Access Plan

Access Facilitation Plan

Version 1.1 – April 2018

The wellbeing of passengers and visitors to Launceston Airport is one of our highest priorities. We seek to ensure that the terminal facilities will provide an accessible and friendly environment for all users.

We hope the following information will help make your visit to our terminal a pleasant and enjoyable experience whether you are travelling, farewelling or meeting your loved ones.

Launceston Airport has a commitment to assist all of our visitors and comply with the relevant Disability Discrimination Act legislation. The airport’s Access Facilitation Plan seeks to accommodate the recommendations of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development 2015 review of Disability Access Facilitation Plans and recently issued guidance from the Australia Airports Association.

In reviewing our processes, as well as referencing written material the airport has consulted with a number of advocacy groups and consultants who are specialist in their field, and formed a working group towards a goal of providing comprehensive information on facilities and services, including recent upgrades and enhancements, that will assist persons with access difficulties or specific access requirements to use and transit the airport.

Those consulted in the development of the initial Launceston Airport Access Facilitation Plan and its subsequent updates; include, but are not limited to:

• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (2015 Review)
• The Civil Aviation Safety Authority
• SelfHelp Workplace
• Paraquad Tasmania
• Australian Airports Association - Airport Practice Note 10 – Considerations for Improving Disability Access at Airports
• Tasmanian Premiers Disability Advisory Committee
• Australian Human Rights Commission Advocacy Tasmania
• Physical Disability Australia Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc.
• Citizen Advocacy Launceston Region Inc.

Launceston Airport’s Access Facilitation Plan seeks to be compliant with relevant Acts and Australian Standards including regulated requirements with; and by the following:

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates the safety of the aviation industry in Australia.

It administers the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 as well as numerous pieces of delegated legislation to ensure the aviation industry in Australia is safe and compliant with international safety standards.

International Standards for Disability Access to Aviation – including:

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

Australia is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization, which maintains a set of Standards and Recommended Practices in relation to the facilitation of the transport of passengers requiring assistance related to disability.

Airports Council International (ACI)

The Airports Council International is the only global trade representative of the world’s airports. Established in 1991, ACI represents airports interests with Governments and international organisations such as ICAO, develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports, including guidance material for airport operators on “Airports & Persons with Disability”.

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 sought to protect people with disabilities through complaints-based legislation. The DDA also covers people with a disability who may be discriminated against. The DDA and accompanying legislation seeks to eliminate discrimination “as far as possible” against people with a disability and recognises that it may not be possible for airline and airport operators to fully accommodate the needs of travellers with disability in every circumstance and makes appropriate provisions for this in certain situations. It is envisaged that over time, as infrastructure is improved or redesigned and technology improves, operators will ensure that their practices and infrastructure are aligned with the DDA. The needs of people with disabilities can be anticipated to permit delivery for a positive customer experience outcome, which is equitable and accessible to all patrons.

Including:

• Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards)
• Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards)
• Building Code of Australia (BCA)

Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (DoIRD)

The Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has appointed an Airport Building Controller (ABC) at each leased federal airport. The ABC is responsible for ensuring that construction and building activities including for example, new buildings, terminals, shop fit-outs and civil works activities at leased airports meet the appropriate building and engineering standards, in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and relevant disability requirements. The Department has recently conducted a review of Disability Access Facilitation Plans and has issued guidance to assist in their preparation and review and templates for airport operators.

Australian Airports Association (AAA)

The Australian Airports Association represents the interests of more than 260 airports and aerodromes Australia-wide, facilitating cooperation between members and contributing to an air transport system that is safe secure and environmentally responsible for all Australians and visitors. The AAA in February 2016 published Airport Practice Note 10 (Considerations For Improving Disability Access at Airports).

While works are constantly being undertaken within the terminal and surrounds, further improvements for persons with a condition that may restrict mental, sensory, or mobility functions continue to be a priority.

