There was one kitchen company who approached the DRC about this issue and
did receive some kind of assurance that it would be unlikely, not
impossible. They were trying to establish whether it was unreasonable not to
provide an accessible toilet within a commercial kitchen. I have tried to
track down the letter they received but seem to have lost when I moved jobs.
I did see it and it did say that it would be unlikely for a wheelchair user
to work in a kitchen (or words to that effect)
I have some sympathy within commercial kitchens, but not sixth form areas,
the functions are completely different. This relates to what is reasonable
and if increasing the size of all commercial kitchens (as I have come across
in some schools) means a reduction in space throughout the rest of the
building, then this may be discrimination to a greater number of
individuals.
The approach I tend to take is that access would be required within kitchens
as a minimum to enable environmental health officers who use wheelchairs to
access, but not necessarily to kitchen staff to work, unless specifically
requested and funding/space is provided by the client. Other disabilities
can easily be incorporated and should be.
The biggest problem, I have, is with serverys although have come across one
company who were quite enlightened. The issue is the H&S of staff serving re
customers. The counter height if lower will cause issues for staff working
behind and conflicts with other guidance. The solution has generally been to
provide two different height sections and individuals are served at the
height to suit them.
If I can track down this letter I will post it later.
Regards Jane
Jane Simpson
T: 01484 413000
M: 07777 607239
www.janesimpsonaccess.com
Registered address: New House Bungalow, New House Road, Sheepridge,
Huddersfield, HD2 1EG Company No 6559802, VAT No 930 0839 42
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-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Alyson Matthews
Sent: 19 June 2008 11:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Commercial kitchens
I have had sight of an email from a kitchen designer who says:
"Commercial kitchens are excluded from the DDA regs due to the dangerous
nature of the equipment.
A wheelchair bound or sight impaired person would be a danger to
themselves and their colleagues in this environment.
Disabled people are inly [sic] employed for admin tasks for this reason"
For obvious reasons, myself and my colleagues have taken issue with this
email. However, does anyone know if commercial kitchens actually do have
exeption from the DDA regs? As far as I can tell, the only reason that a
disabled person would be in any more danger is because the kitchen itself
has been poorly designed and not taken any potential adjustments (e.g
additional manoeuvring space, lowered counters )into account. Is there
any way that the above statement could be justified?
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