DALCO Requirements

It is a set of requirements related to the actions of ambulation, apprehension, location and communication, which must be satisfied to guarantee the universal accessibility of environments, products or services and thereby facilitate universal accessibility to the built environment.

• Ambulation.

The action of moving from one place to another.

1. Maneuver spaces

• Appropriate dimensions.
• Absence of Obstacles.
• Furniture, supports, seats.

Factors to consider:

• Appropriate dimensions to the use of the place, allowing access to both furniture and switches, power outlets, etc.
• Absence of obstacles (suspended elements and elements attached to walls).
• Tables, counters, etc. that require frontal approach, free of obstacles in the lower part to achieve maximum approach for a wheelchair.
• Furniture properly anchored and stable to serve as support.
• When necessary, provide for the installation of elements such as bars, handles or other types of supports that facilitate movement or maneuver, but do not make movement difficult for other users.

(Urban furniture and sanitary appliances will comply with the corresponding UNE). 

2. Pavements

– Uniformity.

– Avoid Slipping.

– Easy cleaning.

Special attention should be paid to:

• Climatology to which it will be subjected.
• No glare and easy to clean, avoid slipping especially on ramps, stairs, etc. (non-slip edges…)
• Uniform surface without irregularities (without isolated steps), elements such as rugs and carpets must remain fixed to the floor.
• Well-compacted soft ground (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
• Any openings or gaps that may exist in walking surfaces.

3. Lighting

– Uniform distribution. Without sudden changes, glare (direct or indirect).

– Adequate light sources that do not impair the perception of contrasts, depth or distance between objects. 

4. Circulation areas

– Dimensions.

– Obstacles.

– Doors.

– Closing elements.

Factors to consider:

• Width of zones. Minimum 110cm with specific narrowing of 90cm. Recommended 150cm (step of 2 people, one in a wheelchair).
• Pay attention to maneuvering spaces: absence of plane changes.
• Parking space dimensions.
• Allows you to get on and off the vehicle (minimum 220cm battery 200cm in line).
• Free of obstacles (on the floor or suspended from the ceiling), although they are allowed in hallways, corridors or passage areas: trash cans, seats, etc. as long as they do not reduce the passage dimensions below the minimum permitted.
• In case of non-compliance, alternative itineraries will be proposed.
• Minimum 80cm x 200cm. Drive elements at appropriate height (85cm – 105cm). Revolving doors should not be used. If they are made of glass, it must be safety or protected with skirting boards, and the glazed area must be marked with a band.

5. Plane changes

– Stairs.

• Constant inclination.
• Equidistant steps.
• Uniform construction.
• Maximum 10 steps without landing.
• The minimum width should be 1.10m according to simultaneous flow of passage.
• Landing of at least 1.05m x 1.20m, to allow maneuvers such as turns.
• Placement of handrails or handrails, double if possible.
• Correct signage (use of different textures and colors of the adjacent pavement both below and above).

– Ramps.

• Minimum width should be 1.05 m. according to simultaneous passage flow.
• Longitudinal slope less than 3% if possible.
• If the slope is: Greater than 3%: rest areas every 25 m. Greater than 6% with a distance > 3 m: stairs will also be installed. Section length less than 2 m: maximum 8% slope.
• Rest areas should be provided every 9 m. (1.50 m long) when they require excessive effort.
• Placement of handrails or railings.
• 10 cm skirting boards. high along the ramp.
• Obstacle-free area at both ends.

– Elevators.

• UNE EN 81-70: Safety rules for the construction and installation of elevators. Applications for passenger and passenger and freight elevators. Part 70: Elevator accessibility for people, including people with disabilities.
• It is a harmonized standard of the European Elevator Directive 95/16/EEC.
• Pavement around doors with a differentiated texture.
• Luminous and acoustic devices to warn of arrival, departure and direction of travel (interior and exterior).
• Button panels and control elements at a height that allows seated operation.
• Handrails inside cabins.

2. Apprehension.

Action of taking or grasping something. Its objective is to facilitate the user’s manipulation of mechanisms, objects and products that interfere throughout the process.

1. Scope: All mechanisms, objects and products that intervene throughout the process must be within reach of users, both in height and depth.
2. Operating elements: Handles, taps, buttons, switches, knobs, etc. All elements and manual action mechanisms must be easily manipulated by people with reduced mobility.

• All mechanisms and manual action elements (UNE 41500).
• Mainly: doorknobs, faucets, switches, etc.
• Ease of handling.
• Avoid turning (knobs).
• Avoid applying excessive force or great precision.
• Height and distance to corners suitable for operating in a sitting position.
• Adequate space in the approach area for wheelchair maneuvering.
• Adequate space in front approach to chair (sink).
• Height, depth in feet and knees.

3. Grip: Handrails, handles, grab bars.

• Circular section (diameter 3 cm – 5 cm).
• Non-slip surface that does not cause friction or danger to the user.
• Fixing at the bottom.
• Resistant to the expected effort.
• Height: 90 cm – 105 cm (handrail).
• Extension of 30 cm for the handrails at the beginning and end of the stairs.
• They should not hinder movement and maneuver.

In relation to the available elements and objects, if due to circumstances the user cannot pick them up as planned, specialized care services must be available.

4. Transport: Carts, baskets, bags, etc.

• Provision must be made for the provision to the user, when required, of carts, baskets, bags, etc.
• If circumstances require it, specialized care must be available to help transport the elements or objects.

3. Location.

Action of finding out the precise place where something or someone is. Facilitate the orientation and location of places and objects involved in the process (qualified personnel).

• Lighting.
• Signaling: Visual, acoustic, tactile.
• Other means of location: people. 

4. Communication.

The exchange of information necessary for the development of an activity. 

Interactive communication: customer service, verbal communication, sign language, one-way communication, pushbuttons, keyboards, panels, touch screens, brochures, plans, catalogues, audio alerts, Braille.

Non-interactive communication: signs in the form of panels, other means of communication, graphics and writing, light signs, acoustic signs, tactile signs.

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