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By October 2004, though, all of the provisions made in the Act will be in force – with one of the key elements being new rights of access for the disabled.

In particular, Part III of the Act covers 'rights of access, goods, facilities and services' (effectively meaning that every provider of goods and services in both the public and private sectors will be obliged to have taken reasonable steps to overcome or change any physical features of their premises that currently make access either impossible or unreasonably difficult for the disabled).

The new legislation applies to all employers regardless of the number of employees on their books, and whether or not disabled individuals currently use the premises. In addition, the new regulations should be actively policed by local authorities and other enforcement bodies.

Under the DDA legislation, disabled people need to be able to enter freely, move around and leave both public and commercial properties unaided. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½s must be designed and built – or otherwise modified – to remove physical barriers that might impede easy access in any way. In practice, new buildings are being constructed to comply with the DDA legislation, while many existing offices and public areas are relatively easy to adapt (often only requiring something as simple as ramps to allow wheelchair access).

Unfortunately, many companies don't know where to start when it comes to making premises accessible. For example, in a report published by Scope earlier this year, some 40% of employers didn't even know whether their buildings were accessible to the disabled.

With the October 2004 deadline now fast approaching, many building owners and their in-house or contracted security managers are having to turn to the latest innovations in access control to meet the legislation without busting their budgets.

Access for all disabilities Prior to specification or installation of any access systems, it's imperative that consideration be given to products that guarantee free access for individuals with all types of physical disability. Thus, the requirement for access will vary considerably depending on the type of disability.

For instance, those individuals who don't enjoy full function of their hands (like people with arthritis) will require door and window handles that are easy to open and close, whereas people with lower limb disabilities need more time to enter and exit buildings in terms of access through doorways.

At the end of the day, buildings must have effective external and internal access control systems in place that enable people with any form of disability to move around the space at will without the need for any assistance.

The latest ranges of innovative access control solutions are designed to make adherence to the new legislation – both for new and existing buildings – as straightforward and cost-effective as possible, while at all times ensuring that the security of the installation is never compromised. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ security has to remain a key focus alongside the requirements of the DDA as both public and private sector properties are faced with the need for ever-greater levels of security in combination with controlled and safe access and exit.

The challenge facing all companies is not simply confined to granting rights of passage to all authorised visitors, including the disabled, but also refusing entry to all undesirable elements (such as vandals, thieves or even terrorists). It's imperative that the DDA requirements are viewed in line with building security to ensure that one isn't sacrificed in favour of the other.

In order to strike a balance between the level of access specified by the DDA and ensuring that adequate security measures remain in place, products such as proximity readers are likely to become even more widely used than they are now. Unlike push-buttons or swipe cards, which can be awkward or difficult for physically disabled people to use, these devices allow easy access while securing a given building against unauthorised entry.

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½s must be designed and built – or otherwise modified – to remove physical barriers that might impede easy access in any way. In practice, new buildings are being constructed to comply with the DDA legislation, while many existing offices and publi

Automatic swing door operators are an ideal solution to a variety of access control needs as they offer an efficient, reliable, sophisticated and safe means of opening a hinged door automatically. They follow the DDA's guidelines by granting disabled people unimpeded entry, and can be used on both main entrance and internal fire doors to provide free and unrestrained access and egress at all times.

Furthermore, when combined with motor locks or solenoid locks, automatic swing door operators can provide hands-free access control without compromising security.

Door operators: advanced features
Modern door operators offer a number of advanced features that enable building and security managers to determine accurate and precise operation from initial opening speed to final closing speed, hold open time, opening/ closing force and direction. The operator has a built-in safety mechanism that prevents the door from closing if anything – or anyone – is detected within the door's immediate area.

Additionally, internal door operators may be programmed to hold doors open for up to 60 seconds. These functions ensure that individuals confined to wheelchairs or with walking difficulties are able to move freely around a building at their own pace.

A battery back-up allows the door operator to continue to work even in the event of a power failure. This is absolutely critical in ensuring that disabled people have free access, even in the event of an emergency.

These products can also be connected to electric locks so that secure doors may be released and opened by remote control (eg from a wheelchair). Doors may also be opened with impulse devices, such as push-buttons, contact switches, card readers or radar.

For added safety and security, door operators can be wired into the alarm system and set such that, in the event of an emergency, any doors will remain closed or open (depending on which 'variable' is required). Door closers with low opening forces can also be used in high traffic areas that need to comply with the regulations set out in the DDA. These are particularly useful for those on crutches or having to use walking sticks, and may be deployed for lightweight or heavy-weight use. Security is also a key feature here, as these door closers incorporate pressure relief valves to help prevent them from being forced open when secured.

The new DDA means that locks offering advanced security options without the need for keys, push or touch control exit devices, monitoring systems that emit spoken directions or monitoring of complete buildings will become commonplace.

Access may also be provided to all legitimate visitors by means of a remote access switch controlled by a receptionist or members of the security personnel. When linked through a door operator, these devices are able to withdraw the latchbolt of the motor lock, allowing the door itself to swing open. On closure, the bolt will automatically throw, ensuring that complete security is maintained. In the event of power failure, while the bolt is thrown automatically, a mechanical override is available as standard to provide emergency access.

Although the DDA may not always be viewed in a positive light by those responsible for maintaining commercial and public buildings, it nevertheless represents an important step forward in equal opportunities and in the creation of a fairer society for all groups of people. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ owners and security managers must therefore review disabled access as part of their ongoing access control management. The needs of the disabled must be viewed as a continuing duty of care.

It's important to note that access needs must be anticipated and provisions put in place rather than changes made subsequent to a disabled person requiring access to your company's building(s).