What Happens During a Disability Access Risk Assessment? A Step by Step Guide
If you have been told your business needs a Disability Access Risk Assessment, you are probably asking the same question. What actually gets checked, and what does the process involve?
At The HSRA, we carry out Disability Access Risk Assessments across a wide range of premises. Unlike standard safety assessments, this is not just about reducing risk. It is about ensuring your building is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the requirements of the Equality Act.
This guide explains exactly what happens during a Disability Access Risk Assessment, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Step 1. Understanding Your Building and Its Users
Every assessment starts with understanding how your premises are used. The assessor will look at the type of building, whether that is a dental practice, office, gym or retail unit. They will also consider who uses the space, including staff, visitors, patients or residents, and whether vulnerable users may be present.
Accessibility depends on the people using the building. What works for one environment may not work for another, so this context is essential.
Step 2. External Access and Approach
The first physical checks focus on how people approach and access your building from outside. This includes parking arrangements, disabled bays, access routes, pathways, kerbs, and lighting. The entrance itself is also considered at this stage.
Common issues include a lack of step free access, poorly maintained pathways, and unclear signage. In many cases, barriers exist before someone even reaches the door.
Step 3. Entrances and Building Access
The next stage looks at how easy it is to enter the building. The assessor will review door widths, ease of opening, thresholds, and whether there are automatic or assisted door systems. Intercom systems and reception access may also be considered.
Typical findings include heavy doors, narrow access points, and unclear entry signage. If someone cannot enter independently or safely, this is a significant accessibility concern.
Step 4. Internal Movement and Navigation
Once inside, the focus shifts to how easily people can move around. Corridors, walkways, layout, stairways, handrails, and lifts are all reviewed. The assessor is looking for anything that may restrict movement or create difficulty.
This is particularly important for wheelchair users, individuals with mobility issues, and people with visual impairments. Even small obstacles or poor layout can create real barriers.
Step 5. Facilities for Disabled Users
Facilities are a key part of any Disability Access Risk Assessment. The assessor will review disabled toilets, layout and accessibility, alarm pull cords, and temperature controls to prevent scalding.
Common issues include toilets being used for storage, restricted access, or missing and non functional alarm systems. Facilities may be present, but still fail to meet required standards.
Step 6. Signage and Communication Systems
Accessibility is not just physical. Communication plays a huge role. The assessor will review the clarity and visibility of signage, availability of accessible formats, hearing induction loop systems, and both visual and audible alarm systems.
Typical gaps include poor signage, lack of support for hearing impaired users, and unclear emergency communication. These issues can make environments difficult or unsafe to navigate.
Step 7. Emergency Evacuation for Disabled Users
Emergency planning is one of the most critical areas and is often overlooked. The assessor will review evacuation procedures for disabled users, the accessibility of escape routes, availability of evacuation aids, and the effectiveness of alarm systems.
They will also check whether plans are documented and whether staff understand their roles. Many buildings have evacuation procedures, but they do not properly account for disabled individuals.
Step 8. Staff Training and Awareness
Accessibility is not just about the building. It is also about how your team responds. The assessor will review disability awareness training, staff understanding of procedures, and training around assisting disabled users and evacuation.
Common issues include no formal training, lack of awareness, and inconsistent approaches. Even well designed environments can fail if staff are not prepared.
Step 9. Accessibility Policies and Procedures
The assessor will also review how accessibility is managed at a policy level. This includes Equality and Disability policies, evidence of reasonable adjustments, and procedures for supporting visitors and service users.
A common finding is that policies either do not exist or are not actively used within the business.
Step 10. Identifying Barriers to Access
At this stage, all findings are brought together. The assessor will identify physical barriers, procedural gaps, communication issues, and overall risks to equal access.
Many of these issues are not immediately obvious. Smaller problems often combine to create significant accessibility challenges.
Step 11. Risk Assessment and Recommendations
Each issue identified is assessed and prioritised. Your report will outline the barriers found, who may be affected, and the actions required. It will also provide practical recommendations to improve accessibility in a realistic and achievable way.
Step 12. Final Report and Next Steps
Following the assessment, all findings are documented in a clear and structured report. This will give you a full understanding of your current level of accessibility, guidance on meeting legal expectations, and a roadmap for improvement.
Reports are typically issued within 48 hours once payment has been received.
Important. It Is Not a Pass or Fail
A Disability Access Risk Assessment is not about passing or failing. It is a review of your current accessibility, a way to identify barriers, and a practical guide to making improvements. It reflects conditions on the day and should be reviewed regularly as your premises or services evolve.
How to Prepare for Your Disability Access Risk Assessment
Preparation helps ensure the process runs smoothly. Make sure all areas of the building are accessible, gather any relevant documentation, and have a responsible person available on site. It is also helpful to ensure external areas and facilities can be reviewed without restriction.
If anything is missing, it will be recorded along with clear recommendations.
Need a Disability Access Risk Assessment?
At The HSRA, we carry out Disability Access Risk Assessments across the UK. We help businesses understand where they stand, identify barriers, and take practical steps to improve accessibility.
If you would like a quote or want to discuss your requirements, get in touch with the team today.