Hi John,
With regard to internal flooring, the CAE provide a publication called
Internal Floor Finishes: Improving Access for All. this is available as a
photocopy only at £1.00. It is an old publication (1997) but might be worth
purchasing. Wood flooring tends to get polished to a high gloss and may
cause problems with stability. vinyl can be a good surface, but again needs
to be considered carefully. Carpet, well, it is probably the best surface
as long as it does not restrict wheelchairs from moving easily and does not
have distracting patterns. If the surface is to be hard waring and easily
cleaned, my own preference for internal flooring is Ultra Flooring, but it
is not everyone's cup of tea. Terrazzo should be avoided where possible
because the slightest amount of dust on the surface makes it extremely
slippery.
External surfaces are really a matter of choice, but granite sets are
uncomfortable for some wheelchair users and often become uneven over time
which makes them difficult for anyone with a mobility difficulty to walk on.
Paving flags are fine as long as they are laid properly and maintained.
York stone flags can be slippery, especially when wet, and while they are
aesthetically pleasing, can be problematic. Tarmac can be a good surface,
but again, elements such as utility maintenance can destroy the surface if
not done properly. The choice really depends on the location and the
surrounding surfaces. Probably paving flags are the most appropriate.
Hope this helps in some way.
Regards.
John.
John Gregory
Access Officer
-----Original Message-----
From: John Rainey [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 15 December 2004 14:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ACCESSIBUILT] Floor and ground surfacing
I have been asked to advise on a major project taking place in my area. The
project will be new build and one of the questions being asked by the
architects is, is there a preferred floor type (e.g. wood, vinyl, carpet
etc.) and external ground surface type (e.g. block, flag, tarmac compressed
resin etc.) suitable for disabled people. The project will be an employment
and training facility primarily to be used by people with learning
difficulties but there is a high expectancy that many users will also have
additional physical and or, sensory impairments too.
I will be in a position to advise on plans and all aspects of access and
emergency egress so I would like to get this right especially as I have been
invited to comment at such an early stage of development. The network's
advisors have been a valuable information source for me in the past and I am
again looking for guidance.
Thanks,
John Rainey
----------End of Message----------
Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the
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Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
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Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
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