Design standards

The main standards you are likely to use to assess the environment in an access audit are:

However, a wide range of other nationally recognised guidance and advice exists, much of which is actually

based on those two documents, but sets out the information in an alternative fashion. To name a handful,

this includes:

If you are auditing external environments or places that have a very specific theme, you may refer to other

guidance such as:

When finalising the client brief, make sure you agree the standards to which the audit will refer.

Audit tools

Before you undertake any access audits, your group will need to invest in certain equipment that will enable

you to gather data.

This should include the following:

tape measure (five metres at least)
spring balance/door pressure gauge
gradient level
digital camera

It may also be wise to invest in a light meter and an induction loop tester.

Some of the more specialised equipment is available for purchase from the

It may be possible to apply for grant from your local authority, charitable trust or other sources

to buy this equipment. See the section on Funding for further details.


Gradient levels are used to measure gradients of sloping surfaces, to ensure they meet the recommendation	Spring balances or door pressure gauges measure door opening force