Building Reg Part M

MThe Building Regulations 2000

Access to and use of buildings

APPROVED DOCUMENT

Coming into effect 1 May 2004

M1 Access and use M2 Access to extensions to buildings other than

dwellings M3 Sanitary conveniences in extensions to

buildings other than dwellingsM4 Sanitary conveniences in dwellings

2004

EDIT

ION

9 780117 539013

ISBN 0-11-753901-5

Building R

egulations 2000A

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Access to and

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© Crown copyright 2003. Copyright in the typographical arrangements restswith the Crown. Published for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister underlicence from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.This publication, excluding logos, may be reproduced free of charge in anyformat or medium for research, private study or for internal circulation withinan organisation. This is subject to it being reproduced accurately and not usedin a misleading context. The material must be acknowledged as Crowncopyright and the title of the publication specified.For any other use of this material, please write to The HMSO LicensingDivision, HMSO, St Clements House, 2–16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ.Fax: 01603 72300 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Following the reorganisation of the government in May 2002, the responsibilities ofthe former Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) andlatterly Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) in thisarea were transferred to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

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The following documents have beenapproved and issued by the Secretaryof State for the purpose of providingpractical guidance with respect to therequirements of the BuildingRegulations 2000 (as amended)

Approved Document A - Structure:1992 Edition, fourth impression (withamendments) 1994, further amended2000

Approved Document B - Fire safety:2000 Edition, amended 2000 and 2002

Approved Document C - Sitepreparation and resistance tomoisture: 1992 Edition, secondimpression (with amendments) 1992,further amended 2000

Approved Document D - Toxicsubstances: 1985 Edition, amended1992, further amended 2000

Approved Document E - Resistanceto the passage of sound: 2003 Edition

Approved Document F - Ventilation:1995 Edition, amended 2000

Approved Document G - Hygiene:1992 Edition, second impression (withamendments) 1992, further amended2000

Approved Document H - Drainageand waste disposal: 2002 Edition

Approved Document J - Combustionappliances and fuel storage systems:2002 Edition

Approved Document K - Protectionfrom falling, collision and impact:1998 Edition, amended 2000

Approved Document L1 -Conservation of fuel and power indwellings: 2002 Edition

Approved Document L2 -Conservation of fuel and power inbuildings other than dwellings: 2002Edition

Approved Document M - Access toand use of buildings: 2004 Edition

Approved Document N - Glazing -safety in relation to impact, openingand cleaning: 1998 Edition, amended2000

Approved Document to supportregulation 7 - materials andworkmanship: 1999 Edition, amended2000

Approved Documents

Access to and use of buildingsApproved Document M81

MAPPROVED DOCUMENTS

MAIN CHANGES IN THE 2004EDITIONThis edition of the Approved DocumentM ‘Access to and use of buildings’replaces the 1999 edition entitled‘Access and facilities for disabledpeople’. The main changes are:

a. Part M now applies generally tomaterial alterations of and extensionsto existing non-domestic buildings. Itapplies to material changes of use tosome non-domestic uses. There is noexception for historic buildings, but thisnew edition of AD M contains guidanceon such buildings. The guidance ondwellings in Sections 6 to 10 remainsunchanged from the 1999 edition of ADM, with the exception that somediagram numbers and their textreferences have been changed topermit consistency with the amendedSections 1 to 5. Some publicationreferences, particularly thoseconcerning lifts and sports facilities,have been replaced to reflect the mostrecent guidance available.

b. The guidance draws on therecommendations of British StandardBS 8300:2001 ‘Design of buildings andtheir approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people - Code of Practice’.There are some instances where theguidance in this Approved Documentdiffers from the recommendations inthe edition of BS 8300 current at thedate of publication of the AD. It is theintention of the British StandardsInstitution to review such anomalies asmay exist and where practicable totake them into account in futureeditions of the standard.

c. The requirements in the new Part Mno longer refer to ‘disabled people’.The aim of the new Part M and AD M isto foster a more inclusive approach todesign to accommodate the needs ofall people. A new section in the AD(Section 4) on ‘Facilities in buildingsother than dwellings’ has beenintroduced to cover audience andspectator facilities, refreshmentfacilities, sleeping accommodation andswitches, outlets and controls. Theguidance on changing facilities hasbeen relocated to Section 5 ‘Sanitaryaccommodation in buildings other thandwellings’. This new edition of AD Mincludes guidance in Section 0 ‘GeneralGuidance’ on educationalestablishments and clarifies thetreatment of purpose-built studentaccommodation.

d. The explanation of the relationshipbetween Part M and the DisabilityDiscrimination Act 1995 has beenamended in ‘Use of Guidance’ toreflect Regulations made or revokedsince the 1999 edition of AD M waspublished.

e. The concept of the AccessStatement has been introduced for thefirst time. It is recommended that anAccess Statement is provided toidentify the philosophy and approach toinclusive design adopted, particularlywhen the approach taken to satisfyingthe Requirements differs from thatrepresented by the guidance in theApproved Document.

Approved Document MAccess to and use of buildings

Printed in the United Kingdom for The Stationery Office

152625 C200 11/03


PAGE

USE OF GUIDANCE 5

THE REQUIREMENTS 9

SECTION 0: GENERAL GUIDANCE

Performance 12

Where the requirements apply

Application of Part M 12

Extensions and material alterations: dwellings 12

Extensions of non-domestic buildings 13

Material alterations of non-domestic buildings 13

Material changes of use 14

Car parking and setting down 14

What requirements apply 14

(i) Buildings other than dwellings 14

(ii) Dwellings 15

Educational establishments 15

Historic buildings 15

Access Statements 16

Definitions 17

SECTIONS 1-5: BUILDINGS OTHERTHAN DWELLINGS

Section 1: Access to buildings otherthan dwellings

Objectives 19

Level approach from the boundary of the site and car parking 19

On-site car parking and setting down 20

Ramped access 22

Stepped access 23

Handrails to external stepped andramped access 25

Hazards on access routes 26

PAGE

Section 2: Access into buildingsother than dwellings

Objectives 28

Accessible entrances 28

Doors to accessible entrances 28

Manually operated non-poweredentrance doors 30

Powered entrance doors 30

Glass entrance doors and glazedscreens 31

Entrance lobbies 31

Section 3: Horizontal and verticalcirculation in buildings other thandwellings

Objective 34

Entrance hall and reception area 34

Internal doors 34

Corridors and passageways 36

Internal lobbies 37

Vertical circulation within the building 37

Provision of lifting devices 37

General requirements for lifting devices 38

Passenger lifts 38

Lifting platforms 40

Wheelchair platform stairlifts 41

Internal stairs 42

Internal ramps 42

Handrails to internal steps, stairs and ramps 43

Section 4: Facilities in buildingsother than dwellings

Objectives 44

Audience and spectator facilities 44

Refreshment facilities 46

Sleeping accommodation 46

Switches, outlets and controls 50

Aids to communication 51

Contents

1

M

Access to and use of buildingsApproved Document M

PAGE

Section 5: Sanitary accommodationin buildings other than dwellings

Objectives 52

Sanitary accommodation generally 52

Provision of toilet accommodation 53

Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets 53

Toilets in separate-sex washrooms 55

Wheelchair-accessible changing andshower facilities 58

Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms 60

SECTIONS 6-10: DWELLINGS

Section 6: Means of access to andinto the dwelling

Objective 64

Approach to the dwelling 64

Level approach 65

Ramped approach 65

Stepped approach 65

Approach using a driveway 65

Access into the dwelling 65

Entrance doors 66

Section 7: Circulation within theentrance storey of the dwelling

Objective 67

Corridors, passageways and internaldoors within the entrance storey 67

Vertical circulation within the entrance storey 68

Section 8: Accessible switches andsocket outlets in the dwelling

Objective 68

Section 9: Passenger lifts andcommon stairs in blocks of flats

Objectives 69

Common stairs 69

Lifts 70

Section 10: WC provision in theentrance storey of the dwelling

Objectives 71

PAGE

Index 72

Standards referred to 77

Other publications referred to 78

Other sources of information 79

Approved Document MAccess to and use of buildings2

M

DIAGRAMS PAGE

1. Tactile paving and an example of its use at an uncontrolled crossing 20

2. Parking bay designated fordisabled people 21

3. Relationship of ramp gradient to the going of a flight 22

4. Stepped access – key dimensions and use of hazard warning surface 24

5. External steps and stairs – key dimensions 25

6. Examples of acceptable step profiles and key dimensions for external stairs 25

7. Handrail design 26

8. Avoiding hazards on access routes 27

9. Effective clear width and visibility requirements of doors 30

10. Key dimensions for lobbies with single leaf doors 33

11. Key dimensions associated with passenger lifts 39

12. Internal stairs – key dimensions 42

13. An example of wheelchair spaces in a lecture theatre 45

14. Possible location of wheelchairspaces in front of a rear aisle 47

15. An example of wheelchair space provision in a cinema or theatre 47

16. An example of a sharedrefreshment facility 48

PAGE

17. One example of a wheelchair-accessible hotel bedroom with en-suite sanitary facilities 49

18. Unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet with corner WC 55

19. Heights and arrangement of fittings in a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet 56

20. Heights of various fittings in toilet accommodation 56

21. WC cubicle for ambulant disabled people 57

22. An example of a self-containedchanging room for individual use 59

23. An example of a self-containedshower room for individual use 60

24. An example of a shower room with corner WC for individual use 61

25. An example of a bathroomincorporating a corner WC 62

26. Grab rails and fittings associated with a bath 63

27. External step profiles 65

28. Corridors, passages and internal doors 67

29. Heights of switches, socket outlets etc 68

30. Common stairs in blocks of flats 69

31. Clear space for frontal access to WC 71

32. Clear space for oblique access to WC 71

Approved Document M3

M


M

THE APPROVED DOCUMENTSThis document is one of a series thathas been approved and issued by theSecretary of State for the purpose ofproviding practical guidance withrespect to the requirements ofSchedule 1 to and regulation 7 of theBuilding Regulations 2000 for Englandand Wales (SI 2000/2531). SI2000/2531 has been amended by theBuilding (Amendment) Regulations2001 (SI 2001/3335), the Building(Amendment) Regulations 2002 (SI2002/440), the Building (Amendment)(No. 2) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2871)and the Building (Amendment)Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/[to beinserted]).

At the back of this document is a listof all the documents that have beenapproved and issued by theSecretary of State for this purpose.

Approved Documents are intended toprovide guidance for some of the morecommon building situations. However,there may well be alternative ways ofachieving compliance with therequirements. Thus there is noobligation to adopt any particularsolution contained in an ApprovedDocument if you prefer to meet therelevant requirement in some otherway.

Other requirements

The guidance contained in an ApprovedDocument relates only to the particularrequirements of the Regulations whichthe document addresses. The buildingwork will also have to comply with therequirements of any other relevantparagraphs in Schedule 1 to theRegulations.

There are Approved Documents whichgive guidance on each of the Parts ofSchedule 1 and on regulation 7.

LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTSIn accordance with regulation 8, therequirements in Parts A to D, F to Kand N (except for paragraphs H2 and

J6) of Schedule 1 to the BuildingRegulations do not require anything tobe done except for the purpose ofsecuring reasonable standards ofhealth and safety for persons in orabout buildings (and any others whomay be affected by buildings ormatters connected with buildings). Thisis one of the categories of purpose forwhich building regulations may bemade.

Paragraphs H2 and J6 are excludedfrom regulation 8 because they dealdirectly with prevention of thecontamination of water. Parts E and M(which deal, respectively, withresistance to the passage of sound,and access to and use of buildings) areexcluded from regulation 8 becausethey address the welfare andconvenience of building users. Part L isexcluded from regulation 8 because itaddresses the conservation of fuel andpower. All these matters are amongstthe purposes, other than health andsafety, that may be addressed byBuilding Regulations.

MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIPAny building work which is subject tothe requirements imposed by Schedule1 to the Building Regulations should, inaccordance with regulation 7, becarried out with proper materials and ina workmanlike manner.

You may show that you have compliedwith regulation 7 in a number of ways.These include the appropriate use of aproduct bearing CE marking inaccordance with the ConstructionProducts Directive (89/106/EEC)1 asamended by the CE marking Directive(93/68/EEC)2, or a product complyingwith an appropriate technicalspecification (as defined in thoseDirectives), a British Standard, or analternative national technicalspecification of any state which is a


M

Use of Guidance


THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000

1 As implemented by the Construction ProductsRegulations 1991 (SI 1991/1620)

2 As implemented by the Construction Products(Amendment) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/3051)

contracting party to the EuropeanEconomic Area which, in use, isequivalent, or a product covered by anational or European certificate issuedby a European Technical Approvalissuing body, and the conditions of useare in accordance with the terms of thecertificate. You will find furtherguidance in the Approved Documentsupporting regulation 7 on materialsand workmanship.

Independent certification schemes

There are many UK productcertification schemes. Such schemescertify compliance with therequirements of a recognised documentwhich is appropriate to the purpose forwhich the material is to be used.Materials which are not so certifiedmay still conform to a relevantstandard.

Many certification bodies whichapprove such schemes are accreditedby UKAS.

Technical specifications

Under section 1(1)(a) of the BuildingAct 1984, Building Regulations may bemade for various purposes includinghealth, safety, welfare, convenience,conservation of fuel and power andprevention of contamination of water.Standards and technical approvals arerelevant guidance to the extent thatthey relate to these considerations.However, they may also address otheraspects of performance such asserviceability, or aspects, whichalthough they relate to the purposeslisted above are not covered by thecurrent Regulations.

When an Approved Document makesreference to a named standard, therelevant version of the standard is theone listed at the end of the publication.However, if this version has beenrevised or updated by the issuingstandards body, the new version maybe used as a source of guidanceprovided it continues to address therelevant requirements of theRegulations.

The appropriate use of a product whichcomplies with a European TechnicalApproval as defined in the ConstructionProducts Directive will meet therelevant requirements.

The Office intends to issue periodicamendments to its ApprovedDocuments to reflect emergingharmonised European Standards.Where a national standard is to bereplaced by a European harmonisedstandard, there will be a co-existenceperiod during which either standardmay be referred to. At the end of theco-existence period the nationalstandard will be withdrawn.

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENTIn mixed use developments part of abuilding may be used as a dwellingwhile another part has a non-domesticuse. In such cases, if the requirementsof the Regulations for dwellings andnon-domestic use differ, therequirements for non-domestic useshould apply in any shared parts of thebuilding.

THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH,SAFETY AND WELFARE)REGULATIONS 1992The Workplace (Health, Safety andWelfare) Regulations 1992 as amendedby The Health and Safety(Miscellaneous Amendments)Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2174)contain some requirements whichaffect building design. The mainrequirements are now covered by theBuilding Regulations, but for furtherinformation see: ‘Workplace health,safety and welfare. Workplace (Health,Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992,Approved Code of Practice’ L24.Published by HSE Books 1992 (ISBN 07176 0413 6).

The Workplace (Health, Safety andWelfare) Regulations 1992 apply to thecommon parts of flats and similarbuildings if people such as cleanersand caretakers are employed to work inthese common parts. Where therequirements of the BuildingRegulations that are covered by this


M THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000

Part do not apply to dwellings, theprovisions may still be required in thesituations described above in order tosatisfy the Workplace Regulations.

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT1995 AND THE DISABILITYDISCRIMINATION (EMPLOYMENT)REGULATIONS 1996The Disability Discrimination Act 1995(“DDA”) contains duties to makereasonable adjustments to physicalfeatures of premises in certaincircumstances.

Following the guidance in thisApproved Document (or a previousversion thereof) is not a requirement forsatisfying these duties to makereasonable adjustments. However, thefollowing points should be noted.

Duties in the Employment Field

Up to 30 September 2004: a duty tomake reasonable adjustments is set outin section 6 of the DDA and applies toemployers with 15 or more employees.However, an exemption from this dutyis provided by regulation 8 of theDisability Discrimination (Employment)Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/1456) (“the1996 Regulations”): an employer is notrequired to alter any physicalcharacteristic of a building, which wasadopted with a view to satisfying therequirements of Part M of the BuildingRegulations and met thoserequirements at the time the buildingworks were carried out and continuessubstantially to meet thoserequirements.

From 1 October 2004: the exemption inthe 1996 Regulations ceases to apply.Some changes to the duty to makereasonable adjustments are introducedfrom 1 October 2004 and its coverageis extended to all employers(irrespective of size) and a range ofother bodies and occupations (egqualifications bodies and partners inbusiness partnerships). Depending onthe nature of the organisationconcerned, the revised duty ofreasonable adjustment is set out insections 4A, 4B(5), 4B(6), 4E, 6B, 7B,

7D, 14, 14B, 14D and 16A(5) of theDDA as amended by the DisabilityDiscrimination Act 1995 (Amendment)Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1673).

Duties of providers of services to thepublic

Up to 30 September 2004: there is noduty on service providers to makereasonable adjustments to physicalfeatures of premises.

From 1 October 2004: The duty tomake reasonable adjustments set outin sections 21(2)(a), (b) and (c) of theDDA comes into force. It applies to allthose who provide services to thepublic irrespective of their size. Itrequires service providers to takereasonable steps to remove, alter orprovide a reasonable means ofavoiding a physical feature of theirpremises, which makes it unreasonablydifficult or impossible for disabledpeople to make use of their services.

An exemption from these duties isprovided by regulation 3 of theDisability Discrimination (Providers ofServices)(Adjustment of Premises)Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3253) (“2001Regulations”) - with further detail ofthe exemption set out in the Scheduleto the 2001 Regulations. The 2001Regulations provide that, if a physicalfeature accords with the relevantobjectives, design considerations andprovisions in the 1992 or 1999 editionsof Approved Document M, the serviceprovider will not have to makeadjustments to that feature if 10 yearsor less have passed since it wasconstructed or installed. For buildingworks where the Building Regulationsapplied, the effective edition will be theversion which applied in meeting thoseBuilding Regulations.

The 2001 Regulations specify that theexemption only applies to physicalfeatures constructed or installed inaccordance with the 1992 or 1999editions of Approved Document M.They do not provide for the exemptionto apply to features constructed orinstalled in accordance withsubsequent editions of the ApprovedDocument. The Government is


MTHE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000

considering whether the exemptionshould be extended to featuresconstructed or installed in accordancewith this 2004 edition of the ApprovedDocument and will make anannouncement if it decides theexemption should be so extended.


M THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000

This Approved Document, which takeseffect on 1 May 2004, deals with therequirements of Part M of Schedule 1to the Building Regulations 2000 (asamended by SI 2003/2692).

The Requirements


MACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS

PART M ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS

Access and Use

M1. Reasonable provision shall be made for people to—

(a) gain access to; and

(b) use

the building and its facilities.

Access to Extensions to Buildings other than Dwellings

M2. Suitable independent access shall be provided to the extensionwhere reasonably practicable.

Sanitary Conveniences in Extensions to Buildings other thanDwellings

M3. If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to beextended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension forsanitary conveniences.

Sanitary Conveniences in Dwellings

M4. (1) Reasonable provision shall be made in the entrance storeyfor sanitary conveniences, or where the entrance storey contains nohabitable rooms, reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences shall bemade in either the entrance storey or principal storey.

(2) In this paragraph “entrance storey” means the storeywhich contains the principal entrance and “principal storey” means thestorey nearest to the entrance storey which contains a habitable room, orif there are two such storeys equally near, either such storey.

Requirement Limits on application

The requirements of this Part do not apply to –

(a) an extension of or material alteration of adwelling; or

(b) any part of a building which is used solelyto enable the building or any service or fittingin the building to be inspected, repaired ormaintained.

Requirement M2 does not apply where suitableaccess to the extension is provided through thebuilding that is extended.

Requirement M3 does not apply where there isreasonable provision for sanitary convenienceselsewhere in the building, such that peopleoccupied in, or otherwise having occasion toenter the extension, can gain access to and usethose sanitary conveniences.

Notes

Means of escape in case of fire: thescope of Part M and AD M is limited tomatters of access to, into, and use of,a building. It does not extend to meansof escape in the event of fire, for whichreference should be made to ApprovedDocument B – ‘Fire Safety’.

Stairs and ramps: Approved DocumentK – ‘Protection from falling, collisionand impact’ contains general guidanceon stair and ramp design. The guidancein AD M reflects more recent ergonomicresearch conducted to support BS8300 (see below) and should takeprecedence over guidance in AD K

where it may appear to conflict. Furtherresearch on stairs is currently beingconducted and will be reflected infuture revisions of Part K and AD K.

Manifestation on glazed doors andglazed screens: Approved DocumentN - ‘Glazing - safety in relation toimpact, opening and cleaning’,contains guidance on manifestation.The guidance in AD M reflects morerecent experience of manifestation andshould take precedence over theguidance in AD N where it may appearto conflict, until Part N and AD N arerevised.

BS 8300:2001 ‘Design of buildingsand their approaches to meet theneeds of disabled people – Code ofPractice’: this supersedes BS5619:1978 and BS 5810:1979. BS 8300provides guidance on good practice inthe design of domestic and non-domestic buildings and theirapproaches so that they are convenientto use by disabled people. The designrecommendations are based on usertrials and validated desk studies whichformed part of a research projectcommissioned in 1997 and 2001 byDETR. The guidance in this ApprovedDocument is based on and iscomplementary to the BS, although theBS contains much additional materialthat is not apt for, or not consideredappropriate for, inclusion in guidanceaccompanying regulation. Also, in afew cases, the guidance in AD Mdiffers from the recommendation in BS8300. Compliance with therecommendations in the BS, therefore,while ensuring good practice, is notnecessarily equivalent to compliancewith the guidance in AD M.

Attention is drawn to the followingextracts from The BuildingRegulations 2000 (as amended by SI2001/3335, SI 2002/440, SI 2002/2871and SI 2003/2692).

Interpretation (regulation 2)

Regulation 2, as amended by SI2003/2692, contains the following newdefinition:

“independent access” to an extensionor part of a building means access tothat part which does not pass throughthe rest of the building.

In the following texts of regulations 5and 6, amendments introduced by SI2003/[to be inserted] are underlined.The meanings of the expressions‘institution’, ‘public building’ and ‘shop’used in regulation 5 are explained inregulation 2.

Meaning of material change of use(regulation 5)

For the purposes of paragraph 8 (1)(e)of Schedule 1 to the Act and for the

purposes of these Regulations, there isa material change of use where there isa change in the purposes for which orthe circumstances in which a buildingis used, so that after the change -

(a) the building is used as a dwelling,where previously it was not;

(b) the building contains a flat, wherepreviously it did not;

(c) the building is used as an hotel orboarding house, where previously itwas not;

(d) the building is used as aninstitution, where previously it was not;

(e) the building is used as a publicbuilding, where previously it was not;

(f) the building is not a buildingdescribed in Classes I to VI inSchedule 2, where previously it was;

(g) the building, which contains atleast one dwelling, contains a greateror lesser number of dwellings than itdid previously;

(h) the building contains a room forresidential purposes, where previouslyit did not;

(i) the building, which contains atleast one room for residential purposes,contains a greater or lesser number ofsuch rooms than it did previously; or

(j) the building is used as a shop,where previously it was not.

