Design of Large Passenger Ships and Passenger Infrastructure:
Guidance on Meeting the Needs of Disabled People

Section 2
Access to and within Terminals

2.1 This section sets out the basic access requirements for terminals. (Additional dimensional information can be obtained from the appropriate Building Regulations and guides of good practice - see Appendix 2.)

Approach

2.2 The approach should be free of steps. If a change of level is necessary, provision should be made for a ramp and steps. The ramp should have a gradient no greater than 5 per cent (1:20); although in exceptional circumstances, a gradient of 8 per cent (1:12) is acceptable, provided it is no more than five metres in length. If a greater length is necessary, there should be level resting places of a minimum size of 1.5m² at five-metre intervals.

2.3 Both the ramp and the steps should be provided with handrails on both sides. Ramps should have a minimum width of 2,000mm between handrails. A reduced width of 1,350mm may be acceptable over short lengths as long as there is a minimum width of 2,000mm between handrails on landings at the top and bottom, and on any intermediate horizontal landings. On longer ramps, separate ‘up’ and ‘down’ streams may be provided, with a minimum clear width of 1,000mm between the side and central handrails. If the ground level falls away adjacent to the ramp, there must be a kerb upstand of at least 100mm. An additional lower handrail would be helpful. Handrails must be round, with a diameter of 45-50mm and no sharp bends. There must be a minimum clearance of 45mm (preferably 50mm) between handrails and any adjacent surface. Handrails must have an easily gripped non-slip surface, preferably with a ‘rigidised’ or similar raised texture, in a bright colour which provides a clearly visible contrast (in both colour and tone) with the background against which it is seen.

2.4 The ramp should not be marked by tactile paving, but the corduroy profile should be used at the top and bottom of steps in accordance with Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) guidelines “Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces” (see Appendix 2).

Approach to check-in

2.5 Arrangements prior to check-in will vary depending upon the method of arrival at the terminal and the method of onward travel. In general, these can be split into three main categories:

a. arrival and onward travel in the same vehicle;
b. delivery to the terminal for onward travel as a foot passenger; and
c. as (ii) but leaving a vehicle at the terminal for collection on return.

2.6 Some terminals (particularly those operating infrequent services) marshal traffic to a holding area prior to check-in, or simply allow traffic to self-park in a holding area prior to check-in.

2.7 If such marshalling takes place, disabled drivers and motorists with disabled passengers should make themselves known to the marshal and should be directed to a designated parking area for blue badge holders.

2.8 If self-marshalling takes place, clear signage should indicate a designated parking area for blue badge holders.

2.9 In either case the disabled parking area for blue badge holders needs to be close to any facilities provided for customers.

2.10 For passengers arriving on foot it is essential that the route to the terminal is accessible and has appropriate signage, in accordance with the advice in Section 2.

2.11 Provision should also be made for passengers arriving by bicycle. A dedicated route should be provided which should, where possible, be segregated from other road users, including pedestrians. Where an unsegregated shared route (one shared with pedestrians) is deemed necessary it should be provided in accordance with DETR guidelines, in particular, “Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces” (see Appendix 2). Similar care should be taken in the locations and design of cycle racks to ensure that they are not a hazard to other road users, including pedestrians.

2.12 If the passenger arrives in private transport, appropriate designated short-term disabled persons parking should be provided. The parking should be convenient for entrance to the terminal and should allow enough free parking time for the driver to accompany the disabled person through to check-in or reception if required.

2.13 If the passenger arrives on public transport the stop should be convenient for the entrance to the terminal. Port or shipping operators offering general courtesy transport between ports and town centres or railway stations should ensure that the vehicles are accessible to disabled people. Regulations introduced under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 set access standards for certain new buses and coaches. The DPTAC’s “Recommended Specification for Low Floor Buses” and “Recommended Specification for Buses Used to Operate Local Services” (see Appendix 2) provide useful guidance.

2.14 In addition to the arrangements noted above, long-term parking for disabled motorists needs to be provided, together with appropriate accessible transfer arrangements between the parking area and the terminal.

NOTE: For all onward foot travel, the terminal or shipping operator may provide courtesy transport for the shore-to-ship interface for pre-declared disabled travellers and thus circumvent difficulties in providing solutions at the shore-to-ship interface caused by lack of space and tidal movement.

Entrances

2.15 Where there is only a single entrance, or entrance complex, this should accommodate all passengers, whether they are non-disabled, use a wheelchair or have any other disability.

2.16 The entrance should be clearly identifiable by the provision of appropriate lighting, signage, use of colour and tone contrast and other distinguishing features.

2.17 Entrance doors should be automatic and side sliding. Entrance to all other doors should have a clear opening minimum width of 900mm.

2.18 If entrance doors and side panels are fully glazed, they must be protected by a prominent skirting or lower rail to provide protection from damage by luggage plus a dado or handrail at 1m height, and the glass should be marked with colour marking 150mm wide with the lower edge at a height of about 1,400mm from the ground. The Approved Document for Part N1 of the Building Regulations contains additional recommendations on protecting glazing against impact.

