Hi Marcus - the only time I got involved with something like this was to
retro-fit improvements to an existing sauna (tricky!) which involved
widening the door, lowering the vision panel, and installing portable timber
ramped access either side over the threshold (as they are 'tanked' rooms!),
increasing the circulation space, ensuring the bench for transferring to was
the right height with an emergency/service call pull cord plus visual fire
alarm etc. But metal gets hot in a sauna so wheelchair ideally needs to be
removed following transfer and then called back when needed. The other
option (if possible) is the purchase a chair to transfer with no metal
parts - e.g. there are plastic wheelchairs on the market suitable for the
sea and beach that can go in water. They look ridiculous but won't get hot!
Unfortunately I have not seen reclining ones though. I have also worked more
recently on Turkish steam rooms where the problem was the need to plunge
into the cold bath quickly as part of the process. Discussions were held as
to whether we should have a hoist for the cold plunge pool but there were
concerns over other health and safety issues (heart attacks for one) and the
need remove someone quickly so we opted for cold showers as an additional
facility.
Hope that helps.
Best regards
Helen Allen
HADA Ltd
79 Boyton Road
London
N8 7AE
t/f: +44 (0) 20 8340 1990
Mobile: 07766 815 554
www.hada.co.uk <http://www.hada.co.uk>
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
marcus ormerod
Sent: 21 June 2005 11:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ACCESSIBUILT] Accessible saunas and steam rooms
Hi all
I am undertaking a small research project on what would improve the
accessibility of saunas and steam rooms. I wondered if anyone on the list
had experience of this that they may be willing to share. The results of the
research will be made available to those interested.
The sauna type is a kit type being fitted into a public leisure centre - we
hope to that what we find out may influence the product supplier in future
work. The steam room is similarly fitted out with a kit of parts.
Looking forward to some useful advice.
Regards
Marcus
Marcus Ormerod MRICS NRAC Access Consultant
SURFACE Inclusive Design Research Centre
The University of Salford
Bridgewater Building
Salford, UK
M7 1NU
Tel +44 (0)161 295 5405
Fax +44 (0)161 295 5011
Minicom +44 (0)161 295 3194
Web http://www.inclusive-design.it
Email addresses
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Best practice guide http://www.accesscode.info
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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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