Requirements relating to materialchange of use (regulation 6)

(1) Where there is a material changeof use of the whole of a building, suchwork, if any, shall be carried out as isnecessary to ensure that the buildingcomplies with the applicablerequirements of the followingparagraphs of Schedule 1-

(a) in all cases,

B1 (means of warning andescape)

B2 (internal fire spread - linings)

B3 (internal fire spread -structure)

B4(2) (external fire spread - roofs)


M ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS

B5 (access and facilities for thefire service)

F1 and F2 (ventilation)

G1 (sanitary conveniences andwashing facilities)

G2 (bathrooms)

H1 (foul water drainage)

H6 (solid waste storage)

J1 to J3 (combustion appliances)

L1 (conservation of fuel andpower - dwellings)

L2 (conservation of fuel andpower - buildings other thandwellings);

(b) in the case of a material changeof use described in regulations 5(c), (d),(e) or (f), A1 to A3 (structure);

(c) in the case of a buildingexceeding fifteen metres in height,B4(1) (external fire spread - walls);

(d) in the case of material change ofuse described in regulation 5(a), C4(resistance to weather and groundmoisture);

(e) in the case of a material changeof use described in regulation 5(a), (b),(c), (g), (h) or (i) E1 to E3 (resistance tothe passage of sound);

(f) in the case of a material changeof use described in regulation 5(e),where the public building consists of orcontains a school, E4 (acousticconditions in schools);

(g) in the case of a material changeof use described in regulation 5(c), (d),(e), or (j), M1 (access and use).

(2) Where there is a material changeof use of part only of a building, suchwork, if any, shall be carried out as isnecessary to ensure that -

(a) that part complies in all caseswith any applicable requirementsreferred to in paragraph (1)(a);

(b) in a case to which sub-paragraphs (b), (d), (e) or (f) ofparagraph (1) apply, that part complieswith the requirements referred to in therelevant sub-paragraph;

(c) in a case to which sub-paragraph(c) of paragraph (1) applies, the wholebuilding complies with the requirementreferred to in that sub-paragraph; and

(d) in a case to which sub-paragraph(g) of paragraph (1) applies -

(i) that part and any sanitaryconveniences provided in or inconnection with that part comply withthe requirements referred to in thatsub-paragraph; and

(ii) the building complies withrequirement M1(a) of Schedule 1 to theextent that reasonable provision ismade to provide either suitableindependent access to that part orsuitable access through the building tothat part.



GENERAL GUIDANCE

PerformanceIn the Secretary of State’s view therequirements of Part M will be met bymaking reasonable provision to ensurethat buildings are accessible andusable.

People, regardless of disability, age orgender, should be able to:

a. gain access to buildings and togain access within buildings and usetheir facilities, both as visitors and aspeople who live or work in them;

b. use sanitary conveniences in theprincipal storey of a new dwelling.

The provisions are expected to enableoccupants with disabilities to copebetter with reducing mobility and to‘stay put’ longer in their own homes.The provisions are not necessarilyexpected to facilitate fully independentliving for all people with disabilities.

Where the requirements apply

Application of Part M

0.1 The requirements apply if:

a. a non-domestic building or adwelling is newly erected;

b. an existing non-domestic buildingis extended, or undergoes a materialalteration; or

c. an existing building or part of anexisting building undergoes a materialchange of use to a hotel or boardinghouse, institution, public building orshop.

The terms ‘institution’, ‘public building’and ‘shop’ are explained in regulation 2.

It should be noted that, regardless ofcompliance with Building Regulations,there will be obligations under theDisability Discrimination Act 1995 forservice-providers and employers toconsider barriers created by physicalfeatures in buildings.

Extensions and material alterations:dwellings

0.2 Under regulation 4(2), where anybuilding is extended, or undergoes amaterial alteration, the building workmust be carried out so that after it hasbeen completed the building complieswith the applicable requirements ofSchedule 1, or, where it did not fullycomply with any applicablerequirement, it is no moreunsatisfactory than before.

0.3 This rule applies to domestic aswell as to non-domestic buildings.Under the Limits on Application in PartM, Part M does not apply to anextension of, or a material alteration of,a dwelling. However, an extension of adwelling, or a material alteration of adwelling, must not make the buildingless satisfactory in relation to Part Mthan it was before.

0.4 Under regulation 3, the expression“material alteration” is defined byreference to a list of “relevantrequirements” in schedule 1. That listincludes Part M. This means that analteration of a dwelling is a materialalteration if the work would result in thedwelling not complying with Part Mwhere previously it did. Alternatively, ifthe dwelling did not previously complywith Part M, the dwelling should not bemore unsatisfactory in relation to PartM after the material alteration. It isirrelevant whether or not the dwellingwas subject to Part M at the time of itsconstruction. Under the general Limitson Application of Part M, therequirements of that Part do not applyto an extension of or a materialalteration of a dwelling. This meansthat the extension or alteration workitself need not comply with Part M.However, a planned alteration to adwelling that has the potential toreduce the compliance of the dwellingas a whole with Part M must be carriedout in such a way that there is noreduction in the extent of Part Mcompliance. Similarly, an extension of adwelling need not itself comply with

Section 0



Part M, but it must not result in thedwelling being less compliant with PartM. The following examples illustratethese points.

Example 1: a planned project involvingremoval of a WC in the entrance storeyof a dwelling would be a materialalteration if it is the only WC in thatstorey and the storey containshabitable rooms. The WC must not beremoved or made less compliant withPart M, unless another WC is providedin the entrance storey that is no lesssatisfactory in terms of compliancewith Part M that the old one.

Example 2: a planned extension (notexempt under Class VII of schedule 2)enclosing the principal entrance of adwelling must not make the dwellingless satisfactory in terms ofrequirement M1 than it was before. Itmust be no less easy for people,including disabled people, to gainaccess to the dwelling, either via theextension and the original entrancepoint, or (subject to the guidance inSection 6 of this AD) via a suitablealternative entrance.

Extensions of non-domesticbuildings

0.5 An extension to a non-domesticbuilding should be treated in the samemanner as a new building, as regardsits own compliance with Part M. Underthe new Requirement M2 there must besuitable independent access to theextension where reasonablypracticable. Under the Limits onApplication, Requirement M2 does notapply where the building that isextended complies with RequirementM1(a) so as to provide suitable accessthrough the building to the extension.The concept of access encompassesaccess from the boundary of the siteand from on-site car parking whereprovided.

0.6 If the owners of a building prefernot to provide independent access to aplanned extension, it is open to themeither to demonstrate that the existingbuilding and the approach to it alreadycomply with Requirement M1(a), so thatthe Limit on Application of Requirement

M2 applies, or to modify the existingbuilding and/or the approach to it sothat the Limit on Application applies.Such modification work would be amaterial alteration. The extensions andthe alterations of the existing buildingcould be planned and carried out as asingle project.

0.7 In judging whether accessprovision relying on the existingbuilding is sufficient for the Limit onApplication of Requirement M2 toapply, and in judging whether it isreasonably practicable for suitableindependent access to be provided,practical constraints and costconsiderations will be relevant – seealso ‘Access Statements’ paragraphs0.26 and 0.27 below.

0.8 Under new Requirement M3, ifsanitary conveniences are provided inany building that is to be extended,reasonable provision must be madewithin the extension for sanitaryconveniences. However, under theLimit on Application of RequirementM3, this requirement does not apply ifthere is reasonable provision for peopleusing the extension to gain access toand to use sanitary conveniences in theexisting building. As in the case ofaccess to an extension, it is open tobuilding owners preferring not to makeprovisions for sanitary conveniences ina planned extension either todemonstrate that reasonable provisionalready exists in, or to modify, theexisting building so that the Limit onApplication of Requirement M3 applies.In this case, too, the extension and themodifications to the existing buildingcould be planned and carried out as asingle project.

Material alterations of non-domesticbuildings

0.9 Under regulation 4, where analteration of a non-domestic building isa material alteration, the work itselfmust comply, where relevant, withRequirement M1. This means thatalterations to features relevant to thecompliance of a building with Part M,such as entrances or arrangements forpeople to get from one level to another



within the building, must result infeatures that comply with RequirementM1. Where new features relevant to thecompliance of a building with Part Mare provided, these must also complywith Requirement M1. Reasonableprovision must be made for people togain access to and to use new oraltered sanitary conveniences. Thebuilding as a whole, including accessto it from the site boundary and fromon-site car parking where provided,must be no less compliant withRequirement M1 following a materialalteration of a building. In the contextof a material alteration of a building, itis not necessary, as regards theBuilding Regulations, to upgradeaccess to the building entrance fromthe site boundary and from on-site carparking where provided. However,attention is drawn to the note inparagraph 1 about the DDA.

Material changes of use

0.10 Under regulation 6, as amended,where there is a material change of useof the whole of a building to a hotel orboarding house, an institution, a publicbuilding or a shop, the building mustbe upgraded, if necessary, so as tocomply with M1 (Access and use). Theterms “institution”, “public building”and “shop” are explained in regulation2. In particular, it should be noted that“shop” includes use as a restaurant,bar or public house.

0.11 Under regulation 6, as amended,if an existing building undergoes achange of use such that part is used asa hotel or boarding house, aninstitution, a public building or a shop,such work if any shall be carried out asis necessary to ensure that :

• there is reasonable provision forpeople to gain access to that partfrom the site boundary and fromon-site car parking whereprovided, either by means of anindependent access or by meansof a route to and through thebuilding;

• that part itself complies with M1(access and use); and

• any sanitary conveniencesprovided in, or in connection with,that part comply withRequirement M1: if users of thatpart have the use of sanitaryconveniences elsewhere in thebuilding, there must bereasonable provision for people togain access to and use thatsanitary accommodation,upgraded if need be.

As in the case of extensions, theAccess Statement provides anopportunity for developers to explainhow they have assessed what isreasonable provision.

0.12 Where a material change of useresults in a building being used in partas a hotel or boarding house,institution, public building or shop, andin part as a dwelling, regard should behad to the guidance in Sections 1 to 5of this Approved Document in relationto the relevant non-domesticaccommodation and to the commonparts (see also MIXED USEDEVELOPMENT under Use ofGuidance).

Car parking and setting down

0.13 Part M applies to those features,outside the building, which are neededto provide access to the building fromthe edge of the site and from carparking and setting down points withinthe site.

What requirements apply0.14 If Part M applies, reasonableprovision should be made in:

i) Buildings other than dwellings

a. so that people, regardless ofdisability, age or gender, can reach theprincipal entrance to the building andother entrances described in thisApproved Document, from the siteboundary, from car parking within thesite, and from other buildings on thesame site (such as a university campusa school or a hospital);

b. so that elements of the buildingdo not constitute a hazard to users,



especially people with impaired sight,but rather assist in wayfinding;

c. so that people, regardless ofdisability, age or gender, can haveaccess into, and within, any storey ofthe building and to the building’sfacilities, subject to the usual gender-related conventions regarding sanitaryaccommodation;

d. for suitable accommodation forpeople in wheelchairs, or people withother disabilities, in audience orspectator seating;

e. for aids to communication forpeople with an impairment of hearingor sight in auditoria, meeting rooms,reception areas, ticket offices and atinformation points; and

f. for sanitary accommodation forthe users of the building.

ii) Dwellings

a. so that people, including disabledpeople, can reach the principal, orsuitable alternative, entrance to thedwelling from the point of access;

b. so that people, including disabledpeople, can gain access into and withinthe principal storey of the dwelling; and

c. for WC provision at no higherstorey than the principal storey.

‘Principal storey’ is defined inRequirement M4.

Educational establishments0.15 From 1 April 2001, maintainedschools ceased to have exemptionfrom the Building Regulations. Certainschool-specific standards relating toParts K and M contained in the DfES1997 Constructional Standards asdescribed in Circular DfES/0142/2001are subsumed in this revision to AD M(see 1.33 - Note re: (l) and (m), 1.36,1.37 (b) and 3.51 - Note re: (c), (d) andrefuges).

0.16 Purpose-built student livingaccommodation, including that in theform of flats as defined in regulation2(1), should be treated as hotel/motelaccommodation in respect of space

requirements and internal facilities (see4.17 to 4.24).

Historic buildings0.17 Historic buildings include:

a. listed buildings,

b. buildings situated in conservationareas,

c. buildings which are ofarchitectural and historical interest andwhich are referred to as a materialconsideration in a local authority’sdevelopment plan,

d. buildings of architectural andhistoric interest within national parks,areas of outstanding natural beauty,and world heritage sites,

e. vernacular buildings of traditionalform and construction.

0.18 The need to conserve the specialcharacteristics of such historicbuildings needs to be recognised. Theyare a finite resource with culturalimportance. In such work the aimshould be to improve accessibilitywhere and to the extent that it ispractically possible, always providedthat the work does not prejudice thecharacter of the historic building, orincrease the risk of long-termdeterioration to the building fabric orfittings. In arriving at an appropriatebalance between historic buildingconservation and accessibility, it wouldbe appropriate to take into account theadvice of the local authority’sconservation and access officers, andEnglish Heritage or CADW: WelshHistoric Monuments, as well as theviews of local access groups, in orderto make the building as accessible aspossible.

0.19 Particular issues relating to workin historic buildings that warrantsympathetic treatment and whereadvice from others could therefore bebeneficial include:

a. restoring the historic character ofa building that had been subject toprevious inappropriate alteration, e.g.replacement windows, doors androoflights;


M


ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS

b. rebuilding a former historicbuilding (e.g. following a fire or filling ina gap site in a terrace);

c. the choice of appropriateconstruction materials and techniques,e.g. making provisions enabling thefabric to “breathe” to control moistureand potential long term decayproblems: see Information Sheet No 4from The Society for the Protection ofAncient Buildings (SPAB).

Access Statements0.20 Much of the guidance in thisApproved Document is based on BS8300:2001 ‘Design of buildings andtheir approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people – Code of Practice’. Itis therefore by derivation based largelyon the ergonomic studies carried out tosupport the British Standard. As such,it may appear to be more prescriptivethan other Approved Documents in theBuilding Regulations series. It mustalways be borne in mind however thatthe guidance contained in this AD isdesigned to indicate one way in whichthe Requirements may be met. Theremay be other, equally satisfactory,ways of meeting the Requirements.Appropriate solutions to accessproblems may vary depending on thesize, scale, nature and intended use ofthe building. This may be particularlytrue when applied to existing buildingswhere constraints of structure andcontext may make generic solutionsimpracticable.

0.21 To assist building control bodiesin making judgements about whetherproposals make reasonable provision,therefore, it is recommended that anAccess Statement should be providedat the time plans are deposited, abuilding notice is given or details of aproject are given to an approvedinspector, and updated to reflectdecisions reached on site. It should benoted that guidance on access in theplanning system (‘Planning and Accessfor Disabled People – A Good PracticeGuide’ published by ODPM)recommends provision of an AccessStatement to identify the philosophyand approach to inclusive design

adopted, the key issues of theparticular scheme, and the sources ofadvice and guidance used. Anadditional benefit of providing anAccess Statement is that it should setout at the time of the application mostof the information needed by a buildingcontrol body, thus assisting thedialogue between the applicant andbuilding control.

0.22 An Access Statement provided forbuilding control purposes should beseen as complementary to, and as adevelopment of, the informationprovided for planning purposes, ratherthan as a separate document. It mayindeed be beneficial to maintain andupdate such a document as thebuilding work progresses in order toprovide the end-user of the building,who may have ongoing obligationsunder the DDA, with a record ofdecisions made which had an impacton accessibility, and of the rationale forsuch decisions.

0.23 At its very simplest, such astatement might record that theintention of the client, designer ordesign team (‘the applicant’) was tocomply where appropriate with theguidance in the AD, and to indicate inwhat respects it was consideredappropriate. Where an applicant wishesto depart from the guidance inApproved Document M, either toachieve a better solution using newtechnologies (e.g. infrared activatedcontrols), to provide a more convenientsolution, or to address the constraintsof an existing building, the Statementshould set out the reasons fordeparting from the guidance and therationale for the design approachadopted. Examples of evidence thatmight be cited to support such anapproach might include:

– application of therecommendations in BS 8300where these differ from theprovisions, or are not covered, inAD M;

– results of current validatedresearch (published (say) in thelast 5 years);



– outcome of consultations withother parties, e.g. ConservationOfficers, English Heritage orCADW, local Access Officers etc.;

– convincing arguments that analternative solution will achievethe same, a better, or a moreconvenient outcome.

0.24 In the case of extensions andmaterial changes of use of buildingsother than dwellings, and particularly inthe case of historic buildings, such astatement will allow an applicant toidentify the constraints imposed by theexisting structure and its immediateenvironment and to proposecompensatory measures where fullaccess proves to be impracticable orunreasonable. This will allow for anexplanation to be provided andassessed in situations where a less-than-fully accessible access route isproposed to an extension, or to abuilding or part of a building subject toa material change of use; for example,where a sub-leaseholder, in a multi-occupancy building, plans to make amaterial change of use of the top floorpremises into a rooftop-restaurant, butfor good reason has been unable toobtain landlord consent to alter thecommon parts.

0.25 The Statement will also permit theapplicant to identify buildings orparticular parts of buildings where itwould be either reasonable for accessto be restricted or unreasonable toexpect certain groups of people torequire access, for example wherehazardous materials are handled, or incertain manufacturing processes, orareas where archiving and bulk-handling processes are carried out, anyof which might create hazards forchildren, some disabled people or frailelderly people.

0.26 If, in the case of a relevantmaterial change of use, it isimpracticable to make the existingprincipal entrance or any otherappropriate existing entrance suitablefor use by particular groups of people,or to provide a new entrance which issuitable, the Access Statement should

state why it is not practicable to adjustthe existing entrance or provide asuitable new entrance.

0.27 If, in the case of an extension, itis not intended to provide a fullycompliant independent access, and theLimit on Application of Requirement M3does not apply, the Access Statementshould state why a fully compliantindependent access is not consideredreasonably practicable.

0.28 Further guidance on AccessStatements, from inception of a projectto the building in use, is expected tobe published by the Disability RightsCommission and will be available onthe DRC web site at www.drc-gb.org.

Definitions0.29 The following meanings apply toterms throughout this ApprovedDocument.

Access, approach, entry or exit.

Accessible, with respect to buildingsor parts of buildings, means thatpeople, regardless of disability, age orgender, are able to gain access.

Contrast visually, when used toindicate the visual perception of oneelement of the building, or fitting withinthe building, against another meansthat the difference in light reflectancevalue between the two surfaces isgreater than 30 points. For furtherinformation, reference should be madeto ‘Colour, contrast and perception -Design guidance for internal builtenvironments’ - Reading University).

Dwelling means a house or a flat (“flat”is defined in regulation 2(1)). However,new blocks of flats built as studentaccommodation are to be treated asthough they are hotel/motelaccommodation in respect of spacerequirements and internal facilities (see4.17 to 4.24).

Level, with respect to the surfaces of alevel approach, access routes andlandings associated with steps, stairsand ramps means predominantly level,but with a maximum gradient along thedirection of travel of 1:60.



Principal entrance, the entrance whicha visitor not familiar with the buildingwould normally expect to approach.

Suitable, with respect to means ofaccess and facilities, means that theyare designed for use by peopleregardless of disability, age or gender,but subject to the usual gender-relatedconventions regarding sanitaryaccommodation.

Usable, with respect to buildings orparts of buildings means that they areconvenient for independent use.

0.30 The following meanings apply onlyto terms used in the sections ondwellings in this Approved Document.

Common, serving more than onedwelling.

Habitable room, for the purpose ofdefining the principal storey, means aroom used, or intended to be used, fordwelling purposes, including a kitchenbut not a bathroom or a utility room.

Maisonette, a self-contained dwelling,but not a dwelling-house, whichoccupies more than one storey in abuilding.

Point of access, the point at which aperson visiting a dwelling wouldnormally alight from a vehicle whichmay be within or outside the plot, priorto approaching the dwelling.

Principal entrance, the entrance whicha visitor not familiar with the dwellingwould normally expect to approach orthe common entrance to a block offlats.

Plot gradient, the gradient measuredbetween the finished floor level of thedwelling and the point of access.

Steeply sloping plot, a plot gradient ofmore than 1 in 15.



ACCESS TO BUILDINGS OTHERTHAN DWELLINGS

Objectives1.1 The aim is to provide a suitablemeans of access for people from theentrance point at the boundary of thesite, and from any car parking that isprovided on the site, to the building. Itis also important that routes betweenbuildings within a complex are alsoaccessible.

1.2 In designing an approach to thebuilding, it should be recognised thatchanges in level are difficult for manypeople to negotiate, includingwheelchair users, people who need touse walking aids and people withimpaired sight. Access routes that aretoo narrow can also make it difficult forpeople to pass each other.

1.3 It is important to be aware thatpeople’s capabilities vary. For example,for some people, a stair is easier to usethan a ramp.

1.4 The building should be designed,within the overall constraints of space,so that the difference in level betweenthe entrance storey and the site entrypoint is minimised.

1.5 It is also important that potentialhazards on access routes adjacent tobuildings, e.g. open windows, areavoided so that people, particularlychildren and those with impaired sightor hearing, are not injured.

Note: The publication ‘InclusiveMobility: A Guide to Best Practice onAccess to Pedestrian and TransportInfrastructure’ gives detailed guidanceon designing the external environment.

Level approach from the boundaryof the site and car parking

Design considerations

1.6 As far as possible, access shouldbe level from the boundary of the site,and from any car parking designatedfor disabled people, to the principal

entrance and any entrance usedexclusively for staff or, if either of theseis not accessible, to any alternativeaccessible entrances. If access isgenerally required between entrances,or between alternative accessibleentrances outside the building, thisaccess should as far as possible belevel. The site level of accessibleentrances should be determinedaccordingly.

1.7 Where a difference in levelbetween the boundary of the site or carparking designated for disabled people,and the building, is unavoidable due tosite constraints, the approach mayhave a gentle gradient over a longdistance (for all or part/s of theapproach) or it may incorporate anumber of shorter parts at a steepergradient, with level landings at intervalsas rest points. Generally, gradientswithin the approach should be asgentle as possible.

1.8 Where the gradient of theapproach, whether over its wholelength or in part, is 1:20 or steeper,that part of the approach should bedesigned as ramped access.

1.9 All access routes to principal, oralternative accessible, entrancesshould be surfaced so that people areable to travel along them easily, withoutexcessive effort and without the risk oftripping or falling.

1.10 There should be sufficient spacefor people to approach the building,pass others who are travelling in theopposite direction and carry out allnecessary manoeuvres.

1.11 A surface width of 1800mm canaccommodate any amount of non-vehicular traffic without the need forpassing places. A surface width of1200mm may be acceptable onrestricted sites, subject to a case beingmade in the Access Statement.

1.12 It is important to reduce the risksto people, particularly people withimpaired sight, when approaching and

Section 1

Access to buildings other than dwellingsApproved Document M19

M1/M2BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

passing around the perimeter of thebuilding under all lighting conditions.

Provisions

1.13 A ‘level approach’ (from theboundary of the site and from carparking spaces designated for disabledpeople to the principal entrance, to astaff entrance or to an alternativeaccessible entrance) will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. it has a surface width of at least1.5m, with passing places, free ofobstructions to a height of 2.1m;

b. passing places at least 1.8m wideand at least 2m long are providedwithin sight of each other (the width ofthe passing place may be included inthe width of the level approach), but inany case spaced at a distance nogreater than 50m;

c. the gradient along its length iseither no steeper than 1:60 along itswhole length, or less steep than 1:20with level landings (see 1.26(k))introduced for each 500mm rise of theaccess (where necessary, betweenlandings), in all cases with a cross-fallgradient no steeper than 1:40;

d. its surface is firm, durable andslip resistant, with undulations notexceeding 3mm under a 1m straightedge for formless materials.Inappropriate materials might be loosesand or gravel;

e. where there are different materialsalong the access route, they havesimilar frictional characteristics;

f. the difference in level at jointsbetween paving units is no greater than5mm, with joints filled flush or, ifrecessed, no deeper than 5mm and nowider than 10mm or, if unfilled, nowider than 5mm;

g. the route to the principal entrance(or alternative accessible entrance) isclearly identified and well lit;

h. the danger of inadvertentlywalking into a vehicular access route isminimised by providing a separatepedestrian route and, where there is anuncontrolled crossing point across the

vehicular route, this is identified by abuff coloured blister surface (seeDiagram 1, and ‘Guidance on the useof Tactile Paving Surfaces’).