2.19 A transitional lighting zone could be provided in the larger terminals as this can be helpful to passengers (especially those who are visually impaired) entering or leaving the terminal, giving them time to accustom their eyes to changes in illumination level.

Reception, Ticket Office and Check-in

2.20 These facilities should be logically positioned so that they are easy to find, well signposted and wheelchair accessible.

2.21 Induction loops should be provided at desk and in terminals. Where safety screens are used they should be non-reflective. Lighting levels should take account of the needs of deaf passengers who may be relying on lip-reading and should be set at 100 lux. Lighting should not cause the person’s face to be in shadow.

2.22 All counter heights should be in accordance with recommendations contained within ‘Accessible Public Transport Infrastructure Guidelines’. (see Appendix 2)

2.23 If queuing barriers are in use, they should have solid top rails and should be highly visible. A lower tapping rail would also be useful. Such designs of barrier can still be mobile.

2.24 It is essential that all counters include at least one position at a lower level for use by passengers of short stature and children, as well as for wheelchair users. Support rails or seating should be provided for those who cannot stand in queues for more than a few minutes (for example, people with arthritis).

Waiting Areas

2.25 Adequate seating should be provided in waiting areas. Seats should be designed to meet the safety and comfort of elderly and disabled passengers, with appropriate backrests and armrests (sources for guidance are, for example, publications from RADAR and the Institution of Highways and Transportation). Seats with different heights, including perch seating, should be provided. Space for wheelchair users should be provided within the seating areas. All end seats should either be free of armrests or have moveable/removable armrests to enable a person in a wheelchair to transfer from the wheelchair to the seat without restriction.

2.26 Pedestrian routes through waiting areas, and the terminal as a whole, should be differentiated from waiting and amenity areas by the provision of differential floor finishes. A non-reflective, slip-resistant surface should be used for all routes. Highly reflective floor surfaces cause visual confusion and disorientation to many visually impaired people. The use of occasional shiny floor tiles, should be avoided as they create a Counter height giving easy access feeling of insecurity to elderly and disabled people who perceive them as wet and try to step over them making them unsteady on their feet.

Toilets

2.27 All toilets should be adequately signed and fitted out internally using non-reflective surfaces, colour and tone contrast, and good lighting.

2.28 Unisex wheelchair-accessible toilets should be provided. Accessible toilets should be designed in accordance with Building Regulations Parts M and T. Toilets should be available for use at all times.

2.29 All toilet doors should have a clear minimum opening width of 900mm and be fitted with ‘L’- or ‘D’-shaped handles on the inside of the door. It should be possible to open the doors by using a force not more than 15 newtons, unless the doors are required to be fitted with self closers, in accordance with marine legislation.

Baby-care Facilities

2.30 There is a need for unisex wheelchair-accessible baby-care facilities, for feeding and nappy changing. Wherever possible the baby-care facility should be separate from the wheelchair-accessible toilet. Where that is not possible, a nappy-changing shelf can be provided in existing accessible toilets, but this should not impinge on access to the toilet facilities for disabled users. It is not acceptable, however, for reasons of hygiene, to have babies fed in a toilet, so specialised baby-care facilities should be provided.

2.31 The Women’s Design Service has produced a factsheet (see Appendix 2) devoted to the design of baby-care facilities, which includes suggested layouts complete with recommended dimensions.

Retail Sales Areas

2.32 Retail sales areas and duty free should be fully accessible to all disabled people. Turnstiles, check-outs and aisles should provide adequate space for those using a wheelchair, accompanied by an assistance dog, escorted by a companion or using a walking aid.

2.33 All displays should avoid sharp corners.

2.34 Highly reflective floor surfaces cause visual confusion and disorientation to many visually impaired people, see guidance at 2.26. Highly reflective display surfaces should be avoided as these cause visual confusion and disorientation to many people, including elderly people. Excessive use of spotlights should be avoided.

Restaurants, Cafeterias etc.

2.35 Assistance dogs should be permitted in restaurants and other catering areas. If these are self-service facilities the design should reflect the mobility and information needs of wheelchair users and other disabled passengers - for example, clear pricing displays so that deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers do not have to enquire. A continuous system should be used, terminating at the cash register and cutlery rack.

2.36 Tables should be wheelchair accessible with adequate space for manoeuvring, and if rectangular should have rounded corners. A proportion of chairs should be movable and should not be fitted with armrests. To assist partially sighted people the furniture should contrast in colour and tone with surrounding surface materials, eg carpets and walls.

Lifts

2.37 Guidance on the design of, and access to, lifts can be found in Section 5.2.

Steps and Stairs

2.38 Guidance on the design of, and access to, steps and stairs can be found in Section 5.9.

General Lighting

2.39 In general, lighting intensity should be to the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) standard for public buildings (see Appendix 2). Lighting should be uniformly distributed so that pools of light and dark are avoided. Different lighting levels can be used to differentiate between one area and another. For example, brighter lights can be used over circulating areas and pedestrian routes, and a lower lighting level over waiting areas.

