EDF-ANEC webinar on accessibility standards for the built environment



EDF-ANEC webinar on accessibility standards for the built environment

On 14 September EDF together with ANEC held a webinar with the aim of understanding the basics of the European standards on the accessibility and usability of the built environment. During the webinar, participants could learn how to use these standards to advocate for accessibility of the built environment as well as how to get involved in the upcoming standardisation developments in this domain.

After the welcoming introduction of Alejandro Moledo, EDF Deputy Director & Head of Policy, Chiara Giovannini, ANEC Senior Manager Policy & Innovation Deputy Secretary-General set the scene concerning the accessibility standards for the built environment.

Chiara Giovannini, ANEC Senior Manager Policy & Innovation Deputy Secretary-General
Chiara Giovannini, ANEC Senior Manager Policy & Innovation Deputy Secretary-General

Looking back 15 years ago, Ms Giovannini explained the origin of the European Commission Mandate 420 with the aim of having a European standard on the accessibility of the built environment harmonizing national standards with similar or conflicting requirements. Besides, Ms Giovannini reminded that a European standard could also be useful in cross-border situations.

Monika Klenovec, architect and access consultant
Monika Klenovec, architect and access consultant

After the introductory remarks, explained the European Standard 17210, adopted last year as the main result of Mandate 420. She made a clear distinction between functional and technical requirements: whereas the functional requirements state the outcome they aim for (for example, stairs should include handrails), the technical requirements include specific measurements (for example, the handrail must be located with a minimum clear space of 40 mm from an adjacent wall or other obstruction). Whereas the EN 17210 includes functional requirements, the Technical Report 17621 does contain recommended specifications fulfilling the requirements of the standard.

Ms Klenovec was the project team leader for the development of EN 17210 and she explained its basic structure and stated that “it’s a unique standard that supports the implementation of accessibility and usability of the built environment”. According to Ms Klenovec the EN 17210 is based on the design for all concept having a new comprehensive approach dealing with the full range of the built environment. During her presentation she gave all sort of examples which illustrated all the areas of the built environment that this standard covers.

Isabella Steffan, Architect and Ergonomist, member of the Technical Committee responsible for EN 81-70 and EN 17210 focused her presentation on the accessibility requirements of lifts, included in EN 81-70. This standard supports the implementation of Directive 2014/33/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to lifts and safety components for lifts, which requires lifts to be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Isabella Steffan, Architect and Ergonomist
Isabella Steffan, Architect and Ergonomist

She underlined that ANEC made an appeal to the European Standardization Organizations CEN and CENELEC to ensure that the requirement of visual contrast of the lift controls would be in line with international standards and respecting the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She underlined the need for current standards to include requirements based on a Design For All approach in order to “cover as many possibly needs for persons with disabilities”.

Ms Giovannini presented the standardization request derived from the European Accessibility Act, which includes the revision of EN 17210.  Mr Moledo concluded the webinar with some tips on how disability organizations and activists can make use of these standards.

  • To know their existence and promote them so private and public entities refer to them when procuring new buildings.
  • Use them to call the governments to update the national buildings codes or the national law regulating the accessibility to the built environment.
Alejandro Moledo, EDF Deputy Director & Head of Policy and Chiara Giovannini, ANEC Senior Manager Policy & Innovation Deputy Secretary-General
Alejandro Moledo, EDF Deputy Director & Head of Policy and Chiara Giovannini, ANEC Senior Manager Policy & Innovation Deputy Secretary-General

Mr Moledo concluded this webinar by saying that “it’s important that we get involved in standardisation in collaboration with ANEC to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities and consumers are heard when these technical standards are discussed”.


Documents

Presentation: ANEC- EDF webinar access built environment 2022