Product category:
Doors, Shutters, Air Curtains and Screens
News Release from: Dorma UK | Subject: 'Accessibility - the Specifiers Guide'
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 May 2004
New DDA 'Accessibility - the Specifiers
Guide'
DDA Product Specialist at DORMA summarises the various types of door products available to help meet compliance.
Access and the Disability Discrimination Act - Simon Chapman, DDA Product Specialist at DORMA UK Limited, summarises the various types of door products available to help meet compliance: On October 1st this year, Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act comes into force, the ramifications of which should be fully familiar to designers, specifiers and contractors throughout the local government sector Namely, that it may be necessary to make 'reasonable adjustments' to the physical features of any premises so that it becomes just as expedient for a disabled person to enter, freely move around in and safely exit, as it would for an able-bodied person
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 31 May 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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What may not be so familiar though is the range of door products available to help ensure compliance.
Doors that self-open and close, without the need for physical contact, are the ideal solution to providing safe and easy access for people with physical disabilities and we look at some of the options available.
Automatic sliding doors, available in single, bi-parting or telescopic configurations, are an excellent access solution and ideal in heavy traffic areas.
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Door movements are highly adjustable and can be tailored precisely to the specific requirements of any application.
Designed for both internal and external door applications automatic swing door systems are ideal for both newbuild and retro-fitting to existing doors.
Powerful closer units provide functional reliability under heavy usage and where aesthetics are important, in-head automatic swing door operators can be used, fitting almost invisibly into the transom above the door.
For narrow door openings, passageways and for other locations where space is limited and it would be difficult to fit other types of automatic doors, an automatic folding door is ideal.
They are basically sliding doors that fold to maximise the opening width and with some makes there is no need for a floor track with internal applications, allowing for an unbroken floor finish.
For people who would normally be restricted by conventional manual swing doors, a low energy door operator offers increased accessibility and independence to the user.
Certain units offer a range of operating modes that enable the door to be opened under power when assistance is required, most commonly by means of a wall mounted push pad.
The door will continue to function as a normal manual door, until overridden by the activation of the low energy door operator.
Revolving doors act as an airlock, keeping out draughts, noise, dust and dirt.
Some people with disabilities, however, do not always have the confidence to use them and where revolving doors are installed it is always recommended that pass doors, preferably with a low energy swing door operator, are installed to complement them.
Permanently closed fire doors can present an obstacle for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Free swing door closers overcome this problem.
Unlike conventional door closers, or floor springs, 'free swing' means that the door can remain open in any position, just 5-10 degrees for example, so that the occupant can enjoy some privacy, but not feel restricted - and without having to jam the door open.
Should a smoke or fire alarm be activated, the door will close safely, from whatever open angle it was at.
The door is held open by an electro magnetic device and in the event of a fire or smoke alarm being triggered, or a fault in the power supply, the hold-open is released and door closer functions to shut the door.
There are numerous safety and accessibility issues to be considered when it comes to the design of accessible toilets, but one essential is that 'accessible' toilets really do need to be truly accessible.
Preferably, all doors to WC cubicles and wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets should open outwards into the corridor and be fitted with an emergency release mechanism which can be operated externally by hospital staff.
The door is opened by the visitor pressing a push button located outside the WC, which releases the lock and activates the door operator.
DORMA UK Ltd is part of the DORMA Group, one of the largest suppliers of access products in the world, with a solution for practically every situation.
The company has recently produced a helpful guide to selecting the most suitable door products to help achieve compliance with the DDA.
To receive the guide contact DORMA and ask for a copy of 'Accessibility - the Specifiers Guide'.
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