ASSA ABLOY Security
Solutions, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening
solutions, is offering guidance on recent updates to BS 8300, the standard
governing inclusive building access, and how they affect the facilities
management sector.
A British standard
setting out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to
create an accessible environment for disabled people, BS 8300 was first
introduced in 2009.
The standard is
consistently updated to take account of important legislation – such as the
Equality Act 2010 and Approved Document M – and shifting priorities for
disabled access solutions, and was recently updated again.
David Hindle, Head
of Door Closer Sales at ASSA ABLOY UK, advises: “Although the overall aim of BS
8300 is to ensure everyone can use built environments equally, regardless of
disability, previous versions of the standard have focused on the provision of
accessibility solutions specifically for disabled people.
"In contrast,
the latest update focuses on making the whole environment more universally
accessible, rather than simply adding on separate facilities for disabled
people.
“As such, building
professionals in the facilities management sector need to specify
universally-applicable door closer solutions that take account of impairments
or disabilities, while also providing maximum protection against smoke and
fire. Balancing these two objectives is crucial."