On-site car parking and settingdown


1.14 People who need to travel tobuildings by car need to be able topark, have sufficient space to enter andleave their vehicle, on occasions moveto the rear of their vehicle, then walk,

Approved Document MAccess to buildings other than dwellings20

M1/M2 BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Blister surface (with 36 domes)

Dome profile

Note: Full details of tactile pavingare in "Guidance on the use ofTactile Paving Surfaces."

16 radius

25 diameter

5

10

Gradient 1:12 max.

Blister surface

Dropped kerb flushwith carriageway

Dropped kerb at an uncontrolled crossing

800

1200 min.

Diagram 1 Tactile paving and anexample of its use at an uncontrolledcrossing

travel in a wheelchair or withpushchairs or luggage etc. to theprincipal entrance, the staff entrance,or any alternative accessible entrance,of the building.

1.15 The surface of a parking baydesignated for disabled people, inparticular the area surrounding the bay,should allow the safe transfer of apassenger or driver to a wheelchair andtransfer from the parking bay to theaccess route to the building withoutundue effort, barriers to wheelchairs orhazards from tripping.

1.16 If people need to obtain ticketsfor pay and display parking, the ticketdispensing machines should be locatedin a way that allows a person in awheelchair, or a person of shortstature, to gain access close to themachine and reach the payment andticket dispensing functions.

1.17 People with mobility impairmentswho arrive as passengers should beable to alight from a vehicle close tothe principal entrance, or alternativeaccessible entrance, of the building ina way that is convenient for entry intothe building.

Note: Guidance is available in BS 8300on:

– the provision of parking baysdesignated for disabled people indifferent building types;

– ticket dispensing machines;

– vehicular control barriers; and

– multi-storey car parks.

Provisions

1.18 Car parking and setting down willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. at least one parking baydesignated for disabled people isprovided on firm and level ground asclose as feasible to the principalentrance of the building;

b. the dimensions of the designatedparking bays are as shown in Diagram2 (with a 1200mm accessibility zonebetween, and a 1200mm safety zoneon the vehicular side of, the parking

bays, and with a dropped kerb whenthere is a pedestrian route at the otherside of the parking bay);

c. the surface of the accessibilityzone is firm, durable and slip resistant,with undulations not exceeding 3mmunder a 1m straight edge for formlessmaterials. Inappropriate materials mightbe loose sand or gravel;

d. ticket machines, where necessaryfor wheelchair users and people ofshort stature, are adjacent to thedesignated parking bays for disabledpeople and have controls between750mm and 1200mm above the groundand a plinth which does not project infront of the face of the machine in away that prevents its convenient use;

e. a clearly sign-posted settingdown point is located on firm and levelground as close as practicable to theprincipal or alternative accessibleentrance with its surface level with thecarriageway at that point to allowconvenient access to and from theentrance for people with walking


Access to buildings other than dwellings


Access zone between and at the end ofdesignated parking bays

Dropped kerb where access is to a pedestrian route

Dimensions of parking bayare to centre lines of markings

1400

2400

4800

1200

1200

Vehicular route

Diagram 2 Parking bay designated fordisabled people

difficulties or people using awheelchair.

Ramped accessNote: Where there appears to be aconflict between the guidance in PartM and Part K, Part M takesprecedence; see the Notes to theRequirements.


1.19 If site constraints necessitate anapproach of 1 in 20 or steeper, anapproach incorporating ramped accessshould be provided. Ramps arebeneficial for wheelchair users andpeople pushing prams, pushchairs andbicycles.

1.20 Gradients should be as shallow aspracticable, as steep gradients createdifficulties for some wheelchair userswho lack the strength to propelthemselves up a slope or have difficultyin slowing down or stopping whendescending. However, there may becircumstances, e.g. in shop fit-outs,where a steeper gradient than themaximum shown in Table 1 may benecessary for a short distance. Thecase for such a solution should bemade in the Access Statement.

1.21 Ramps are also not necessarilysafe and convenient for ambulantdisabled people. For example, somepeople who can walk but haverestricted mobility find it more difficultto negotiate a ramp than a stair. Inaddition, adverse weather conditionsincrease the risk of slipping on a ramp.It is therefore beneficial to have stepsas well as a ramp.

1.22 Some people need to be able tostop frequently; for instance to regainstrength or breath, or to ease pain.

1.23 Wheelchair users need adequatespace to stop on landings, to open andpass through doors without having toreverse into circulation routes or toface the risk of rolling back downslopes.

1.24 Some people have a weakness onone side. This leads to a requirementfor support at both sides of ramps.

1.25 If the total rise of a rampedapproach is too high, it can beunacceptably tiring for wheelchairusers and some people with walkingdifficulties, even if a number of restlandings are provided.

Note: Guidance is given in BS 8300 on:

– lighting ramped access.

Provisions

1.26 A ramped access will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. it is either readily apparent or theapproach to it is clearly sign-posted;

b. the gradient of a ramp flight andits going between landings are inaccordance with Table 1 and Diagram3;

c. no flight has a going greater than10m, or a rise of more than 500mm;


Table 1 Limits for ramp gradientsGoing of a flight Maximum gradient Maximum rise

10 m 1:20 500mm

5 m 1:15 333mm

2 m 1:12 166mm

Notes:For goings between 2m and 10m, it is acceptable tointerpolate between the maximum gradients, i.e. 1:14 for a 4mgoing or 1:19 for a 9m going (see Diagram 3).

Going of ramp flight (m)

0

1:10

1:12

1:15

1:20

2 5 10

Gra

dien

t of r

amp

(500mm rise)

(333mm rise)

(166mm rise)

Diagram 3 Relationship of rampgradient to the going of a flight



d. there is an alternative means ofaccess for wheelchair users, e.g. a lift,when the total rise is greater than 2m;

e. it has a surface width betweenwalls, upstands or kerbs of at least1.5m;

f. the ramp surface is slip resistant,especially when wet, and of a colourthat contrasts visually with that of thelandings;

g. the frictional characteristics of theramp and landing surfaces are similar;

h. there is a landing at the foot andhead of the ramp at least 1.2m longand clear of any door swings or otherobstructions;

i. any intermediate landings are atleast 1.5m long and clear of any doorswings or other obstructions;

j. intermediate landings at least1800mm wide and 1800mm long areprovided as passing places when it isnot possible for a wheelchair user tosee from one end of the ramp to theother or the ramp has three flights ormore;

k. all landings are level, subject to amaximum gradient of 1:60 along theirlength and a maximum cross fallgradient of 1:40;

l. there is a handrail on both sides;

m. there is a kerb on the open sideof any ramp or landing at least 100mmhigh, which contrasts visually with theramp or landing in addition to anyguarding required under Part K;

n. clearly sign-posted steps areprovided, in addition, when the rise ofthe ramp is greater than 300mm(equivalent to 2 x 150mm steps).

Stepped accessNote: Where there appears to be aconflict between the guidance in PartM and Part K, Part M takesprecedence; see the Notes to theRequirements.


1.27 People with impaired sight risktripping or losing their balance if there

is no warning that steps provide achange in level. The risk is mosthazardous at the head of a flight ofsteps when a person is descending.

1.28 The warning should be placedsufficiently in advance of the hazard toallow time to stop and not be sonarrow that it might be missed in asingle stride.

1.29 Materials for treads should notpresent a slip hazard, especially whenthe surface is wet.

1.30 People should be able toappreciate easily where to place theirfeet by highlighting nosings andavoiding open rises.

1.31 People who wear callipers or whohave stiffness in hip or knee joints areparticularly at risk of tripping orcatching their feet beneath nosings.People with a weakness on one side orwith a sight impairment need thedimensions of the tread to be sufficientfor them to be able to place their feetsquare onto it. If the going is towardsthe upper end of the dimensionalrange, the flight may rise to a greaterheight without the need for anintermediate landing, as the tread issufficiently deep to allow a person tostand and rest at any point within theflight. It should be noted that excessiverounding of nosings reduces theeffective going.

1.32 Many ambulant disabled peoplefind it easier to negotiate a flight ofsteps than a ramp and, for thesepeople, the presence of handrails forsupport is essential.

Note: Guidance is given in BS 8300 on:

– lighting stepped access; and

– slip resistance (Annex C).

Provisions

1.33 A stepped access will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. a level landing is provided at thetop and bottom of each flight;

b. the unobstructed length of eachlanding is not less than 1200mm;




c. a ‘corduroy’ hazard warningsurface is provided at top and bottomlandings of a series of flights to giveadvance warning of a change in level inaccordance with Diagram 4;

d. where there is side access ontoan intermediate landing, a ‘corduroy’hazard warning surface 400mm deep isprovided either on the intermediatelanding 400mm from both upper andlower flights, if there is sufficient spaceto accommodate the surface outsidethe line of the side access, or withinthe side access 400mm from theintermediate landing if there is acontinuous handrail opposite the sideaccess;

e. no doors swing across landings;

f. it has flights whose surface widthbetween enclosing walls, strings orupstands is not less than 1.2m;

g. there are no single steps;

h. the rise of a flight betweenlandings contains no more than 12risers for a going of less than 350mmand no more than 18 risers for a goingof 350mm or greater (see Diagram 5);

i. all nosings are made apparent bymeans of a permanently contrastingmaterial 55mm wide on both the treadand the riser;

Approved Document M24Access to buildings other than dwellings


‘Corduroy’ hazard warning surface at top of stairsto extend at least 400 at each side of stairsand to stop 400 from nosing

Handrail to be terminated in a way that reduces the risk of clothing being caught

Handrail to be continuous acrossintermediate landings

400 min.

Stair width

400 min.

800 when the approach is straight on and 400 when a conscious turn is needed to reach the step

1200 min.bottom landing

400

400

800

Closed end to handrail at top and bottom

‘Corduroy’ hazard warning surface (with 8 ribs)

20

20 rib

30 gap

6

Rib profile

Note: Full details of tactile paving are in “Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces.”

1200 min.

Diagram 4 Stepped access – key dimensions and use of hazard warning surface

j. the projection of a step nosingover the tread below is avoided but, ifnecessary, not more than 25mm (seeDiagram 6);

k. the rise and going of each step isconsistent throughout a flight;

l. the rise of each step is between150mm and 170mm, except adjacent toexisting buildings where, due todimensional constraints, the case for adifferent rise is argued in the AccessStatement;

m. the going of each step is between280mm and 425mm;

n. rises are not open;

o. there is a continuous handrail oneach side of a flight and landings;

p. additional handrails divide theflight into channels not less than 1mwide and not more than 1.8m widewhere the overall unobstructed width ismore than 1.8m.

Note: In respect of 1.33(l) and (m), forschool buildings, the preferreddimensions are a rise of 150mm, and agoing of 280mm.

Handrails to external stepped andramped access


1.34 People who have physicaldifficulty in negotiating changes of levelneed the help of a handrail that can begripped easily, is comfortable to touchand, preferably, provides good forearmsupport.

1.35 Handrails should be spaced awayfrom the wall and rigidly supported in away that avoids impeding finger grip.

1.36 Handrails should be set at heightsthat are convenient for all users of thebuilding and should extend safelybeyond the top and bottom of a flightof steps, or a ramp, to give bothstability and warning of the presence ofa change in level. Consideration shouldbe given to the provision of a secondhandrail on stairs in a wide range ofbuilding types, and particularly inschools, for use by children and peopleof short stature.

Provisions

1.37 Handrailing to external rampedand stepped access will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:




Steps without projecting nosings are preferred

25 max.overlap

25 max.overlap

150 to 170

280 to 425

60° min.

Note: Rise and going dimensions apply to all step profiles

Diagram 6 Examples of acceptablestep profiles and key dimensions forexternal stairs

900 to 1000above pitch line

300 min.

300 min.900 to 1100

900 to 1100 12 risers max. (going less than 350)

18 risers max. (going 350 or more)

Diagram 5 External steps and stairs –key dimensions

a. the vertical height to the top ofthe upper handrail from the pitch line ofthe surface of a ramp, or a flight ofsteps, is between 900mm and1000mm, and from the surface of alanding is between 900 and 1100mm(see Diagram 5);

b. where there is full heightstructural guarding, the vertical heightto the top of a second lower handrailfrom the pitch line of the surface of aramp, or a flight of steps, is 600mm,where provided;

c. it is continuous across the flightsand landings of ramped or steppedaccess;

d. it extends at least 300mmhorizontally beyond the top and bottomof a ramped access, or the top andbottom nosing of a flight or flights ofsteps, while not projecting into anaccess route;

e. it contrasts visually with thebackground against which it is seen,without being highly reflective;

f. its surface is slip resistant and notcold to the touch;

g. it terminates in a way thatreduces the risk of clothing beingcaught;

h. its profile is either circular with adiameter of between 40 and 45mm, oroval preferably with a width of 50mm(see Diagram 7);

i. it protrudes no more than 100mminto the surface width of the ramped orstepped access where this wouldimpinge on the stair width requirementof Part B1;

j. there is a clearance of between60 and 75mm between the handrail andany adjacent wall surface;

k. there is a clearance of at least50mm between a cranked support andthe underside of the handrail;

l. its inner face is located no morethan 50mm beyond the surface widthof the ramped or stepped access.

Hazards on access routes


1.38 Features of a building thatoccasionally obstruct an access route,particularly if they are partiallytransparent and therefore indistinct, orcause a danger overhead, should notpresent a hazard to building users.

Provisions

1.39 Requirement M1 or M2 will besatisfied if:

a. where there is a projection ofmore than 100mm, during normal use,onto an access route, windows anddoors (excluding fire escape doors) thatswing outwards towards an accessroute, or other projecting features, areprotected by guarding, whichincorporates a kerb or other solidbarrier that can be detected using acane at ground level to direct people

Approved Document M26Access to buildings other than dwellings


Diagram 7 Handrail design

Non-circular handrailpreferably 50 wide with rounded edges

60 to 75

Circular handrail40 to 45 diameter

50 min.

15 min. radius

p ywith rounded edges

Ramped or stepped access

50 max.

min. us

around the potential hazard (seeDiagram 8);

b. areas below stairs or ramps wherethe soffit is less than 2.1m aboveground level are protected by guardingand low level cane detection, or apermanent barrier giving the samedegree of protection.

Access to buildings other than dwellingsApproved Document M27


Diagram 8 Avoiding hazards on access routes

Plan

Guarding with cane detection at ground level

Section

Where the projection onto anaccess route is more than 100,guarding with cane detectionat ground level

>100

ACCESS INTO BUILDINGS OTHERTHAN DWELLINGS

Objectives2.1 The aim for all new buildings isfor the principal entrance or entrancesand any main staff entrance, and anylobbies, to be accessible.

2.2 Where it is not possible, e.g. in anexisting building, for the principal ormain staff entrance or entrances to beaccessible, an alternative accessibleentrance should be provided.

2.3 It is important to reduce the risksto people when entering the building.

Accessible entrances


2.4 Steeply sloping or restricted sitessometimes make it impossible for theprincipal or main staff entrance to beaccessible, in which case an alternativeaccessible entrance may be necessary.

2.5 Accessible entrances should beclearly sign-posted and easilyrecognisable. Any structural elements,for example supports for a canopy, areuseful in identifying the entrance, butshould not present a hazard.

2.6 The route from the exterior acrossthe threshold should provide weatherprotection, and not present a barrier forwheelchair users or a trip hazard forother people. A level threshold ispreferred, especially for doors infrequent use.

Note: Guidance on sign-posting isgiven in BS 8300, ‘Inclusive Mobility’and the ‘Sign Design Guide’.

Provisions

2.7 Accessible entrances will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they are clearly sign-posted,incorporating the International Symbolof Access, from the edge of the site,and from the principal entrance (if thisis not accessible);

b. they are easily identified amongthe other elements of the building andthe immediate environment, e.g. bylighting and/or visual contrast;

c. any structural supports at theentrance do not present a hazard forvisually impaired people;

d. there is a level landing at least1500 x 1500mm, clear of any doorswings, immediately in front of theentrance and of a material that doesnot impede the movement ofwheelchairs;

e. the threshold is level or, if a raisedthreshold is unavoidable, it has a totalheight of not more than 15mm, aminimum number of upstands andslopes, with any upstands higher than5mm chamfered or rounded;

f. any door entry systems areaccessible to deaf and hard of hearingpeople, and people who cannot speak;

g. weather protection is provided atmanual non-powered entrance doors;

h. internal floor surfaces adjacent tothe threshold are of materials that donot impede the movement ofwheelchairs, e.g. not coir matting, andchanges in floor materials do not createa potential trip hazard;

i. where mat wells are provided, thesurface of the mat is level with thesurface of the adjacent floor finish;

j. where provided as an alternativeaccessible entrance, an accessibleinternal route is provided to the spacesserved by the principal or main staffentrances.

Doors to accessible entrances


2.8 Doors to the principal, oralternative accessible, entrance shouldbe accessible to all, particularlywheelchair users and people withlimited physical dexterity. Entrancedoors may be manually operatedwithout powered assistance, or power-operated under manual or automatic

Section 2

Approved Document MAccess into buildings other than dwellings28


control. Entrance doors should becapable of being held closed when notin use.

2.9 A non-powered manually operatedentrance door, fitted with a self-closingdevice capable of closing the dooragainst wind forces and the resistanceof draught seals, is unlikely to beopenable by many people, particularlythose who are wheelchair users or whohave limited strength.

2.10 A powered door opening andclosing system, either manuallycontrolled or automatically operated bysensors, is the most satisfactorysolution for most people. An automaticsliding door arrangement is particularlybeneficial as it avoids the risksassociated with automatic swing doorsand its use can make it possible toreduce the length of any entrancelobby.

2.11 Once open, all doors toaccessible entrances should be wideenough to allow unrestricted passagefor a variety of users, includingwheelchair users, people carryingluggage, people with assistance dogs,and parents with pushchairs and smallchildren. It should be noted that doublebuggies are wider than wheelchairs andthat, where relevant to the buildingtype, this should be borne in mindwhen determining an appropriateeffective clear width for an entrancedoor. There may be circumstances inexisting buildings where it is notpracticable or cost-effective to adoptthe preferred effective clear widths fornew buildings. In such cases, theargument for adopting the minimumdimensions for existing buildingsshould be made in the AccessStatement.

2.12 People should be able to seeother people approaching from theopposite direction, thereby allowingsufficient reaction time for both partiesto avoid a collision. Any exceptions forreasons of privacy or security shouldbe argued in the Access Statement.

Provisions

2.13 Doors to accessible entrances willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. where required to be self-closing,a power operated door opening andclosing system is used when throughcalculation and experience it appearsthat it will not be possible otherwise fora person to open the door using aforce no greater than 20N at theleading edge;

b. the effective clear width through asingle leaf door, or one leaf of a doubleleaf door, is in accordance with Table 2,and the rules for measurement are inaccordance with Diagram 9;

c. unless it can be argued otherwisein the Access Statement, e.g. forreasons of security, door leaves, andside panels wider than 450mm, havevision panels towards the leading edgeof the door whose vertical dimensionsinclude at least the minimum zone, orzones, of visibility between 500mm and1500mm from the floor, if necessaryinterrupted between 800mm and1150mm above the floor, e.g. toaccommodate an intermediatehorizontal rail (see Diagram 9).

Access into buildings other than dwellingsApproved Document M29


Table 2 Minimum effective clear widthsof doorsDirection and New Existingwidth of approach buildings buildings

(mm) (mm)

Straight-on (without a turn or 800 750oblique approach)

At right angles to an access route 800 750at least 1500mm wide

At right angles to an access route 825 775at least 1200mm wide

External doors to buildings used 1000 775by the general public

Note:The effective clear width is the width of the opening measuredat right angles to the wall in which the door is situated fromthe outside of the door stop on the door closing side to anyobstruction on the hinge side, whether this be projecting dooropening furniture, a weather board, the door, or the door stop(see Diagram 9). For specific guidance on the effective clearwidths of doors in sports accommodation, refer to ‘Access forDisabled People’.

Manually operated non-poweredentrance doors


2.14 Self-closing devices on manuallyoperated non-powered swing doorsdisadvantage many people who havelimited upper body strength, arepushing prams or are carrying heavyobjects.

2.15 A space alongside the leadingedge of a door should be provided toenable a wheelchair user to reach andgrip the door handle, then open thedoor without releasing hold on thehandle and without the footrestcolliding with the return wall.

2.16 Door furniture on manuallyoperated non-powered doors should beeasy to operate by people with limitedmanual dexterity, and be readilyapparent against the background of thedoor.

Provisions

2.17 Manually operated non-poweredentrance doors will satisfy RequirementM1 or M2 if:

a. the opening force at the leadingedge of the door is no greater than20N;

b. there is an unobstructed space ofat least 300mm on the pull side of thedoor between the leading edge of thedoor and any return wall, unless the

door is a powered entrance door (seeDiagram 9);

c. where fitted with a latch, the dooropening furniture can be operated withone hand using a closed fist, e.g. alever handle;

d. all door opening furniturecontrasts visually with the surface ofthe door and is not cold to the touch.

Powered entrance doors


2.18 Activation (e.g. motion sensorsand push buttons), safety features andthe time-lapse allowed for entry andexit through powered door systemsshould be carefully considered to suitthe needs of people who cannot reactquickly.

2.19 Manual controls for poweredentrance doors should be clearlydistinguishable against the backgroundand not located so that a person,having used the control, needs to moveto avoid contact with the door as itopens.

2.20 Revolving doors are notconsidered accessible. They createparticular difficulties, and risk of injury,for people with assistance dogs,people with visual impairment ormobility problems and for parents withchildren and/or pushchairs. If arevolving door is used, an entrancedoor complying with 2.17 or 2.21



Diagram 9 Effective clear width and visibility requirements of doors

Effective clear width (door stop to projecting ironmongery)

Effective clear width (door stop to door leaf)

300 minimum unless dooris power operated Minimum

zones ofvisibility

500 500

800

1150

15001500

should be provided immediatelyadjacent to it and signed to show thatit is accessible.

Provisions

2.21 Powered entrance doors willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they have a sliding, swinging orfolding action controlled:

– manually by a push pad, cardswipe, coded entry, or remotecontrol, or

– automatically by a motion sensoror other proximity sensor, e.g. acontact mat;

b. when installed, automatic sensorsare set so that automatically operateddoors open early enough, and stayopen long enough, to permit safe entryand exit;

c. when they are swing doors thatopen towards people approaching thedoors, visual and audible warnings areprovided to warn people of theirautomatic operation when both openingand shutting;

d. they incorporate a safety stopthat is activated if the doors begin toclose when a person is passingthrough;

e. they revert to manual control orfail safe in the open position in theevent of a power failure;

f. when open, they do not projectinto any adjacent access route;

g. any manual controls for powereddoor systems are located between750mm and 1000mm above floor level,operable with a closed fist and, whenon the opening side of the door, are setback 1400mm from the leading edge ofthe door when fully open and contrastvisually with the background againstwhich they are seen.

