Hi John
Just to add to what John (Gregory)has already advised - hard floor
surfaces internally can also lead to problems accoustically particularly
if walls and ceilings have hard finishes, so all these elements should
be considered together.
Regards
Alan Hunt
Access Officer
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of John Gregory
Sent: 15 December 2004 16:18
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Floor and ground surfacing
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
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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:
http://www.inclusive-design.it
Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
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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:
http://www.inclusive-design.it
Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
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