Our previous improvements included:

• Improvement to accessible car parking, with additional spaces which are larger and in close proximity to terminal entrance and exits.
• Upgrade of tactile hazard and directional indicators.
• Provision of additional and improved directional signage.
• Terminal space expansion with wider seating capacity and improved access into retail areas.
• Introduction of non-slip matting to airside corridors. Introduction of a departure hall baggage repack bench.
• Provision of undercover walkways linking the Northern Long-term carpark (LTCP 1), the Undercover carpark and the terminals.
• Improved ramp access into the Sharp Airlines terminal building and installation of a sliding door.
• Accessible toilet improvements including widened doorways, toilet seats, handrail installation, amendment to sink heights.
• General public toilets enhancements in the terminal including upgraded sanitary-ware and seats, improved sink heights, sensor activated taps, extended cubicle lengths and installation of coat hooks.

To ensure that continual improvement in accessibility occurs, Launceston Airport undertakes ongoing consultation with local Access Advocacy Groups.

As part of our ongoing commitment, some of our most recent improvements are:-

• Terminal reconfiguration allowing wider access to retails areas
• Installation of shower facilities and accessible toilets at the departure end of the terminal
• Touch-free flushing sensor and hands-free tapware installed in upgraded toilets
• Installation of rocker-switches to all lighting points in accessible toilets
• Relocation of baggage trolley dispensers along terminal frontage for easier visibility and access on arrival
• Introduction of Qantaslink Q-Ramp to assist with boarding and disembarkation on the Dash 8-400 aircraft for those with reduced mobility
• ‘Designated’ accessible seating placed close to the boarding gate to assist in easier access when boarding the aircraft
• Designated accessible seating identifier applied to seating in the arrivals hall, check in hall and departure lounge.
• Jetstar trialling the use of a ‘Star-Lifter’ device providing greater capacity for transfer of persons with reduced mobility and equipment between the ground and the aircraft door.

For additional information on what services and assistance is available at Launceston Airport please contact Airport Management via the following methods:

Phone - (03) 6391 6222

Email - [email protected]

Postal - PO Box 1220, Launceston Tasmania 7250

Feedback

Launceston Airport appreciates feedback that will assist us to further improve the service we provide to the travelling public. Comments can be emailed to – [email protected]

Should you not be satisfied with any aspect of the service provided by Launceston Airport, feedback can be emailed to [email protected] provided by phone call (03) 6391 6222 to our airport management or to the airport management office Reception area on Level 1 of the terminal building, which can be accessed by lift.

Website

Launceston airport has been working closely with our web-page designers and in 2015 upgrades were applied to structural elements and site content of the website to comply with W3C recommendation Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.0.

These cover a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible for users. The guidelines are intended to make content accessible to a wider range of people, including those with blindness or low-vision, deafness and hearing loss, learning difficulties, cognitive limitations, limited movement, speech difficulties, photosensitivity and combinations thereof.

The updated DAFP when published on the airport website will provide the facility to listen to the text via an audio playback facility, by means of a clickable icon.

It is important to recognise that different airports and airlines will have differing levels of facilitation and service.

This AFP aims to provide you information on the range of assistance measures, as specifically provided at Launceston Airport. If, following review of the document, you have requirements that are not listed, please contact Launceston Airport to enable us to investigate the facilitation of your needs. If you require assistance to board or disembark from an aircraft, or whilst you are onboard, please discuss this with your airline or travel agent when making your reservation, so that relevant information may be incorporated within your booking. It is important to note that information contained within your booking is only visible to the airline staff or travel agent and not to other airport staff. The airlines will make the necessary arrangements for wheelchair assistance onto and off the aircraft or provide a suitable location on the aircraft to manage assistance animals such as guide dogs. For details on the range of assistance measures provided by your airline please review the airlines “Access Facilitation Plans” which are located on their individual websites which are listed in the next section under "Contacts". This includes individual airline policies relating to the damage or loss of mobility aids and any passenger booking restrictions applied by individual carriers.

All airlines are able to assist with most requirements. Please contact the airline you are travelling with in order to ensure you and the airline are both well informed on the best way to accommodate any needs. Airline websites are listed below.