Glass entrance doors and glazedscreensNote: Where there appears to be aconflict between the guidance in PartM and Part N, Part M takes

precedence, see the Notes to theRequirements.


2.22 People with visual impairmentshould be in no doubt as to thelocation of glass entrance doors,especially when they are within aglazed screen. The choice of a differentstyle of manifestation for the door andthe glazed screen can help todifferentiate between them.

2.23 The presence of the door shouldbe apparent not only when it is shutbut also when it is open. Where it canbe held open, steps should be taken toavoid people being harmed by walkinginto the door.

Provisions

2.24 Glass entrance doors and glazedscreens will satisfy Requirement M1 orM2 if:

a. they are clearly defined withmanifestation on the glass at twolevels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400 to1600mm above the floor, contrastingvisually with the background seenthrough the glass (both from inside andoutside) in all lighting conditions;

b. manifestation takes the form of alogo or sign at least 150mm high(repeated if on a glazed screen), or adecorative feature such as broken linesor continuous bands, at least 50mmhigh;

c. glazed entrance doors, whereadjacent to, or forming part of, aglazed screen, are clearly differentiatedfrom it by the provision of a high-contrast strip at the top, and on bothsides;

d. glass entrance doors, wherecapable of being held open, areprotected by guarding to prevent theleading edge constituting a hazard.

Entrance lobbies


2.25 There are a number of reasons forproviding a lobby:

• to limit air infiltration



• to maintain comfort by controllingdraughts

• to increase security

• to provide transitional lighting.

2.26 The provision of a lobby maymake it possible for an external door tohave a self-closing device with a lowerpower size rating than might otherwisebe the case. However, even in thesecircumstances, it may not be possiblefor the entrance door to meet theopening force criterion of 20Nmaximum (see 2.9).

2.27 The lobby should be large enoughand of a shape to allow a wheelchairuser or a person pushing a pram tomove clear of one door before openingthe second door. The lobby shouldalso be capable of accommodating acompanion helping a wheelchair userto open doors and guide the wheelchairthrough. The minimum length of thelobby is related to the chosen doorsize, the swing of each door, theprojection of the door into the lobbyand the size of an occupied wheelchairwith a companion pushing. Where bothdoors of a lobby are automatic slidingdoors, the length can be reduced as nodoor swings are involved, nor is spacerequired for manual operation.Similarly, if ‘reduced swing’ door setsare used, the length can be reducedbecause the projection of the door intothe lobby is reduced.

2.28 The aim should be to reducepotential hazards from localobstructions within the lobby andminimise distracting reflections fromglazing. It is also desirable if rainwaterfrom shoes or the wheels ofwheelchairs is not taken into thebuilding where it becomes a potentialslip hazard, e.g. by the use of cleaningmats.

Provisions

2.29 Entrance lobbies will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. their length with single swingdoors is in accordance with Diagram 10;

b. their length with double swingdoors is at least (DP1 + DP2 +1570mm);

c. their width (excluding anyprojections into the space) is at least1200mm (or (DL1 or DL2) + 300mm)whichever is the greater when singleleaf doors are used, and at least1800mm when double leaf doors areused;

d. glazing within the lobby does notcreate distracting reflections;

e. floor surface materials within thelobby do not impede the movement ofwheelchairs, e.g. not coir matting, andchanges in floor materials do not createa potential trip hazard;

f. the floor surface helps to removerainwater from shoes and wheelchairs;

g. where mat wells are provided, thesurface of the mat is level with thesurface of the adjacent floor finish;

h. any columns, ducts and similarfull height elements that project intothe lobby by more than 100mm areprotected by a visually contrastingguard rail.





DL1 and DL2 = door leaf dimensions of the doors to the lobbyDP1 and DP2 = door projection into the lobby (normally door leaf size)L = minimum length of lobby, or length up to door leaf for side entry lobby“a” = at least 300mm wheelchair access space (can be increased to reduce L)1570 = length of occupied wheelchair with a companion pushing (or a large scooter)

NB: For every 100mm increase above 300mm in the dimension “a” (which gives a greater overlap of the wheelchair footprint over the door swing), there can be a corresponding reduction of 100mm in the dimension L, up to a maximum of 600mm reduction.

DL2

DP2

1570 L

DP1

"a"

DL1 "a"

DL2

1570 L

DP1

DL1 "a"

DL2

1570

L

DL1

DL2

DP2

1570 L

DP1

"a"

DL1"a"

DL2

DP2

1570

L

"a"

DL1 "a" "a"

DL2

DP2

1570

L

"a"

DL1"a"

Diagram 10 Key dimensions for lobbies with single leaf doors

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICALCIRCULATION IN BUILDINGSOTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Objective3.1 The objective is for all people totravel vertically and horizontally withinbuildings conveniently and withoutdiscomfort in order to make use of allrelevant facilities. This objective relatesin the main, but not exclusively, to theprovision of sufficient space forwheelchair manoeuvre and designfeatures that make it possible forpeople to travel independently withinbuildings.

Entrance hall and reception area


3.2 As the entrance hall is the firstpoint of contact with a building’sactivities and resources, the receptionarea in particular should not only beeasily accessible but also convenient touse.

3.3 Where a service building has areception or sales counter, there shouldbe convenient access to it and part ofit should be at a level suitable for awheelchair user or a seated person.Any lower section should also bewheelchair-accessible on the receptionside.

3.4 Designers should also be awarethat glazed screens in front of thereception point, or light sources orreflective wall surfaces, such as glazedscreens, located behind the receptionpoint, could compromise the ability of aperson with a hearing impairment to lipread or follow sign language.

3.5 It should be possible forinformation about the building to beeasily obtained from a reception pointor gathered from notice boards andsigns.

Note: Guidance on aids tocommunication is available in BS 8300,and on the use of signs in the ‘SignDesign Guide’.

Provisions

3.6 An entrance hall and receptionarea will satisfy Requirement M1 or M2if:

a. any reception point is locatedaway from the principal entrance (whilestill providing a view of it) where thereis a risk that external noise will be aproblem;

b. any reception point is easilyidentifiable from the entrance doors orlobby, and the approach to it is directand free from obstructions;

c. the design of the approach to anyreception point allows space forwheelchair users to gain access to thereception point;

d. the clear manoeuvring space infront of any reception desk or counteris 1200mm deep and 1800mm wide ifthere is a knee recess at least 500mmdeep, or 1400mm deep and 2200mmwide if there is no knee recess;

e. any reception desk or counter isdesigned to accommodate bothstanding and seated visitors such thatat least one section of the counter is atleast 1500mm wide, with its surface nohigher than 760mm, and a knee recess,not less than 700mm, above floor level;

f. any reception point is providedwith a hearing enhancement system,e.g. an induction loop;

g. the floor surface is slip resistant.

Internal doors


3.7 Since doors are potential barriers,their use should be avoided wheneverappropriate. If doors are required, theuse of self-closing devices should beminimised (particularly in parts ofbuildings used by the general public)since, as described in 2.14, theydisadvantage many people who havelimited upper body strength, arepushing prams or are carrying heavyobjects. Where closing devices areneeded for fire control, electrically


M

Section 3

Horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings


powered hold open devices or swing-free closing devices should be used asappropriate. These are devices whoseclosing mechanism is only activated incase of emergency. Low energypowered door systems may be used inlocations not subject to frequent use orheavy traffic as the opening andclosing action is relatively slow.

3.8 The presence of doors, whetheropen or closed, should be apparent tovisually impaired people through thecareful choice of colour and materialfor the door and its surroundings. Forexample, when a door is open, peoplewith impaired sight should be able toidentify the door opening within thewall, as well as the leading edge of thedoor.

3.9 Other design considerations forinternal doors are as set out in 2.14 to2.16 under ‘Manually operated non-powered entrance doors’ and shouldbe referred to for guidance.

Note: Guidance is available in BS8300 on:

– electrically powered hold-opendevices

– swing-free systems

– low energy powered doorsystems.

Provisions

3.10 Internal doors will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. where needing to be openedmanually, the opening force at theleading edge of the door does notexceed 20N;

b. the effective clear width through asingle leaf door, or one leaf of a doubleleaf door, is in accordance with Table 2and Diagram 9;

c. there is an unobstructed space ofat least 300mm on the pull side of thedoor between the leading edge of thedoor and any return wall, unless thedoor has power-controlled opening or itprovides access to a standard hotelbedroom;

d. where fitted with a latch, the dooropening furniture can be operated withone hand using a closed fist, e.g. alever handle;

e. all door opening furniturecontrasts visually with the surface ofthe door;

f. the door frames contrast visuallywith the surrounding wall;

g. the surface of the leading edge ofany door that is not self-closing, or islikely to be held open, contrastsvisually with the other door surfacesand its surroundings;

h. where appropriate in door leavesor side panels wider than 450mm,vision panels towards the leading edgeof the door have vertical dimensionswhich include at least the minimumzone, or zones, of visibility between500mm and 1500mm from the floor, ifnecessary interrupted between 800mmand 1150mm above the floor, e.g. toaccommodate an intermediatehorizontal rail (see Diagram 9).

i. when of glass, they are clearlydefined with manifestation on the glassat two levels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400to 1600mm, contrasting visually withthe background seen through the glassin all lighting conditions (see 2.24(b) fordetails of manifestation);

j. when of glass or fully glazed, theyare clearly differentiated from anyadjacent glazed wall or partition by theprovision of a high-contrast strip at thetop, and on both sides;

k. fire doors, particularly those incorridors, are held open with anelectro-magnetic device, but self-closewhen:

– activated by smoke detectorslinked to the door individually, orto a main fire/smoke alarmsystem;

– the power supply fails;

– activated by a hand-operatedswitch;

l. fire doors, particularly toindividual rooms, are fitted with swing-free devices that close when activated




by smoke detectors or the building’sfire alarm system, or when the powersupply fails;

m. any low energy powered swingdoor system is capable of beingoperated in manual mode, in poweredmode, or in power-assisted mode.

Corridors and passageways


3.11 Corridors and passagewaysshould be wide enough to allow peoplewith buggies, people carrying cases orpeople on crutches to pass others onthe access route. Wheelchair usersshould also have access to adjacentrooms and spaces, be able to passother people and, where necessary,turn through 180°. Corridors narrowerthan indicated in this guidance, orlocalised narrowing (e.g. at archways)might be reasonable in some locations,such as in existing buildings, or insome extensions.

3.12 In order to help people with visualimpairment to appreciate the size of aspace they have entered, or to findtheir way around, there should be avisual contrast between the wall andthe ceiling, and between the wall andthe floor. Such attention to surfacefinishes should be coupled with goodnatural and artificial lighting design.

3.13 Good acoustic design should beemployed to achieve an acousticenvironment that is neither tooreverberant nor too absorbent so thatannouncements and conversations canbe heard clearly.

Provisions

3.14 Corridors and passageways willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. elements such as columns,radiators and fire hoses, do not projectinto the corridor, or where this isunavoidable, a means of directingpeople around them, such as a visuallycontrasting guard rail, is provided;

b. they have an unobstructed width(excluding any projections into thespace) along their length of at least1200mm;

c. where they have an unobstructedwidth of less than 1800mm, they havepassing places at least 1800mm longand with an unobstructed width of atleast 1800mm at reasonable intervals,e.g. at corridor junctions, to allowwheelchair users to pass each other;

d. the floor is level or predominantlylevel (with a gradient no steeper than1:60), with any section with a gradientof 1:20 or steeper designed as aninternal ramp and in accordance withTable 1 and Diagram 3;

e. where a section of the floor has agradient, in the direction of travel,steeper than 1:60, but less steep than1:20, it rises no more than 500mmwithout a level rest area at least1500mm long (with a gradient nosteeper than 1:60);

f. any sloping section extends thefull width of the corridor or, if not, theexposed edge is clearly identified byvisual contrast and, where necessary,protected by guarding;

g. any door opening towards acorridor, which is a major access routeor an escape route, should be recessedso that when fully open, it does notproject into the corridor space, exceptwhere the doors are to minor utilityfacilities, such as small store roomsand locked duct cupboards;

h. any door from a unisexwheelchair-accessible toilet projectswhen open into a corridor that is not amajor access route or an escape route,provided the corridor is at least1800mm wide at that point;

i. on a major access route or anescape route, the wider leaf of a seriesof double doors with leaves of unequalwidth is on the same side of thecorridor throughout the length of thecorridor;

j. floor surface finishes withpatterns that could be mistaken forsteps or changes of level are avoided;

k. floor finishes are slip resistant;

l. any glazed screens alongside acorridor are clearly defined withmanifestation on the glass at two

Approved Document M36Horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings


levels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400 to1600mm, contrasting visually with thebackground seen through the glass inall lighting conditions (see 2.24(b) fordetails of manifestation);

Note: In respect of 3.14(b), for schoolbuildings, the preferred corridor widthdimension is 2700mm where there arelockers within the corridor.

Internal lobbies


3.15 An internal lobby should allow awheelchair user, with or without acompanion, or a person pushing apram or buggy, to move clear of onedoor before attempting to open thesecond door, as indicated in 2.27,under ‘External lobbies’.

Provisions

3.16 Internal lobbies will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. their length with single swingdoors is in accordance with Diagram10;

b. their length with double swingdoors is at least (DP1 + DP2 +1570mm);

c. their width (excluding anyprojections into the space) is at least1200mm (or (DL1 or DL2) + 300mm)whichever is the greater when singleleaf doors are used, and at least1800mm when double leaf doors areused;

d. glazing within the lobby does notcreate distracting reflections;

e. any junctions of floor surfacematerials at the entrance to the lobbyarea do not create a potential triphazard;

f. any columns, ducts and similarfull height elements that project intothe lobby by more than 100mm areprotected by a visually contrastingguard rail.

Vertical circulation within thebuilding


3.17 A passenger lift is the mostsuitable means of vertical access andshould be provided wherever possible.However, given the space constraintsin some buildings, it may not always bepossible to install the type and size ofpassenger lift that would be suitable foruse by all, and other options may needto be considered to provide for userswith mobility impairments.

3.18 Signs indicating the location of alifting device accessible by mobility-impaired people should be clearlyvisible from the building entrance.Additionally, a sign identifying the floorreached should be provided on eachlanding in a location that can be easilyseen from the lifting device and isdesigned so that it contrasts visuallywith its surroundings;

3.19 Whatever lifting device is chosen,internal stairs should always beprovided as an alternative means ofvertical access, and designed to suitambulant disabled people and thosewith impaired sight.

3.20 A ramp may also be provided onan internal circulation route to asuitable lifting device, if a change oflevel is unavoidable.

Provision of lifting devices


3.21 For all buildings, a passenger liftis the most suitable form of access forpeople moving from one storey toanother.

3.22 For existing buildings, and inexceptional circumstances for newdevelopments with particularconstraints (e.g. a listed building, or aninfill site in a historic town centre),where a passenger lift cannot beaccommodated, a vertical liftingplatform (platform lift), although notequivalent to a passenger lift, may beconsidered as an alternative option toprovide access for persons withimpaired mobility. The case for using




such a lifting device should be arguedin the Access Statement.

3.23 In exceptional circumstances inan existing building, a wheelchairplatform stairlift may be considered,provided its installation does notconflict with requirements for means ofescape. The case for installing awheelchair platform stairlift should beargued in the Access Statement.

Provisions

3.24 The provision of lifting deviceswill satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. new developments have apassenger lift serving all storeys;

b. new developments, where due tosite constraints a passenger lift cannotbe accommodated to provide access topersons with impaired mobility, have alifting platform, of a type designed forthe vertical height to be travelled;

c. existing buildings have apassenger lift serving all storeys or, if apassenger lift cannot reasonably beaccommodated to provide access topersons with impaired mobility, theyhave a lifting platform, of a typedesigned for the vertical height to betravelled;

d. existing buildings have awheelchair platform stairlift serving anintermediate level or a single storey,only in exceptional circumstances.

General requirements for liftingdevices


3.25 In selecting the appropriate liftingdevice care should be taken to ensureit is fit for purpose. Relevantlegislation includes the Lift Regulations1997 SI 1997/831, the LiftingOperations and Lifting EquipmentRegulations 1998 SI 1998/2307, theProvision and Use of Work EquipmentRegulations 1998 SI 1998/2306 and theManagement of Health and Safety atWork Regulations 1999 SI 1999/3242.

3.26 The illumination in the passengerlift car, on the lifting platform or on thewheelchair platform stairlift should

minimise glare, reflection, confusingshadows or pools of light and dark.

3.27 All users including wheelchairusers should be able to reach and usethe controls that summon and directthe lifting device.

Note: Further guidance is available inBS 8300.

Provisions

3.28 The installation of lifting deviceswill satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. there is an unobstructedmanoeuvring space of 1500mm x1500mm, or a straight access route900mm wide, in front of each liftingdevice;

b. the landing call buttons arelocated between 900mm and 1100mmfrom the floor of the landing and atleast 500mm from any return wall;

c. the landing call button symbols,where provided, and lifting devicecontrol button symbols are raised tofacilitate tactile reading;

d. all call and control buttonscontrast visually with the surroundingface plate, and the face plate similarlycontrasts with the surface on which itis mounted;

e. the floor of the lifting deviceshould not be of a dark colour andshould have frictional qualities similarto, or higher than, the floor of thelanding;

f. a handrail is provided on at leastone wall of the lifting device with itstop surface at 900mm (nominal) abovethe floor and located so that it doesnot obstruct the controls or the mirror;

g. a suitable emergencycommunication system is fitted.

Passenger lifts


3.29 A wheelchair user needs sufficientspace and time to enter and leave apassenger lift, particularly when sharingit with other people. Lift sizes shouldtherefore be chosen to suit theanticipated density of use of the



building and the needs of disabledpeople. The minimum size lift carshown in the provisions belowaccommodates a wheelchair user withan accompanying person. A larger liftsize (2000mm wide by 1400mm deep)will accommodate any type ofwheelchair together with several otherpassengers. It will also allow awheelchair user or a person with awalking frame to turn through 180°.

3.30 Lift door systems should bedesigned to allow adequate time forpeople, and any assistance dogs, toenter or leave the lift without cominginto contact with closing doors.

3.31 People using or waiting for a liftneed audible and visual information totell them that a lift has arrived, whichfloor it has reached and where in abank of lifts it is located.

3.32 The use of visually andacoustically reflective wall surfaces cancause discomfort for people with visualand hearing impairment.

3.33 Where planning allows, lift cars(used for access between two levelsonly) may be provided with opposingdoors to allow a wheelchair user toleave without reversing out.

Provisions

3.34 Passenger lifts will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they conform to the requirementsof the Lift Regulations 1997, SI1997/831 (Note: These regulationsmay be met by compliance with,among other things, the relevant BritishStandards, EN 81 series of standards,in particular BS EN 81-70: 2003 ‘Safetyrules for the construction andinstallation of lifts - Particularapplications for passenger and goodpassenger lifts’, or, where necessary,by product certification issued by aNotified Body.);

b. they are accessible from theremainder of the storey;

c. the minimum dimensions of thelift cars are 1100mm wide and 1400mmdeep (see Diagram 11);

d. for lifts of a size that does notallow a wheelchair user to turn aroundwithin the lift car, a mirror is providedin the lift car to enable a wheelchairuser to see the space behind thewheelchair;

e. power-operated horizontal slidingdoors provide an effective clear widthof at least 800mm (nominal);

f. doors are fitted with timingdevices and re-opening activators toallow adequate time for people and anyassistance dogs to enter or leave;

g. car controls are located between900mm and 1200mm (preferably




Unobstructedwheelchair

turning space

Lift car controls withtactile identification

HandrailSign showing storeywith tactile identification

Landing call buttonswith tactile identification

900 nominal

1200 Range for centre linesof lift car controlsRange for centre lines

of landing call buttons

400

800 min.

1100

1400 min.

1100 min.

15001500

900

Diagram 11 Key dimensions associated with passenger lifts

1100mm) from the car floor and at least400mm from any return wall;

h. landing call buttons are locatedbetween 900mm and 1100mm from thefloor of the landing and at least 500mmfrom any return wall;

i. lift landing and car doors aredistinguishable visually from theadjoining walls;

j. audible and visual indication of liftarrival and location is provided in thelift car and the lift lobby;

k. areas of glass are identifiable bypeople with impaired vision;

l. where the lift is to be used toevacuate disabled people in anemergency, it conforms to the relevantrecommendations of BS 5588-8.

Lifting platforms


3.35 A lifting platform should only beprovided to transfer wheelchair users,people with impaired mobility and theircompanions vertically between levelsor storeys.

3.36 All users including wheelchairusers should be able to reach and usethe controls that summon and directthe lifting platform.

3.37 People using or waiting for alifting platform need audible and visualinformation to tell them that theplatform has arrived, and which floor ithas reached.

3.38 Lifting platforms travel slowlybetween landings and may not besuitable for lone users with certaindisabilities, e.g. those easily fatigued.

3.39 Lifting platforms are operated bycontinuous pressure controls. In theirsimplest form these may bepushbuttons. However, another meansof continuous pressure control mayneed to be considered toaccommodate the needs of users withvarying degrees of manual dexterity.

3.40 It is important when selecting alifting platform that due care andattention is paid to its intended useparticularly if located in an

unsupervised environment. Wheremanagement control cannot beexercised, particular attention shouldbe paid to the product’s designed dutycycle.

3.41 Where planning allows, liftingplatforms may be provided withopposing doors when used for accessbetween two levels only, to allow awheelchair user to leave withoutreversing out. In some cases, it may bemore convenient to provide a seconddoor at 90° to the first, in which case awider platform would be required.

3.42 The use of visually andacoustically reflective wall surfacesshould be minimised within the liftingplatform to prevent discomfort forpeople with visual and hearingimpairment.

Provisions

3.43 Lifting platforms will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they conform to the requirementsof the Supply of Machinery (Safety)Regulations 1992, S.I. 1992/3073(Note: These regulations may be metby compliance, among other things,with the relevant British Standards,EN81 series of standards or, wherenecessary, by product certificationissued by a Notified Body. In theabsence of relevant harmonisedEuropean standards, products with atravel exceeding 3m must have aproduct certificate issued by a NotifiedBody);

b. the vertical travel distance is:

i) not more than 2m, wherethere is no liftway enclosureand no floor penetration;

ii) more than 2m, where thereis a liftway enclosure;

c. the rated speed of the platformdoes not exceed 0.15m/s;

d. lifting platform controls arelocated between 800mm and 1100mmfrom the floor of the lifting platform andat least 400mm from any return wall;

e. continuous pressure controls areprovided;



f. landing call buttons are locatedbetween 900mm and 1100mm from thefloor of the landing and at least 500mmfrom any return wall;

g. the minimum clear dimensions ofthe platform are:

i) 800mm wide and 1250mmdeep, where the liftingplatform is not enclosed andwhere provision is beingmade for an unaccompaniedwheelchair user;

ii) 900mm wide and 1400mmdeep, where the liftingplatform is enclosed andwhere provision is beingmade for an unaccompaniedwheelchair user;

iii) 1100mm wide and 1400mmdeep where two doors arelocated at 90° relative toeach other and where thelifting platform is enclosedor where provision is beingmade for an accompaniedwheelchair user;

h. doors have an effective clearwidth of at least 900mm for an1100mm wide and 1400mm deep liftingplatform and at least 800mm in othercases;

i. they are fitted with clearinstructions for use;

j. the lifting platform entrances areaccessible from the remainder of thestorey;

k. doors are distinguishable visuallyfrom the adjoining walls;

l. an audible and visualannouncement of platform arrival andlevel reached is provided;

m. areas of glass are identifiable bypeople with impaired vision.

