Why have you installed tactile strips internally at all? Currently
research is planned into whether this is appropriate it isn't required
in Building regulations partly because of the concern over just this
issue.
There isn't a straight answer either, you need to risk assess the
particular locations, are the stairs within a lobby? And therefore
people will be more aware that they are reaching a stair. It is also
important that any floor finishes have the same or similar slip
coefficient to stop people tripping. There are rubber tactile strips on
the market at the moment which would stop many people in their tracks!!
If the stairs are at the end of a corridor perhaps extending the
handrail along the wall with notches in the handrail to indicate where
the first step is might be better. I would identify the risk to all
people including those with visual impairment and find a solution to
suit. For instance is the building open to the public or purely staff?
This might affect the measures required.
As I said no easy answer but I hope this helps.
Regards Jane
Jane Simpson BA Grad Dip Arch RIBA
Regional Manager
For and on behalf of
Aedas Access Consultancy
Norwich Union House
High Street
Huddersfield
HD1 2LF
' +44 (01484) 537411
6 +44 (01484) 530332
* [log in to unmask]
* www.aedas.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Thomas, David
Sent: 22 March 2005 16:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE provision of Tactile strips on Landings and at foot of
stairs
We have recently had work done out our authority following an
Accessibility Audit for compliance under DDA legislation at one of our
buildings.
This work has involved rows of parallel wooden strips being fixed to a
solid concrete floor. Since installation some 2 weeks ago some 3
incidents have been reported and I am most concerned that very soon
someone will become injured.
(i) There have been two reports from members of staff regarding how they
nearly tripped or got the heel of their shoe caught on the raised strips
by the stairs.
(ii)The Caretaker was moving a filing cabinet from the 1st floor to the
2nd floor on a trolley. On the 2nd floor landing, as he opened the door
with one hand and manoeuvring the trolley, it got caught on the strips
and the cabinet fell off hitting and denting the fixed wall panel.
It does appear that from a health and safety perspective that by doing
work to give compliance under DDA legislation we have in effect created
a non compliance with regards Health and Safety Legislation.
Do any members of this group have any experiences of similar and are
there any solutions that allow for appropriate tactile flooring to be
installed without creating safety and operational hazards.
Many thanks
David Thomas
Corporate Health and Safety Advisor,
66, High Street,
Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire.
HP20 1SD
Tel. 01296 585158
Fax 01296 585674
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