For example: Sharp Airlines are able to facilitate the carriage of seeing eye / companion dogs and can cater for passengers who require the carriage of medical oxygen.

For further facilities available and for Sharp Airlines to be able to assist with your requirements please contact Sharp Airlines direct on (03) 6391 8954 or through their website at www.sharpairlines.com

If you do have specific needs, please provide Launceston Airport or the relevant airline, as appropriate, with a minimum notice of 48 hours; (this will vary with some airlines) to ensure assistance is made available, or to allow an alternative procedure to be arranged. Late notice may not allow Launceston Airport or the airlines sufficient time to arrange assistance in some situations.

• Qantas – www.qantas.com.au
• Jetstar – www.jetstar.com
• Virgin – www.virginaustralia.com.au
• Sharp Airlines – www.sharpairlines.com
• Launceston Airport – www.launcestonairport.com.au

If you require public transport assistance to and from the airport, please contact the Airport Shuttle Bus or Taxi Combined as detailed below:

Launceston Airport Shuttle Bus (operated by Tasmania2Go)
[email protected]
Phone - 0488 200 700

As part of the Launceston Airporter fleet, they have available a wheel chair accessibility bus (rear lift rather than ramp). Bookings are required for this with 48 hours’ notice and are accepted subject to confirmation of booking.

The driver is able to assist with loading wheelchairs and luggage.

Taxi Combined www.taxicombined.com

Phone – 131 008

When booking your taxi, please ensure you inform the operator of all requirements.

It is the responsibility of the airlines to provide direct assistance to their passengers when they have been appropriately notified and advised that specific assistance is required.

Airline provided assistance may commence upon the passengers arrival at the check-in desks, depending on the arrangements confirmed with the airline prior to travel.

Further to this, passengers are encouraged to enquire in advance regarding any restrictions which apply for carry-on and checked baggage, including particular requirements

or conditions which might apply for the transportation of equipment, including the preferred time of arrival prior to flight departure.

Wheelchairs are available to assist passengers as they move through the terminal. These services are provided by the airlines and it is recommended passengers contact their airline to ensure this service is available. The design and availability of these varies between airlines. In the majority of cases these allow passengers to remain in the airline wheelchair including during the boarding and disembarking of the aircraft.

Please note: Generally, passengers who use wheelchairs for mobility are able to take their own wheelchair to the boarding gate. However, this procedure can vary between airlines. Passengers are advised to discuss the procedure with the airline prior to travel.

Parking regulations at Launceston Airport are enforced in accordance with the Airports Act 1996 and in compliance with the Australian Road Rules.

At the front of the passenger terminal the passenger set- down and pick-up zone is provided with a dedicated vehicle bay for persons displaying a disabled parking permit. This space is adjacent to the walkway leading into the Departures area of the terminal and is limited to a 5 minutes maximum stay. In a situation where longer than 5 minutes is required to perform the required activity, or it is intended that the vehicle be left unattended, then the short-term car park should be used. The short-term car park is equipped with a number of dedicated bays for use by Disability Permit holders, in close proximity to the Terminal. (A parking fee of $2.00 allows parking for all users up to 20 minutes duration. N.B: $3.00 for the same time if using the undercover carpark).

Please Note: Vehicles cannot be left unattended at any time in the set-down and drop-off security zone.

Way-finding signage is provided at the front of the terminal showing the location of Check-in, Departures, and Arrivals areas.

Baggage trolleys are located along the terminal frontage, and the car parks. Trolleys are provided by Smarte Carte for a rental fee (refund on return) – notes (up to $20) and coins are accepted. Smarte Cartes have been upgraded to accept credit cards.

Within both the short, long-term and the Saver carparks at Launceston Airport there are a number of specific parking spaces designated for Disability Permit holders. These parking spaces are located close to walkways leading to the passenger terminals. Directional signage and vehicle space markings are provided to identify these spaces.