Wheelchair platform stairlifts


3.44 Wheelchair platform stairlifts areonly intended for the transportation ofwheelchair users and should only beconsidered for conversions andalterations where it is not practicable to

install a conventional passenger lift ora lifting platform. Such stairlifts travelup the string of a stair. They should notbe installed where their operationrestricts the safe use of the stair byother people.

3.45 A wheelchair platform stairliftallows a wheelchair user to travelindependently up and down stairs whileremaining seated in a wheelchair. Awheelchair platform stairlift may bemore suitable for use in small areaswith a unique function, e.g. a smalllibrary gallery, a staff rest room or atraining room.

3.46 Wheelchair platform stairliftstravel slowly between landings and maynot be suitable for users with certaindisabilities, e.g. those easily fatigued.

3.47 Wheelchair platform stairlifts areoperated by continuous pressurecontrols, commonly a joystick.However, another means of continuouspressure control may need to beconsidered to accommodate users withvarying degrees of manual dexterity.

3.48 Wheelchair platform stairlifts areonly suitable where users can beinstructed in their safe use and wheremanagement supervision can beensured.

Provisions

3.49 Wheelchair platform stairlifts willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they conform to the requirementsof the Supply of Machinery (Safety)Regulations 1992, S.I. 1992/3073(Note: These regulations may be metby compliance, among other things,with the relevant British Standards,EN81 series of standards or wherenecessary Notified Body approval);

b. in a building with a singlestairway, the required clear width of theflight of stairs and landings for meansof escape is maintained when thewheelchair platform is in the parkedposition (see also Approved Document B);

c. the rated speed of the platformdoes not exceed 0.15m/s;




d. continuous pressure controls areprovided;

e. the minimum clear dimensions ofthe platform are 800mm wide and1250mm deep;

f. they are fitted with clearinstructions for use;

g. access with an effective clearwidth of at least 800mm is provided;

h. controls are designed to preventunauthorised use.

Internal stairs


3.50 With the exception of the need forhazard warning surfaces on landings,other design considerations for internalstairs are as those for ‘Steppedaccess’ (see 1.29 to 1.32). It is notreasonable to require a hazard warningsurface at the head of internal stairssince there is no recognised warningsurface for use internally which can beguaranteed not to constitute a triphazard when used alongside flooringsurfaces with different frictionalresistance characteristics. However,designers should be aware of thepotential risk of having a stair directlyin line with an access route. Formobility-impaired people, a going of atleast 300mm is preferred.

Provisions

3.51 Internal stairs will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they comply with provisions (a),(b), (e) to (g), and (i) to (k) and (n) to (p)of 1.33;

b. a flight between landings normallycontains no more than 12 risers, butexceptionally no more than 16 risers insmall premises where the plan area isrestricted (see Diagram 12);

c. the rise of each step is between150mm and 170mm, except in existingbuildings where, due to dimensionalconstraints, the case for a different riseis argued in the Access Statement;

d. the going of each step is at least250mm;

e. the area beneath a stair where thesoffit is less than 2.1m above floor levelis protected as described in 1.39(b).

Note: For school buildings, in respectof 3.51(c) and (d), the rise should notexceed 170mm, with a preferred goingof 280mm. Also, for schools, refugesshould be provided for all stairs whereno other arrangement is in place (seeAD B, B1.xvi, and BS 5588-8 for detailsof refuges).

Internal ramps


3.52 With the exception of issuesrelating specifically to the externalenvironment, the design considerationsfor internal ramps are as those for‘Ramped access’ (see 1.19 to 1.25). Itis worth reiterating that ramps are notnecessarily safe and convenient forambulant disabled people. Forexample, some people who can walk

Approved Document MHorizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings42


900 to 1000above pitch line

300 min.

300 min.

900 to1100

900 to1100

12 risers max.(16 risers max. in small premiseswhere space is restricted)

Diagram 12 Internal stairs – key dimensions

but have restricted mobility find it moredifficult to negotiate a ramp than astair. Unless, therefore, a ramp is short,has a shallow gradient and the rise isno more than the minimum that can beprovided by two risers, steps should beprovided as well as a ramp.

Provisions

3.53 Internal ramps will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:

a. they comply with provisions (a) to(c), (e) to (j) and (l) to (m) for rampedaccess in 1.26;

b. where the change in level is300mm or more, 2 or more clearlysignposted steps are provided inaddition to the ramp;

c. where the change in level is nogreater than 300mm, a ramp isprovided instead of a single step;

d. all landings are level, subject to amaximum gradient of 1:60 along theirlength;

e. the area beneath a ramp wherethe soffit is less than 2.1m above floorlevel is protected as described in1.39(b).

Handrails to internal steps, stairsand ramps


3.54 The design considerations forhandrails are as those for ‘Handrails toexternal stepped and ramped access’in 1.34 to 1.36.

Provisions

3.55 Handrails to internal steps, stairsand ramps will satisfy Requirement M1or M2 if they comply with all theprovisions contained in 1.37.

Horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellingsApproved Document M43


FACILITIES IN BUILDINGS OTHERTHAN DWELLINGS

Objectives4.1 The aim is for all people to haveaccess to, and the use of, all thefacilities provided within buildings.They should also be able to participatein the proceedings atlecture/conference facilities and atentertainment or leisure and socialvenues, not only as spectators, butalso as participants and/or staff.

4.2 Where permanent or removableseating is provided as part of thedesign, allowance should be made fordisabled people to have a choice ofseating location at spectator events. Itshould also be possible for them tohave a clear view of the activity takingplace while not obstructing the view ofothers.

4.3 In refreshment facilities, bars andcounters (or sections of them) shouldbe at a level suitable for wheelchairusers. All floor areas, even whenlocated at different levels, should beaccessible.

4.4 A proportion of the sleepingaccommodation in hotels, motels andstudent accommodation should bedesigned for independent use bywheelchair users. The remainder shouldinclude facilities that make themsuitable for people who do not use awheelchair, but may have mobility,sensory, dexterity or learningdifficulties.

Audience and spectator facilities


4.5 Audience and spectator facilitiesfall primarily into three categories:

a. lecture/conference facilities

b. entertainment facilities (e.g.theatres/cinemas)

c. sports facilities (e.g. stadia).

Note: The guidance here relates mainlyto seating. For guidance on receptionand sales counters, refer to 3.2 to 3.5.

Audience facilities generally

4.6 Wheelchair users and those withmobility or sensory impairment mayneed to view or listen from a particularside, or sit in the front for lip reading orto read sign interpreters. They shouldbe provided with spaces into whichthey can manoeuvre easily, and whichoffer them a clear view of an event,while ensuring they are not segregatedinto special areas. Wheelchair users,people who have difficulty in usingseats with fixed arms and those withassistance dogs, should also have thechoice of sitting next to aconventionally seated person or acompanion wheelchair user.Consideration should be given toproviding an area next to certain seatsfor an assistance dog to rest. Byhaving some removable seating at thefront and back of blocks of seats(possibly in complete rows), greaterflexibility in location can be achievedand a greater number of wheelchairusers than the minimum provisionshown in Table 3 can beaccommodated.

4.7 Greater spacing between rows ofseats at the rear of a block of seating,or at the end of rows, may provideextra legroom for people of largestature. With several seats removed,these locations may also be suitable forwheelchair users. It is desirable forseating to contrast visually with thesurroundings.

4.8 All users of facilities should beable to locate suitable seating andmove safely and easily to and from theseating area and ancillaryaccommodation, such as lavatories,dining rooms and bedroom suites.

Lecture/conference facilities

4.9 People with hearing impairmentsshould be able to participate fully inconferences, committee meetings andstudy groups. All people should be able


Section 4

Facilities in buildings other than dwellings

M1 BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

to use presentation facilities.Consideration should be given to goodsight lines and the design and locationof lecture equipment (demonstrationtable, lectern, projection screen) toensure that patterned walls, poorinterior lighting or very bright naturalback-lighting does not have adetrimental effect on the ability ofpeople to receive information from asign language interpreter or a lipspeaker (see 4.32 to 4.34).

Entertainment, leisure and socialfacilities

4.10 In facilities for entertainment, e.g.theatres and cinemas, it is normal forseating to be more closely packed thanin other types of auditoria. Care isneeded in the design and location ofwheelchair spaces so that all visitorscan enjoy the atmosphere. Referenceshould also be made to ‘TechnicalStandard for Places of Entertainment’.

Sports facilities

4.11 For guidance on integrating theneeds of disabled people into thedesign of spectator facilities, inparticular the provision of, and accessto, suitable spaces for wheelchair usersin stadia, see ‘Guide to Safety atSports Grounds’, ‘Accessible stadia: agood practice guide to the design offacilities to meet the needs of disabledspectators and other users’ and‘Access for Disabled People’.

Provisions

4.12 Audience and spectator facilitieswill satisfy Requirement M1 if:

For audience seating generally

a. the route to wheelchair spaces isaccessible by wheelchair users;

b. stepped access routes toaudience seating are provided withfixed handrails (see 1.34 to 1.37 fordetails of handrails);

c. the minimum number ofpermanent and removable spacesprovided for wheelchair users is inaccordance with Table 3;

d. some wheelchair spaces (whetherpermanent or created by removing

seats) are provided in pairs, withstandard seating on at least one side(see Diagram 13);

e. where more than two wheelchairspaces are provided, they are locatedto give a range of views of the event ateach side, as well as at front and backof the seating area;

f. the minimum clear space providedfor access to wheelchair spaces is900mm;

g. the clear space allowance for anoccupied wheelchair in a parkedposition is 900mm wide by 1400mmdeep;

h. the floor of each wheelchair spaceis horizontal;

i. some seats are located so that anassistance dog can accompany its


M1


BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Table 3 Provision of wheelchair spacesin audience seatingSeating Minimum provision capacity of spaces for wheelchairs

Permanent Removable

Up to 600 1% of total seating Remainder to make capacity (rounded up) a total of 6

Over 600 1% of total seating Additional provision, but less than capacity (rounded up) if desired10 000

Note: For seating capacities of 10,000 or more, guidance is given in‘Accessible stadia: a good practice guide to the design offacilities to meet the needs of disabled spectators and otherusers’.

In and out In and out

In and outDemonstration table

Lectern

Wall mountedprojection screen

In and out

Diagram 13 An example of wheelchairspaces in a lecture theatre

owner and rest in front of, or under, theseat;

j. standard seats at the ends ofrows and next to wheelchair spaceshave detachable, or lift-up, arms;

For seating on a stepped terraced floor

k. wheelchair spaces at the back ofa stepped terraced floor are provided inaccordance with Diagrams 14 or 15,the arrangement in Diagram 15 beingparticularly suitable for entertainmentbuildings, such as theatres or cinemas,subject to the approval of the licensingauthority;

For lecture/conference facilities

l. where a podium or stage isprovided, wheelchair users have accessto it by means of a ramp or liftingplatform;

m. a hearing enhancement system inaccordance with 4.36 is provided forpeople with impaired hearing.

Refreshment facilities


4.13 Refreshment facilities, such asrestaurants and bars, should bedesigned so that they can be reachedand used by all people independentlyor with companions. Staff areas shouldalso be accessible.

4.14 All public areas, including lavatoryaccommodation, public telephones andexternal terraces should be accessible.Where premises contain self-serviceand waiter service, all patrons shouldhave access to both.

4.15 In many refreshment facilities,changes in level are used todifferentiate between different functionsor to create a certain atmospherethrough interior design. Changes offloor level are acceptable provided thedifferent levels are accessible.

Provisions

4.16 Refreshment facilities will satisfyRequirement M1 if:

a. all users have access to all partsof the facility;

b. part of the working surface of abar or serving counter is permanentlyaccessible to wheelchair users, and ata level of not more than 850mm abovethe floor and, where necessary, part ata higher level for people standing;

c. the worktop of a sharedrefreshment facility (e.g. for tea making)is at 850mm above the floor with aclear space beneath at least 700mmabove the floor (see Diagram 16) andthe delivery of water complies with5.4(a) and (b);

d. a wheelchair-accessible threshold(see 2.7(e)) is located at the transitionbetween an external seating area andthe interior of the facility.

Sleeping accommodation


4.17 Sleeping accommodation, whereprovided for a significant number ofpeople, e.g. in hotels, motels andstudent accommodation, should aim tobe convenient for all. People who usewheelchairs are likely to require greaterprovision of space and access to en-suite sanitary accommodation. Aproportion of rooms will, therefore,need to accommodate wheelchairusers. In student accommodation, it isbeneficial to have a wheelchair-accessible toilet available for use bydisabled visitors.

4.18 Wheelchair users should be ableto reach all the facilities availablewithin the building. In general,accessible bedrooms should be no lessadvantageously situated than otherbedrooms. It would be beneficial ifentrance doors to wheelchair-accessible bedrooms were powered-opening, as this could avoid the needfor the 300mm access space adjacentto the leading edge of the door.

4.19 Wheelchair-accessible bedroomsshould be sufficiently spacious toenable a wheelchair user to transfer toone side of a bed, with or withoutassistance. Wheelchair users should beable to manoeuvre around and use thefacilities in the room, and operateswitches and controls. They should

Approved Document M46Facilities in buildings other than dwellings




M1BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

1400 x 900 nominal wheelchair spaces

More seats can be removedif necessary to create more wheelchair space

Steps

Rear wall

1100* Aisle dimension

* Dimension derived from BS 8300

Diagram 14 Possible location of wheelchair spaces in front of a rear aisle

1400 x 900 nominal wheelchair spaces

The rostrum as well as seats on the rostrum and seats in the next row can be removed to create more wheelchair spaces

StepsSteps

Rear wall

Rostrum

1100* 900

* Dimension derived from BS 8300

Diagram 15 An example of wheelchair space provision in a cinema or theatre

also be able to gain access to andconveniently use sanitaryaccommodation and, where provided,balconies. En-suite sanitary facilitiesare the preferred option for wheelchair-accessible bedrooms. Unless there arecompelling reasons for not doing so,there should be at least as many en-suite shower rooms as en-suitebathrooms, as mobility-impaired peoplemay find it easier to use a shower thana bath. An en-suite shower room orbathroom would benefit from having afinger rinse basin adjacent to the WC,as well as a wash basin or basin in avanitory unit.

4.20 It is also important to ensure that,in all bedrooms, built-in wardrobes andshelving are accessible and convenientto use. It is an advantage if curtainsand blinds are provided with automatic,or other remotely controlled openingdevices such as rods or pull cords.

4.21 Wheelchair users should also beable to visit companions in otherbedrooms, for example when attendingconferences or when on holiday withtheir families. In these instances,bedrooms not designed forindependent use by a person in awheelchair need to have the outer door

wide enough to be accessible to awheelchair user.

4.22 For a proportion of wheelchair-accessible bedrooms, it would beuseful to provide a connecting door toan adjacent bedroom for a companion.

4.23 For people with limited manualdexterity, electronic card-activatedlocks for bedroom entrance doors andlever taps in sanitary accommodationcan be an advantage.

Provisions

4.24 Sleeping accommodation willsatisfy Requirement M1 if:

For all bedrooms

a. the effective clear width of thedoor from the access corridor complieswith Table 2;

b. swing doors, where provided forbuilt-in wardrobes and other storagesystems, open through 180°;

c. handles on hinged and slidingdoors are easy to grip and operate andcontrast visually with the surface of thedoor;

d. openable windows and windowcontrols are located between 800 and1000mm above the floor and are easyto operate without using both handssimultaneously;

e. all bedrooms have a visual firealarm signal, in addition to therequirements of Part B;

f. any room numbers are indicatedin embossed characters;

For wheelchair-accessible bedrooms

g. at least one wheelchair-accessiblebedroom is provided for every 20bedrooms, or part thereof;

h. wheelchair-accessible bedroomsare located on accessible routes thatlead to all other available facilitieswithin the building;

i. wheelchair-accessible bedroomsare designed to provide a choice oflocation and have a standard ofamenity equivalent to that of otherbedrooms;



1500 x 1500Wheelchair turning space

Clear space under worktop

Work surface 850 above floor levelMicrowave

oven Refrigerator under worktop

Floor unit

Floor unit

800

Diagram 16 An example of a sharedrefreshment facility

j. the door from the access corridorto a wheelchair-accessible bedroomcomplies with the relevant provisions of‘Internal doors’ (see 3.10), in particularthe maximum permissible openingforce, Table 2 and the need for a clearspace of 300mm from the leading edgeof the door to the side wall;

k. the effective clear width of anydoor to an en-suite bathroom orshower room within the wheelchair-accessible bedroom complies withTable 2;

l. the size of wheelchair-accessiblebedrooms allows for a wheelchair userto manoeuvre at the side of a bed, thentransfer independently to it. Anexample of a wheelchair-accessiblebedroom layout is shown in Diagram 17;

m. sanitary facilities, en-suite to awheelchair-accessible bedroom,comply with the provisions of 5.15 to5.21 for ‘Wheelchair-accessiblebathrooms’ or ‘Wheelchair-accessibleshower facilities’;

n. wide angle viewers, whereprovided in the entrance door to awheelchair-accessible bedroom, are

located at 1050mm and 1500mm abovefloor level, to enable viewing by peoplewho are seated or standing;

o. a balcony, where provided to awheelchair-accessible bedroom, has adoor whose effective clear widthcomplies with Table 2, has a levelthreshold and has no horizontaltransoms between 900mm and1200mm above the floor;

p. there are no permanentobstructions in a zone 1500mm backfrom any balcony doors;

q. an emergency assistance alarm(together with a reset button) is locatedin a wheelchair-accessible bedroomand activated by a pull cord, sited sothat it can be operated both from thebed and from an adjacent floor area;

r. an emergency assistance callsignal outside an accessible bedroomis located so that it can be easily seenand heard by those able to giveassistance and, in any case, at acentral control point.




300 min.

Effective clear width

1500 min.

1500 x 1500wheelchair turning space

See Section 5for dimensions

Wheelchair-accessibleshower room or bathroom -See Section 5 for details

700 min.

Diagram 17 One example of a wheelchair-accessible hotel bedroom with en-suitesanitary facilities

Switches, outlets and controls


4.25 The key factors that affect the useof switches, outlets and controls areease of operation, visibility, height andfreedom from obstruction. However,there will be exceptions to heightrequirements for some outlets, e.g.those set into the floor in open planoffices.

4.26 A consistent relationship withdoorways and corners will furtherreinforce the ease with which peoplemanipulate switches and controls.

4.27 All users should be able to locatea control, know which setting it is on,and use it without inadvertentlychanging its setting.

4.28 Controls that contrast visuallywith their surroundings are moreconvenient for visually impaired people,as are light switches that are activatedby a large push pad. The colours redand green should not be used incombination as indicators of ‘on’ and‘off’ for switches and controls. It maybe useful to use text or a pictogram toclarify the purpose and status ofmultiple switches and controls.

4.29 It is also an advantage ifindividual switches on panels and onmultiple socket outlets are wellseparated, or in the form of large touchplates, to avoid the inadvertentselection of an adjacent control byvisually impaired people and peoplewith limited dexterity.

Provisions

4.30 Switches, outlets and controls willsatisfy Requirement M1 if:

a. wall-mounted socket outlets,telephone points and TV sockets arelocated between 400mm and 1000mmabove the floor, with a preference forthe lower end of the range;

b. switches for permanently wiredappliances are located between 400mmand 1200mm above the floor, unlessneeded at a higher level for particularappliances;

c. all switches and controls thatrequire precise hand movements arelocated between 750mm and 1200mmabove the floor;

d. simple push button controls thatrequire limited dexterity, are not morethan 1200mm above the floor;

e. pull cords for emergency alarmsystems are coloured red, located asclose to a wall as possible, and havetwo red 50mm diameter bangles, oneset at 100mm and the other setbetween 800mm and 1000mm abovethe floor;

f. controls that need close vision arelocated between 1200mm and 1400mmabove the floor so that readings maybe taken by a person sitting orstanding (with thermostats at the top ofthe range);

g. socket outlets are locatedconsistently in relation to doorwaysand room corners, but in any case nonearer than 350mm from room corners;

h. light switches for use by thegeneral public have large push padsand align horizontally with door handleswithin the range 900 to 1100mm, forease of location when entering a room;

i. where switches described in4.30(h) cannot be provided, lighting pullcords are set between 900mm and1100mm above floor level, and fittedwith a 50mm diameter bangle visuallycontrasting with its background anddistinguishable visually from anyemergency assistance pull cord;

j the operation of switches, outletsand controls does not require thesimultaneous use of both hands,except where this mode of operation isnecessary for safety reasons;

k. switched socket outlets indicatewhether they are ‘on’;

l. mains and circuit isolatorswitches clearly indicate that they areon or off;

m. front plates contrast visually withtheir backgrounds.



Aids to communication


4.31 People will benefit most if there isan integrated system for wayfinding,public address and hearingenhancement.

4.32 The appropriate choice of floor,wall and ceiling surface materials andfinishes can help visually impairedpeople appreciate the boundaries ofrooms or spaces, identify accessroutes and receive information. Forexample, glare and reflections fromshiny surfaces, and large repeatingpatterns, should be avoided in spaceswhere visual acuity is critical as theywill hamper communication for peoplewith impaired vision, and those who lipread or use sign language. This wouldapply to locations such as receptionareas with enquiry desks and speakers’rostrums in lecture halls.

4.33 The type and quality of publicaddress, hearing enhancement andtelephone systems should be chosencarefully to ensure intelligibility. Thedesign of the acoustic environmentshould also ensure that audibleinformation can be heard clearly.

4.34 Artificial lighting should bedesigned to give good colour renderingof all surfaces, without creating glare,or pools of bright light and strongshadows. Where appropriate, lightingshould illuminate the face of a personspeaking, to make lip reading easierwhere one-to-one communication isnecessary. Uplighters mounted at lowor floor level can disorientate somevisually impaired people and should beavoided.

4.35 In order to obtain the full benefitof attending public performances ortaking part in discussions, a personwith impaired hearing needs to receivea signal that is amplified in bothvolume and signal to noise ratio. Thethree systems commonly used toprovide this enhanced level of soundare induction loop, infrared and radio.Sound field systems are alsoincreasingly being used, particularly ineducational establishments. In larger

spaces, provision needs to be made fora permanent system, but in smallmeeting rooms, a portable inductionloop would be acceptable. It should berecognised that there is the dangerwhere adjacent spaces each have aninduction loop system that the signalsmay overlap.

Note: Detailed guidance on surfacefinishes, visual, audible and tactilesigns, as well as the characteristicsand appropriate choice and use ofhearing enhancement systems, isavailable in BS 8300.

Provisions

4.36 Aids to communication will satisfyRequirement M1 if:

a. a clearly audible public addresssystem is supplemented by visualinformation;

b. provision for a hearingenhancement system is installed inrooms and spaces designed formeetings, lectures, classes,performances, spectator sport or films,and at service or reception counterswhen they are situated in noisy areasor they are behind glazed screens;

c. the presence of an induction loopor infrared hearing enhancementsystem is indicated by the standardsymbol;

d. telephones suitable for hearingaid users are clearly indicated by thestandard ear and ‘T’ symbol andincorporate an inductive coupler andvolume control;

e. text telephones for deaf and hardof hearing people are clearly indicatedby the standard symbol;

f. artificial lighting is designed to becompatible with other electronic andradio frequency installations.

