ABSTRACT
An audit survey, by its nature, is an assessment of the accessibility of an environment and its services, and so is best undertaken in a logical, sequential way. The audit survey follows the 'user journey sequence’ of arrival, entrance, circulation, facilities and exit. The audit survey involves a range of recording techniques, including quantitative measurement and observational assessment. A tape is an absolute essential for any audit. An instrument for measuring the gradient of a surface, for example a ramp, path or floor surface, is an invaluable time-saving tool. Door pressure gauges may need recalibrating against a known accurate gauge from time to time, particularly if spring-loaded. This helps to maintain accuracy of measurement. A digital camera is an incredibly useful tool for most auditors. Of more relevance to access auditors is an observational assessment of the degree of visual contrast, taking into account the effects of the ambient lighting.