Within the short term car park (STCP) a total of 8 spaces are provided at both the departures and arrivals end within 40 metres of the terminal.

At the Departures end there are 6 spaces and at the arrivals end there are 2. Additional spaces are provided in both the long-term, saver and undercover car parks. The locations and carpark numbers are shown in the site plan available on the Launceston Airport web-page.

Shelters and seating are installed at specific locations along the car park access walkways.

An undercover walkway is available from Long Term Carpark (LTCP 1) and the Undercover Carpark. Tactile ground surface indicators are provided at road crossings from the main long-term and the short-term car parks, and to allow for accurate recognition of the location of the main public entry doors of the terminal building when transiting from the taxi and bus areas.

Launceston Airport unfortunately cannot provide direct assistance from the car parks or drop-off zone. Please discuss this with your airline at reservation if this level of assistance is required.

A Disabled Parking Permit must be displayed at all times when parked in these areas.

Maxi-Taxis are available for booking through Taxi Combined; please contact them directly so that they may assist in any way they can.

At check-in, all the airlines utilise check in and baggage-drop desks at an appropriate height to serve those who use wheelchairs. Airline check- in staff will provide assistance to ensure the check-in process is undertaken in line with the passenger’s needs.

Once passed the passenger security screening, a lift is provided to access the apron level gate lounges, this is located near Hudson’s outlet. Inclined walkways within the gate lounges allow access to the boarding gates themselves, without the need to transit stairs. The walkways are provided with handrails that incorporate domed button awareness indicators at the start and finish of the inclined sections of the walkways and steps.

Facilities at Launceston airport do not include aerobridges to board or disembark aircraft. All access onto the aircraft is via aircraft stairs or mechanical lifting equipment (Personal Assistance Device) operated by the airlines.

Airline staff will provide the assistance required to board or disembark the aircraft in an appropriate manner and usually offer pre-boarding to those with specific needs. Designated seating has been provided in our latest up-grades to allow close proximity seating to boarding kiosk locations.

For those travelling on QantasLink a Q-Ramp eliminates the need for passengers with specific needs or mobility constraints to use a mechanical lift to enter the aircraft, but rather enter the aircraft via the ramp. Luggage storage lockers are located a convenient distance from the check-in area, on the walkway between the terminal and the undercover car park to the north.

Jetstar have introduced a ‘Star-Lifter’ which gives greater capacity for persons of reduced mobility and equipment when boarding or disembarking the aircraft.

Click here to download a PDF version of the questions you will be asked by airline check-in staff.

Access to/from Aircraft

Passengers with limited mobility or other specific requirements can request assistance from airline crew for boarding and disembarking. As noted previously, passengers requiring assistance are advised to notify the relevant airline or agent at the time of the booking with confirmation prior to travel to allow appropriate assistance to be provided at the time of boarding or disembarking the aircraft.

Launceston Airport’s operating airlines provide approximately 20 wheelchairs in conveniently accessible places inside the terminal. The main storage area of the airline wheelchairs is in the Northern corner of the check-in area. Within this fleet the airlines provide modifiable chairs to enable passengers to be taken from the terminal to the aircraft via a Personal Assistance Device, to their seat on the aircraft. (At times, during high wind events, this device is unable to be operated for safety reasons). For passengers that are able to stand and walk short distances only, various widths of chairs are available to ensure comfort.

For Example: Qantaslink has the ability to use an “Eagle Lift” device if required. This can be arranged when making your booking; a carer must accompany you. Prior notification is essential in view of the advance preparation arrangements needed to operate this device.

Passengers taking their own wheelchair to the boarding gate are advised to arrive early for boarding. Passengers will be required to transfer to an airline wheelchair for boarding and disembarking, and are responsible for advising their airline and ground crew how best they can be assisted. It should be noted that the airline wheelchairs are narrow in width to facilitate movement up and down the aircraft aisles. Following transfer to the airline wheelchair, the passenger’s day chair will be tagged and cleared for stowage in the baggage hold, and will be available at the gate upon arrival at their destination.

