Flooring and DDA Compliance
Whether you are managing a new building construction project or involved in the supply of flooring products to a refurbishment or a new commercial property, you will need to be aware of legislation regarding disabilities: especially the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) and the Equality Act.
Floor coverings chosen should consider aspects of the DDA and also section M of the Building Regulations, that way premises owners can safeguard their businesses from injury claims and any ensuing law suits. According to the Act, business owners have a duty of care to ensure people who have disabilities are not disadvantaged in any way by the premises they work in or visit.
The legislation
The Equality Act of 2010 (which in effect replaced The Disability Discrimination Act), states that all new/refurbished buildings that are visited by members of the general public, and places of work, must meet current regulations by ensuring that any such buildings are freely accessible to all as per BS8300/Building Regulations Approved Document “M”.
The Considerations
1. The importance of light reflective value (LRV)
Equality laws on building access require that you understand the importance of Light Reflective Value (LRV) and apply this knowledge to workplace interior design.
It is important that elements like doorways, stairs, ramps, fixtures and fittings all stand out. That is achieved through colour contrasting, which is measured by an objects Light Reflective Value (LRV).
How does LRV work?
LRV measures how much useful light gets reflected by coloured objects. It is not a measure of colour; it’s a measure of light and dark. The scale runs from 0 to 100 with pure black being 0 and pure white, 100. so It is possible that different colours could have similar LRVs.
Why focus on colour contrasting rather than colour
Contrasting colours is important to the visually challenged, and accordingly the old DDA and the Equality Act, colour contrasting should involve colours whose LRV ratings are at least 30 points apart.
It is therefore important to have sufficient LRV contrast between raised flooring, steps, gradients or any safety flooring areas. Particularly in buildings that are open to the public, care-homes, hospitals, restaurants, schools and shops.
But, it is not just about aesthetics or using contrasting colours to create zones on the floor. Understanding LRV and applying it to commercial design could also avoid fines of up to £50,000.
Understanding requirements for steps
We recently promoted the Treadline Range from ARTECH – this product is perfect not only from a safety and cost perspective but in providing the right amount of visual cues that help your client with their legal responsibilities.
As a company we offer a wide range of Quantum Nosings and Trims that meet DDA (Equality Act) requirements – this useful link gives you more information. The DDA compliant profiles provide a 55mm contrasting colour band on the nose and rise of steps and are available in both slim gauge and heavy gauge formats to accommodate all floorcovering types.
2. Other Considerations – Wheelchair access and slip hazards
Accessibility as far as flooring goes isn’t just about Light Reflective Values it is also about considering the right safety flooring and doing a flooring risk assessment. We recommend taking a look at Duraflor’s blog on the subject (we stock their full range of safety flooring). They also have an interesting piece on wheelchair accessibility considerations.
