How does an Existing Premises Access Audit work?
Contact us at obviusaccess@bigpond.com or phone on 0414220562, we can then assist you with your enquiry.
Firstly, we would require the relevant details of the project, i.e. plans, photographs and building size etc. In this way we can save you the cost of a site visit prior to the access audit. We will then discuss with you which relevant access legislation applies to the premises. Then we will clarify the scope of the access audit to be undertaken, e.g. all of the premises; or if appropriate to the project public areas only, and identify any areas of the building that may be exempt for reasons of work health and safety, etc. We will then send you our fee proposal. Once we have agreed a fee and time scale for completion of the access audit, we can commence.
Firstly, we would require the relevant details of the project, i.e. plans, photographs and building size etc. In this way we can save you the cost of a site visit prior to the access audit. We will then discuss with you which relevant access legislation applies to the premises. Then we will clarify the scope of the access audit to be undertaken, e.g. all of the premises; or if appropriate to the project public areas only, and identify any areas of the building that may be exempt for reasons of work health and safety, etc. We will then send you our fee proposal. Once we have agreed a fee and time scale for completion of the access audit, we can commence.
Secondly, we would visit the premises at a suitable time and carry out an inspection using our checklist.The intent of which is to identify potential barriers to access and services, which may prevent a person with a disability (visitor, employee) from participating in equitable and dignified access. The audit would cover the path of travel from public transport and from the allotment boundary through to the building entrance and interior.
What are the benefits to me of having an Access Audit?
By having an existing premises access audit and then implementing its recommendations, it can be demonstrated that the spirit and legal responsibilities under commonwealth discrimination law (DDA) have been met, which in turn may mitigate the risk of complaint or action brought against you by person with a disability or/and their associate. A far more important consequence of removing access barriers to your premises will be ease of access and inclusion for many people, young and older people, whom of which have the legal right to access the public services provided.
What Elements does the Access Audit Cover?
The scope of the access audit can be tailored to meet the individual requirements of the client. In general our access audit will cover all elements of the premises and environment; observing and highlighting any potential barriers that may exclude a person with a disability from equitable and dignified access. Typically an Access Audit would cover the following:
- External approach (from public transport, allotment boundary and car parking);
- entrances;
- reception and customer service area;
- corridors and horizontal circulation;
- lifts, ramps and stairs;
- sanitary facilities;
- internal doors;
- control and switches;
- floor;
- lighting;
- communication systems;
- internal surface finishes;
- the acoustic environment;
- signage and wayfinding;
- kitchen area;
- Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs); and
- emergency means of escape.
There may be many more site specific elements e.g. swimming pools, children’s service areas and playgrounds, which can be added as part of our comprehensive access audit service.
How is the Access Audit presented?
Following the on-site assessment Obvius Access we will provide comments on access barriers, which may present a barrier for a wide range of potential users, including people with disabilities, older people and people with young children. We collate a practical list of recommendations for improvements, which highlight any potential risks.
The finished Obvius Access desk top audit we will provide comments on access barriers. The desk top access audit report is structured in a user friendly accessible format, which includes Appendix 'A', which provides illustrations to assist in highlighting access issues identified and to support interpretation and recommendations for action. The recommendations are prioritised 1, 2 and 3 in order of importance and cross referenced against disability access codes, standards, and legislation such as the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises-Buildings) Standards 2010.
Obvius Access Audits reports are presented by e-mail in a word and PDF versions, which will help to incorporate your access audit into an Action Plan for the future. Should it be required we can provide hardcopies of the report on request. Obvius Access are happy to supply an example. Contact us at obviusaccess@bigpond.com
Obvius Access Audits reports are presented by e-mail in a word and PDF versions, which will help to incorporate your access audit into an Action Plan for the future. Should it be required we can provide hardcopies of the report on request. Obvius Access are happy to supply an example. Contact us at obviusaccess@bigpond.com