Oakfield Consultancy
Disabled Access
Disabled Access
Key services include:
Access Audits
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2010 employers and service providers have a responsibility to comply with the requirements of the Acts by making reasonable adjustments to the way they provide services and to the access to and around their premises, providing an inclusive environment for staff, customers and the general public.
Oakfield Consultancy has over 10 years experience in carrying out Access Audits for a wide range of clients including those in the commercial, retail, educational and health sectors. High priority is given to the concept of “Reasonable Adjustment”, only recommending what can be reasonably expected to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and only what will actually benefit your staff, customers and the general public that visit your premises, within the Equality Act.
Unreasonable and unneeded changes are always avoided and consideration given to realistic timescales and available funding.
An Access Audit not only helps meet the requirements of current legislation, but also considers guidance provided in Regulations, including Part M of the Building Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice, such as BS8300. Not only improving access and facilities within your premises and the accessibility to your services, it can help to increase your business and turnover and prevent potential claims against you for discrimination.
The Access Audit Report will identify any existing non-compliances within the physical features and operational procedures and make clear recommendations on how the requirements of the legislation, regulation and guidance can be met.
All recommendations will be prioritised. Some, such as those involving health and safety, may require immediate attention, whereas others could be for inclusion into your regular planned maintenance programmes or require simple alterations to your operational systems and practices. Larger works may need to be put off until the next scheduled refurbishment or planned as a one off project to fit in with your future operations.
Oakfield Consultancy also provides advice on Fire Safety and as part of our Disabled Access Audit we will assess the means of escape provisions and emergency procedures for occupiers requiring assistance in an evacuation or other emergency.
Other Disabled Access Services
Other commonly required services include;
Advice at design stage of new build and refurbishment projects - off plan advice can be provided on disabled access, inclusive facilities and means of escape