ACCESS AUDITS

Whatever your business, an Access Audit is probably the best starting point for identifying the physical and non physical barriers within your built environment that may prevent a disabled person from accessing your services.

Following a BUILT ENERGY Training Course, you should be able to complete a basic self-audit of your business premises and start putting in place changes towards the creation of an inclusive environment.

However, it is usually beneficial for businesses to have an independent audit completed by BUILT ENERGY with a 'fresh' perspective from a professional identifying many 'hidden' barriers. An audit essentially takes a visual journey through your building taking all aspects of the built environment into account as well as the needs of different users. 

Access Audits are carried out on-site and use structured methods for checking every possible problem, usually starting at signage to your premises, car parking provision and approach routes right through to internal circulation together with products / services offered.

We incorporate photographs into the audit to illustrate problems, liaising with you to create a working document that prioritises items for change according to their importance and practicality. These items for change are usually prioritised as follows:

HIGH - Undertake as soon as possible
MEDIUM - Undertake within 6 -12 months.
LOW - Undertake in the future (usually physical features requiring extensive alteration)

Our recommendations are normally made are in line with the building standards referred to in DDA (BS8300), local Building Regulations and the principles of Universal Accessibility.

ACCESS APPRAISALS

BUILT ENERGY provides access appraisals for building refurbishments and new build proposals. We work with clients, developers and other consultants by reviewing plan proposals and reporting on accessibility issues. A detailed report is then produced identifying specific access requirements in relation to building regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act.

Problem identification at an early stage ensures that access problems and solutions can be considered before expensive development work has commenced. Designers who work to the Building Regulations alone will not necessarily meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act in addition to statutory requirements. We can work as part of the design team and review project drawings and specifications at key stages to ensure the final building or environment will meet the relevant standards.

We have extensive experience of working with construction professionals, advising on the technical requirements of access standards. In addition to the design phase, we also offer ongoing advice throughout the construction phase of projects and can carryout an inspection following practical completion.