How to ensure Equality Act compliance for site access

To comply with the Equality Act 2010, you must make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure disabled customers are not at a substantial disadvantage when using your services. The core requirement is to proactively identify physical barriers on your site—such as steps, narrow doorways, or high keypads—and take practical steps to remove or bypass them.

Understanding ‘Reasonable Adjustments’

The law doesn't expect you to bankrupt your new business to install gold-standard lifts. What is “reasonable” depends on the size of your business, your budget, and the layout of your premises. However, you cannot simply ignore accessibility because it feels difficult. You should aim to make your facility as inclusive as possible from day one.

Key Areas for Review

When walking through your facility, look at the journey from the car park to the storage unit through the eyes of someone with limited mobility or a sensory impairment. Focus on these specific areas:

• Entry Systems and Ramps: Ensure that any security keypads or intercoms are installed at a height accessible to wheelchair users (usually between 900mm and 1200mm). If your facility has steps, you must provide a permanent or sturdy portable ramp with a non-slip surface.
• Doorways and Corridors: Check that main entrance doors and internal corridors are wide enough for a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Aim for a clear opening width of at least 800mm. If doors are heavy, consider installing a stay-open mechanism or an automatic closer.
• Accessible Storage Units: You don't need every unit to be accessible, but you should have a designated selection of units on the ground floor or near the main entrance. These units should have plenty of space in front of them for a wheelchair to turn around and, ideally, feature easy-to-operate door latches.
• Clear Signage: Use high-contrast colours (e.g., white text on a dark blue background) and large, clear fonts for all facility signs. This helps customers with visual impairments navigate the site safely.

Actionable Tips

Small changes often make the biggest difference. Here are a few best practices to keep your site compliant and welcoming:

“Accessibility is a journey, not a destination. Regularly ask for feedback from customers to see if there are small tweaks you can make to improve their experience.”

• Level Thresholds: Even a small 2cm lip on a doorway can be a major hurdle. Use small threshold ramps to smooth out these transitions.
• Lighting: Ensure all communal areas and unit corridors are well-lit. This is vital for safety and helps people with visual impairments navigate more confidently.
• Staff Training: Ensure that anyone working on-site understands how to assist a customer with a disability without being patronising. This includes knowing where the portable ramps are kept and how to operate any specialised access equipment.

By conducting a thorough walk-through and documenting the adjustments you have made (or why certain adjustments weren't feasible), you create a ‘reasonable adjustment record’. This is a powerful document to have should your compliance ever be questioned.