Appendix

PART M SURVEY

The National Disability Authority (NDA) has commissioned a study to determine the effectiveness of Part M of the Building Regulations (and associated TGD). As part of this study, a survey is being undertaken of people with disabilities, architects and others involved with the design, construction and management of buildings.

RIAI Members and Practices are strongly encouraged to respond to this questionnaire on the effectiveness of Part M, on problems experienced when interpreting the technical guidance and on issues relating to the application and enforcement of the regulation.

Closing date

The closing date for receipt of completed questionnaires is 28th October 2004.

Contact Address

Completed questionnaire should be e mailed to rogerson@eircom.net or faxed to 01.2987 262. Fionnuala Rogerson Architects, Ardtona House, Lower Churchtown Road, Dublin 14. Tel. 01.2984 261

Instructions for Completing the Questionnaire

  1. Please answer questions by clicking on box required
  2. For those who are willing to provide further information on request a tick box has been provided at the end of each page.
  3. Where the term accessibility is used it should be interpreted as including access and use by people with disabilities.
  4. If you require this questionnaire in an alternative format please use contact details above.
  5. All responses will be treated in confidence
Respondent’s Contact Details
Name:  
Organisation:  
Address:  
Telephone:  
E-mail:  

Section 1 Technical Guidance Document M

Interpretation, Application & Enforcement

 Yes No Don’t Know
1.1 Are you familiar with the content of Part M & its TGD?      
1.2

In the Technical Guidance Document is it clear to which works Part M applies?

(eg. material alterations, extensions, changes of use, works to existing & historic buildings etc.)

      
1.3 Does any of the guidance in TGD M need clarification?      
1.4

In your opinion when applying Part M to new buildings is there sufficient guidance in the TGD to adequately cover the needs of

Wheelchair users

People with mobility limitations (non wheelchair)

Visually impaired people

Hearing impaired people

People with cognitive impairment.

      
1.5 Do you use guidance other than TGD when applying the regulation to material alterations of existing buildings?      
1.6

Part M does not apply to material changes of use or repairs or renewals of a minor nature.

Do you routinely apply the principles of Part M to material changes of use & minor repairs & renewals

      
1.7 Has the extension of Part M to dwellings created difficulties in its implementation?      
1.8

Has a Building Control Authority ever issued a warning or enforcement notice in relation to Part M in respect of a project for which you were responsible?

If your answer is yes please state on approximately how many projects.

     
1.8 Consideration is currently being given to the introduction of “Access Certificates” similar to Fire Safety Certificates. In your opinion would this help achieve the aim of securing greater compliance with Part M?      
1.9

Do you use the following references and standards?

Building for Everyone

BS 8300

BS 5588:Part 8

      

Please tick this box if you are willing to provide further information on request [ ]

SECTION 2 Often Some-times Never
2.1 How often does accessibility form part of your project brief?      
2.2

Do you generally find awareness of the need to comply with Part M among

a) Clients

b) Contractors

      
2.3 How often is the issue of accessibility raised by a local authority in pre-planning consultations.      
2.4

In your practice at which stage is the issue of accessibility considered?

Pre-planning

Detail Design

Construction

Certification

      
2.5 In your practice do you routinely use standardised audit procedures for checking compliance with Part M?    
  Yes No Don't Know
2.6

There is significant anecdotal evidence of non compliance with Part M.

Have you any comments on this?

      
2.7

Building Regulations in Scotland, England & Wales have recently been amended to require adequate / reasonable provision for access & use of buildings by all users

Do you support this approach?

      

Please tick this box if you are willing to provide further information on request [ ]

Thank you for your time in completing this questionnaire.

Please return by 28th October to rogerson@eircom.net

Fionnuala Rogerson Architects, Ardtona House, Lower Churchtown Rd, D14,
Tel: 01 – 2984261, Fax: 01 – 2987262,

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