by Shane Henson — September 13, 2013—The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) recently added another Good Practice Guide (GPG), Inclusive Access, Disability and the Equality Act GPG, to its growing list of publications offering practical guidance for facilities management professionals.
According to Jacqueline Gillman, product development manager at BIFM, this update to the 2009 guide provides guidance on how FM professionals play a key role in meeting the needs of the whole population by achieving an inclusive service or building that also meets legislative requirements.
Readers of the Inclusive Access, Disability and the Equality Act GPG can expect to gain an understanding of what the barriers might be in providing an inclusive service or building and also learn how to develop strategies for their removal or the development of management practices that minimize or overcome those barriers to equal service delivery, says BIFM. Accessibility has always been a critical component for many types of facilities, and with people extending their working lives into their sixties and seventies, it has become more important than ever.
According to the guide, it is crucial to understand that access and inclusive design impacts on every aspect of facilities management, from strategic procurement and design of space, to appropriate selection of lighting, finishes and fittings. This updated guide gives a summary of all legislative and regulatory changes and gives practical tips on achieving reasonable access for all, adds BIFM.
This new GPG follows on from the recent launch of the Benchmarking and Space Planning and Management GPGs. The GPGs are available for BIFM members as part of their membership benefits. FM professionals who are not BIFM members are able to purchase the GPGs for £19.99. In addition to this digital version, a plain text version to support those with a visual impairment accompanies the full version.