Facilities in buildings other than dwellingsApproved Document M51


SANITARY ACCOMMODATION INBUILDINGS OTHER THANDWELLINGS

Objectives5.1 In principle, suitable sanitaryaccommodation should be available toeverybody, including sanitaryaccommodation designed forwheelchair users, ambulant disabledpeople, people of either sex withbabies and small children, or peopleencumbered by luggage.

5.2 In multi-storey buildings, theconsistent location of toilets on eachfloor can help people with learningdifficulties to locate these facilitieseasily.

Sanitary accommodationgenerally


5.3 A number of issues need to beconsidered in connection with all formsof sanitary accommodation. Theserelate to the needs of people withvisual or hearing impairments, peoplewith learning difficulties and peoplewhose lack of tactile sensitivity cancause them to be injured by touchinghot surfaces. Taps and WC cubicledoors should be operable by peoplewith limited strength or manualdexterity and doors to cubicles shouldbe capable of being opened if a personhas collapsed against them while insidethe cubicle. Preferably, all doors to WCcubicles and wheelchair-accessibleunisex toilets open out or, if they openin, the door swing should not encroachinto the wheelchair turning space orminimum activity space. Wherepossible, light switches with large pushpads should be used in preference topull cords (see 4.28).

Provisions

5.4 Sanitary accommodation willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M3 if:

a. any bath or wash basin tap iseither controlled automatically, or iscapable of being operated using aclosed fist, e.g. by lever action;

b. terminal fittings comply withGuidance Note G18.5 of the GuidanceDocument relating to Schedule 2:Requirements for Water Fittings, of theWater Supply (Water Fittings)Regulations 1999, SI 1999/1148;

c. door handles and otherironmongery comply with provisions3.10(d) and (e) of ‘Internal doors’;

d. WC compartment doors, anddoors to wheelchair-accessible unisextoilets, changing rooms or showerrooms are fitted with light actionprivacy bolts so that they can beoperated by people with limiteddexterity and, if required to self-close,can be opened using a force no greaterthan 20N;

e. WC compartment doors, anddoors to wheelchair-accessible unisextoilets, changing rooms or showerrooms have an emergency releasemechanism so that they are capable ofbeing opened outwards, from theoutside, in case of emergency;

f. doors, when open, do notobstruct emergency escape routes;

g. any fire alarm emits a visual andaudible signal to warn occupants withhearing or visual impairments;

h. any emergency assistance alarmsystem has:

i) visual and audible indicatorsto confirm that anemergency call has beenreceived;

ii) a reset control reachablefrom a wheelchair and theWC, or from the wheelchairand the shower/changingseat;

iii) a signal that isdistinguishable visually andaudibly from the fire alarm.

Section 5

Approved Document MSanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings52


i. any lighting controls comply withthe provisions for ‘Switches andcontrols’, see 4.30;

j. any heat emitters are eitherscreened or have their exposedsurfaces kept at a temperature below43°C;

k. the surface finish of sanitaryfittings and grab bars contrasts visuallywith background wall and floor finishes,and there is also visual contrastbetween wall and floor finishes.

Provision of toilet accommodation


5.5 Toilet accommodation needs to besuitable, not only for disabled people,but for all people who use the building.For disabled people, suitable toiletaccommodation may take the form of aspecially designed cubicle in separate-sex toilet washrooms, or a self-contained unisex toilet. For wheelchairusers in particular, a self-containedunisex toilet is always the preferredoption since, if necessary, a partner orcarer of a different sex can enter togive assistance. Wheelchair-accessibleunisex toilets should always beprovided in addition to any wheelchair-accessible accommodation in separate-sex toilet washrooms. Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets should not beused for baby changing.

5.6 The provision of an enlargedcubicle in a separate-sex toiletwashroom can be of benefit toambulant disabled people, as well asparents with children, and people (e.g.those with luggage) who need anenlarged space. In large buildingdevelopments, separate facilities forbaby changing and an enlarged unisextoilet incorporating an adult changingtable are desirable.

Note: For specific guidance on theprovision of sanitary accommodation insports buildings, refer to ‘Access forDisabled People’.

Provisions

5.7 The provision of toiletaccommodation will satisfyRequirement M1or M3 if:

a. where there is space for only onetoilet in a building, it is of a wheelchair-accessible unisex type, but of greaterwidth to accommodate a standingheight wash basin;

b. at least one wheelchair-accessibleunisex toilet is provided at eachlocation in a building where sanitaryfacilities are provided for use bycustomers and visitors to a building, orby people working in the building;

c. at least one WC cubicle isprovided in separate-sex toiletaccommodation for use by ambulantdisabled people;

d. where there are 4 or more WCcubicles in separate-sex toiletaccommodation, one of these is anenlarged cubicle for use by people whoneed extra space, in addition to anyprovision under 5.7(c).

Wheelchair-accessible unisextoilets


5.8 Wheelchair users should be ableto approach, transfer to, and use thesanitary facilities provided within abuilding. This requires the provision ofa wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet.The relationship of the WC to the fingerrinse basin and other accessoriesshould allow a person to wash and dryhands while seated on the WC. Thespace provided for manoeuvring,should enable wheelchair users toadopt various transfer techniques thatallow independent or assisted use. It isimportant that the transfer spacealongside the WC is kept clear to theback wall. When transferring to andfrom their wheelchair, some peopleneed horizontal support rails. The railon the open side is a drop-down rail,but on the wall side, it can be a wall-mounted grab rail (which is thought togive a more rigid handhold) set at agreater distance than normal from thewall or, alternatively, a second drop-

Sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellingsApproved Document M53


down rail in addition to the wall-mounted grab rail where the grab rail isspaced at the minimum distance fromthe wall and therefore does not give thesame degree of support.

5.9 A unisex toilet is approachedseparately from other sanitaryaccommodation. It is more easilyidentified than a wheelchair-accessiblecubicle in a separate-sex toiletwashroom and, provided it is used onlyby disabled people, it is more likely tobe available when required. This isparticularly important as some disabledpeople need to use a toilet morefrequently than other users. The timeneeded to reach a wheelchair-accessible toilet should therefore bekept to a minimum when consideringthe location of unisex toiletaccommodation. In addition, a unisextoilet enables one or two assistants ofeither sex to assist a disabled person.Consideration should be given toinstalling a chemical sanitary wastedisposal unit in wheelchair-accessibleWC accommodation. Some wheelchairusers find it difficult to use a standard-height WC seat and, for them, it isimportant that the WC pan can accepta variable height toilet seat riser. WCpans manufactured to the keydimensions given in BS 5503-3 and BS5504-4 are considered acceptable.

Note: More detailed guidance on thevarious techniques used to transferfrom a wheelchair to a WC, as well asappropriate sanitary and other fittingsis given in BS 8300.

Provisions

5.10 Wheelchair-accessible unisextoilets will satisfy Requirement M1 orM3 if:

a. one is located as close aspossible to the entrance and/or waitingarea of the building;

b. they are not located in a way thatcompromises the privacy of users;

c. they are located in a similarposition on each floor of a multi-storeybuilding, and allow for right- and left-hand transfer on alternate floors;

d. when more than one unisex toiletis available in other than multi-storeybuildings, a choice of layouts suitablefor left-hand and right-hand transfer isprovided;

e. when it is the only toilet facility inthe building, the width is increasedfrom 1.5m to 2m and it includes astanding height wash basin, in additionto the finger rinse basin associatedwith the WC;

f. they are located on accessibleroutes that are direct and obstruction-free;

g. doors are preferably outward-opening and are fitted with a horizontalclosing bar fixed to the inside face;

h. any wheelchair user does nothave to travel:

i) more than 40m on the samefloor, unless a greaterdistance can be argued inthe Access Statement on thegrounds that the circulationroute is unobstructed, e.g.by the installation of doorswith hold-open devices;

ii) more than a 40m combinedhorizontal distance wherethe unisex toiletaccommodation is onanother floor of the building,but is accessible bypassenger lift (if a liftingplatform is installed, verticaltravel to a unisex toilet islimited to one storey);

i. the minimum overall dimensionsof, and the arrangement of fittingswithin, a wheelchair-accessible unisextoilet, comply with Diagram 18;

j. where the horizontal support railon the wall adjacent to the WC is setwith the minimum spacing from thewall, an additional drop-down rail isprovided on the wall side at a distanceof 320mm from the centre line of the WC;

k. where the horizontal support railon the wall adjacent to the WC is setso that its centre line is 400mm from



Sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings

the centre line of the WC, there is noadditional drop-down rail;

l. the heights and arrangement offittings in a wheelchair-accessibleunisex toilet comply with Diagram 19and, as appropriate, Diagram 20;

m. an emergency assistance alarmsystem is provided, complying with 5.4;

n. the emergency assistance callsignal outside the toilet compartment islocated so that it can be easily seenand heard by those able to giveassistance;

o. an emergency assistance pullcord is easily identifiable (see 4.30(e))and reachable from the WC and fromthe floor close to the WC;

p. any heat emitters are located sothat they do not restrict the minimumclear wheelchair manoeuvring space,nor the space beside the WC used fortransfer from the wheelchair to the WC;

q. WC pans conform to BS 5503-3or BS 5504-4 in terms of keydimensions in order to accommodatethe use of a variable height toilet seatriser (see 5.9);

r. cisterns for WCs that will be usedby wheelchair users have their flushingmechanism positioned on the open ortransfer side of the space, irrespectiveof handing.

Toilets in separate-sexwashrooms


5.11 Ambulant disabled people shouldhave the opportunity to use a WCcompartment within any separate-sextoilet washroom. The compartmentshould be fitted with support rails, andinclude a minimum activity space toaccommodate people who usecrutches, or otherwise have impairedleg movements. The presence of this



Mirror Wall A


Alternative door position Sanitary dispenser

Disposal bin

Shelf

Alarm pull cord

Sanitary disposal unit

Wall mounted grab rail

Vertical grab rail

Alternative position for alarm pull cord

(excluding any projecting heat emitters)

Clothes hooks

Drop-down rail

Zone for shelf forstanding users

Note Layout for right hand transfer to WC

Vertical grab rails

Finger rinse basin2200 min.

750

150

970

1000 min.

1500 min.

320 500

250

600

140-160

60 to 85

Diagram 18 Unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet with corner WC

facility helps avoid unnecessary travelto unisex toilet accommodation. Someambulant disabled people find itdifficult to use a standard-height WCseat and, for them, it is important thatthe WC pan can accept a variableheight toilet seat riser.

5.12 Separate-sex toilet washroomsabove a certain size should alsoinclude an enlarged WC cubicle for useby people who need extra space, e.g.parents with children and babies,people carrying luggage and alsoambulant disabled people.



600 grab rail each side of mirror

Height of independent wash basinand location of associated fittings, for wheelchair users and standing people

Mirror located away from wash basinsuitable for seated and standing people(Mirror and associated fittings usedwithin a WC compartment or serving a range of compartments) A. For people standing

B. For use from WC

Automatic hand dryer

Shaver point

Mirror

Centre of grab rail

1100

600-700

1600min.

height to rimof basinA. 780 to 800B. 720 to 740

800-1000

600

1600 min.

Diagram 20 Heights of various fittings in toilet accommodation

Sanitary dispenser with coin slot between 750 and 1000 above the floor

Disposal bin

Alarm pull cord with two red banglesone at 100, the otherat 800 to 1000 abovefloor level

Shelf

HD SD PT AR TP

Location of shelf at 950 above floorlevel

Grab rails

Grab rails

*Height subject to manufacturing tolerance of WC pan

HD: Possible position for automatic hand dryer (see also Diag 21)SD: Soap dispenserPT: Paper towel dispenserAR: Alarm reset buttonTP: Toilet paper dispenser

Height of drop-down rails to be the same as the other horizontal grab rails

300

300

680

1100800-1000

720-740480*

100

Diagram 19 Heights and arrangement of fittings in a unisex wheelchair-accessibletoilet (looking towards wall A in Diagram 18)

Consideration should be given toinstalling a fold-down table, e.g. forbaby-changing. Standard WCcompartments should also have aminimum manoeuvring space clear ofany door swing.

5.13 Where a separate-sex toiletwashroom can be accessed bywheelchair users, it should be possiblefor them to use both a urinal, whereappropriate, and a washbasin at alower height than is provided for otherusers. The relative numbers of urinalsfor men and WC compartments forwomen has been the subject of recentresearch. In general, the findingsindicate that there should be at leastthe same number of WCs (for women)as urinals (for men) and for somebuildings types, e.g. large retailbuildings, at least twice as many.Consideration should be given toproviding a low level urinal for childrenin male washrooms.

Note: More detailed guidance onappropriate sanitary and other fittingsis given in BS 8300.

Provisions

5.14 WC compartments withinseparate-sex toilet washrooms willsatisfy Requirement M1 or M3 if:

a. the swing of any inward openingdoors to standard WC compartments issuch that a 450mm diametermanoeuvring space is maintainedbetween the swing of the door, the WCpan and the side wall of thecompartment;

b. the minimum dimensions ofcompartments for ambulant disabledpeople, including the activity space,and the arrangement of grab bars andother fittings within the compartment,comply with Diagram 21;

c. doors to compartments forambulant disabled people arepreferably outward-opening and arefitted with a horizontal closing bar fixedto the inside face;

d. an enlarged compartment forthose who need extra space (based onthe compartment for ambulant disabled

people) is 1200mm wide and includes ahorizontal grab bar adjacent to the WC,a vertical grab bar on the rear wall andspace for a shelf and fold-downchanging table;

e. any compartment for use byambulant disabled people has a WCpan that conforms to BS 5503-3 or BS5504-4 in terms of key dimensions, inorder to accommodate the use of avariable height toilet seat riser (see 5.9and 5.11);

f. a wheelchair-accessiblecompartment (where provided) has thesame layout and fittings as the unisextoilet;

g. any wheelchair-accessiblewashroom has at least one washbasinwith its rim set at 720 to 740mm abovethe floor and, for men, at least oneurinal with its rim set at 380mm abovethe floor, with two 600mm long verticalgrab bars with their centre lines at1100mm above the floor, positionedeither side of the urinal.



Clothes hook set at 1400 above floor level

600 long additional grab rail if required

600 grab rail set at 15° or horizontal as required

Height of toilet seat

500 min. 100

1400

480*680 800

200 min.

800 min.

750 activityspace clear ofdoor swings

*Height subject to manufacturing tolerance of WC pan

Diagram 21 WC cubicle for ambulantdisabled people

Wheelchair-accessible changingand shower facilities


5.15 A choice of shower layoutcombined with the correct location ofshower controls and fittings will allowdisabled people to use the facilitiesindependently or be assisted by otherswhen necessary. For guidance on theprovision of en-suite shower facilitiesassociated with hotel bedrooms, see 4.19.

5.16 In buildings where changingfacilities are associated with showeringfacilities, many disabled people will becontent to use changing and showerareas that are open but provided withsubdivisions, whereas some will requirethe privacy and convenience of anindividual self-contained cubicle orcompartment. The dimensions of theself-contained compartment allowspace for a helper. Any combinedfacility should be divided into distinct‘wet’ and ‘dry’ areas. In open changingand shower areas, it may be difficult toprovide a configuration of handrails,controls and seat suitable for alldisabled people to use. Individual self-contained accommodation is thereforepreferred although, if it contains a WC,it should not be the only wheelchair-accessible toilet accommodation.

5.17 In the case of individual changingrooms not associated with showering,e.g. in clothes shops, the dimensionsand fittings recommended for anindividual self-contained changingcubicle in a sports building should beprovided. In large building complexes,such as retail parks and large sportscentres, there should be onewheelchair-accessible unisex toiletcapable of including an adult changingtable.

Note 1: For sports buildings, details ofdifferent types of changing and showerfacilities are given in ‘Access forDisabled People’.

Note 2: More detailed guidance onappropriate sanitary and other fittingsis given in BS 8300.

Provisions

5.18 Wheelchair-accessible changingand shower facilities will satisfyRequirement M1 or M3 if:

For changing and shower facilities

a. a choice of layouts suitable forleft-hand and right-hand transfer isprovided when more than oneindividual changing compartment orshower compartment is available;

b. they are provided with wallmounted drop-down support rails andwall mounted slip-resistant tip-up seats(not spring-loaded);

c. in communal shower facilities andchanging facilities, they are providedwith subdivisions that have the sameconfiguration of space and equipmentas for self-contained facilities butwithout doors;

d. in sports facilities, individual self-contained shower facilities andchanging facilities are available inaddition to communal separate-sexfacilities;

e. an emergency assistance pullcord, complying with 4.30(e), is easilyidentifiable and reachable from the wallmounted tip-up seat, or from the floor;

f. an emergency assistance alarmsystem complying with 5.4(h) isprovided;

g. facilities for limb storage areincluded for the benefit of amputees;

For changing facilities

h. the minimum overall dimensionsof, and the arrangement of equipmentand controls within, individual self-contained changing facilities complywith Diagram 22;

i. when associated with showerfacilities, the floor of a changing area islevel and slip resistant when dry orwhen wet;

j. there is a manoeuvring space1500mm deep in front of lockers inself-contained or communal changingareas;



For shower facilities

k. individual self-contained showerfacilities comply with Diagram 23;

l. where showers are provided incommercial developments for thebenefit of staff, at least one wheelchair-accessible shower compartmentcomplying with Diagram 23 should beprovided;

m. a shower curtain, which enclosesthe seat and the rails when they are ina horizontal position, can be operatedfrom the shower seat;

n. a shelf that can be reached fromthe shower seat or from the wheelchair,before or after transfer, is provided fortoiletries;

o. the floor of the shower andshower area is slip resistant and self-draining;

p. a shower terminal fitting complieswith Guidance Note G18.5 of theGuidance Document relating toSchedule 2: Requirement for WaterFittings, of the Water Supply (WaterFittings) Regulations 1999, SI1999/1148, and the markings on theshower control are logical and clear;



Alarm pull cord

Possible location of towel rail

Clothes hooks at 1400 and 1050 above floor level

Vertical grab rail length 500 min.

2100 minimum unobstructed height

Back rest

Horizontal grab rail

Alarm reset

Tip-up seat

Alarm pull cord

Elevation

Drop-down rail on side wall

Drop-down rail

Drop-down rails

Possible location of towel rail (or locate in self-contained shower room)

Clothes hooks


Tip-up seat

Grab rail

Mirror

Plan

480680 800

2200

650

500

320

250 600 300 20050

1200

2000

Diagram 22 An example of a self-contained changing room for individual use

q. where wheelchair-accessibleshower facilities are available incommunal areas, shower controls arepositioned between 750 and 1000mmabove the floor;

For shower facilities incorporating aWC

r. the minimum overall dimensionsof, and the arrangement of fittingswithin, an individual self-containedshower area incorporating a cornerWC, e.g. in a sports building, complywith Diagram 24;

s. a choice of left-hand and right-hand transfer layouts is available when

more than one shower areaincorporating a corner WC is provided.

Note: Guidance prepared by the Healthand Safety Executive on the slipresistance of floor surfaces is given inAnnex C of BS 8300.

Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms


5.19 Wheelchair users and ambulantdisabled people should be able towash or bathe either independently orwith assistance from others. Therelationship of the bath to othersanitary fittings, and to the space



Range for adjustable and detachable shower head

Range for shower controls

Tip-up seat

Drop-down rail

Drop-down railon side wall

Back rest

Fixed shower head

(Alarm pull cord, horizontal and vertical grab rails,shower curtain rail and towel railnot shown for clarity)

Elevation

Floor drain

Alarmpull cord

Shower control and adjustable shower head

Additional, optionaltip-up seat for userswhen drying(mainly for ambulant users)

Towel rail

Drop-down rails

Fall offloor


Shower curtain

Tip-upseat

Clothes hooks

Plan

480

1400

1200

1000

750

680

500

2200

650

500

320

250 600 50 300

1200

2000

Diagram 23 An example of a self-contained shower room for individual use

required for manoeuvring, is thereforecritical. Providing a choice of bathroomlayout, wherever possible, will meet theneeds of many disabled people andhelp maintain their independence.

5.20 The guidance covered hereapplies to wheelchair-accessiblebathing facilities where provided inbuildings such as hotels, motels,relatives’ accommodation in hospitals,and to student accommodation andsports facilities where baths areprovided as an alternative, or as asupplement, to showers. For guidanceon the provision of en-suite bathroomsassociated with hotel bedrooms, see 4.19.

Note: More detailed guidance onappropriate sanitary and other fittings,including facilities for the use of mobileand fixed hoists is given in BS 8300.

Provisions

5.21 Wheelchair-accessible bathroomswill satisfy Requirement M1 or M3 if:

a. the minimum overall dimensionsof, and the arrangement of fittingswithin, a bathroom for individual useincorporating a corner WC comply withDiagrams 25 and 26;

b. a choice of layouts suitable forleft-hand and right-hand transfer isprovided when more than onebathroom for individual useincorporating a corner WC is available;

c. the floor of a bathroom is slipresistant when dry or when wet;

d. the bath is provided with atransfer seat, 400mm deep and equalto the width of the bath;



Floor drain

Fall of floor

The arrangement of shower controls and ancillary fittings is as Diag 23

The arrangement of corner WC and ancillary fittings is as Diag 18

The larger basin is set back200mm to maintain the correctrelationship of its leadingedge with the WC

Tip-up seat

Shower curtain

Wash basinDrop-down rails


Alarm pull cord

Vertical grab rail

Towel rail

Mirror

Note Layout shown for right hand transfer to shower seat and WC

140-160

500 300

2400

2500

Diagram 24 An example of a shower room incorporating a corner WC for individualuse

e. doors are preferably outward-opening and are fitted with a horizontalclosing bar fixed to the inside face;

f. an emergency assistance pull-cord complying with 4.30(e) is easilyidentifiable and reachable from thebath or from the floor;

g. an emergency assistance alarmsystem complying with 5.4(h) isprovided.

Note: Guidance prepared by the Healthand Safety Executive on the slipresistance of floor surfaces is given inAnnex C of BS 8300.



Two clothes hooks, at 1400 and 1050 above the floor


Sanitary dispenserTowel rail

Bath transfer seat

Disposal bin

Shelf

The arrangement of the corner WC and ancillary fittings is as Diag 18

For the arrangement of the bath and ancillary fittings see Diag 26

Note Layout shown for right hand transfer to bath and WC

140-160

2700

2500

Diagram 25 An example of a bathroom incorporating a corner WC



50 to 60 clearance between wall and handrail

Proprietary transfer seat supported on bath rim

Mixer tap

Purpose made transfer seat at head of bath

Gap where necessary toallow for the use of amobile hoist

Vertical grab rail (500 min. length)

Horizontal grab rail

Alternatively rail partially cranked at max. 13° to horizontal

* To meet both these criteria, a shallower than normal bath may be needed

200

400 min. depth

250

150min.*

75 to 100

480*

600

200

Gap clear of bath supports

Bath length

Alarm pull cord

Alarm pull cord

Diagram 26 Grab rails and fittings associated with a bath

MEANS OF ACCESS TO ANDINTO THE DWELLING

Objective6.1 The objective is to makereasonable provision within theboundary of the plot of the dwelling fora disabled person to approach andgain access into the dwelling from thepoint of alighting from a vehicle whichmay be within or outside the plot. Inmost circumstances it should bepossible to provide a level or rampedapproach.

