Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M

O N L I N E V E R S I O N M1 FACILITIES IN BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS e. pull cords for emergency alarm systems the boundaries of rooms or spaces, identify are coloured red, located as close to access routes and receive information. For a wall as possible and have two red example, glare and reflections from shiny 50mm diameter bangles, one set at surfaces, and large repeating patterns, 100mm and the other set between should be avoided in spaces where visual 800mm and 1000mm above the floor; acuity is critical as they will hamper communication for people with impaired f. controls that need close vision are vision, and those who lip read or use sign located between 1200mm and 1400mm language. This would apply to locations above the floor so that readings may be such as reception areas with enquiry desks taken by a person sitting or standing (with and speakers’ rostrums in lecture halls. thermostats at the top of the range); 4.33 The type and quality of public address, g. socket outlets are located consistently hearing enhancement and telephone in relation to doorways and room systems should be chosen carefully to corners, but in any case no nearer ensure intelligibility. The design of the than 350mm from room corners; acoustic environment should also ensure h. light switches for use by the general that audible information can be heard clearly. public have large push pads and align 4.34 Artificial lighting should be designed horizontally with door handles within to give good colour rendering of all surfaces, the range 900 to 1100mm, for ease of without creating glare or pools of bright light location when entering a room; and strong shadows. Where appropriate, i. where switches described in 4.30(h) lighting should illuminate the face of a cannot be provided, lighting pull cords person speaking, to make lip reading are set between 900mm and 1100mm easier where one-to-one communication above floor level, and fitted with a is necessary. Uplighters mounted at low 50mm diameter bangle visually or floor level can disorientate some visually contrasting with its background and impaired people and should be avoided. distinguishable visually from any 4.35 In order to obtain the full benefit of emergency assistance pull cord; attending public performances or taking j the operation of switches, outlets and part in discussions, a person with impaired controls does not require the simultaneous hearing needs to receive a signal that is use of both hands, except where this amplified in both volume and signal to mode of operation is necessary for noise ratio. The three systems commonly safety reasons; used to provide this enhanced level of k. switched socket outlets indicate sound are induction loop, infrared and radio. whether they are ‘on’; Sound field systems are also increasingly being used, particularly in educational l. mains and circuit isolator switches establishments. In larger spaces, provision clearly indicate that they are on or off; needs to be made for a permanent system, m. front plates contrast visually with their but in small meeting rooms, a portable backgrounds. induction loop would be acceptable. It should be recognised that there is the Aids to communication danger where adjacent spaces each have Design considerations an induction loop system that the signals may overlap. 4.31 People will benefit most if there is an integrated system for wayfinding, public Note: Detailed guidance on surface address and hearing enhancement. finishes, visual, audible and tactile signs, as well as the characteristics and appropriate 4.32 The appropriate choice of floor, wall choice and use of hearing enhancement and ceiling surface materials and finishes systems, is available in BS 8300. can help visually impaired people appreciate Approved Document M Volume 2 Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings O N L I N E V E R S I O N 45