Equality Act (2010), Approved Document M & BS 8300

Inclusive Design - Equality Act (2010) requirements

The Equality Act 2010 (previously the DDA) requires that service providers make reasonable adjustments to the design of their buildings in order to accommodate access for all.

According to meet the safety requirements of the Act, all buildings with access to the public must comply with the Building Regulations Approved Document M and British Standard BS 8300.

The aim is to enable optimum orientation and movement through buildings by the visually impaired or disabled during their normal daily activities. Therefore, consideration should be given to the slip resistance, texture, colour, pattern, contrast, resilience and acoustics of floors and the contrast between walls and floors.

This can be achieved through:

• appropriate light reflectance value (LRV) contrast between floors, walls, doors and staircases
• clear signage

The amount of light reflected from surfaces is the main factor in determining a person’s ability to identify different surfaces and room proximity. Every surface has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) marked out of 100 points.  The recommended LRV between adjacent surfaces is at least 30 points.

Walls and Floors

Considered use of design and colour is important. All ranges of Altro safety flooring and Altro wall cladding are Light Reflectance Value (LRV) rated to enable accurate colour and contrast specification; figures are shown on each product page. The range of colours and finishes allows for a wide choice of design options, even for special requirements.

Highly reflective surfaces should be avoided – Altro produces a range of non-sparkle safety flooring and low gloss, satin finish wall cladding.

All Altro safety floors for shoed traffic have a Slip Resistance Value (SRV) of SRV36 or above as recommended by the HSE and provide underfoot traction to assist with walking and safety.

Stairs

For reduced slip and trip risks on stairs, nosings must be a contrasting colour to the tread. Throughout the rest of the building, contrasting handrails on stairs, in corridors and bathrooms will also improve navigation. Reflective finishes on stairs should be avoided.

Doors

Doors and frames should be clearly distinguishable from adjacent surfaces. Altro doorsets are available in a wide range of colours to assist in this.

Noise reduction

Adding an underlay such as Altro Everlay™ and Acoustic 1101 provides additional acoustic benefits.

Tough product solutions

Altro floors and walls are impact resistant. Furthermore, Altro safety floors are resistant to point loading and scuffing from rubber wheels and walking aids

For further information, please refer to Building Regulations Part M (Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings) and Building Standard BS 8300.

To find out more about Altro product solutions for Inclusive Design, please see our Healthcare and Education Source Handbooks, or request complimentary copies by calling 01462 707604 or emailing cpd@altro.com.

We offer a RIBA approved CPD, also free of charge, on the subject of Colour and Contrast, which simplifies the issue and relevant legislation.