6.2 On plots which are reasonablylevel, wheelchair users should normallybe able to approach the principalentrance. Exceptionally, for moresteeply sloping plots, it is consideredreasonable to provide for stick orcrutch users (see paragraph 6.9)

6.3 On plots where wheelchair usershave approached the entrance, theyshould also be able to gain access intothe dwelling-house and entrance levelflats.

Approach to the dwelling


6.4 The provision of an approachwhich can be used by disabled people,including wheelchair users, will oftenbe a matter of practicability. Variationsin topography, available plot area, orthe distance of the dwelling from thepoint of access, may all influence thetype of approach that can be provided.

6.5 Normally, the provisions will applyto the approach to the principalentrance. However, if that is notpossible in a particular situation, itwould be reasonable to apply them tothe approach to a suitable alternativeentrance.

6.6 The approach should be as safeand as convenient for disabled peopleas is reasonable and, ideally, be levelor ramped. However, on steeply slopingplots a stepped approach would bereasonable.

6.7 If a stepped approach to thedwelling is unavoidable, the aim shouldbe for the steps to be designed to suitthe needs of ambulant disabled people(see paragraph 6.17).

6.8 Alternatively, the presence of adriveway might provide a betteropportunity for creating a level orramped approach, particularly if it alsoprovides the sole means of approachfor visitors who are disabled. Thedriveway itself could be designed asthe approach from the pavement orfootpath or may be the place wherevisitors park. In such cases, a level orramped approach may be possiblefrom the car parking space, particularlyon steeply sloping plots.

6.9 It is important that the surface ofan approach available to a wheelchairuser should be firm enough to supportthe weight of the user and his or herwheelchair and smooth enough topermit easy manoeuvre. It should alsotake account of the needs of stick andcrutch users. Loose laid materials,such as gravel and shingle, areunsuitable for the approach.

6.10 The width of the approach,excluding space for parked vehicle,should take account of the needs of awheelchair user, or a stick or crutchuser (see paragraph 6.13).

Note: Account will also need to betaken of planning requirements, suchas for new building within conservationareas. Location and arrangement ofdwellings on the site is a matter forplanning, whereas the internal layoutand construction of the dwellings is amatter for building control.

Provisions

6.11 Requirement M1 will be satisfied,if, within the plot of the dwelling, asuitable approach is provided from thepoint of access to the entrance. Thepoint of access should be reasonablylevel and the approach should not havecrossfalls greater than 1 in 40.


Section 6

Means of access to and into the dwelling

M1 DWELLINGS

6.12 The whole, or part, of theapproach may be a driveway.

Level approach

6.13 A ‘level’ approach will satisfyRequirement M1 if its gradient is notsteeper than 1 in 20, its surface is firmand even and its width is not less than900mm.

Ramped approach

6.14 If the topography is such that theroute from the point of access towardsthe entrance has a plot gradientexceeding 1 in 20 but not exceeding 1in 15, Requirement M1 will be satisfiedif a ramped approach is provided.

6.15 A ramped approach will satisfyRequirement M1 if it:

a. has a surface which is firm andeven;

b. has flights whose unobstructedwidths are at least 900mm;

c. has individual flights not longerthan 10m for gradients not steeper than1 in 15, or 5m for gradients not steeperthan 1 in 12; and

d. has top and bottom landings and,if necessary, intermediate landings,each of whose lengths is not less than1.2m, exclusive of the swing of anydoor or gate which opens onto it.

Stepped approach

6.16 If the topography is such that theroute (see paragraphs 6.6 - 6.8) fromthe point of access to the entrance hasa plot gradient exceeding 1 in 15,Requirement M1 will be satisfied if astepped approach is provided.

6.17 A stepped approach will satisfyRequirement M1 if:

a. it has flights whose unobstructedwidths are at least 900mm;

b. the rise of a flight betweenlandings is not more than 1.8m;

c. it has top and bottom and, ifnecessary, intermediate landings, eachof whose lengths is not less than900mm;

d. it has steps with suitable treadnosing profiles (see Diagram 27) and

the rise of each step is uniform and isbetween 75mm and 150mm;

e. the going of each step is not lessthan 280mm, which for tapered treadsshould be measured at a point 270mmfrom the ‘inside’ of the tread; and

f. where the flight comprises threeor more risers, there is a suitablecontinuous handrail on one side of theflight. A suitable handrail should have agrippable profile; be between 850mmand 1000mm above the pitch line ofthe flight; and extend 300mm beyondthe top and bottom nosings.

Approach using a driveway

6.18 Where a driveway provides ameans of approach towards theentrance, it will satisfy Requirement M1if the driveway provides an approachpast any parked cars in accordancewith paragraphs 6.11 - 6.27, above.

Access into the dwelling


6.19 Where the approach to theentrance consists of a level or rampedapproach (see paragraphs 6.13 - 6.15),


M1

Means of access to and into the dwelling

DWELLINGS

15-25mm

15-25mm

60º min

See para 6.17

Diagram 27 External step profiles

an accessible threshold at the entranceshould be provided. An accessiblethreshold into entrance level flatsshould also be provided.

6.20 In exceptional circumstanceswhere the approach to the entranceconsists of a stepped approach (seeparagraph 6.16), it would still bereasonable to provide an accessiblethreshold. If a step into the dwelling isunavoidable, the rise should be nomore than 150mm.

Provisions

6.21 If the approach to the dwelling orblock of flats consists of a level orramped approach, Requirement M1 willbe satisfied if an accessible thresholdis provided into the entrance. Thedesign of an accessible thresholdshould also satisfy the requirements ofPart C2: ‘Dangerous and offensivesubstances’ and Part C4: ‘Resistanceto weather and ground moisture’.

Note: General guidance on designconsiderations for accessiblethresholds has been publishedseparately by The Stationery Office as‘Accessible thresholds in new housing:guidance for house builders anddesigners’.

Entrance doors


6.22 The provision of an appropriatedoor opening width will enable awheelchair user to manoeuvre into thedwelling.

Provisions

6.23 Requirement M1 will be satisfiedif an external door providing access fordisabled people has a minimum clearopening width of 775mm.

Note: For dwellings, the clear openingwidth is taken from the face of the doorstop on the latch side to the face of thedoor when open at 90˚ (i.e. no changefrom the 1999 edition of AD M).

Approved Document MMeans of access to and into the dwelling66

M1 DWELLINGS

CIRCULATION WITHIN THEENTRANCE STOREY OF THEDWELLING

Objective7.1 The objective is to facilitateaccess within the entrance storey orthe principal storey of the dwelling, intohabitable rooms and a room containinga WC, which may be a bathroom onthat level.

Corridors, passageways andinternal doors within the entrancestorey


7.2 Corridors and passageways in theentrance storey should be sufficientlywide to allow convenient circulation bya wheelchair user. Considerationshould be given to the effects of localobstruction by radiators and otherfixtures.

7.3 It will be necessary to considerthe layout of a room served by analternative to the principal entrance inorder that a wheelchair user can passthrough it to reach the remainder of theentrance storey.

7.4 Internal doors need to be of asuitable width to facilitate wheelchairmanoeuvre. A wider door than generallyprovided would allow easiermanoeuvring when it is necessary for awheelchair user to turn into a dooropening, as opposed to approaching ithead-on.

Provisions

7.5 Requirement M1 will be satisfiedif:

a. a corridor or other access route inthe entrance storey or principal storeyserving habitable rooms and a roomcontaining a WC (which may be abathroom) on that level, has anunobstructed width in accordance withTable 4;

b. a short length (no more than 2m)of local permanent obstruction in acorridor, such as a radiator, would beacceptable provided that theunobstructed width of the corridor isnot less than 750mm for that length,and the local permanent obstruction isnot placed opposite a door to a room ifit would prevent a wheelchair userturning into or out of the room; and

c. doors to habitable rooms and aroom containing a WC have minimumclear opening widths shown in Table 4,when accessed by corridors orpassageways whose widths are inaccordance with those listed in Table 4.

Table 4 shows the minimum widths ofcorridors and passageways that wouldbe necessary to enable wheelchairusers to turn into and out of a range ofdoorway widths.

Section 7

Circulation within the entrance storey of the dwellingApproved Document M67

M1DWELLINGS

Table 4 Minimum widths of corridorsand passageways for a range ofdoorway widthsDoorway clear opening Corridor/passagewaywidth (mm) width (mm)

750 or wider 900 (when approach head-on)

750 1200 (when approach not head-on)



750mm minwidth withshort obstruction

900mm mincorridor width

No obstruction here

See para 7.5

Diagram 28 Corridors, passages andinternal doors

Vertical circulation within theentrance storey


7.6 In exceptional circumstances,where severely sloping plots areinvolved, a stepped change of levelwithin the entrance storey may beunavoidable. In those instances, theaim should be to provide a stair ofreasonable width for ambulant disabledpeople to negotiate the steps withassistance and for handrails on bothsides. Approved Document K of theBuilding Regulations contains guidanceon the design of private stairs indwellings.

Provisions

7.7 A stair providing verticalcirculation within the entrance storey ofthe dwelling will satisfy RequirementM1 if:

a. it has flights whose clear widthsare at least 900mm;

b. there is a suitable continuoushandrail on each side of the flight andany intermediate landings where therise of the flight comprises three ormore rises; and

c. the rise and going are inaccordance with the guidance inApproved Document K for privatestairs.

Approved Document MCirculation within the entrance storey of the dwelling68

M1 DWELLINGS

ACCESSIBLE SWITCHES ANDSOCKET OUTLETS IN THEDWELLING

Objective8.1 The aim is to assist those peoplewhose reach is limited to use thedwelling more easily by locating wall-mounted switches and socket outletsat suitable heights.


8.2 Switches and socket outlets forlighting and other equipment should belocated so that they are easilyreachable.

Provisions

8.3 A way of satisfying RequirementM1 would be to provide switches andsocket outlets for lighting and otherequipment in habitable rooms atappropriate heights between 450mmand 1200mm from finished floor level(see Diagram 29).

Section 8sw

itche

s

tv s

ocke

tsso

cket

s

tele

phon

e ja

ck p

oint

s

1200

mm

450m

m

door

bel

ls,

entr

y ph

ones

see para 8.3

Diagram 29 Heights of switches,sockets etc

PASSENGER LIFTS ANDCOMMON STAIRS IN BLOCKS OFFLATS

Objectives9.1 For buildings containing flats, theobjective should be to makereasonable provision for disabledpeople to visit occupants who live onany storey.

9.2 The most suitable means ofaccess for disabled people from onestorey to another is a passenger lift.However, a lift may not always beprovided.


9.3 If there is no passenger liftproviding access between storeys, astair should be designed to suit theneeds of ambulant disabled people. Inany event, a stair in a common areashould be designed to be suitable forpeople with impaired sight.

9.4 Where a lift is provided, it shouldbe suitable for an unaccompaniedwheelchair user. Suitable provisionshould also be made for people withsensory impairments. Measures shouldalso be adopted which give a disabledperson sufficient time to enter the lift toreduce the risk of contact with closingdoors.

Provisions

Common stairs

9.5 Requirement M1 will be satisfiedif a building containing flats, in which apassenger lift is not to be installed, isprovided with a suitable stair, whichhas:

a. all step nosings distinguishablethrough contrasting brightness;

b. top and bottom landings whoselengths are in accordance with Part K1;

c. steps with suitable tread nosingprofiles (see Diagram 30) and uniformrise of each step, which is not morethan 170mm;

d. uniform going of each step, whichis not less than 250mm, which fortapered treads should be measured ata point 270mm from the inside of thetread;

e. risers which are not open; and

f. a suitable continuous handrail oneach side of flights and landings if therise of the stair comprises two or morerises.

Section 9

Passenger lifts and common stairs in blocks of flatsApproved Document M69

M1DWELLINGS

15-25mm

15-25mm

1000mm

A. COMMON STAIRS AND HANDRAILS

B. EXAMPLES OF SUITABLE TREAD NOSING PROFILESMaximum rise 170mmMaximum going 250mm

1000mm

900mm

300mm

300mm

60º min

see para 9.5

Diagram 30 Common stairs in blocks offlats

Lifts

9.6 Requirement M1 will be satisfiedif a building, or a part of a buildingwhich contains flats above the entrancestorey and in which passenger liftaccess is to be installed, is providedwith a suitable passenger lift with aminimum load capacity of 400kg.

9.7 One way of satisfyingRequirement M1 would be to provide apassenger lift which:

a. has a clear landing at least1500mm wide and at least 1500mmlong in front of its entrance;

b. has a door or doors which providea clear opening width of at least800mm;

c. has a car whose width is at least900mm and whose length is at least1250mm (other dimensions may satisfyRequirement M1 where shown by testevidence or experience in use, orotherwise, to be suitable for anunaccompanied wheelchair user);

d. has landing and car controlswhich are not less than 900mm and notmore than 1200mm above the landingand the car floor, at a distance of atleast 400mm from the front wall;

e. is accompanied by suitable tactileindication on the landing and adjacentto the lift call button to identify thestorey in question;

f. has suitable tactile indication onor adjacent to lift buttons within the carto confirm the floor selected;

g incorporates a signalling systemwhich gives visual notification that thelift is answering a landing call and a‘dwell time’ of five seconds before itsdoors begin to close after they are fullyopen: the system may be overridden bya door re-activating device which relieson appropriate electronic methods, butnot a door edge pressure system,provided that the minimum time for alift door to remain fully open is 3seconds; and

h. when the lift serves more than 3storeys, incorporates visual and audibleindication of the floor reached.

Approved Document M70Passenger lifts and common stairs in blocks of flats

M1 DWELLINGS

WC PROVISION IN THE ENTRANCESTOREY OF THE DWELLING

Objectives10.1 The primary objective is toprovide a WC in the entrance storey ofthe dwelling and to locate it so thatthere should be no need to negotiate astair to reach it from the habitablerooms in that storey. Where theentrance storey contains no habitablerooms, it is reasonable to provide a WCin either the entrance storey or theprincipal storey.


10.2 The aim is to provide a WC withinthe entrance storey or the principalstorey of a dwelling. Where there is abathroom in that storey, the WC maybe located in that bathroom. It will notalways be practical for the wheelchairto be fully accommodated within theWC compartment.

Provision

10.3 Requirement M4 will be satisfied,if:

a. a WC is provided in the entrancestorey of a dwelling which contains ahabitable room; or where the dwellingis such that there are no habitablerooms in the entrance storey, if a WC isprovided in either the entrance storeyor the principal storey;

b. the door to the WC compartmentopens outwards, and is positioned toenable wheelchair users to access theWC and has a clear opening width inaccordance with Table 4 (dooropenings wider than the minimum inTable 4 allow easier manoeuvring andaccess to the WC by wheelchair users);and

c. the WC compartment provides aclear space for wheelchair users toaccess the WC (see Diagrams 31 & 32)and the washbasin is positioned so thatit does not impede access.

Section 10

WC provision in the entrance storey of the dwellingApproved Document M71

M1/M4DWELLINGS

750mmmin

To enable transfer,the wheelchairshould be able toapproach within400mm of the front of the WC

500mm* 500mm*C

see para 10.3

*500mm preferred(450mm min)

Diagram 31 Clear space for frontalaccess to WC

750mm

edge of door opening

400mm 500mm (450mm min)C

see para 10.3

250mm

Diagram 32 Clear space for obliqueaccess to WC


M

AAccess - definition 0.29Access into buildings 2.1-2.29,

6.19-6.23Access routes to buildings see

ApproachesAccess routes within buildings

0.5, 0.11, 3.14Access Statements 0.20-0.28Accessible - definition 0.29Accessible entrances 1.6,

2.1-2.7Acoustic design 3.13Alterations see Material

alterationsApplication of Part M 0.1-0.13Approaches - dwellings

6.1-6.18Approaches - hazards 1.5,

1.38-1.39Approaches - level (non-domestic)

1.6-1.13 Approaches - lighting 1.11, 1.13Approaches - objectives

1.1-1.5Approaches - ramps 1.8, 1.19-

1.26, 6.1, 6.14-6.15Approaches - steps 1.21,

1.27-1.37, 6.6-6.7, 6.16-6.17,6.20

Approaches - surfaces 1.13, 6.9Approaches - widths 1.2, 1.10-

1.11, 1.13, 6.10, 6.15, 6.17Artificial lighting see LightingAssistance dogs 2.20, 4.6Audible emergency assistance call

signals 4.24, 5.4Audible information - lifting

devices 3.31, 3.34, 3.37,3.43, 9.7

Audible signs 4.35 noteAudible warnings - doors 2.21 Audience seating 4.2, 4.5-4.8,

4.12Audience seating - legroom 4.7Audience seating - sight lines

4.9Audience seating - wheelchair

spaces 4.6-4.7, 4.10-4.12

BBaby changing facilities 5.5-5.6,

5.12Balconies 4.19, 4.24Bars - refreshment facilities 4.3,

4.13-4.16Bathrooms see Sanitary

accommodationBedrooms 4.4, 4.17-4.24

Bedrooms - balconies 4.19, 4.24Bedrooms - doors 3.10,

4.22-4.24Bedrooms - en suite bedrooms

4.19, 4.24Bedrooms - hotels and motels

4.17-4.24Bedrooms - wardrobes 4.20Bedrooms - wheelchair accessible

4.17-4.24Bedrooms - window controls

4.24Blocks of flats 9.1-9.7BS EN 81-70 3.34BS EN 81 series 3.43, 3.49BS 3402 5.10, 5.14BS 5503 Part 3 5.9-5.10, 5.14BS 5504 Part 4 5.9 -5.10, 5.14BS 5588 Part 8 3.34, 3.51BS 8300 0.9, 3.5 note, 3.9 note,

3.27 note, 4.35 note, 5.17note, 5.18 note, 5.21 note

CCADW - Welsh Historic

Monuments Executive Agency0.18

Car parking 0.5, 0.9, 1.14-1.18Change of use 0.10-0.12Ceilings - surface materials 4.32Changing rooms see Sports

FacilitiesCinemas 4.10, 4.12Clothes shops - changing

facilities 5.17Colour contrast see Visual

contrastCommunication aids 0.14, 3.6,

4.31-4.36Conference facilities 4.1, 4.5,

4.9, 4.36Connecting doors 4.22Controls 4.25-4.30Controls - height 4.25, 4.30,

5.18Controls - lifting devices

3.27-3.28, 3.43, 3.49, 9.7Controls - lighting 4.30, 5.4Controls - powered doors 2.21Controls - showers 5.18Controls - windows 4.24Corridors 3.11-3.14, 7.2-7.5Counters - reception desks 3.3,

3.6Counters - refreshment facilities

4.3, 4.16Curtain opening devices 4.20

DDefinitions 0.23-0.24Department for Transport 1.5Dimensions - doors 2.13, 3.10,

6.22-6.23Dimensions - entrance lobbies

2.27, 2.29Dimensions - internal lobbies

3.16Dimensions - lifting devices

3.34, 3.43, 3.49, 9.7Dimensions - parking bays 1.18Dimensions - wheelchair-

accessible bedrooms 4.24Disability Discrimination Act 1995

0.1, 0.9, 0.22District Surveyors Association

4.10Door furniture 2.13, 2.16-2.17,

3.10, 4.24, 5.4Door mats 2.7Doors see also Entrance doors Doors - audible warnings 2.21Doors - bathrooms 5.21Doors - card-activated locks

4.23Doors - connecting hotel

bedrooms 4.22Doors - controls 2.21, 4.23Doors - dimensions 2.13, 3.10,

6.22-6.23Doors - electrically powered hold-

open devices 3.7, 3.9 note,3.10

Doors - entry systems 2.7Doors - fire doors 3.10Doors - glass doors 2.22, 2.24,

3.10Doors - handles 4.24, 5.4Doors - internal 3.7-3.10,

7.4-7.5Doors - lifting platforms 3.41,

3.43Doors - low energy powered door

systems 3.7, 3.9 note, 3.10Doors - manually operated 2.9,

2.14-2.17, 3.9Doors - opening force 2.13,

3.10, 5.4Doors - passenger lifts 3.30,

3.33-3.34Doors - powered 2.10, 2.13,

2.18-2.21, 3.10, 4.18Doors - privacy bolts 5.4Doors - revolving 2.20Doors - safety stops 2.21Doors - self-closing devices

2.14, 2.26, 3.7Doors - sliding doors 4.24

Index

Index to sections 0 to 10

M INDEX TO SECTIONS 0 TO 10


MDoors - swing 2.21, 2.29, 4.24Doors - swing-free closing

devices 3.7, 3.9 note, 3.10Doors - swings 5.14Doors - toilets 3.14, 5.10,

5.14,10.3Doors - vision panels 2.13, 3.10Doors - visual contrast 3.8, 3.10Doors - visual warnings 2.21Doors - wardrobes 4.24Doors - wheelchair accessible

bathrooms 5.21Doors - wide angle viewers 4.24Drop down rails 5.8, 5.10Driveways 6.8, 6.12, 6.18

EElectric card activated locks

4.23Electrically powered hold-open

devices 3.7, 3.9 note, 3.10Embossed room numbers 4.24Emergency assistance alarms see

also Fire alarms 4.24, 4.30,5.4, 5.10, 5.18, 5.21

Emergency assistance call signals4.24, 5.10

Emergency assistance pull cords4.30, 5.10, 5.18, 5.21

Emergency communicationsystems - lifting devices 3.28

Emergency escape routes 5.4Emergency evacuation -

passenger lifts 3.34En suite facilities - hotel rooms

4.19, 4.24English Heritage 0.18Enquiry desks see also Reception

desks 4.32Entertainment facilities see also

Cinemas, Theatres 4.1, 4.5,4.10, 4.12, 4.36

Entrance doors see also Doors,Principal entrance 2.8-2.24

Entrance doors - audible warnings2.21

Entrance doors - card swipes2.21

Entrance doors - coded entry2.21

Entrance doors - dimensions2.13, 6.22-6.23

Entrance doors - door furniture2.16-2.17

Entrance doors - dwellings 6.22-6.23

Entrance doors - glass2.22-2.24

Entrance doors - glass -manifestation 2.22, 2.24

Entrance doors - manuallyoperated 2.9, 2.14-2.17

Entrance doors - powered 2.10,2.13, 2.18-2.21

Entrance doors - powered -manual controls 2.21

Entrance doors - safety stops2.21

Entrance doors - self-closingdevices 2.14, 2.26

Entrance doors - swing doors2.29

Entrance doors - thresholds(dwellings) 6.19-6.21

Entrance doors - thresholds (non-domestic) 2.6-2.7

Entrance doors - vision panels2.13

Entrance doors - visual warnings2.21

Entrance doors - weatherprotection 2.6-2.7

Entrance doors - width (dwellings)6.22-6.23

Entrance doors - width (non-domestic) 2.11, 2.13

Entrance halls 3.2Entrance lobbies 2.25-2.29Entrance lobbies - dimensions

2.27, 2.29Entrance storey - changes in level

7.6-7.7Entrance storey - dwellings 7.1-

7.7, 10.1-10.3Entrance storey - steps 7.6-7.7Entrance storey - WC provision

10.1-10.3Entrances 0.15Escape routes - internal corridors

3.14Extensions - dwellings 0.2-0.4Extensions - non domestic

buildings 0.5-0.8

FFinger rinse basins see Sanitary

accommodationFire alarms see also Emergency

assistance alarms 3.10, 4.24,5.4

Fire doors see Doors Flats 9.1-9.7Floor levels - refreshment facilities

4.15Floor surfaces see also Surfaces

2.7, 2.29, 3.6, 3.14, 3.16, 5.18,5.21

Floor surfaces - materials 4.32Floor surfaces - reception areas

3.6Floor surfaces - slip resistant

3.6, 3.14, 5.18, 5.21Floors see Storeys Football Stadia Improvement Fund

4.11

GGlass doors see Doors Glazed screens 2.22, 2.24, 3.4,

3.14Goings - steps and stairs

(domestic) 6.17, 9.5Goings - steps and stairs (non-

domestic) 1.33, 3.51Grab bars see Sanitary

accommodationGrab rails see Sanitary

accommodationGradients - approaches

(dwellings) 6.11, 6.13Gradients - approaches (non-

domestic) 1.7-1.8, 1.13,1.19-1.20, 1.26

Gradients - internal ramps (non-domestic) 3.53

Guard rails - hazards in lobbies3.16

HHabitable rooms - definition

0.30Halls of residence 0.16Handrails - audience seating

4.12Handrails - dwellings 6.17,

7.6-7.7, 9.5Handrails - non-domestic 1.26,

1.32, 1.34-1.37, 3.54-3.55Hazards - approach routes 1.5,

1.38-1.39Hazards - corridors 3.14Hazards - internal lobbies 3.16Hazards - warning surfaces