For Example: Qantaslink are able to arrange collection of personal wheelchairs at the bottom of the stairs/ ramp at Launceston airport by prior arrangement.

With prior notification, airlines are able to provide passengers with a “Slide board” to assist with transfer of passenger from wheel-chair to seat. A carer must accompany the passenger to assist during this process. Provision of the slide board should not preclude any transfer products that the passenger may choose to utilise.

Battery-Powered Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids

For safety reasons, the carriage of battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids by airlines is regulated under laws.

These laws outline specific procedures for the transportation of batteries, which typically cannot travel as baggage within the baggage hold. However exemptions may apply for battery-powered wheelchairs, where certain requirements can be met by the airline.

These requirements are in place to prevent fire due to heat or sparks should the battery be short circuited and to reduce as far as is possible the risk of spillage of battery electrolyte during loading, flight and unloading and possible corrosion damage to the aircraft, baggage and cargo.

Passengers are advised to carry details of the type of battery installed within their mobility aid and notify the airline in advance when making arrangements, as this will allow the airline to adequately prepare the battery and mobility device for safe carriage.

Within the terminal a number of measures have been provided to assist with accessibility and to ensure that travelling through or visiting our airport is an enjoyable experience for all.

New and improved directional signage will advise you of facilities in and around the terminal.

During recent enhancements to our terminal facilities, accessibility to all public areas has been expanded and improved throughout the new shopping and eating areas, with additional seating incorporated into the recently refurbished areas.

We welcome all family and loved ones to now join their departing or arriving guests by passing through the screening point and being able to sit with passengers prior to departure or sit within the main terminal area while awaiting their arrival.

Lifts

Lift access is available within the terminal; For departing passengers one is situated at the Northern end of the terminal opposite the Hudsons café and next to the stair well. The second is centrally located on exiting screening and proceeding towards the Boags Upper Deck restaurant and bar, and will take you to the departure gate lounges.

For arriving passengers there is a lift immediately behind the column on entering the gate area from the arrival corridor. A second lift is located up the ramp towards gate 1. Both will take you departure lounge level, where you can follow signage to proceed towards the glass exit corridor to the arrivals hall for baggage collection and meeting your awaiting family or friends.

There is also a lift situated in the departures end of the terminal; located near the toilet and shower area. This will give you access to Level 1 – Airport Management offices.

Doors

All entry and exit doors in the terminal are automated and will open or close once movement is detected.

Boarding and Disembarking

For assistance in boarding or disembarking aircraft please contact your airline or discuss your needs with airline staff, they will be accommodating to the best of their understanding and training within this field.

Wheelchairs

Airline provided wheelchairs are available within the terminal building for passenger use to assist in transiting the terminal building or within the terminal and can be obtained by approaching the appropriate airline staff.

If you have arrived at the airport and need assistance to contact an airline or for other information please contact Airport Management on (03) 6391 6222.

Customer Care Volunteers

A Customer Care Volunteer Team is on site periodically throughout the week. These are individuals who volunteer their time to be available to the public for enquiries and information about our terminal and facilities as well as having sound knowledge of the local attractions. Our dedicated volunteer team have been given the latest issue of “Welcoming Customers with Disability” this booklet has been created by the Australian Network on Disability to help customer service employees become ‘disability confident’ and more prepared to help customers with disability. Please feel free to ask our team members for assistance, knowing that if they are able to help in any way they will be more than accommodating.

Closed-caption Televisions

All televisions within the terminal have a Closed-Caption or tele-text option available. These are located on the terminal level in the Upper Deck Restaurant and bar area and in the departure gate lounges on the apron level. (The screening staff are available to assist if the closed captioning or teletext needs to be re-activated on the departure lounge TV’s).

Food and Beverage Areas / Dietary Requirements

Within the eating areas of the airport the central tables are accessible by wheelchair. All outlets offer gluten free options and are able to cater for specific dietary requirements if advance notice is given. The choice of soy or almond milk is also available on request.