2.40 Light fittings and luminaires should be chosen so as to avoid glare and dazzle.

2.41 Where staff need to communicate with passengers, there should be sufficient light, minimum 100 lux, to enable those passengers who lip read to do so.

2.42 In some areas adjustable levels of lighting could be helpful -for example the transition zone at the entrance to the building.

2.43 Attention should be paid to providing control of natural lighting (eg blinds), which under certain conditions causes glare and dazzle.

2.44 In walkways and corridors, light fittings should be positioned well above head level.

2.45 Floor-level and low-level lighting should be avoided.

Signage

2.46 Fixed signs should be designed in accordance with the advice in the Sign Design Guide (see Appendix 2). Tactile signs are essential for people with no sight at all or those whose vision is only sufficient to locate a sign but not distinguish individual characters. Characters on tactile signs should be embossed, not engraved, and should be raised from the sign’s background by 1-1.5mm with a stroke width of 1.5-2mm. The signs should be located so that they can comfortably be touched; an ideal height range is between 1,400mm and 1,700mm from the floor, with a maximum horizontal stretching distance of 500mm.

2.47 Where overhead signs are used, care must be taken to position them so that they are not seen against a background of light fittings.

2.48 Signs should be positioned so that their faces are well illuminated, or alternatively back-illuminated signs may be used. Care is needed to avoid glare.

2.49 Portable signs should be mounted on a sturdy structure designed to assist those who are long-cane or guide-dog users.

2.50 Audible and dynamic electronic signs should be used where appropriate.

General Fittings

2.51 Waste bins, ashtrays and similar fittings, including decorative fittings such as plants, should be designed and positioned so that they are not an obstruction to elderly and disabled people. If pedestal designs are used, they should be detectable by those using a long cane or guide dog; in other words, the widest dimension should be extended to ground level. These facilities should be colour/tone contrasted for easy identification.

Telephones

2.52 In each bank of telephones there should be at least one that is accessible from a wheelchair with no operable part higher than 1200mm. All telephones should be fitted with inductive couplers and volume control. Key ‘5’ should have a raised ‘pip’ or similar identification and key-pads should be inclined back from the vertical plane for easy operation. The handset should be mounted on a bracket so that it can be gripped easily by those with limited hand movement. Flush-fitting handsets are difficult to remove and replace. One telephone should be a textphone.

2.53 Acoustic hoods, if provided, should be designed so as not to present a hazard. If made from glass or transparent materials, they must be adequately highlighted with the side panels extended to near ground level.

2.54 The information surface as recommended in the DETR ‘Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces’ could be used to indicate the presence of telephones (see Appendix 2).

Information Systems

2.55 All information should be available in a variety of formats. VDUs should be positioned at a height where a passenger can get very close. Screens should be non-reflective. Character size should be at least 18 point. If the signs are dynamic, the message should change or scroll slowly. The screen covers should provide good contrast. In addition, travel emergency information and all essential information should be provided through clear audible announcements and clear visual displays.

2.56 Induction loops and a textphone should be provided at all appropriate positions, such as reception areas, ticket offices, enquiry bureau and bureau de change.

2.57 In retail sales areas, price lists should be available in large print and Braille, and in restaurants and cafeterias menus and tariffs should be available in large print and Braille.

Doors

2.58 Doors should have a clear minimum opening width of 900mm and be fitted with vision panels in accordance with Building Regulations Parts M and T. Doors should be fitted with a push plate or ‘L’- or ‘D’-shaped handles. If lever handles are required, they should be designed so that they can be operated by people with limited manual dexterity, with the open end of the lever turned in towards the door. It should be possible to open the doors by using a minimum of force.

Emergency Egress

2.59 Emergency alarm systems should be both audible and visual. Staff should receive specific disability awareness training to assist sensory impaired people.

2.60 Means of egress should be designed at least to the same standard as other circulating routes and facilities as described elsewhere in this document.

Decorative Finish

2.61 Throughout the terminals, decorative finishes should avoid the use of high-gloss reflective surfaces and excessive use of glass. Where glass is used, it must be protected and highlighted. Stainless steel and other reflective materials should be avoided. Effective colour and tone contrast in accordance with the ‘Rainbow Technique’ developed by University of Reading should be used (see Appendix 2). Grey tones should be avoided.

2.62 Elaborate patterns should be avoided.

2.63 Deep-pile carpets should not to be used, as these are difficult for many people to traverse.

Provision for assistance dogs

2.64 A secure area should be provided close to the terminal building. The access route to and from that area should be step-free. The dog relief area should be a minimum of 3m x 4m with a 1.2m high secure fence. The entrance gate to the enclosed area should have a simple to operate and secure catch. The surface area should be concrete with a smooth surface to assist cleaning, and a slight fall, say 3.5 per cent to assist drainage. Adjacent to the entrance should be a waste bin with cover and a supply of plastic bags, as some owners are able to pick up after the dog has spent. A sign saying “For assistance dogs only” should be displayed.

Published: 29 November 2000

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