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What does DDA Compliant mean?
What does DDA compliant mean?
DDA compliance means that a building or construction work meets the minimum requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 to ensure that public buildings and service providers have made reasonable steps to consider the needs of people with disabilities.
The Disability Discrimination Act is designed to cover all areas of a building, such as accessibility of ramps, lifts, signage used within the building, washrooms and toilets etc. For example, a tap needs to be operable by people with limited strength or manual dexterity.
In 2010, the Equality Act replaced the DDA, bringing them together under one piece of legislation and requires that facilities or services of a building can be easily accessed by those with disabilities.
What is DocM?
Part of the DDA compliance falls under The Building Regulations 2010, which has a section referred to as Approved Document M. This document provides specific guidance for access to and use of non-domestic buildings, particularly with regards to disabled people. Hence the term DocM, and DocM compliant, has evolved.
With regards to sanitary accommodation in public use (no- dwellings) the key objective of Document M states:
“5.1 In principle, suitable sanitary accommodation should be available to everybody, including sanitary accommodation designed for wheelchair users, ambulant disabled people, people of either sex with babies and small children or people encumbered by luggage”.
To satisfy this objective there are a number of considerations, some of which include:
- Any bath or washbasin tap is either controlled automatically e.g. a sensor tap, or is capable of being operated using a closed fist, e.g. by lever action
- WC compartment doors, and doors to wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets, changing rooms or shower rooms are fitted with light action privacy bolts so that they can be operated by people with limited dexterity and, if required to self-close
- WC compartment doors, and doors to wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets, changing rooms or shower rooms have an emergency release mechanism so that they are capable of being opened outwards, from the outside, in case of emergency
Design guidelines are also given covering areas such as height and positioning of the basin and toilet, use of support and grab bars and space and design guidance for use by wheelchair users. The surface finish of sanitary fittings and grab bars should also contrast visually with background wall and floor finishes.
Bathrooms and shower accommodations are equally covered where the requirements will be similar to those above e.g. with regards to space, use of grab bars, drop down shower seating and bath access heights and dimensions.
Regard is also given to provision of alarms to ensure users can call emergency assistance.
DDA Compliant Taps
Long lever and sensor taps are ideal for those with disabilities or limited dexterity and meet DDA guidelines. They include taps with ‘easy turn’ technology, which enables those who have trouble with grip, such as arthritis sufferers, to turn them easily. Taps which are lever-operated can be turned on and off with a closed fist, wrist or elbow.
Sensor taps with infra-red sensor technology are also compliant with DDA requirements as they can be turned on easily without the need for gripping or turning a handle, which may be difficult for those with disabilities. They turn on and off automatically when the sensor is activated, without the need for contact.
DDA Compliant Grab Rails
In order for grab rails to be compliant with DDA requirements, they need to be visible against the wall to which they are attached. Grab bars are available in plastic or epoxy coated rails in many colours, for example white that would show up well against dark backgrounds, or chrome and stainless steel coloured rails that show up against light backgrounds. There is also the option of antibacterial copper rails in a distinctive brass colour that stands out against a range of different wall colours. With these contrasting options available grab rails will provide additional mobility and support for a wide range of disabilities.
For further advise on the best taps and fittings for anyone looking to meet DDA compliance please speak to our experienced sales team on 01923 268843 for further guidance.
The full Doc M standard can be found on this government document which is available for download:
