Currently in the UK, around 9.4 million people are registered as disabled – 18 percent of the population. By 2033 it is also predicted that 23 percent of the population will be over the age of 65. If you own a business or attraction it is important that, where possible, you implement measures to ensure that it is accessible to all, using a low energy door operator – as outlined by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
The DDA was introduced in 2004 to protect the rights of people with disabilities and states that businesses should make reasonable provisions to ensure that their premises are accessible and usable for anyone who needs them. Failure to comply with DDA legislation can result in significant consequences, with action potentially being brought by employees, visitors and local authorities.
You are therefore required to ensure that both able bodied and disabled persons have access to:
- Employment
- Public buildings, shops, leisure facilities, healthcare, housing and transport
- Public bodies such as the police
- Private clubs and their facilities
If you are seeking a cost effective method of complying with the Disability Discrimination Act, we would recommend that you automate the entrance doors to your premises. At RDS Doors, our skilled team of engineers can supply and install a range of low energy doors – which can be operated by both able bodied and disabled persons alike.
Each door incorporates an electric hydraulic unit, capable of providing controlled opening and closing of your doors at a speed which is safe for disabled users. Operation can be through a choice of door systems and depending on your requirements we can incorporate:
- Remote fobs
- Touchless pads
- Proximity access
- Touch sensitive handles
If you would like more information about installing a low energy door operator in your business, do not hesitate to contact our team. You can call 0845 226 2823 or drop us an email to hello@rds-doors.com.