Meeting Point

Launceston Airport has a “Meeting Point”. This is located at the arrivals end of the terminal and indicated by the signage above the arrivals carousel 1.

Toilet Facilities

Toilet facilities for persons, including those using mobility aids, are provided on both public levels of Launceston Airport. There are three accessible toilets located throughout the main terminal level; one each at either end of the terminal building (arrival and departure areas) and one in the central core near the retail shopping area on the main public level and a single toilet facility centrally located in the gate lounges in the lower level. These facilities are provided with appropriate Braille signage to assist those with vision impairment. Contained within the cubicle are hand rails. The toilet basin is compliant with the appropriate regulations and the sink height is compatible with wheelchair access requirements. In addition to a coat hook being provided to ensure that belongings do not need to be placed on the floor, hand towel and hand blow dryers are also installed. There is an emergency assist button provided within these facilities.

Maps and Plans

The locations are shown on the attached Terminal Plans. Larger format Disability Access Site Plans can be downloaded as PDFs here.

All people, including those with specific requirements or a condition that may restrict mental, sensory, or mobility functions, who are departing on an aircraft or entering the gate lounges, are legally required to undergo security checks at the passenger screening point.

An element of the security check is conducted by passing through a Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD). Those passengers that cannot be screened via the WTMD must be screened by hand held metal detection (HHMD) or by physical “pat-down” search. Same gender engagement is in place should a “pat-down” be required. Launceston Airport is the designated screening authority at the airport and uses the services of a contracted supplier (ISS Security) to undertake screening operations.

All screening operations are conducted in accordance with the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 4.17.

The screening employees are trained to cater for the individual needs of those persons with a condition that may restrict mental, sensory, or mobility functions and will provide appropriate assistance as required to ensure that screening procedures are undertaken in a manner that maintains the dignity of the person being screened.

On request, a private location to undertake the screening can be provided.

Launceston Airport in partnership with the Screening provider has established an arrangement where those requiring additional assistance including elderly are able to enter the screening area and wait at the designated ‘Assistance Screening’ signage.

(Please ensure the screening staff are aware you are there).

This enables the staff to be more aware of your requirements and yourself to be screened in a timely manner. Ensure you present as early arrival as possible at the screening point in order to make this a smooth process. Please look out for the following signage to show you the access point.

Seating is available at the front of the screening point if you are asked to remove any items or to wait until a screening officer is available.

While undertaking secondary security screening using a hand-held metal detector, ISS Security is able to assist with passenger comfort through provision of a plastic chair, for those that require it. This will not alarm during the secondary screening method (HHMD) and will allow passengers to remain seated in comfort during the process. There is also a wooden walking stick for use whilst personal walking sticks are passing through the X-Ray machine. A shoe-horn is located in the area for use if passengers have been required to remove any footwear.

When entering the screening point, please alert screening staff if you require assistance, an optional screening procedure and/ or if you have:

• Medical implants, or specific requirements

To minimise delays, you should make the screening staff aware, PRIOR to entering the screening point.

• A joint replacement e.g. hip or knee

You will be required to remove all items from your pockets, together with belts or any heavy jewellery you may be wearing. This will assist in eliminating any further metal that the Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD) will detect. Secondary screening (“pat-down”) will be required if an alarm occurs when any person is going through the WTMD.

• A pace-maker or similar implant

This requires secondary screening and will take longer than people who do not have an implant.

Your permission will be required for a “pat-down” to occur. Please minimise delays for yourself and fellow passengers by informing screening staff of any specific requirements as early as possible.

• Medical Brace; device or Prosthetic

This must be visually and physically inspected. A private screening room/area is available upon request. There is no need to remove the item. Your permission will be required for this to occur.

• Walking aids and visual aids including white canes

These will be subject to security screening, which may include X-Ray or Explosive Trace Detection. If you need to sit during this process, chairs are available.

It is important to allow sufficient time to allow the screening procedure to be completed before the boarding call is made to board the aircraft.

