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DDA and co-evacuation of disabled/able bodied from buildings
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Posted By Marek Konas RIBA
We have recently become entangled with the Building Control Departments of various councils where they have required (correctly so) the installation of either a lift or in exceptional circumstances, a stair riser type wheeelchair lift. Our work is mainly in the school sector.
Firstly, none of the council's put forward a similar view (some insisting on a full lift installation, and others not).
Secondly, where either physical constraints on the building envelope, or financial constraints imposed by the client, have resulted in the proposal of a stair riser lift, then we find that......
no mention is made in the Building Regulations Part M Section 5.1-5.7 of a combined stair lift/staircase installation that would be compliant under Part B (Fire)Regulations.
If we were to assume the installation of a stairlift, then this would increase the width of a staircase to over 1800mm, which in turn would require a handrail to the centre of the staircase, which would again widen the staircase, making the proportion of circulation space vs useable space dispraportionately high, and thus uneconomical.
Has anybody out there had this problem (combining both stairlift and stairs) without having to vastly increase the stair widths, and more importantly, had it approved by the Building Control Inspector.
All views welcome (particularly from Building Control Inspectors)
with thanks
Marek
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Ken Taylor
You may find Approved Inspectors more imaginative than Building Control Departments in this respect. We have not shared your experience with the few new-build school buildings that we have commissioned.
With regard to stair-lifts and the like, ours have been retro-fitted to existing buildings and, therefore unaffected by the constraints of Parts B and M. It is notable that the actual Regulations only require reasonable provision for access and use and for suitable independent access to extensions where reasonably practicable.
When it comes to emergency evacuation, the somewhat outdated BS5588-8 is the current standard and, with this in mind, I have gone for asking designers for evacuation lifts in new-build and seeking conversion of existing lifts where applicable.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Marek Konas RIBA
Thanks for your reply Ken, many points to ponder there.
I probably did not make myself very clear previously, but my problem is how does one measure the width of the staircase/or control the use of a platform lift during emergency procedures - ie. BS8300:2001 indicates that a lift is the most preferrable installation, but that a platform type wheelchair stairlift is also acceptable, BUT, that the width of the staircase must not be reduced than the minimum allowed (in my case 1000mm).
Is the staircase width measured with the platform wheelchair lift in its folded position, or open, and operating position (worst case, I assume, being a person ascending on a platform lift while people are trying to evacuate down the stairs)
or
is it acceptable to have the lift controller linked to the alarm system, which would on 'second knock' cause the platform lift to return to the ground floor position thereby leaving the staircase unobstructed?
with thanks
Marek
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Ken Taylor
I have always taken the folded position as applicable on the basis that disabled persons will be using the 'refuge' approach to evacuation (as per BS5588-8) and, therefore, evacuating after the ambulant occupants. However, I am not the local BCO!
If the platform lift is linked to the alarm for automatic descent upon activation, there would be a risk for persons attempting to gain access at the time unless an interlock is added to control access. It would also necessitate planning for an assistant to take control in the event of fire and be able to return the lift to the upper level by overriding the automatic control. If these lifts are to be used in this way in the event of fire, I would also expect them to have a protected power supply. Needless to say, we have not adopted this approach in our schools and so I cannot confirm whether this can be readily achieved.
You could also try asking your question on the FireNet Fire Safety Forum (http://www.globalcrisiscenter.com/BBSUsar/index.php)
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