- If premises are accessible through use of intercom, how can they be accessed by someone who is hearing impaired or deaf?
- Height of counters and desks may obstruct communication or cause difficulty for a wheelchair user. Are they at the correct level for visitors using a wheelchair? Similarly, can public telephones, light switches, control buttons and coat rails be reached?
- Have staff members received disability awareness training and are the receptionist and other staff members aware of how best to facilitate people with disabilities?
- Are the entrance and reception areas spacious enough to allow wheelchair users to get past other waiting visitors?
- Is there a loop system in operation for visitors/employees with hearing impairments?
- Are the entrance, reception area, corridors and canteen and all other areas generously sized and free from obstructions to allow everybody move around comfortably?
- Is there a good level of lighting in meeting rooms, corridors and the reception area?
Corridors
- Are all general public access corridors wide enough to allow two wheelchairs to pass without difficulty?
- Are there adequate turning spaces for wheelchair users?
- Corridors should be fitted with handrails and if the corridor is more than 20m long, is there seating provided for people with limited mobility?
- Is there a lift and is it located in an area for easy access?
- In larger buildings or buildings where there are more than two levels in the building, does the lift have a voice synthesiser announcing arrival at each floor?
- Are there warnings at stairwells or other hazardous areas for people that have visual disabilities?
- Are there handrails on all the stairs?
- Are toilets accessible by lift or ramp if located on another level or floor?
- Are there accessible toilets which allow a wheelchair user move around comfortably?
- Are hand basins, hand dryers, switches and mirrors at an accessible height for all users?
- Are chairs adjustable to the appropriate height and do they provide adequate back support?
- Are desks or tables high enough for wheelchair access if required?
- Are storage facilities at an accessible height for everyone?
- Does the person require assistive technology to do their job eg screen reading software, headphones, screen magnification software, alternative keyboard or mouse?
Canteen
- Are canteen facilities eg trays, cutlery, water at an accessible height to avoid accidents or spillage?
- Are menus available in alternative formats?
- Are provisions made for special dietary needs?
