The Accessible Exit Sign Project in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Organisation

The Accessible Exit Sign Project

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 438 580 729

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25.01.2022 Webinar "Accessibility in Commercial Buildings", free online training offered by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers in the UK, Wed, Nov 15, 2017, https://www.cbuilde.com//accessibility-in-commercial-buil/ An interactive webinar looking at best practice when designing inclusive environments.

24.01.2022 Accessible Exit Sign Project discussed in the Netherlands. This idea is going global, which is great https://s-capeplus.com//lee-wilson-the-accessible-exit-si/

24.01.2022 Japan seeks installation of flashing fire alarms for people with hearing disabilities. The Japanese government has called on municipalities across the country to install visibly recognizable flashing fire alarms for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has asked local authorities to install more flashing fire alarms in public spaces such as stations, airports and welfare facilities. The introduction of such devices is still limited i...n Japan. Installation of fire detection devices including emergency bells is mandatory at such places as stations, airports, nursery homes for the elderly and care facilities for persons with disabilities above a certain size. But meeting the needs of those who cannot hear fire alarms has been a challenge, with visible fire alarms only introduced at a limited number of places including the international terminal of Tokyos Haneda airport and some welfare facilities. The flashing alarms, fitted on walls or ceilings, show blinking signs when they detect outbreaks of fire. In its first guideline compiled last autumn, the agency also called for introduction of the devices at commercial facilities visited by many people with hearing disabilities. It also recommends setting flashing alarms less than 10 meters above floor level and using white light so that those with color perception deficiencies can easily recognize alarm signs. Chieko Yamashita, 69-year-old chair of an association of the deaf in Tokyos Meguro Ward, expressed hope for further introduction of the devices. Yamashita, who has participated in an emergency drill with a flashing alarm, said, With strong flashing light, I immediately noticed that I needed to evacuate even though I was looking down. See more

23.01.2022 Should hotels provide smoke masks in each hotel room? For a few dollars each, it seems a small price to pay for the added safety they provide during an emergency in a smoke filled building. http://tinyurl.com/hqnecrk

23.01.2022 Evaluate the risk, understand the threats that the building or property in question may be exposed to and take reasonable steps to mitigate these risks.

22.01.2022 These are the references used in the FREE guidebook 'Evacuation of People with Disability & Emergency Limitations: Considerations for Safer Buildings & Efficient Evacuations'. They've been updated and re-listed on author's website. Probably the most comprehensive list of evacuation resources for people with disability. https://leewilson.com.au//disability-evacuation-bibliogra/

22.01.2022 A Swansea expert in Alzheimers disease is calling for better signs in shops and public buildings to direct people back from the toilets. Prof Andrea Tales said people with dementia can feel lost when faced with a corridor of blank doors. She said a simple arrow sticker on a door could help. Dementia Friendly Swansea said it was asking all 1,400 members of Swansea Bays Federation of Small Businesses to commit to taking this action. Prof Tales, from Swansea University, said t...hat while the way to toilets in shops, restaurants, hotels and leisure centres was often well signposted, on the way back "in far too many premises one opens the door to be faced by an Alice in Wonderland plethora of doors. "As there are often penalties for opening a fire door, it is hardly surprising that many people are afraid to open this door and remain transfixed until someone else enters the toilet." She said she began looking at the issue after meeting a confused and distressed elderly person in the toilets while out shopping. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-34994790 See more

21.01.2022 The FREE guidebook on evacuating people with disability from buildings has been updated over the last two years and the 2nd edition is now available to read online at Slideshare.net. Please share this around in your own networks, you can also download a PDF copy for free from https://accessibleexitsigns.com/evacuation-guide/. Did I mention it is FREE? (I think I did...) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share this, we need this sitting on the server of every workplace, printed and sitting in every fire wardens kit, and read by every employer, commercial building owner and employee with a disability. Thank you

21.01.2022 Accessible Exit Sign Project featured in Australian Lighting Magazine Feb/March 2017 #accessibleexitsigns https://accessibleexitsigns.com

