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Ian Miles
Member - 3 posts
Hello,
We are considering the replacement of an interior lift in one of our casino's. It is a grade2* listed building and the existing lift is fairly small. The lift shaft can't be increased in size.
We want to extend the lift up a floor and also want the ability to carry disabled passengers. This is currently difficult.
Are there minimum lift floor space dimensions for a lift in respect of wheelchair access? Do you know what they are?
Thanks
Rob Winfield
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Anonymous
The minimum lift car dimensions for a lift to carry a wheelchair are 1100 mm width by 1400 mm with a 800 mm door opening.
It is also very important not to forget that if the lift cannot be used in the event of fire (ie it is not fire protected with an independent electrical supply) then you will need to provide an alternative means of escape from the building for disabled people.
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Anonymous
Further to the original query there is also a question of how high the lift controls need to be for both able bodied and wheelchairs users to be able to reach with strain?
What is an appropriate measurement for this?
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Anonymous
Guidance on both of these issues can be found in BS 8300: 2001 (Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people - Code of practice) and BS EN 81 part 70 (Accessibility to lifts for persons inlcuding persons with a disibility).
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Anonymous
Lift controls should be between a minimum of 900 mm and a maximum of 1200 mm.
The control panel and buttons should be easily distinguishable from its background; panels should be located on a side wall and preferably on both side walls of the lift car.
Other requirements include lift doors which should remain open for five seconds with door reactivating devices being infrared or photo eye systems to ensure no one can get trapped in the doors.
Audible announcements and visual displays are recommended internally and externally on all lifts and emergency telephones in lifts should contain inductive couplers so that hearing aid users can make use of them.
I suggest that your lift supplier is asked to verify (in writing) that the lift complies with the DDA requirements - this will help to transfer some of your risk for the future.
Regarding general access issues and means of escape, an overall accessibility audit of the premises helps you to manage your risks by identifying the issues and making recommendations for management processes and/or the physical changes necessary. Also this will help to demonstrate your 'reasonable' compliance with the Act - ie you have an audit trail of process and decision making to reduce your risks of substantial litigation.
I hope this helps.
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James P H Turner
Member - 1 post
Also note that BS8300, and Building Regulations Part M - free download from http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=289&l=3
calls for a clear landing 1500x1500mm to allow wheelchairs to turn.
Guidance on Means of Escape for disabled people is in BS5588 Part 8 (not free, but can be purchased on-line from BSI. As a rule of thumb, allow for a wheelchair refuge within the stairwell 1400x900mm, clear of the escape route (there are other requirements too - refer to the BS!
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Anonymous
Just to reiterate : the recently published BS EN 81:70 should be referred to for accessibility to lifts for disabled persons
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Anonymous
Just got back in to read these. Thanks for the pointers.
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Mark Heighton - CMS Cameron McKenna
Online advisor - 3 posts
The DDA doesn't specify any particular minimum dimensions. Have you looked at Part M of Building Regulations and/or BS8300 which focus on specific details in respect of different aspects of buildings.
Presumably you have looked at the building in the context of the overall DDA obligations which will apply from Oct 2004. The DDA does not override the need for listed building consent.
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