Stepping Out ezine header

ISSUE 13

April 2004

Contents:

Part M Update
Oadby Manor High School
New External model
Power Door Opener
BWBA
In the News

Editors Welcome

We hope you have been enjoying the new eZine format of our Stepping Out newsletter and would like to welcome you to the thirteenth edition. As usual, we have tied to bring you the hottest news and stories from the industry and, in particular, to provide technical and legislative guidance on disabled access.

Regular readers will know that we take a frequent look at the Disability Discrimination Act, Part M of the UK Building Regulations and the other standards and codes of practice. We also give guidance on good practice in the design of domestic and non-domestic buildings so they are suitable for use by the less able and in this issue you will find an article about Part M and the impact of its introduction.

We aim for Stepping Out to provide a valuable resource of information and advice relating to the application of platform lifts in public and commercial buildings and for those of you interested in reading news from past editions, back issues of the newsletter can be found on our web site.

We hope that you enjoy our eZine and any comments or suggestions you have would be very welcome. Please follow the link if you have a colleague that you would like to be added to our circulation list or if you no longer wish to receive this eZine follow the unsubscribe link.

We look forward to speaking to you again soon.

Best regards

MOVEMAN


New Part M closes loopholes

May 2004 sees the latest revision to Approved Document M of the English & Welsh Building Regulations (‘Part M’) come into effect. Replacing the 1999 edition, the new document attempts to define a clear standard for many elements affecting building design and access for the less able. In particular the new Part M includes detailed guidance governing the installation of passenger and wheelchair lifts, an area that has been the subject of much debate and uncertainty in recent years.

Here we are going to examine the new Part M, the changes it introduces and the effects these could have. Our focus is on the area of access and vertical movement, in particular the application of vertical wheelchair platform lifts.


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Moveman Are Top Of The Class!

Moveman has proved that it is top of the class at Oadby Manor High School in Oadby, Leicestershire. with the recently completed installation of a specially sized platform lift to enable a young pupil to gain access to the library from certain classrooms.

Applying their extensive knowledge and experience of platform lifts, Moveman provided a unique solution for the school by supplying a platform lift with a specially oversized platform.

Until the lift was installed, a height difference of 910mm separated some classrooms from the school's library. This was sufficient to deny access to the young female pupil, who has breathing difficulties. With a platform measuring 1600mm x 1200mm, the platform lift was specifically designed to allow sufficient space for the girl, her breathing apparatus and her nurse.


Extreme Measures from Moveman

Moveman has launched a new version of the popular Supreme platform lift, the Extreme which is ideal for external applications.

Manufactured in Norway the unit is specially constructed and has been thoroughly tested in Scandinavian weather conditions. It has a very heavy-duty construction. It is functional, safe and high quality.


CONTACT:

Moveman
123 Abbey Lane
Leicester
LE4 5QZ
Tel; 0116 225 2100
Fax: 0116 261 0397


Power Door Opening

An option on our Companion Prestige model is a powered door facility. The Prestige wheelchair lift has a swing door at each landing and the power option adds a door opening and closing device that ensures the doors opens easily and close fully once the user has left the lift car.

Doors having power assistance is an important issue with a lift. Swing doors left partially open will prevent the lift car from moving from the landing in question, effectively disabling the lift. In some circumstances, expecting an unaccompanied wheelchair user to ensure that the lift door is properly closed is overly optimistic. This is where powered door closing is useful.


Moveman Bowled Over For 2004

We all know that keeping fit and healthy is an important aspect of everyday life. A fun way of doing this is to participate in a sport so Moveman are proud to once again be sponsoring the British Wheelchair Bowling Association (BWBA) Matchplay Championships for 2004.

Tony Allen with singles winner and runner upThe Matchplay Championships were introduced for the first time last year when Moveman again sponsored the event and the President of the BWBA, Tony Allen, commented: “I’m delighted that Moveman Management have decided to sponsor the competition again”. He added: “The competition has proved to be very successful and brought several new players to the Association and created interest in Wheelchair Bowls in many clubs throughout the UK”

In the News...

Protesters are planning to blockade a shopping centre in Trafford after management ended free parking for disabled shoppers.

The decision was made two weeks ago to increase parking fees to 40p an hour including disabled drivers. Michael Walsh who is registered disabled and lives in nearby, said disabled people are furious.

News bbc.co.uk
22nd March 2004

A staggering 70% of disabled people said that they are still unable to get through the door in pubs and bars across the UK. This figure was highlighted in a recent NOP poll commissioned by the DRC to show the extent to which Britain still remains a closed shop to disabled people.

Disability Rights Commission
17th March 2004

Alison Lapper, the subject of a larger-than-life nude statue that has won a competition to occupy the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square, said that she was a more deserving subject than the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Ms Lapper, who has attenuated legs and no arms, said that the statue of her when she was 8½ months’ pregnant was an overdue recognition of disabled people.

The Times
17th March 2004

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