21.01.2022 Universal Design Meets the Exit Sign. This presentation was part of the Universal Design Conference at Sydney Town Hall, Sydney, Australia, on 30-31 August 2016. http://www.slideshare.net//universal-design-meets-the-exit A critical part of planning for safe evacuations is providing clear wayfinding information for all occupants, with appropriate exit and emergency signage. This is currently not the case in Australia or overseas. In fact, the current approach to providing ex...it signs is very limited and does not consider the abilities or needs of all members of society. This can cause some people to experience confusion, or delays, or being directed to a non-accessible evacuation path during their evacuation. The initiative presents a solution to bridge this gap in current exit sign requirements and to help identify important accessible features that can be provided as part of enhanced evacuation strategies. This includes suitable signage to show accessible exit paths, safe refuge areas, emergency evacuation lifts and other evacuation devices in a consistent approach. This paper will present the case to support the use of these enhanced emergency and exit sign systems that adopt universal design principles. This approach is considered worlds best practice and can help provide a much safer and more inclusive built environment for everyone. Universal Design Meets the Exit Sign is an initiative of The Accessible Exit Sign Project. The Project is an international awareness campaign that promotes the need for an accessible evacuation route from all workplaces, public buildings, and transportation. See more

21.01.2022 Survey on the needs of wheelchair users in a disaster or emergency situation, by University of Pittsburgh, for the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, please complete this important survey https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abiPJx1GRJ5d0R7

21.01.2022 Come and Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/AccessibleExits

21.01.2022 "Outdated building regulations and licensing loopholes are placing hundreds of youngsters at potential risk from fire at high-rise childcare centres. Concerns over the hazards of trying to evacuate babies and toddlers from multistorey buildings in an emergency were first raised a decade ago but nothing has been done to address the problem. Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed that the risk of injury or death from fire was highest among children under six and the elderly." http://www.couriermail.com.au//6df8230f9f6d90114af9953694d

20.01.2022 In some parts of the world, it's not just about getting people with disabilities out of a building in an emergency, firstly, you have to be able to get in the building. Indias first accessibility audit of buildings and public places has not found a single completely accessible building for persons with disabilities, exposing terrible plight of persons with disabilities in the country. http://globalaccessibilitynews.com//indias-first-accessib/

18.01.2022 Free Online course: Introduction to Universal Design, 1hr to 2hr to complete

18.01.2022 Your chance to comment on the draft AS/NZS 2293 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings suite of standards. Time for a rethink of exit signs taking an inclusive design approach? #universaldesign http://tinyurl.com/meoyjbt

17.01.2022 NEW YORK: The United Arab Emirates has organised two panel discussions at the United Nations during its participation in the 10th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD, in cooperation with Dr. Victor Pineda, President of Pineda Foundation, World Enabled and GAATES. The panel focused on women, children, and adolescents, and disability in humanitarian emergencies and using information and communications technology, ICT, ...to promote innovation and inclusion in urban centres. The #UAE Permanent Mission to the UN organised a panel, titled, Access and Dignity Displaced: Women, Adolescents and Children with Disabilities in Humanitarian Emergencies with the Permanent Mission of #Norway to the UN and World Enabled. The discussion focused on gender and disability narratives in humanitarian planning and response, addressing the need for and delivery of services for persons that are most likely to be left behind.

17.01.2022 In some parts of the world, its not just about getting people with disabilities out of a building in an emergency, firstly, you have to be able to get in the building. Indias first accessibility audit of buildings and public places has not found a single completely accessible building for persons with disabilities, exposing terrible plight of persons with disabilities in the country. http://globalaccessibilitynews.com//indias-first-accessib/

16.01.2022 "Now What?" Read this of course! Its FREE and could help to save some lives https://accessibleexitsigns.com/evacuation-guide/

16.01.2022 Accessible Exit Sign Project features in Lighting Magazine, in the story 'Our Insurance Policy against Entrapment' (please note you need to sign in to read this story). http://lightingonline.rala.com.au/

15.01.2022 A brief article discussing what a building refuge area is, what it should include and how it can be made safer. Were seeing more and more refuge areas appearing in building designs now, and fire engineering reports often require them as part of the fire safety and egress strategy, but they need to be planned out well and designed to suit local accessibility requirements. https://sourceable.net/refuge-areas-the-elephant-in-the-fi/