Please Note: Secondary screening includes the use of the Hand Held Metal Detector (HHMD). If you are unfamiliar with the process, the screening staff will be happy to advise you.

Allowances for assistance animals are in place at Launceston Airport. This ensures that your animal can proceed through screening without the need to be unharnessed.

Passengers are selected on a random basis to undergo additional Explosive Trace Detection testing. Passengers may remain in their wheelchair if they are selected for Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) screening.

For further information on the screening process please visit our Facilities page here or call (03) 6391 6222.

Digital and fixed signage is prominently situated around the screening area to provide further guidance to passengers on preparing to undergo the screening process.

Download a PDF version of the questions you will be asked at the screening point here.

Screening of Personal Items

Items with pointed ends, including scissors, pocket knives etc., should not be packed in carry-on baggage. If these items are detected at screening points, passengers are required to surrender them.

Aerosols and laptop computers must be removed from bags and screened separately.

Passengers are advised that electronic equipment will not be damaged by X-Ray screening.

Checked baggage is also subject to screening. It is recommended that passengers contact the relevant airline for further information regarding items which can and cannot be taken on board, either in carry-on baggage or in checked baggage.

Travelling with Children on the Autism Spectrum

Launceston airport has produced an “Airport Awareness” booklet. This is designed for travel advice for parents and carers of children who may have difficulty travelling through an airport terminal. Our team has recognised that an airport can be a very stressful environment especially for children with difficulties. We also welcome any feedback you may have about this booklet or suggestions on how we can make your journey or your child’s journey easier through Launceston Airport.

Download a PDF of our "Airport Awareness" booklet here.

Comments and feedback can be emailed to [email protected]

Vision Assistance

For blind people or people experiencing vision impairment, public announcement systems have been installed within the terminal to allow airlines to present relevant information.

All the flight or boarding information and changes to the status of the flights are provided via verbal messages provided over the airport Public Address system and hearing augmentation.

Braille signage is provided at specific facilities such as toilets, baby change rooms and lifts. Tactile indicators are provided at entrance and exits to building, stairs, ramps and road crossings.

Walking aids, as well as visual aids such as white canes, will be subject to security screening, which may include X-Ray or Explosive Trace Detection. If you need to sit during this process, chairs are available.

Warning tactile ground surfaces indicators are located externally including at the entrance to the terminal and designated crossing points, to assist people who are blind or have low vision.

Assistance Animals

When travelling with an assistance animal, please contact your airline/travel agent to advise them of your requirements and to access their guidelines for facilitation and carriage.

Guests travelling with a guide or assistance dog whose accreditation falls within the specified categories must provide appropriate and current guide or assistance dog ID cards or documents at check-in.

Assistance animals such as guide dogs are welcome at Launceston Airport. These dogs are welcome to accompany you in all areas within the terminal buildings and airport grounds. An external grassed area for assistance with animal toileting management is provided at the southern end of the terminal (adjacent to the exit of the short term carpark).

Assistance animals will be subject to screening prior to entry to the sterile area. Standard Operating Procedures apply to the screening or assistance animals and screening point operators at Launceston Airport controlled screening point have been provided with training in regard to the screening of assistance animals. These procedures may involve a pat- down search or a search with a hand held metal detector; of the assistance animals’ harness.

Hearing Assistance

Enhanced public announcement systems have been installed within the terminal.

For Deaf people and people with a hearing impairment, Launceston Airport has provided hearing augmentation (low loss audio frequency induction loops) throughout the floor of the public areas of the terminal building; with the exception of under the floor area immediately in front of the screening point.

All changes in airline boarding status are provided on the Flight Information Displays (FID’s) located throughout the terminal building. Additional flight information may be provided as short messages under the flight information by the airline carrier.

These screens provide information regarding the flight arrival and departure times, gate numbers, boarding and final calls. This information is updated to also advise flight delays and information when flights have landed.

Neither Launceston Airport nor the airlines are currently able to provide a staff member that is conversant in Auslan if direct communication is required for those with full hearing loss.

