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Education

8.5.6 Vertical movement and internal level change

See fact sheets 6.2 Ramps, 6.3 Steps and Stairs, 6.4 Handrails and 6.7 Lifts.

Stairs and ramps are the most common way of changing level around a school. Changes in level may range from a single step up to a full storey height and reasonable access must be provided to all of the services and facilities that should be provided to any pupil or member of staff.

In many smaller schools it would not be reasonable to expect a passenger lift to be provided to upper levels. In such instances, careful consideration should be given as to how management adjustments could be undertaken to allow all services and facilities to be provided at an accessible level.

For instance, timetabling could ensure that a standard teaching classroom for a class with a wheelchair user could be located on a ground floor. Similarly, a class with a deaf pupil could use a room equipped with a hearing induction loop. However, a specialist computer lab located on an upper floor would be inaccessible to a wheelchair user and consideration should be given to its relocation on the ground floor.

For level changes of only one or two steps, a ramp is likely to be the most practical solution. For greater changes in level, however, the length required for a ramp may be prohibitive and alternative solutions such as stairlifts and chairlifts should be considered.

All internal changes of level, including single steps or ramps should be clearly marked. Alternative means of changing level such as a chairlift should be clearly signed.

It should be ensured that a disabled pupil or member of staff does not have to travel further than a non-disabled person in order to achieve the change in level.

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