Clare,
1. Yes, the Fire Service is currently exempt from Part II of the DDA, but
only until 1 October 2004. It seems rather strange that, given this fact,
they are trying to circumvent what is inevitable.
2. Access Statements are not designed to provide a means of justifying
non-compliance without providing an alternative solution.
3. An Access Statement, if provided, should state whether the design will
or will not, follow the design considerations within AD M. If it states it
will, then it is reasonable to expect that it will folow them closely and
satisfy the Building Control Surveyor so that Approval is granted. If the
Access Statement indicates that AD M is not to be followed, it is then up to
the client to a) give justification why, b) state (in reasonable detail) how
the provision is going to be satisfied, and c) state which well established
guidance, i.e. BS 8300, will provide the basis for the alternative solution
which is equal to, or better than, the solution in AD M.
4. I don't think that by merely stating that AD M is not being followed
the problem will go away. The aim is to provide an inclusive environment
and, given that the Fire Service will no longer be exempt from DDA in
October, it seems reasonable that a new extension should be designed to
reflect that change.
Hope this helps in some way.
Regards.
John Gregory
Access Officer
-----Original Message-----
From: clare [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 24 August 2004 11:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ACCESSIBUILT] Fire Stations and Access Statements
Hello all,
I am currently working on an extension to a fire station that I understand
will need to meet the requirements of the 'new' Part M. The client is aware
of their duties under Parts II and III of the DDA but the new extension is
to house a gymnasium, breathing apparatus room and storage area solely for
the use of the operational fire fighters who are currently exempt from Part
II, there is to be no public access to these areas.
AD M sets out that the new extension will require independent access or for
the route from the current station entrance to the extension to be
'suitable'. The current plans do not allow for this independent access and
the route includes level changes as well as a potentially dangerous pathway
across an operational appliance bay. Does anyone with experience of access
statements feel that the best course of action is to use the access
statement to explain why the full requirements of Part M will not be met?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Regards
Clare Armstrong
________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk <http://www.star.net.uk>
________________________________________________________________________
----------End of Message----------
Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the
distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
http://www.inclusive-design.it
Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
This e-mail is confidential and may contain legally privileged information. You should not disclose its contents to any other person. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately.
Whilst the Council has taken every reasonable precaution to minimise the risk of computer software viruses, it cannot accept liability for any damage which you may sustain as a result of such viruses. You should carry out your own virus checks before opening the e-mail (and/or any attachments).
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the contents of this e-mail represent only the views of the sender and do not impose any legal obligation upon the Council or commit the Council to any course of action.
________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk
________________________________________________________________________
----------End of Message----------
Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
http://www.inclusive-design.it
Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
|