All,
I work in local authority buiding control and also have responsibilities for
access issues within my local authority. We have a new sports complex rapidly
approaching completion. With respect to the accessible WC in the main
reception area the contractor has boxed pipework at low level reducing the
500mm dimension from wall to centre line of pan to 380mm. Obviously my
comments so far have reflected the guidance in the BS and other supporting
documentation (i.e Goldsmith) insomuch as the space is intended for assisted
transfer and any reduction would make that assistance provision very difficult,
if not impossible.
The architects argument is that the 500mm dimension is specifically for the
setting out of the grab rail and does not provide a space for assisted transfer
as that space (i.e 500mm) is too small to assist in a safe fashion.
Any thoughts gratefully received.
Michael Zuliani Building Control Oxon
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