Where steps are part of the critical circulation route (for example, there are four sets of steps between the entrance to ground level and the swimming pool), it is not effective to reconcile any less than all the steps in order to reach a facility; considerations in determining whether a platform stair lift, a seated chair lift, ramp or portable ramp could be used have been made on each set of steps independently. No reasonable and satisfactory solution through any construction work, alterations, adaption or temporary ramp(s) was able to be identified, including to any alternative routes to reach the spaces. The provision of a single chair lift was considered for the immediate long flight on arrival by reception, but this was ruled out by the short landing at the foot and the lack of turn space. Whilst it may be feasible to install it chairlift by removing the wall and relocating the door, the internal steps would still present a barrier. Considerations were also made to providing an external lift to the pool side in the open space by its external windows. The space is adequately wide for some lift types but the fire escape steps outside would be blocked. In addition, the intervention would involve substantial works and would only provide access to the pool itself, if feasible. The approach taken was therefore to consider what other considerations should or could be made to mitigate as far as possible barriers that will be experienced by JP. Sets of stairs/steps inside in general have a handrail provided or vertical grab rail (male changing room), mostly just to one side and these are fixed to the walls. Aside from having no alternative level access and the lack of hand rails, the steps do not meet current regulations for various reasons including: shorter flights are too narrow, riser heights are not consistent; riser heights on some stairs are too high, step nose rings are lacking visual contrast, handrails where provided are of incorrect design including being open at the ends (and clothing could hence catch them). The step issues indicated are not a particular barrier to JP since his level of mobility does not allow him to make use of the steps or handrails. The recommendations involve the use of a stair climber and pool hoist as auxiliary aids for use by JP (and other users of the club), to facilitate use and access under these exceptionally challenging circumstances. It also involves providing and using a shower chair. More economical and equally well performing auxiliary aids were not able to be identified.
Where steps are part of the critical circulation route (for example, there are four sets of steps between the entrance to ground level and the swimming pool), it is not effective to reconcile any less than all the steps in order to reach a facility; considerations in determining whether a platform stair lift, a seated chair lift, ramp or portable ramp could be used have been made on each set of steps independently. No reasonable and satisfactory solution through any construction work, alterations, adaption or temporary ramp(s) was able to be identified, including to any alternative routes to reach the spaces. The provision of a single chair lift was considered for the immediate long flight on arrival by reception, but this was ruled out by the short landing at the foot and the lack of turn space. Whilst it may be feasible to install it chairlift by removing the wall and relocating the door, the internal steps would still present a barrier. Considerations were also made to providing an external lift to the pool side in the open space by its external windows. The space is adequately wide for some lift types but the fire escape steps outside would be blocked. In addition, the intervention would involve substantial works and would only provide access to the pool itself, if feasible. The approach taken was therefore to consider what other considerations should or could be made to mitigate as far as possible barriers that will be experienced by JP. Sets of stairs/steps inside in general have a handrail provided or vertical grab rail (male changing room), mostly just to one side and these are fixed to the walls. Aside from having no alternative level access and the lack of hand rails, the steps do not meet current regulations for various reasons including: shorter flights are too narrow, riser heights are not consistent; riser heights on some stairs are too high, step nose rings are lacking visual contrast, handrails where provided are of incorrect design including being open at the ends (and clothing could hence catch them). The step issues indicated are not a particular barrier to JP since his level of mobility does not allow him to make use of the steps or handrails. The recommendations involve the use of a stair climber and pool hoist as auxiliary aids for use by JP (and other users of the club), to facilitate use and access under these exceptionally challenging circumstances. It also involves providing and using a shower chair. More economical and equally well performing auxiliary aids were not able to be identified.