HELP!! Disability and Building Regulations!!!

[The Beauty Zoo]

I have just been told that, even though I have had my change of use aproved, I now need approval from Building Regulations!!!!:irked:

I have now to write a 'Statement of Intent'. I have to tell Building Regs exactly what I am going to do in the shop, which isn't a problem. The problem I have and I really don't know how to go about assessing it is that they require me to tell them:-

1. What I have planned for disabled, wheelchair users. That is not too much of a problem. I have made to doorways in the rooms wider than the actual front door and the corridor is at least 3 feet wide. I will ensure that we will assist anyone down the 2 steps into the beauty and spray tanning rooms.

2. How will I deal with and what provisions will I be making for partially sighted or blind clients

3. As no. 2 but for partially deaf or hard of hearing clients.

Apart from common sense things like not having lots of things scattered around and helping clients to the area that the treatments are going to be carried out, I really don't know what to say.

Can any of you peeps suggest anything please????:hug:

I know I should be able to do this but I am on overload ATM and I think I am about to explode!!!!!

Thanks!!! xxxx

 

[pinkmummy]

Not to sure of any regulations myself, but could you contact some societies or charities associated with the blind and deaf. They'd probably be the best people to give advice.
Hope this helps.:hug:

 

[Fingertips ND]

I have just been told that, even though I have had my change of use aproved, I now need approval from Building Regulations!!!!:irked:

I have now to write a 'Statement of Intent'. I have to tell Building Regs exactly what I am going to do in the shop, which isn't a problem. The problem I have and I really don't know how to go about assessing it is that they require me to tell them:-

1. What I have planned for disabled, wheelchair users. That is not too much of a problem. I have made to doorways in the rooms wider than the actual front door and the corridor is at least 3 feet wide. I will ensure that we will assist anyone down the 2 steps into the beauty and spray tanning rooms.

2. How will I deal with and what provisions will I be making for partially sighted or blind clients

3. As no. 2 but for partially deaf or hard of hearing clients.

Apart from common sense things like not having lots of things scattered around and helping clients to the area that the treatments are going to be carried out, I really don't know what to say.

Can any of you peeps suggest anything please????:hug:

I know I should be able to do this but I am on overload ATM and I think I am about to explode!!!!!

Thanks!!! xxxx

I'll have a word with my dad as he is an architect and we have to do statements for new projects all the time.

 

[jobo]

im no expert hun but I dont think you should worry too much about this.
some businesses like banks etc have loop systems for the deaf or signers and also guide dogs are admitted to assist the blind but it does not really apply to you.
i have a building which is on 3 floors so disabled customers cant go upstairs. I have no way of physically making this possible. Its about discrimination. If someone cant go upstairs i bring stuff to them. as long as you dont refuse the service on grounds of disability you are ok. my deaf customers usually lip read and if they cant make me understand they write notes for me. we have a laugh really and im getting better at signing/understanding. As long as you dont treat people as if they are different you should do just fine. take the time to understand their needs.
i would put that you would offer 1 on 1 assistance to the blind and you will escort them through out their stay and also that for the deaf you have facilities for them to communicate via paper or maybe get a text phone too.
i agree that you should contact dial and ask for advise
good luck

 

[Spray 2 Go]

Hi Nikki

Re Partially sighted / blind / hard of hearing / deaf clients - have an area where they can wait which is clutter free, easily visable and close access to the door.

Invoke a policy whereby when it becomes known that someone is partially sighted / hard of hearing etc that they will not be left unattended and will be guided through your salon by a member of staff at all times.

Have a Braille sign on the door or at reception explaining that they should wait there and assistance will come to them asap.

You could have signage and a bell / alarm which indicates "Please ring for assistance if you are suffering from any disability"

Hope this helps hun! :hug:

Mandy xx

ps how was your hols???

 

[The Beauty Zoo]

Thanks everyone...just the sort of info I was looking for!!:lol:

I am so frustrated as I am trying to do everything by the book everytime I feel like they are finding some more red tape. It is so annoying as planning have said I cannot start work until Building Regs have OK'd the mechanical vent for the spray tanning. I went to see Building Regs just to find out what I had to do and I got a list as long as your arm as to what they require Just to top it off it is going to cost another £200 for their approval.

Mandy the holiday was.......interesting!!!!!! Have a browse at my journal!!!!:lol:

Fingertips ND....thanks, that would be appreciated!!!

xxx

 

[Buggy]

could you say you provide a mobile service for disabled???