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#1 Posted : 22 September 2009 18:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Decimomal I need pointing in the right direction please. I have been asked a vague question about whether a coffee machine in a cafe is 'DDA Compliant' I am not even sure whether the questioner knows what they are asking, but they are being asked by a third part (are you still with me?) Anyway where would I go for the answer? Sorry to be vague!
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#2 Posted : 22 September 2009 19:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By FAH Hi Decimomal For something [as opposed to a structure] to be DDA compliant requires a broad range of principles to be applied. These are going to be similar to, but not necessarily identical to, those principals applied to structures. The problems arise with things 'cos you must consider the broad range of potential users & their incredibly wide range of personal variations to the norme with regards ability. So, can we first clarify whether this is an open access cafe in a public access area that allows the public to use the coffee machine or is it in a [reasonably well] controlled workplace? The answer to this question determines the route to be taken thereafter. Frank Hallett
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#3 Posted : 22 September 2009 19:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By GaryC40 Are you talking about the Coffee Machine or the surroundings / location? I presume the latter?
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#4 Posted : 22 September 2009 20:30:00(UTC)
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Posted By Decimomal The brief was the coffee machine. Venue is part of a self service staff facilty with a staff member present at a cash register. The coffee machine is a typical self service contraption and is accessible to a wheelchair user if required as far as the height is concerned. I have a feeling that the query may be about compliance in respect of the visually impaired.
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#5 Posted : 22 September 2009 22:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By GaryC40 I am replying more in interest rather than to provide help (sorry). I suspect that there is no such thing as a DDA compliant Coffee Machine, however i am aware of such catering equipment ergonomically designed to assist the visually impaired. I am sure that safety controls to assist disabled persons could be implemented / devised. Improved signage, braille, buddy system etc. Try to ascertain who the third party is and speak to them to try and solve the problem. Simple measures will likely suffice. GC
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#6 Posted : 23 September 2009 09:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Decimomal Thanks all, I think I am with you on this one Gary.
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#7 Posted : 23 September 2009 10:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Merchant A coffee machine is a commercial product, hence is not covered by DDA. The _service_ of providing refreshments is, so delivery of that by a reasonably-adjusted method (such as the staff pressing the buttons for you) is required, but the machine itself does not have to be adapted.
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#8 Posted : 23 September 2009 10:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew Kurdziel Right as the previous respondent said a coffee machine couldn’t in itself be 'DDA Compliant’ but the provision of coffee might be. If the machine is in an area where you provide a service to the general public then you will have to look at reasonable adjustments to the provision of coffee, as there is always the possibility that a disabled member of the public might want a coffee. If it only for your staff and you have no staff who are disabled then you don’t need to do anything. It is only when you recruit staff who have a disability or a member of your staff develop a disability that you need to do something and it only needs to be suitable for that particular person, eg if they are visual impaired they might need instructions that are easier to read (embossed writing, bigger letters better contrast). Easy then.
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