Not everything you need to know will be provided on a plan. Therefore it is useful to use a checklist when viewing plans to remind you of the types of things you need to ask about. The list below is not exhaustive, but you can use it at a starting point, and add to it as you become more experienced with reading plans.

Site layout

Accessible parking spaces

• marked
• reserved
• number provided

Access from parking/setting down or pedestrian route to entrance

• distances
• changes in level, dropped kerbs
• awkward surfaces
• path widths
• lighting at night
• sloping sites – does this make some entrances inaccessible?
• accessible entrance – is this the principal entrance?

Approach to building

Ramps

• gradient
• non-slip surface
• edging
• handrails that are continuous, easy to grip, and extend at top and bottom
• level platform at top clear of door swings

External steps

• sizes of treads and risers
• non-slip finish
• handrails that are continuous, easy to grip, and extend at top and bottom

Hazards

• routes alongside building
• projections
• window bays
• stair landings
• outward-opening doors

Getting inside

Thresholds

• levels immediately outside and inside

Visual contrast

• door/facade
• fittings on door

Doors

• clear opening widrh
• revolving – remove wherever possible, but where they already exist, add alternative access doors nearby
• automatic – how are they controlled?
• hinged – possible finger traps
• sliding
• protection
• door handles – type, height, position

Lobbies

• clear outer space between inner and outer doors when opened
• weather mat – if provided, should be flush with floor surface, and easy to travel across
• transitional lighting

Entrance hall/foyer

• routes to key elements – reception, lifts, stairs
• waiting space
• non-slip surfaces, even when wet, as next to entrance door

General

Floors

• all fully accessible?
• lift to lower/upper floors
• changes in level within a storey – possible provision of short-rise platform lift in existing building if ramp and steps are not possible
• provision and distribution of facilities such as WCs, especially if no lift

Circulation

• circulation routes, widths and clear spaces, especially doorways, bends, junctions
• wayfinding and signage

Levels

• within corridors
• within floors – mezzanine, raised seating areas (such as in restaurants)

Plan in detail

Stairs

• size of treads and risers
• intermediate landings
• warning at top and bottom
• highlighted nosings
• handrails – continuous, easy to grip, extending top and bottom, smooth transition at return flight, visual contrast
• refuge areas

Scope for stairlift installation

• wheelchair platform/seat only
• width of stair and landing
• transfer space, top and bottom

Doors

• clear opening widths, depending on type of door and corridor width
• adequate approach, awkward door swings
• glazing where vision is important, correct height
• handles, controls – height and type
• visual contrast – frame against the wall, and fittings against the door

Lifts

• internal size
• clear opening at doors
• space on landing
• controls – positions and type, door closing, lift coming, call buttons, visual/audible/tactile

Sanitary facilities

• distribution – travel distance, unisex, shared, standard provision, accessible, for ambulant disabled people, independent/assisted use, baby changing
• detailed layout
• clear dimensions
• grabrails – heights, positions, relationship of basin to WC
• door outward-opening
• awkward projections into space

Controls

• switches, call buttons, socket outlets
• positioning – for height and reach
• door control
• telephones
• security
• lighting
• induction loops

Windows

• type – appropriate to user
• sill heights
• horizontal divisions at seated viewing height
• controls – electric or manual opening
• curtains