1.13, 1.33, 3.50Hearing enhancement systems

see Communication aidsHeat emitters 5.4, 5.10Historic buildings 0.17-0.19,

3.22Hoists - bathrooms 5.20 noteHorizontal circulation 3.1-3.16Hot surfaces 5.3Hotel bedrooms see Bedrooms

IInduction loops see

Communication aidsInductive couplers see

Communication aidsInfrared signals see

Communication aidsInternational Symbol of Access

2.7


INDEX TO SECTIONS 0 TO 10


M

JJoysticks - wheelchair platform

stairlifts 3.47

LLavatories see Sanitary

accommodationLecture facilities 4.1, 4.5, 4.9,

4.32, 4.36Leisure facilities 4.1, 4.10, 4.36Level approaches see Approaches

- levelLifting devices 3.17-3.49Lifting devices - accessibility to

toilets 5.10Lifting devices - blocks of flats

9.6-9.7Lifting devices - call buttons

3.34, 3.43, 9.7Lifting devices - dimensions

3.34, 3.43, 3.49, 9.7Lifting devices - illumination

3.26Lifting devices - instructions for

use 3.43Lifting devices - lifting platforms

3.22, 3.24, 3.35-3.43Lifting devices - mirrors 3.34Lifting devices - passenger lifts

3.17, 3.21-3.24, 3.29-3.34, 9.2,9.6-9.7

Lifting devices - podiums andstages 4.12

Lifting devices - speeds 3.43,3.49

Lifting devices - visual contrast3.18, 3.28, 3.34, 3.43

Lifting devices - visual information3.31, 3.34, 3.37, 3.43

Lifting devices - wall surfaces3.32, 3.42

Lifting devices - wheelchairplatform stairlifts 3.23-3.24,3.44-3.49

Lifting platforms see Liftingdevices

Lifts see Lifting devicesLight switches 4.28-4.30, 5.3Lighting 4.9, 4.34, 4.36Lighting - artificial 4.34, 4.36Lighting - conference facilities

4.9Lighting - controls 4.30, 5.4Lighting - lifting devices 3.26Lighting - sanitary facilities 5.4Lighting - uplighters 4.34Limb storage facilities 5.18Lip reading and speaking 3.4,

4.6, 4.9, 4.32, 4.34Lobbies 2.25-2.29, 3.15-3.16Lockers 3.14 note, 5.18

MMaisonettes - definition 0.30Manifestation - glass doors and

screens 2.22, 2.24, 3.14Material alterations 0.1-0.4, 0.9Mirrors in passenger lifts see

Lifting devices Mixed use development 0.12Mixer taps see Sanitary

accommodation 5.4Motel bedrooms see BedroomsMotion sensors 2.18, 2.21

NNotice boards 3.5

OOpening force of doors See Doors

PParking 1.15-1.18Parking ticket machines 1.16,

1.18Passageways see CorridorsPassenger lifts see Lifting devicesPlanning system 0.21Platform lifts see Lifting devices -

lifting platformsPlot gradient 6.14, 6.16Plot gradient - definition 0.30Plots - dwellings 6.1-6.3Podiums see also Rostrums,

Stages 4.12Point of access - definition 0.30Principal entrance (dwellings)

6.2, 6.5, 7.3Principal entrance (non-domestic)

0.29, 1.17-1.18, 3.6Principal storey - definition 0.14,

0.30Principal storey - dwellings 7.1,

7.5, 10.1-10.3Principal storey - toilet provision

(dwellings) 10.1-10.3Pull cords 4.20, 4.30, 5.3, 5.10Public address systems see

Communication aidsPublic telephones 4.14Push buttons - doors 2.18, 2.21Push buttons - lifting platforms

3.39Push buttons - switches and

socket outlets 4.30Push pads 2.21, 4.28-4.30, 5.3

RRadio signals see Communication

aidsRamps - approach routes

(dwellings) 6.14-6.15Ramps - approach routes (non-

domestic) 1.19-1.26Ramps - corridors 3.14Ramps - handrails 1.26,

1.34-1.37Ramps - internal (non-domestic)

3.14, 3.20, 3.52-3.53Ramps - podiums and stages

4.12Reception desks see also Enquiry

desks 3.2-3.6, 4.32Reflective wall surfaces see Wall

surfacesRefreshment facilities 4.13-4.16Remote controls 2.21Restaurants 4.13-4.16Revolving doors see DoorsRisers - steps and stairs

(dwellings) 6.17, 9.5Risers - steps and stairs (non-

domestic) 1.33, 3.51Room numbers - embossed 4.24Rostrums see also Podiums,

Stages 4.12

SSales counters 3.3Sanitary accommodation 0.8,

0.14, 4.19, 4.24, 5.1-5.21,10.1-10.3

Sanitary accommodation -bathrooms 4.19, 4.24, 5.19-5.21, 10.2

Sanitary accommodation -changing rooms 5.15-5.18

Sanitary accommodation - cubicledoors 5.3, 5.4, 10.3

Sanitary accommodation -dimensions 5.7, 5.10, 10.3

Sanitary accommodation -dwellings 10.1-10.3

Sanitary accommodation - en-suite hotel rooms 4.19, 4.24

Sanitary accommodation -enlarged cubicles 5.6, 5.12,5.14

Sanitary accommodation -entrance storey of dwellings10.1-10.3

Sanitary accommodation - fingerrinse basins 5.8

Sanitary accommodation - grabbars 5.4, 5.14

Sanitary accommodation - grabrails 5.8, 5.10, 5.11, 5.18

Sanitary accommodation - hoists5.20 note




MSanitary accommodation - inward

opening doors 5.3, 5.14Sanitary accommodation - lever

taps 4.23Sanitary accommodation - mixer

taps 5.4Sanitary accommodation -

outward opening doors 5.3,5.14, 10.3

Sanitary accommodation -provision 0.14, 5.2, 5.5-5.7,5.13, 10.1-10.2

Sanitary accommodation -refreshment facilities 4.14,4.17

Sanitary accommodation -separate sex washrooms5.11-5.14

Sanitary accommodation -showers 4.19, 4.24, 5.15-5.18

Sanitary accommodation - taps4.23, 5.3-5.4

Sanitary accommodation - toiletdoors 3.14, 5.3-5.4, 10.3

Sanitary accommodation - toiletpans 5.9-5.11

Sanitary accommodation - toiletseat risers 5.11

Sanitary accommodation - toilets4.19, 5.5-5.14, 10.1-10.3

Sanitary accommodation -transfer seats 5.21

Sanitary accommodation -transfer space 5.8, 5.18, 5.21

Sanitary accommodation - unisextoilets 5.5-5.10

Sanitary accommodation - urinals5.13-5.14

Sanitary accommodation -washbasins 5.4, 5.8, 5.10,5.13-5.14

Sanitary accommodation - watertemperature 5.4, 5.18

Sanitary accommodation -wheelchair accessible facilities4.17, 4.19, 5.3-5.4, 5.15-5.21,10.3

School buildings 0.15, 0.16,3.14

School buildings - internal stairs3.51 note

School buildings - steps 1.33note

Schools see School buildingsScottish Office 4.11Seating areas - refreshment

facilities 4.16Shelving - hotel rooms 4.20Shower facilities see Sanitary

accommodation - showersSight lines 4.9Sign language 3.4, 4.6, 4.9, 4.32

Sign language interpreters 4.6,4.9

Sign-posting 2.5, 2.7Signals see Audible signs, Visual

fire-alarm signalsSigns 2.5, 2.7, 3.18, 3.5,

4.35 noteSigns - accessible entrances 2.5Signs - lifting devices 3.18, 9.7Signs - tactile 4.35 noteSite boundary 0.5, 1.1, 1.6Sleeping accommodation see

BedroomsSliding doors - handles 4.24Slip resistant floor surfaces see

Floor Surfaces - slip resistantSlip resistant seats 5.18Smoke detectors 3.10Social facilities 4.1Society for the Protection of

Ancient Buildings 0.22Socket outlets 4.25-4.30,

8.1-8.3Sound field systems see

Communication aidsSpectator events 4.2, 4.36Spectator facilities 4.5, 4.12Spectator seating 0.14, 4.2,

4.5-4.8, 4.12Sport England 2.13, 4.11, 5.6Sports facilities 2.13, 4.5, 4.11,

5.6 note, 5.16-5.18Sports facilities - changing rooms

5.16-5.18Sports facilities - doors 2.13Sports facilities - showers

5.16-5.18Sports facilities - spectators

4.11Sports facilities - stadia 4.11Sports facilities - toilets 5.6 noteStages see also Podiums,

Rostrums 4.12Stairs see also Goings, Risers and

Steps 1.33, 3.19, 3.50-3.51Stairs - blocks of flats 9.5Stairs - hazard warning surfaces

1.33, 3.50Stairs - internal 3.19, 3.50-3.51Stairs - school buildings 3.51

noteSteeply sloping plots - definition

0.24Stepped terraced floors 4.12Steps see also Goings, Risers and

StairsSteps - approach routes 1.21,

1.27-1.37, 6.7, 6.16-6.17Steps - internal stairs 3.51Steps - school buildings 1.33

note

Storeys see also Entrance storey,Principal storey

Storeys - accessibility 0.14Student accommodation 0.16Student accommodation -

bedrooms 4.4, 4.17-4.24Support rails see Sanitary

accommodation - grab railsSurfaces see also Floor surfaces,

Wall surfaces 4.32Surfaces - approaches 1.9, 1.13,

1.26, 1.33, 6.9, 6.15Surfaces - blister 1.13Surfaces - corduroy hazard

warning 1.33Surfaces - finishes 4.32, 4.35

noteSurfaces - hazard warning 1.13,

1.33, 3.50Surfaces - lifting devices 3.32,

3.41Surfaces - materials 4.32Surfaces - parking bays 1.15,

1.18Surfaces - reception area floors

3.6Surfaces - sanitary

accommodation 5.4, 5.18 note, 5.21 note

Surfaces - slip resistant floors3.6, 3.14, 5.18, 5.21

Surfaces - tactile paving 1.13,1.33

Swing doors see DoorsSwing-free closing devices see

Doors 3.7, 3.9 note, 3.10Switches 4.25-4.30, 8.1-8.3Symbols 4.36

TTactile paving see Surfaces Tactile signs 4.35 noteTaps see Sanitary accommodation

5.3-5.4Telephone systems see

Communication aidsTelephones 4.14Terraces 4.14Terraces - auditoria 4.12Text telephones see

Communication aidsTheatres 4.10, 4.12, 4.35- 4.36 Thresholds see Entrance doors -

thresholdsToilets see Sanitary

accommodation Touch plates 4.29

UUplighters 4.34




M

VVertical circulation 3.1,

3.17-3.55Vertical lifting platforms see

Lifting devicesVision panels 2.13, 3.10Visual contrast 0.29, 2.17, 3.8,

3.10, 3.12, 3.18, 3.28, 3.34,3.43, 4.28, 5.4

Visual contrast - controls 4.28Visual contrast - definition 0.29Visual contrast - door furniture

2.17Visual contrast - internal doors

3.8, 3.10Visual contrast - lifting devices

3.18, 3.28, 3.34, 3.43Visual contrast - push pads 4.28Visual contrast - sanitary fittings

5.4Visual contrast - seating 4.7Visual fire alarm signals 4.24Visual information - lifting devices

3.31, 3.34, 3.37, 3.43Visual warnings - entrance doors

2.21

WWall surfaces see also Surfaces

3.4Wall surfaces - lifting platforms

3.42Wall surfaces - materials 4.32Wall surfaces - passenger lifts

3.32Wall surfaces - reflective 3.4,

3.32Wardrobes see BedroomsWash basins see Sanitary

accommodationWater temperature see Sanitary

accommodationWayfinding 4.31WCs see Sanitary accommodationWeather protection see Entrance

doors - weather protectionWheelchair-accessible bedrooms

see BedroomsWheelchair platform stairlifts see

Lifting devicesWidths see DimensionsWindow controls in hotel

bedrooms see BedroomsWorktops - refreshment facilities

4.16




M

BS EN 81-70:2003, ‘Safety rules for theconstruction and installation of lifts -Particular applications for passengerand good passengers lifts -Accessibility to lifts for personsincluding persons with disability’.

BS 3402:1969, ‘Specification for qualityof vitreous china sanitary appliances’.

BS 5395-1:2000: ‘Stairs, ladders andwalkways. Code of Practice for thedesign, construction and maintenanceof straight stairs and winders’.

BS 5503-3:1990, ‘Vitreous chinawashdown WC pans with horizontaloutlet. Specification for WC pans withhorizontal outlet for use with 7.5 Lmaximum flush capacity cisterns’.

BS 5504-4:1990, ‘Wall hung WC pan,Specification for wall hung WC pans foruse with 7.5 L maximum flush capacitycisterns’.

BS 5588-8:1999, ‘Fire precautions inthe design, construction and use ofbuildings, Code of Practice for meansof escape for disabled people’.

BS 7594:1993, ‘Code of Practice foraudio-frequency induction-loopsystems (AFILS)’.

BS 8300:2001, ‘Design of buildings andtheir approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people - Code of Practice’.

Standards referred to

References and other sources of information

REFERENCES AND OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

‘Access for Disabled People’, SportEngland, 2003. Copies of thisdocument are available free from Two-ten on 0870 5210 255, or from theSport England website atwww.sportengland.org

‘Accessible stadia: a good practiceguide to the design of facilities to meetthe needs of disabled spectators andother users.’ Published by the FootballStadia Improvement Fund and theFootball Licensing Authority. [To beavailable on the Football Foundationand Football Licensing Authoritywebsites, 2003]

‘Accessible thresholds in new housing:guidance for housebuilders anddesigners’, The Stationery Office, 1999,ISBN 0-11-702333-7.

‘Colour, contrast and perception -Design guidance for internal builtenvironments’, by Keith Bright, GeoffCook and John Harris. Available fromResearch Group for InclusiveEnvironments, School of ConstructionManagement and Engineering, TheUniversity of Reading, tel: 0118 9316734; textphone 0118 986 4253.

‘Creating an inclusive environment - areport on improving the builtenvironment (code FOCUS7), DisabilityRights Commission, 2003. Available onthe DRC website at www.drc-gb.org

Guidance Document relating toSchedule 2: Requirements for waterfittings, of the water supply (waterfittings) Regulations 1999, SI1999/1148

‘Guidance on the use of Tactile PavingSurfaces’, Department of Transport,Local Government and the Regions,1997 (reprinted 1999). Copies of thisdocument are available free from theDepartment for Transport on 0870 1226236, or from the DfT website at(www.mobility-unit.dft.gov.uk)

‘Guide to access statements’, DisabilityRights Commission, 2003 [to bepublished on the DRC website].

‘Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds’,(The Green Guide) by the Departmentof National Heritage and the ScottishOffice, The Stationery Office, 1997,£19.95, ISBN 0-11-3000-952.

‘Inclusive Mobility - A Guide to BestPractice on Access to Pedestrian andTransport Infrastructure’, Departmentfor Transport, 2002; available from theDfT free literature service on 0870 1226236 (Ref: IM/01), on the DfT web site atwww.mobility-unit.dft.gov.uk or onaudio cassette from the DfT Mobilityand Inclusion Unit on 020 7944 6100 orMinicom 020 7944 3277.

‘The Lift Regulations 1997’, SI1997/831

‘Lifting Operations and LiftingEquipment Regulations 1998’ (LOLER),SI 1998/3207

‘Management of Health and Safety atWork Regulations 1999’, SI 1999/3242

‘Provision and Use of Work EquipmentRegulations 1998’ (PUWER), SI1998/2306

‘Planning and access for disabledpeople – a good practice guide’,prepared for the Office of the DeputyPrime Minister by Drivers Jonas,published by ODPM, 2003, £15, ISBN1-85112-604-X. Available from ODPMPublications tel: 0870 1226 236 andfrom the ODPM website at:www.odpm.gov.uk

‘Sign Design Guide’, published jointlyby the JMU Access Partnership and theSign Design Society, £20

‘The Supply of Machinery (Safety)Regulations 1992’, SI 1992/3073,amended by SI 1994/2063.

‘Technical standards for Places ofEntertainment’, published by theDistrict Surveyors Association andAssociation of British TheatreTechnicians (ABTT), 2002, £30, ISBN 1-90403105-6

Other publications referred to

Approved Document MReferences and other sources of information78

M REFERENCES AND OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Other sources of information


MREFERENCES AND OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

‘2004 - What it means for you - Serviceproviders’ (code SP7), Disability RightsCommission, accessible from www.drc-gb.org.

‘Access directory’, DPTAC – an on-linedirectory and search tool for referenceson accessibility guidance for the builtenvironment, available atwww.dptac.gov.uk/accessdir.htm.

‘Access for disabled people to schoolsbuildings – a management and designguide’, Building Bulletin 91, DfEE,1999.

‘Code of Practice, Rights of Access,Goods, Facilities Services andPremises, (Disability Discrimination Act1995)’ by the Disability RightsCommission. The Stationery Office,2002. Also accessible from the DRCwebsite at www.drc-gb.org.

‘Inclusive school design –accommodating pupils with specialeducational needs and disabilities inmainstream schools’, Building Bulletin94, DfEE, 2001.

Approved Document MReferences and other sources of information80

M

The following documents have beenapproved and issued by the Secretaryof State for the purpose of providingpractical guidance with respect to therequirements of the BuildingRegulations 2000 (as amended)

Approved Document A - Structure:1992 Edition, fourth impression (withamendments) 1994, further amended2000

Approved Document B - Fire safety:2000 Edition, amended 2000 and 2002

Approved Document C - Sitepreparation and resistance tomoisture: 1992 Edition, secondimpression (with amendments) 1992,further amended 2000

Approved Document D - Toxicsubstances: 1985 Edition, amended1992, further amended 2000

Approved Document E - Resistanceto the passage of sound: 2003 Edition

Approved Document F - Ventilation:1995 Edition, amended 2000

Approved Document G - Hygiene:1992 Edition, second impression (withamendments) 1992, further amended2000

Approved Document H - Drainageand waste disposal: 2002 Edition

Approved Document J - Combustionappliances and fuel storage systems:2002 Edition

Approved Document K - Protectionfrom falling, collision and impact:1998 Edition, amended 2000

Approved Document L1 -Conservation of fuel and power indwellings: 2002 Edition

Approved Document L2 -Conservation of fuel and power inbuildings other than dwellings: 2002Edition

Approved Document M - Access toand use of buildings: 2004 Edition

Approved Document N - Glazing -safety in relation to impact, openingand cleaning: 1998 Edition, amended2000

Approved Document to supportregulation 7 - materials andworkmanship: 1999 Edition, amended2000

Approved Documents


MAPPROVED DOCUMENTS

MAIN CHANGES IN THE 2004EDITIONThis edition of the Approved DocumentM ‘Access to and use of buildings’replaces the 1999 edition entitled‘Access and facilities for disabledpeople’. The main changes are:

a. Part M now applies generally tomaterial alterations of and extensionsto existing non-domestic buildings. Itapplies to material changes of use tosome non-domestic uses. There is noexception for historic buildings, but thisnew edition of AD M contains guidanceon such buildings. The guidance ondwellings in Sections 6 to 10 remainsunchanged from the 1999 edition of ADM, with the exception that somediagram numbers and their textreferences have been changed topermit consistency with the amendedSections 1 to 5. Some publicationreferences, particularly thoseconcerning lifts and sports facilities,have been replaced to reflect the mostrecent guidance available.

b. The guidance draws on therecommendations of British StandardBS 8300:2001 ‘Design of buildings andtheir approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people - Code of Practice’.There are some instances where theguidance in this Approved Documentdiffers from the recommendations inthe edition of BS 8300 current at thedate of publication of the AD. It is theintention of the British StandardsInstitution to review such anomalies asmay exist and where practicable totake them into account in futureeditions of the standard.

c. The requirements in the new Part Mno longer refer to ‘disabled people’.The aim of the new Part M and AD M isto foster a more inclusive approach todesign to accommodate the needs ofall people. A new section in the AD(Section 4) on ‘Facilities in buildingsother than dwellings’ has beenintroduced to cover audience andspectator facilities, refreshmentfacilities, sleeping accommodation andswitches, outlets and controls. Theguidance on changing facilities hasbeen relocated to Section 5 ‘Sanitaryaccommodation in buildings other thandwellings’. This new edition of AD Mincludes guidance in Section 0 ‘GeneralGuidance’ on educationalestablishments and clarifies thetreatment of purpose-built studentaccommodation.

d. The explanation of the relationshipbetween Part M and the DisabilityDiscrimination Act 1995 has beenamended in ‘Use of Guidance’ toreflect Regulations made or revokedsince the 1999 edition of AD M waspublished.

e. The concept of the AccessStatement has been introduced for thefirst time. It is recommended that anAccess Statement is provided toidentify the philosophy and approach toinclusive design adopted, particularlywhen the approach taken to satisfyingthe Requirements differs from thatrepresented by the guidance in theApproved Document.

Approved Document MAccess to and use of buildings

Printed in the United Kingdom for The Stationery Office

152625 C200 11/03


MThe Building Regulations 2000


APPROVED DOCUMENT

Coming into effect 1 May 2004

M1 Access and use M2 Access to extensions to buildings other than

dwellings M3 Sanitary conveniences in extensions to

buildings other than dwellingsM4 Sanitary conveniences in dwellings

2004

EDIT

ION

9 780117 539013

ISBN 0-11-753901-5

Building R

egulations 2000A

PP

RO

VE

DD

OC

UM

EN

TM

Access to and

use of b

uildings

© Crown copyright 2003. Copyright in the typographical arrangements restswith the Crown. Published for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister underlicence from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.This publication, excluding logos, may be reproduced free of charge in anyformat or medium for research, private study or for internal circulation withinan organisation. This is subject to it being reproduced accurately and not usedin a misleading context. The material must be acknowledged as Crowncopyright and the title of the publication specified.For any other use of this material, please write to The HMSO LicensingDivision, HMSO, St Clements House, 2–16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ.Fax: 01603 72300 or e-mail: [email protected]

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