Appendix 1 Questions prior to audit

Questions about carrying out the audit

• How many buildings are to be audited?
• Can I take photographs?
• Do I need to be accompanied when auditing the building?
• Do I need security clearance?
• Any particular problems that I may need to know about?
• Will I be able to consult with staff on the day?
• Are floor plans etc., available?
• Will I be able to get access to information (safety statement, access handbook etc.)?

Questions about building

• How old is the building?
• What is the size of the building?
• How many staff use the building and how many members of the public would be using the building?
• Is the building a listed or protected structure?
• Who is responsible for the building?
• Is the building leased and how does this have an effect on making changes?
• Where are the nearest facilities (shops, public transport, public car parks etc.)?
• Are set down areas provided?
• What are the main functions carried out in the building?
• What are the periods of use?
• Does the building have different functions depending on the time of day (e.g. school daytime classes, night time might be used by public for meetings)?
• What are peak times (e.g. auditing a bus station at 5.00pm on a Friday)?
• Do visitors and staff use the building in the same way (free to move around, security measures, restricting areas)?
• When do deliveries arrive and where are goods stored?
• When does most of the maintenance work take place?
• Is maintenance/cleaning contracted out to a management company?
• What security measures are in place and how do these affect access?
• Is security clearance required on the day?
• Are emergency procedures for people with disabilities recorded in safety statement
• Are staff trained in using emergency equipment (evacuation chairs etc.)?
• What are the future intentions of the organisation (moving to new building, planning extensions, refurbishment)?
• Emergency services use?
• What measures for people with disabilities are currently in place (e.g. loop, accessible toilets, accessible lifts etc.)?
• Is there an access team in place?

If yes what is the role of the access team?

• Does the organisation consult with local disability groups?