Delving into the detail of the DDA

The dawning of the Disability Discrimination Act, New British Access Standard and revised Building Regulations has turned the focus of design teams towards successful space planning. But to really make a difference, David Burdus of Burdus Access Management claims that far more attention must be paid to fixtures and fittings.

The 1970's changed the way that architects looked at the function of buildings. New building regulations and a British Standard meant that they had to start including basic space standards and provision for disabled people. Certainly, my 25 years as a manual wheelchair user has seen the numbers of blue badge parking spaces, ramps, lifts, big toilets, wide corridors and handrails multiply at an astonishing rate.

This is truly a wonderful leap forward but I have to say, the early minimum access standard did exactly what it said on the tin and only provided a 'minimum'. This is OK if you are a typical American Vietnam war veteran - a fit guy in a sports wheelchair with full upper body strength or the local authority building control officer. However, if you are me, it can still be hopelessly inaccessible.

Let me explain. When I use the local Shopmobility power wheelchair, I often can't get into a lift or turn around in a 'disabled' toilet, let alone get anywhere near the small ashtray of a sink. If I do, the spray tap sually shoots water straight up my nose and all over my trousers. Even in my manual chair, I can't get close to door handles or open doors because my legs get in the way. When I do manage to grab hold of the handle, my hand often just slips off because there is no turn on the end of it or the closer mechanism is so tough even Arnold Schwarzenegger would have a job pulling the door open.

I have spent 25 years trying to thrust heavy doors open far enough to wheel through the opening before the door swings back into my legs, hands or elbows. My doctor tells me that this is major factor in the development of the arthritis in my shoulder. Still, it could be worse, I could be a mother with a buggy developing oversized hips from years of 'butting' doors open with my backside!

Thank goodness the new millennium brought a revised British Standard and Building Regulations along with the Disability Discrimination Act 2004 Physical Features duties to encourage designers and manufacturers to study how products can benefit disabled people.

A major influence here is the Code of Practice to the DDA that lists 'fixtures', 'fittings' and 'equipment' under the 'physical features' we are required to address. Under the banner of 'Ironmongery'; handles, door levers, door automation, power assisted opening mechanisms or hold open systems fit into the 'fixtures', 'fittings' and 'equipment' categories.

The devil, as always, is in the detail. Products themselves cannot be DDA compliant. There is no requirement or guidance in the DDA for them to be so. Compliance involves the process of understanding how products enable disabled people access as well as selecting the best product you can for the job so that the barrier to access is removed or minimised.

Of course, in addition to meeting minimum statutory requirements and enabling disabled people, GEZE UK always remember the architect's thirst for aesthetic and longevity. GEZE UK products are good looking and good at going the distance. Take for example:

The Slim Cam Closer TS 3000 B is probably the most efficient surface mounted door closer available today. It has a special cam action feature that helps with compliance for DDA and Approved Document M of the Building Regulations yet it is not only functional but attractive and is one of the slimmest mechanisms on the market.

The TSA 160 UFO, an under floor operator, can be combined with sensors and is perfect for all-glass facades. It is a classic example of how designers, with the right products, can combine form with function. By fitting the drive unit in the floor so it cannot be seen, the sealed electro-hydraulic operator can be used with all types of swing doors and is quieter than traditional operators.

Actuation devices such as radar movement detectors scan all objects moving within the sensor zone. Movement within the radiated area causes a delayed reflection which signals to the door to open and so hands free operation of the door enables easy access and the need for push pads is removed.

These are just a few examples, which demonstrate ground breaking in the field of design and the promotion of access for all.

Did you know that the availability of technology at the time of design and installation is a factor in DDA compliance? With rapidly improving technology and a wide range of products in a niche market, it can be very difficult for designers, specifiers (and access consultants) to be completely up to date with the best possible products to fulfil certain roles. That's why it's so important for manufacturers like GEZE UK to raise awareness of new products and technologies as well as constantly reminding architects and designers of their responsibilities under legislation.