Disability Access Audit
A Disability Access Audit looks at your premises to identify barriers that may make it difficult for people with disabilities to access, move around and use your services safely and comfortably.
At Safety Desk Consulting Ltd, we visit your premises and assess the areas that may affect access for people with different disabilities. We look at the building, facilities, access routes and other relevant arrangements to identify areas where improvements may be needed.
Our assessment considers the actual conditions at your premises. We identify areas that may place disabled people at a disadvantage and provide practical recommendations to help improve access.
Who needs a Disability Access Audit?
A Disability Access Audit can be useful for businesses and organisations that provide services to the public, have staff or visitors on their premises, or need to consider accessibility as part of their responsibilities.
Safety Desk carries out Disability Access Audits for a range of premises, including:
- Dental practices
- GP and medical practices
- Care homes
- Children’s residential homes
- Schools
- Offices and workplaces
- Churches and places of worship
- Shops and other businesses
- HMOs and residential properties
- Other premises used by staff, customers, residents, visitors or members of the public
If people use your premises, it is important to consider whether disabled people can access and use your services without facing unnecessary barriers.
Why do I need a Disability Access Audit?
A Disability Access Audit helps you identify barriers that may affect disabled people when accessing or using your premises and services.
It can help you:
- Identify physical barriers that may make access difficult.
- Check whether entrances and access routes are suitable.
- Consider access to different areas and facilities within the premises.
- Identify issues with doors, steps, ramps, stairs and other access points.
- Review accessible toilet facilities where provided.
- Consider signage and information that may affect accessibility.
- Identify areas where reasonable adjustments may be needed.
- Provide a clear record of the accessibility issues identified.
- Understand what improvements could be made to improve access.
The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments where disabled people would otherwise face a substantial disadvantage. An access audit can help identify barriers and support the process of deciding what reasonable steps may be appropriate.
What does Safety Desk check during the audit?
During the audit, we look at the parts of your premises and arrangements that may affect accessibility.
Depending on the type and use of your premises, we may check areas such as:
- Approach to the building and external access
- Car parking and accessible parking arrangements
- Entrances and doorways
- Steps, ramps and stairs
- Corridors and internal routes
- Access to rooms and facilities
- Accessible toilets
- Lighting and visibility
- Signage and information
- Floor surfaces and potential trip hazards
- Access to reception and service areas
- Emergency arrangements and means of escape
- Other features that may create difficulties for disabled people
We consider the needs of people with different disabilities, including mobility, hearing, speech, visual and other access needs.
What will I receive after the audit?
Following the audit, you will receive a clear Disability Access Audit report based on our findings at your premises, together with relevant supporting documentation where applicable.
The report explains the access issues identified and any areas where improvements are needed. Where action is required, we provide practical recommendations to help you understand what needs to be addressed.
The report gives you a clear record of the audit and provides a useful basis for planning improvements to accessibility at your premises.
Our aim is to give you clear information that you can use to improve access and consider the reasonable adjustments that may be appropriate for your premises and services.
Why choose Safety Desk and how do I book?
Safety Desk provides Disability Access Audits for businesses and organisations across a range of sectors.
Our audits are carried out at your premises at a time that is convenient for you. We focus on the actual access arrangements and potential barriers at your premises in relation to the relevant legal requirements.
Our reports are written in clear, straightforward language so that you can understand the findings and know what action is required.
Our aim is to provide you with useful information that you can act on within a reasonable and appropriate timeframe. We also provide support after the audit if you need assistance understanding or implementing the recommended actions.
To arrange a Disability Access Audit, contact Safety Desk Consulting Ltd on 0208 089 4800 or email info@safetydesk.co.uk.