ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair users
For wheelchair users, a space alongside the leading edge of a door should be provided to enable them to reach and grip the door handle, and then open it without the user having to release their hold on the handle. Nor should the wheelchair’s footrest collide with the return wall. As a result, Approved Document M states that there must be ‘an unobstructed space of at least 300 mm on the pull side of the door, between the leading edge of the door and any return wall.’ However, BS 8300-2:2018 does note that ‘increasing this space to 600 mm will improve manoeuvrability, reduce the risk of wheelchairs colliding with the wall, and enable wheelchair users to pass through the door more easily’. Other factors that need to be taken into account include wheelchair access, effective clear widths, and visual considerations.
Managing fire risks
Understanding the guidelines governing inclusive design is also critical for fire doors, to ensure that all people are able to escape in the event of a fire or other emergency. For instance, BS EN 1154:1997 is a British and European Standard that covers the specific requirements for controlled closing devices for swing doors. The standard classifies door closers using a six-digit system, with the third digit relating to the door mass and size. Depending on the width of the door,
In essence, inclusive design aims to remove the barriers that might prevent an individual from using an environment freely and with ease.
the maximum mass is offered, and the related door closer power size identified. For example, if a door width is 950 mm, the maximum mass of the door should be 60 kg, and the door closer power size is EN 3. However, it’s important to note that for any fire door fitted with a door closer, EN 3 is the minimum door closer power size allowed, regardless of what the door width is. Therefore, to comply with the guidelines governing inclusive design, it is critical to opt for a door closer that delivers a power setting of EN 3.
To meet the necessary fire safety standards, a fire door must pass a series of standardised tests, as well as be properly certified and rated to withstand fire for a set period of time. This testing should be conducted by an independent testing body, in accordance with the relevant British or European standards. If successful, a fire door will be awarded a certificate of compliance. Relevant certifying bodies to be aware of are Certifire and FIRAS. Certification from these bodies provides vital assurance that the fire door – if installed correctly – will perform as expected.
To help decision-makers understand the guidelines governing inclusive design, Assa Abloy Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has published a free new white paper, entitled ‘Inclusive design – why should you care?’ The new white paper has been praised by Bob Perry, CEO of the Door Hardware Federation (DHF), who says: ‘What this white paper from Assa Abloy does is present everything the industry needs to know about the issue.’
54 Health Estate Journal October 2020
Avoiding non-compliance The fall-out of non-compliance when it comes to inclusive design can be considerable. In the event of a discrimination claim, those that can demonstrate adherence to BS 8300- 2:2018 will be on safer ground than those that cannot. While it is ultimately the building owner that bears responsibility for the design of a building, all those in the decision-making process have a moral and ethical obligation to advise on and specify solutions that deliver inclusivity. Decision-makers in the healthcare sector should also be aware of some of the common issues with door opening solutions that claim to comply with standards such as BS 8300-2:2018, but in actual fact do not. For instance, many suppliers will claim to offer compliant solutions by ‘winding down’ a door closer and its spring to power setting EN 1. However, while this may help people open a door more easily, it will not provide the necessary closing force. As a result, the door will not deliver the safety and security assurances demanded of an inclusive environment. It is also important to note that fire doors must have a
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