However alternative communication using written messaging will be provided by the airlines for passengers. Airline staff and contractors are provided with awareness training to allow them to provide appropriate assistance.

An Auslan interpretation service is available by contacting – 1300 010 877 – Auslan Connections.

Terminal Evacuation

In the event of evacuation from the terminal or car parking areas, an alarm will sound and within the terminal visual flashing “Blue Strobe lights” where provided will operate.

The Chief Fire Warden will make an emergency public announcement, outlining verbal instructions to evacuate.

The “Alert Tone” is – Beep, Beep, Beep.

Follow Fire Wardens’ directions. If you require assistance with this ask immediately for help from the person nearest you.

The “Evacuation Message” is – Whoop, Whoop, Whoop

– Evacuate Now.

Follow Fire Wardens’ directions. If you require assistance with this ask immediately for help from the person nearest you.

CONTACT AIRPORT OPERATIONS – +61 3 6391 6222

INCIDENT: FIRE OR SMOKE DISCOVERED

ACTIONS:

• Use a break glass fire alarm.
• Call Airport Operations +61 3 6391 6222.
• Call Fire Service 000.

INCIDENT: UNATTENDED BAGGAGE

ACTIONS:

• Contact Airport Operations +61 3 6391 6222.
• Do not touch or move the item.

INCIDENT: ALERT TONE

(Beep, Beep, Beep)

ACTIONS:

• Follow Fire Wardens’ directions;
• They know the safest exit route.

INCIDENT: MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

ACTIONS:

• To summon help Notify Airport Operations +61 3 6391 6222.
• Provide basic details (e.g. age, gender, location, nature of problem).

INCIDENT: EVACUATION MESSAGE

(Whoop, Whoop, Whoop)

EVACUATE NOW

ACTIONS:

• Leave via the nearest safe emergency exit,
• Go to the nominated evacuation assembly point,
• Wait there until advised that you can return to the building

INCIDENT: CRIMINAL ACTS

ACTIONS:

• Contact Airport Operations +61 3 6391 6222.
• Provide brief description of event, details of person(s).

When considering what services and delivery assistance might be provided in the future, the airport receives regular feedback from terminal users and via the independently chaired Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG), for which membership from advocacy representative is encouraged.

Launceston Airport is open to suggestions being put forward that would inform our future planning considerations and help make the journey through our airport a memorable experience for all our passengers.

A commitment to improving staff awareness of the potential barriers facing people with a difficulty will become part of our Airport culture as we continue to strive for improvements within our terminal facilities and knowledge.

To help us continually improve any aspect of the facilities or services within our terminal, feedback can be emailed to [email protected] or via the template provided on the Launceston Airport website, by phone call to our Airport Management on (03) 6391 6222, or at our Airport Management office Reception area on Level 1 of the terminal building which is accessible by lift in the check-in area of the terminal (Follow signage through toilet facilities area to the right on entry).

Launceston Airport is committed to promoting accessibility for all members of the community and will ensure airport projects and developments are delivered with consideration to the needs and expectations of all travellers.

Our AFP will continue to be updated in response to changes to airport infrastructure and to local operational policies and procedures applied by individual airline operators and other service providers at the airport. Upcoming improvements include:

Further interior ambience improvements to toilet facilities will include:

• Tiling on the floor surface areas.
• The toilet pan and rear shroud will be replaced with the latest compliant unit as further renovations take place.
• Touch free flushing sensor. Hands free tapware in public toilets will both be continued on as part of our continual upgrades.
• Designated taxi collection area for assisting persons with disability when being collected by taxi from the airport .
• Continually working with our website designers for ease of access to our plans and sites.

• To review of our current plan on an annual basis.
• To continually strive to include changes and upgrades in our Capital Expenditure budgets each year.
• To listen to our people and those that assist in making our airport their airport of choice.
• To publish the status of upcoming accessibility improvements on our website.

Phone +61 3 6391 6222

Email [email protected]

Mail P.O. Box 1220 Launceston TAS 7250

www.launcestonairport.com.au