How to Make Your Commercial Building More Accessible

Managing or owning a commercial building comes with a responsibility to provide a space that is accessible for everyone. People with disabilities often find it challenging to navigate buildings - even when they are following legal accessibility requirements.

Here we’ll discuss how you can ensure your building can be used by everyone.



Audit your building

An accessibility audit will give you prioritised advice about accessibility problems in your building and practical advice on how to solve those problems. You can get an outside expert to audit your building’s accessibility every 3 years, or more if you think it’s necessary. You could also ask a colleague who is familiar with the appropriate code of practice to conduct an audit.

Develop an access handbook

You should create an Access Handbook as an internal document for the use of management, maintenance personnel and all staff. The purpose of this handbook is to provide a simple way of listing the features and facilities of a building. It should include:

-      Basic information about accessibility

-      How to get to the building including local public transport

-      Information about accessible features in the building e.g lifts, accessible toilets, accessible parking spaces.

-      Guidelines for accessible signage

-      Management responsibilities

-      A maintenance audit template

-      Evacuation plan for emergencies

Maintaining accessibility outside the building

Accessibility doesn’t just refer to the features inside your building. You’ll need to consider the features outside as well. This includes parking spaces, ramps and steps. Parking spaces should be kept clear for those that need them, check the surface and lighting around the building and on the paths and check that the main entrance door is correctly designed.

Steps and lifts

Steps within a building should be avoided if possible or a lift or ramp should be provided where appropriate. If your building has more than one floor, ensure that accessible lifts are put in place that are designed to best practice guidelines. The lifts should be checked regularly and serviced by your lift installation company.

Corridors and doors

Inside the building, check that:

-      Corridors and doors are not obstructed by deliveries, machinery or anything else

-      Doors are kept open wherever possible

-      If doors are closed, they should be easy to open

-      Doors need to be wide enough for all customers

There are lots of aspects you need to consider within your building, you should also ensure that toilets, lighting, reception and waiting areas and signs are all helpful and accessible for all customers that may frequent your building.

ADL Lift Services provides stairlifts and disabled access lifts across Scotland. If you’re looking for a wheelchair lift in Scotland, look no further than ADL Lift Services. We will ensure you get the perfect lift that suits your needs and address any safety concerns you may have. For more information, visit our website.