15.01.2022 "Now What?" Read this of course! It's FREE and could help to save some lives https://accessibleexitsigns.com/evacuation-guide/

15.01.2022 Accessible Exit Signs now on Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_n/255-9907533-0384712

15.01.2022 This is an interesting use of wall graphics that actually highlight the location of the fire extinguishers in a building. A fun way to familiarise employees with the location of first response fire fighting equipment. All too often these get hidden away, obscured, blocked, put into cupboards etc. Lets get them proudly out on display for ease of use and identification. https://au.pinterest.com/pin/39406565468137696/

15.01.2022 A tragic event highlighting that exit doors, egress routes and signage are not clear for everyone: 71-year old becomes lost, trapped and dies in Westfield shopping centre stairwell exit. This should never happen. It also highlights that exits need to be logical, safe and monitored. "For Bernard Gore, becoming lost and trapped in the stairwell of a Westfield shopping centre proved fatal and his body lay undiscovered for three weeks." http://www.news.com.au//n/d06bc0b1917e88059015eab73e9c2867 Read more about accessible exits at www.universaldesignmeetstheexitsign.com

14.01.2022 Accessible Exit Sign Project featured in Australian Lighting Magazine Feb/March 2017 #accessibleexitsigns https://accessibleexitsigns.com

14.01.2022 Msg from Lee Wilson, founder of the Accessible Exit Sign Project: "Im releasing the 2nd edition of my self-published evacuation guidebook for people with disability in 10 days. It is still going to be totally FREE to download. I have some limited advertising space available in the book. Please contact me for details. This is an update of the first copy released in 2014 as a free PDF download. It has been tweaked up and over 40 pages added. This is the only such guidebook av...ailable in Australia. If you would like to advertise on the inside cover, back cover or across the centre pages please message me for details. Anyone interested in this opportunity can receive an extract of the book, including the Table of Contents and a few random pages so you can see the new layout. First in best dressed. The advertising will remain in place throughout future editions too. Read more here - https://leewilson.com.au//evacuation-guidebook-sponsorshi/" See more

13.01.2022 Watch it burn: 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London. On Sunday 4th September an enormous structure representing the 17th century London skyline was set alight as it floated on the river Thames. London 1666 commemorates the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London and was designed by artist David Best, in collaboration with Artichoke. Part of the Londons Burning Festival. The reason for the start of building surveying as a profession! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o47qgPvXAyUShow less

12.01.2022 Disability Inclusive Disaster Preparedness in NSW: Enabling Local Community Resilience Through Collaboration

12.01.2022 A Swansea expert in Alzheimer's disease is calling for better signs in shops and public buildings to direct people back from the toilets. Prof Andrea Tales said people with dementia can feel lost when faced with a corridor of blank doors. She said a simple arrow sticker on a door could help. Dementia Friendly Swansea said it was asking all 1,400 members of Swansea Bay's Federation of Small Businesses to commit to taking this action. Prof Tales, from Swansea University, said t...hat while the way to toilets in shops, restaurants, hotels and leisure centres was often well signposted, on the way back "in far too many premises one opens the door to be faced by an 'Alice in Wonderland' plethora of doors. "As there are often penalties for opening a fire door, it is hardly surprising that many people are afraid to open this door and remain transfixed until someone else enters the toilet." She said she began looking at the issue after meeting a confused and distressed elderly person in the toilets while out shopping. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-34994790 See more

11.01.2022 Accessible Exit Sign Project features in Lighting Magazine, in the story Our Insurance Policy against Entrapment (please note you need to sign in to read this story). http://lightingonline.rala.com.au/

11.01.2022 Are we fully considering the needs of persons of limited ability in relation to emergency egress from buildings? http://www.accessconsultancy.ie/Needs-of-persons-of-limited

06.01.2022 The review comes at a time when the country is bracing itself against an imminent terrorist attack the nature of emergency evacuation in the United Kingdom is changing. Disabled people are more visible in the community today, the need for service providers to develop evacuation plan for disabled people has increased in importance.

