1.14 When installing the terminal, ensure that users can get to it along an unobstructed path and operate it from a stable position

The path to the terminal must be free from obstacles such as steps, bins or signage that would obstruct the progress of users who are either walking or using a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or motorised buggy. This includes the path into any room or area containing the terminal. The user should be able to operate the terminal from a clear, flat area large enough to manoeuvre mobility aids such as a wheelchair or buggy.

Provide a clear access path

Provide a clear access path
Ensure easy access to the device for people using wheelchairs, buggies or mobility aids.

Rationale

" Often it is things in the environment around it that cause the problem. Sometimes there are steps up to an ATM. Or it could be the height of the pavement, bins or other things around the terminal which mean you can't get at it. People who design these things have to realise that you have to take the whole lot into account. " - wheelchair user

Users with restricted mobility who use wheelchairs, motorised buggies or walking frames may have difficulty getting around obstacles placed in the path to the terminal. Steps can cause particularly severe or insurmountable problems. In order to operate the terminal they will have to manoeuvre themselves to be close enough to it. Then when they have finished they will have to manoeuvre themselves out again, preferably without having to go backwards.

" Some ATMs are on a ramp which is good but if the part next to the machine is sloping you might need one hand to prevent the wheelchair rolling so you've only got one hand left to operate the machine. " - wheelchair user

Having reached the terminal, users will need a stable platform from which to operate it.

Directions and Techniques

Provide a shallow ramp rather than steps

If it is necessary to raise the operating area above normal street or floor level, provide a ramp with a maximum slope of 6%.

Provide a clear, level operating area large enough to turn a wheelchair or buggy

Provide a clear area of 1.5 metres radius directly in front of the terminal with a floor surface that is level in a direction parallel to the facia of the terminal. The gradient of any crossfall should not exceed 1 in 20.

  Wheelchair clearance and turning circle

Wheelchair clearance and turning circle
A wheelchair user requires a corridor of 0.9m in width to access a device and a minimum of 1.5m to make a complete turn comfortably.

Refer to anthropometrical data

Refer to appropriate physical design guidelines or building accessibility guidelines. The United Nations have a useful set of anthropometrical data covering required path dimensions for wheelchairs.

How you could check for this:

There are no specific test methods recommended for this guideline.