Maintaining or building a property and want to make sure that it’s accessible for everyone? From Schools to Shopping Centres there are a number of aids or supports that can help your team not only to meet regulations (like the DDA ACT & Building Regulations) but also to ensure that you are catering for users with differing types of accessibility. As Flooring and Matting experts we’ve helped many of Ireland’s biggest residential and commercial spaces to become more accessible. Here is our lowdown on the accessibility measures you need to keep in mind for your business.
Tactile Paving
Tactile Paving, or paving that can be felt, is an important support for those with visual impairments as it provides directional or hazard warning support for users. Facility Flooring recently supplied tactile paving in Kells Swimming Pool where we followed building regulations at the time of specification. Tactile Paving tiles are available in stainless steel, brass and bronze studs and are heavy duty, anti-slip and the LRV or Light Reflection Value can be up to +30 points different to the colours on the stairs to ensure they always stand out.
Wheelchair accessible mats
Unfortunately the use of Wheelchair accessible mats is not as widespread as you might think in Ireland. Some Shopping Centres for example, are still using throw down mats which can slip under wheels or cause a trip hazard. Wheelchair accessible mats should have textile insert that is shallow pile, and the thresholds and junctions between surfaces should be flush making the area safe and hazard resistant for all users.
The good news is that all newly built public buildings in Ireland now need to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, which will make all common use surfaces a lot more compliant for everyone. If your business or premises is looking for some Wheelchair accessible mats remember to look for options for both indoor and outdoor use. LED lights and built in tactiles are extras that many of our clients look for, as it can make sense to address all your accessibility concerns in one go.
Transition strips, ramps and reducers
The use of transition slips, ramps and reducers can make accessibility in your managed space a reality for your customers quickly. In fact, by fitting these on joints between different floor coverings you can instantly reduce the height of your floor making it safe and suitable for wheelchairs and helping to ensure that there are no trip hazards around for users.
Facility Flooring recently completed some work for Irish Rail, which demonstrates the use of ramps for accessibility. The company was looking for a mat to be installed on top of the existing floor that was wheelchair accessible. We used a ramp that was grooved making it anti-slip, wide and low enough for wheelchair use.
If you are interested in learning more about accessibility proofing your business or premises you can call Facility Flooring for a chat on your requirements, call our team now on (062) 76265.