06.01.2022 These are the references used in the FREE guidebook Evacuation of People with Disability & Emergency Limitations: Considerations for Safer Buildings & Efficient Evacuations. Theyve been updated and re-listed on authors website. Probably the most comprehensive list of evacuation resources for people with disability. https://leewilson.com.au//disability-evacuation-bibliogra/

06.01.2022 Deaf Auckland University student left alone during fire drill. PEEPs, GEEPs and visual alarms would have helped to reduce the chance of this happening - http://www.stuff.co.nz//Deaf-Auckland-University-student-l

05.01.2022 A very interesting article by FeuerTRUTZ. I believe at some point, Dynamic Exit Signs, and Accessible Exit Signs (see https://universaldesignmeetstheexitsign.com) will come together to create the ultimate emergency escape wayfinding system. Exciting times, some great work being done in this emerging area. http://feuertrutz.com/optical-dynamic-escape-rout//40102/

04.01.2022 Msg from Lee Wilson, founder of the Accessible Exit Sign Project: "I'm releasing the 2nd edition of my self-published evacuation guidebook for people with disability in 10 days. It is still going to be totally FREE to download. I have some limited advertising space available in the book. Please contact me for details. This is an update of the first copy released in 2014 as a free PDF download. It has been tweaked up and over 40 pages added. This is the only such guidebook av...ailable in Australia. If you would like to advertise on the inside cover, back cover or across the centre pages please message me for details. Anyone interested in this opportunity can receive an extract of the book, including the Table of Contents and a few random pages so you can see the new layout. First in best dressed. The advertising will remain in place throughout future editions too. Read more here - https://leewilson.com.au//evacuation-guidebook-sponsorshi/" See more

04.01.2022 Accessible Exit Sign Project features in Lighting Magazine, in the story 'Our Insurance Policy against Entrapment' (please note you need to sign in to read this story). http://lightingonline.rala.com.au/

03.01.2022 Keep your smoke hoods and emergency escape masks nice and safe and ready to go! https://www.redbubble.com//450038-smoke-hood-location-safe

03.01.2022 Emergency Readiness for People with Disabilities: "For the 57 million Americans with disabilities, medical emergencies and natural disasters present real challenges. 571 million Americans have a disability, and anyone can be at risk for developing or acquiring one in their lifetime through illness, injury, or aging. People with disabilities may face barriers to everyday activities, such as reading small print, understanding instructions, getting to places or hearing what is said." http://www.cdc.gov/features/emergencypreparedness/

03.01.2022 Everything you need to know about evacuation chairs https://lnkd.in/bJ8eZCZ And if you want to read a lot more about the pros and cons of evac chairs please read this - https://lnkd.in/bMwRsFk

03.01.2022 The Fire Safety Engineering Group of the University of Greenwich is conducting a study to improve their understanding of how people interpret exit signs within buildings and hence improve building safety measures and design. Please complete this survey "Alternative Designs for Exit Signage Survey", it takes only a few minutes of your time. https://fseg.gre.ac.uk/surveys/projects/index.php

02.01.2022 JFK airport evacuated: Panic and confusion over reports of a shooter and gunshots fired

02.01.2022 A brief article discussing what a building 'refuge area' is, what it should include and how it can be made safer. We're seeing more and more refuge areas appearing in building designs now, and fire engineering reports often require them as part of the fire safety and egress strategy, but they need to be planned out well and designed to suit local accessibility requirements. https://sourceable.net/refuge-areas-the-elephant-in-the-fi/

02.01.2022 Your chance to comment on the draft AS/NZS 2293 'Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings' suite of standards. Time for a rethink of exit signs taking an inclusive design approach? #universaldesign http://tinyurl.com/meoyjbt

01.01.2022 Fire Safety & Disabilities Guide: "According to FEMA, each year approximately 17,500 people are injured and 3,400 die because of fire. There are dangers associated with fire for everyone, but people with disabilities face unique challenges in these emergencies. As FEMA notes, people with disabilities may have more difficulty escaping during a fire. In addition, some disabilities may prevent them from taking actions ahead of time without the help of a caregiver, friend, or relative." http://www.improvenet.com/a/fire-safety-and-disabilities-gu