Disability Discrimination Act 1995 brought in the following responsibilities

Designers, developers and contractors of new premises and the owner/managers of existing buildings should be aware that there are statutory controls in place to ensure that they do not discriminate against people with disabilities using those premises.

The full effect of this legislation now applies to ensure that those premises are, within reason, accessible and useable by people with disabilities.  It is retrospective with regard to the buildings’ to which it applies and must be complied with.

Who has to comply with the Act?

Organisations which employ more than 15 employees in their premises and providers of services, goods or facilities to the public.

Public buildings, offices, shops and offices and places of public resort.

Under the  Act, alterations may be required to existing premises as well as new.

What is involved with compliance?

Designers, developers, owners/managers are responsible for carrying out an Assessment of Risk.  This is an assessment of the premises to identify any risks associated with the use of the building and to recommend appropriate action and controls, to contain and/or eliminate these risks.

What actions should you take now?

If you are an owner, designer, developer or contractor we recommend you take the following action(s):

ENSURE that new works and alterations to buildings under your control, comply with relevant standards

REVIEW the existing arrangements for disabled persons in your buildings NOW.

To progress these actions, the most efficient way to implement this is by undertaking an ACCESS AUDIT on the existing or proposed premises.

These Audits are designed to ensure that the buildings are capable for use by anybody, regardless of disability and will assist you in achieving compliance with the statutory requirements.

Areas covered by the Act included in our service are:

Access audits: car parking, external environment, circulation and welfare facilities within the building;

Access Statements to provide compliance with Building Regulations.

Sanitary accommodation;

Advice on compliance with current legislation;

Advice on the necessity for audible and/or visual fire alarm systems;

Fire safety and risk assessment for disabled persons;

Management policies for safe evacuation;

Fire precautions e.g. refuges, lifts;

Training of staff in evacuation procedures.