FEATURE
induction loops at reception areas and in meeting rooms. This has a direct impact on fire safety. If there’s a part of the building in which an individual with hearing loss may be on their own, considerations must be made as to how this individual can be informed of a fire in the building. A flashing beacon is one option. The general assumption is that beacons will only be needed in the accessible WC, but there should be greater consideration for any space an individual may be on their own, which will often extend beyond an accessible toilet.
The materials used during construction, particularly when it comes to doorhandles, should also be taken into consideration. Doorhandles should be made of a material that isn’t cold to touch, as some individuals may have an adverse reaction when touching things that are particularly cold. The aesthetically popular chrome, steel and polished metal door handles and rails can be problematic when it comes to temperature.
What are the implications of overlooking these things? It’s important to note that there’s a large overlap between Part M in building regulations and the Occupiers’ and Employers’ Responsibilities under the Equality Act.
www.tomorrowsfm.com
Theoretically, if buildings aren’t compliant, the usual penalties under the building regulations should be issued. The guidance in the Approved Documents does not necessarily need to be followed, and this guidance will not necessarily meet the needs of all potential users of the building. Unfortunately, with the exception of means of escape in case of fire, accessibility is rarely life critical, so Part M may not be as well understood or treated as seriously as other areas of the building regulations. The building owner and occupier are more likely to face claims under the Equality Act in terms of discrimination.
From a building developers’ perspective, if the guidance under Part M is followed to the letter, they will be protected to a certain extent under the Equality Act. For example, the vast majority of developers follow the guidance on accessible toilets so closely that this is now referred to as a ‘Doc M Pack’ in the industry.
When working with clients looking to refurbish a commercial building, Harwood strives for full compliance with the building regulations, including Part M.
https://harwood.uk.com/ TOMORROW’S FM | 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
