BSIA: Guidance offered on Disability Discrimination Act compliance

Wednesday, 21 May 2008 12:00 AM

Many businesses still find Disability Discrimination Act compliance a minefield, particularly when it comes to allowing secure access to a building. However, a newly updated British Security Industry Association (BSIA) guide can assist businesses to comply with this essential piece of legislation.

The newly revised guide outlines the implications of the Act for access control systems, including common entry methods such as swipe cards and turnstiles. It provides a useful breakdown of the various types of access control equipment available and the degree to which they are likely to be compliant. It also gives basic advice on how current systems can be adapted to comply. The guide takes into account the fact that the Act applies not only to wheelchair access, but also to other disabilities including deafness and blindness.

BSIA Access Control Section Chairman, Nigel Smith, comments: "The Disability Discrimination Act is an important piece of legislation and businesses should review their compliance with the Act as part of their Health and Safety requirements. With such a wide variety of access control systems out there, many businesses find it difficult to work out how they can comply with the law and ensure their business is secure. This updated publication provides essential guidance on that area and has been revised to include the latest technological developments. I would advise businesses to review their DDA compliance in the light of this document and to work with a BSIA member to ensure they stay within the law."

To download the BSIA's 'Guide To Assist In Compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act' visit www.bsia.co.uk/publications. For more information on the BSIA Access Control Section, visit www.bsia.co.uk/accesscontrol.

Editor's Notes

The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its 570 members provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards. For more information see www.bsia.co.uk, email info@bsia.co.uk or telephone 0845 389 3889.

Press contact: Kiri Gray 0845 389 0755 k.gray@bsia.co.uk
Naomi Ocansey 0845 389 0741 n.ocansey@bsia.co.uk

Tags: