BC171, Brambles Chine – Moorton’s Retreat

ACCESS STATEMENT FOR 171 BRAMBLES CHINE

FEBRUARY 2020

This statement has been prepared to help those with disabilities to assess whether these premises will be accessible to them.

171 Brambles Chine is a self catering, single storey bungalow on a relatively level site.  The site has a reception approximately 70 metres from the bungalow which has level access.  Staff are happy to assist with practical needs during normal working hours although they do not have any special training with dealing with specific requirements.

The site is approximately 4km from the Yarmouth vehicle/passenger ferry from where taxies are usually available and is approximately 800m from the nearest bus stop.  Vehicular access to the site is practical although via an unadopted road which is in variable condition. The site has a small shop for everyday needs and an access ramp can be supplied on request although the approach is over an area which is not tarmacked.

The bungalow is set back approximately 4 metres from a tarmacked road across grass and has parking for one car next to the bungalow.

Access to the bungalow is up one step- a wheelchair ramp is available on request. The minimum door width in the bungalow is 74cm.

There is an audio smoke alarm

The bungalow is level within and has a shower over the bath.  No special facilities other than those indicated are provided.

Pets are not accepted with the exception of Guide dogs

Access to the beach is via a steep slipway

                                                                               RISK ASSESSMENT FOR BC171 BRAMBLES CHINE

                                                                                                                 FEBRUARY 2020

Brambles Chine 171 is a 2-bedroom holiday bungalow belonging to Mrs Verna Moorton.  It is generally of sound construction of non- combustible materials.

It has a floor area of just under 40 sq m and the main entrance is in the lounge/kitchen via a double glazed door which opens outwards. This would be the main exit in the event of a fire and is considered satisfactory as it is on the opposite side to the kitchen where a fire is most likely to occur.  Persons in the room would therefore be moving away from the source of the fire.  Additional exits are via the main, side opening windows in the bedrooms.  These are considered to be useable by all but the infirm, disabled or elderly. Although such persons may use the bungalow it is noted that it is predominantly hired by young/middle aged couples with children and therefore it is not considered worth the expense of installing a second fire exit.

The bungalow has a general purpose dry powder fire extinguisher in a purpose made bracket firmly attached to the wall near the cooker in the kitchen area.  There is also a fire blanket and these were both checked in February 2020 and both were deemed to be satisfactory. A torch is kept in the kitchen area on a hook so that it is visible in case of an emergency with the lighting within the property and new batteries are inserted on a regular basis. The gas cooker is run from the main supply and it has electric ignition to all burners.  All the connections appeared to be in good order.

A smoke alarm is installed in the kitchen/lounge area in the ceiling near the door to the bedroom area and the CO2 detector is on top of a kitchen unit near to the cooker and the water heater.  The batteries are checked on a regular basis and new ones installed when necessary.

The soft furnishings in the lounge were found to be compliant with the fire safety regulations 1988 whilst those in the bedrooms were compliant with the 1991 regulations to BS 7177.

All portable electrical fittings were PAT tested in February 2020 and have in date PAT test labels.  The gas water heater was also tested in February 2020.

It has been suggested that the artex used on the ceilings may contain some form of asbestos.  Although this cannot be verified a specialist contractor will be engaged should any work be required on the ceiling.

Verna Moorton

Owner of BC171