Disability Access Certificates – The application and assessment process
OHAC recently ran a training session that was attended by both Building Control Officers and those making Disability Access Certificate (DAC) applications. Numerous discussions, exercises and question & answer sessions formed part of the training and some interesting discussions took place relating to the application and assessment process. One of these discussions related to what level of information should be provided in DAC applications. Some of the comments/questions included:
- Using Technical Guidance Document M is only one way to comply with the requirements of Part M. Applicants can also demonstrate compliance of M1-M4 by using other mechanisms and resources.
- How far should one go when describing how the requirements of Part M will be met? For example is it enough to say that directional signage will be in accordance with section 1.6.3 of TGD M 2010 or should detailed specifications be provided. How much detail should be provided to allow the Building Control Officer assess if the proposed signage will be accessible?
- How much information should the applicant provide in the introduction of the DAC Compliance report to demonstrate to the Building Control Authority the extent of the proposed works and the proposed use of the works? A number of the Building Control Officers stated that insufficient information can be provided in the introductions of the reports.
- Are applicants providing sufficient information in Disability Access Certificate applications to ensure works will be accessible and to allow the BCA assess the application? It seemed a bit unclear of what level of detail is required to satisfactory meet the requirements of section 20D (3) of the Building Control Regulations. How far does one need to go being the main question.
- The inconsistency on who can actually sign the application forms. For example it was noted that in one building Control Authority, the applicant needs to provide an authorisation letter if he/she wants the agent to sign the relevant application materials.
Another detailed discussion related to when an applicant should apply for a relaxation or a dispensation. This lead to interesting discussion relating to ‘what grounds should someone apply for a relaxation and dispensation’ but also where to go and find out more information on the statutory requirements (For further details on statutory requirements see section 4 and 5 of the Building Control Act 1990-2007). It also came to light that a number of local authorities may require a relaxation to accompany the DAC application while others will allow for the description of the area being relaxed to be written into the DAC application itself. This highlights the lack of consistency between local authorities in their approach to assessing the DAC applications.
Click here for further information on the Disability Access Certificate Application process alternatively if you have any questions on the Disability Access Certificate application process please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-4151285 or [email protected].
