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Buildings

6.12 Counters

Contents

• Counters
• Perspective diagram of counter

Counters

Counters, including reception desks, enquiry points, ticket offices and check-outs, should be of a height and design accessible to wheelchair users, and detailed to suit others.

To avoid confusion for visually impaired people, careful consideration should be given to the choice of colours and finishes. Clear, matt finish signs and good, non-glare lighting should be provided.

The use of screens, and especially reflective glass, should be avoided wherever possible, as these form a communication barrier to visually and hearing impaired people. Counters may require induction loops or equivalent if the environment is noisy, the counter is wide or the lighting is subdued (see 6.14 Communication aids).

If queues are expected to form at the counter location, handrails should be sited against which people who cannot stand for more than short periods can lean. Handrails and barriers erected to channel a queue of people must be wide enough to allow the passage of people in wheelchairs or using walking aids (see 6.6 Lobbies and corridors).

• clear space in front - 1200mm minimum
  
• width of counter top - 600mm maximum (subject to security requirements)
  
• length of lower counter section - 900mm minimum (the longer the better)
  
• height of counter top - 800mm - 850mm maximum
  
• clear height below counter - 750mm minimum
  
• depth of recess - 500mm minimum
  
• slight rounded upstand at front edge of counter facilitates picking up change and small items
• exposed angles should be well rounded.

Perspective diagram of counter

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