This is something one of our fellow H&S people has mentioned in another thread and I just wonder if there is a need for a "Qualified" DDA Assessor?

I have carried out many assessments of DDA requirements for clients, some alongside a fire risk assessment and others with a risk assessment of a premises that includes anything that I come up with.

Is there a training course for DDA assessors?

Is there a recognised qualification?

Is this an example of jumping on the bandwagon and inventing a "need" for qualification?

I think anyone with health and safety competence can assess DDA compliance with a little thought and a read of the requirements.

Thanks Bob, I am similar to you, my DDA assessments are of existing premises, and may or may not include an individual. Where a surveyor is required then that's their area.

Chris

An adequate anser to the question you raise depends on the nature of the hazard, and the extent to which it is in the physical environment, the physical capaciities of the individual, the psychological state of the individual and/or his/her psychological capabilities.

Experienced competent building and construction surveyors and some architects as well as registered ergonomists can often be the most appropriate specialists equipped to provide authoritative guidance on the safety of a physical environment for a person with a physical disability.

Those with the requisite knowledge, training, experience and credibility to provide authoritative guidance on work environments in relation to cogntiive psychologcial conditiions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and learning difficulties or to anxiety associated with harassment or bullying at work are normally qualified as chartered psychologists; depending on the setting they may e 'occupational', 'educational', 'clinical', 'health', 'counselling' or 'sports and exercise' psychologists. Many chartered psychologists are now also registered with the Health Professions Council since last autumn.