Hi all:
thanks to my SURFACE colleague Erika Leho for the following info:
this months (november) edition of Building Engineer journal focuses on
disabled
people and part M.
articles of particular interest:
1. an article on an Internet-based assessment management system called
Accessmonitor, developed and patented by South Wales-based Monitor which 'is
apparently already attracting considerable interest.' This is aimed at
multi-location companies and is to assist employers to ensure that they do
not discriminate against employees. To quote 'Accessmonitor effectively
shoulders the burden of carrying out essential site audits, identifying
areas of non compliance,
recommending remedial action and providing the client with highly flexible
on-line management control....' Apparently this does away with the need to
employ highly skilled assessors - the audits are undertaken by a nationwide
team of professional consultants ' all of whom are experienced in health and
safety and fire safety legislation' ?!
The data is entered onto a comprehensive database on a special web-site
within 24 hours of the audit being completed and there is a unique colour
coding
of non-compliant areas which should assist the client.
(anyone got any experience of this system, or thoughts on the "doing away
with the need for access consultants? AH)
2. There is reference to 'A Practical User's Guide' re the new Means of
Escape for Disabled People BS 5588 Part 8 which is a professionally-produced
video
from the fire and building control services in Dorset. It is noted that
escape from fire has become more demanding particularly for disabled escape
mainly
arising from the DDA requirements. In another article in the same journal
it is noted that this new edition of this BS ' really puts emphasis on the
management
of buildings and regular staff training....' and there is reference to the
DDA concentrating the minds of those who do not have to retrospectively
conform
to Part M but who have to provide access by 2004 under the DDA.
Finally, I noted in the latter article, by David Rockett (Honorary Access
Advisor) of West Dorset DC, that he reports that re: the most accessible
buildings
he's visited this year the Tate Modern (as a conversion) and the Millenium
Stadium in Cardiff (as a new building) stand out.
Adrian Higginbotham.
SURFACE (Salford University, Research Focus on Accessible Environments).
tel: (44_-161-2954939,
fax (44)-161-2955011,
Email [log in to unmask]
textphone (44)-161-2953599.
web: http://www.scpm.salford.ac.uk/surface/
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