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PAGE
USE OF GUIDANCE 5
THE REQUIREMENTS 9
SECTION 0: GENERAL GUIDANCEPerformance 12
Where the requirements apply
Application of Part M 12
Extensions and materialalterations: dwellings 12
Extensions of non-domesticbuildings 13
Material alterations of non-
domestic buildings 13Material changes of use 14
Car parking and sett ing down 14
What requirements apply 14
(i) Buildings other thandwellings 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 settingdown 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 liftingdevices 38
Passenger lifts 38
Lifting platforms 40
Wheelchair platform stairlifts 41
Internal stairs 42
Internal ramps 42Handrails to internal steps, stairsand 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
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PAGE
Section 5: Sanitary accommodationin buildings other than dwellings
Objectives 52
Sanitary accommodation generally 52
Provision of toi let accommodation 53Wheelchair-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 and
into the dwellingObjective 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
Vert ical circulation within theentrance storey 68
Section 8: Accessible switches and
socket 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 the
entrance storey of the dwellingObjectives 71
PAGE
Index 72
Standards referred to 77
Other publications referred to 78
Other sources of information 79
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DIAGRAMS PAGE
1. Tactile paving and an exampleof its use at an uncontrolledcrossing 20
2. Parking bay designated fordisabled people 21
3. Relationship of ramp gradientto the going of a flight 22
4. Stepped access keydimensions and use ofhazard warning surface 24
5. External steps and stairs key dimensions 25
6. Examples of acceptable stepprofiles and key dimensionsfor external stairs 25
7. Handrail design 26
8. Avoiding hazards on accessroutes 27
9. Effective clear width andvisibility requirements of doors 30
10. Key dimensions for lobbieswith single leaf doors 33
11. Key dimensions associatedwith passenger lifts 39
12. Internal stairs keydimensions 42
13. An example of wheelchairspaces in a lecture theatre 45
14. Possible location of wheelchairspaces in front of a rear aisle 47
15. An example of wheelchairspace provision in a cinemaor theatre 47
16. An example of a sharedrefreshment facility 48
PAGE
17. One example of a wheelchair-accessible hotel bedroomwith en-suite sanitary facilities 49
18. Unisex wheelchair-accessibletoilet with corner WC 55
19. Heights and arrangement offittings in a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet 56
20. Heights of various fittings intoilet accommodation 56
21. WC cubicle for ambulantdisabled people 57
22. An example of a self-containedchanging room for individualuse 59
23. An example of a self-containedshower room for individualuse 60
24. An example of a shower roomwith corner WC for individualuse 61
25. An example of a bathroomincorporating a corner WC 62
26. Grab rails and fittings
associated with a bath 6327. External step profiles 65
28. Corridors, passages andinternal doors 67
29. Heights of switches, socketoutlets etc 68
30. Common stairs in blocks offlats 69
31. Clear space for frontalaccess to WC 71
32. Clear space for obliqueaccess to WC 71
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Approved Document MAccess to and use of buildings
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THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS
This document is one of a series thathas been approved and issued by theSecretary of State for the purpose of
providing 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 of
achieving 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 REQUIREMENTS
In 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 or
about 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, with
resistance 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 WORKMANSHIP
Any 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
Approved Document M
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M
Use of Guidance
Access to and use of buildings
THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000
1
As implemented by the Construction ProductsRegulations 1991 (SI 1991/1620)
2As implemented by the Construction Products(Amendment) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/3051)
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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 the
certificate. 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 for
which 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 be
made 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 DEVELOPMENT
In 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 1992
The 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 the
Building 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 cleaners
and caretakers are employed to work inthese common parts. Where therequirements of the BuildingRegulations that are covered by this
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Part do not apply to dwellings, theprovisions may still be required in thesituations described above in order tosatisfy the Workplace Regulations.
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT
1995 AND THE DISABILITY
DISCRIMINATION (EMPLOYMENT)
REGULATIONS 1996
The 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 for
satisfying 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 the
Disability 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 take
reasonable 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) (2001
Regulations) - 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 was
constructed 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 exemption
to apply to features constructed orinstalled in accordance withsubsequent editions of the ApprovedDocument. The Government is
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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.
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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
Access to and use of buildingsApproved Document M
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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 extension
where reasonably practicable.
Sanitary Conveniences in Extensions to Buildings other than
Dwellings
M3. If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to be
extended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension for
sanitary conveniences.
Sanitary Conveniences in Dwellings
M4. (1) Reasonable provision shall be made in the entrance storey
for sanitary conveniences, or where the entrance storey contains no
habitable rooms, reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences shall be
made in either the entrance storey or principal storey.
(2) In this paragraph entrance storey means the storey
which contains the principal entrance and principal storey means the
storey nearest to the entrance storey which contains a habitable room, or
if 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 a
dwelling; or
(b) any part of a building which is used solely
to enable the building or any service or fittingin the building to be inspected, repaired or
maintained.
Requirement M2 does not apply where suitable
access to the extension is provided through the
building that is extended.
Requirement M3 does not apply where there is
reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences
elsewhere in the building, such that people
occupied in, or otherwise having occasion to
enter the extension, can gain access to and use
those 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 guidance
in 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 being
conducted 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 appear
to conflict, until Part N and AD N arerevised.
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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 material
that 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 following
extracts 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 to
that 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 expressionsinstitution, public building and shopused 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, such
work, 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)
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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) of
paragraph (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 bui lding 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 to
that part.
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GENERAL GUIDANCE
Performance
In the Secretary of States view the
requirements 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 tostay 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 material
change of use to a hotel or boardinghouse, institution, public building orshop.
The terms institution, public buildingand shop are explained inregulation 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 a
material 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 Part
M, 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 expressionmaterial alteration is defined byreference to a list of relevantrequirements in schedule 1. That list
includes 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 no
reduction in the extent of Part Mcompliance. Similarly, an extension of adwelling need not itself comply with
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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 notberemoved 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 not
apply 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 them
either 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 a
single 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 paragraphs
0.26 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 to
and 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 the
modifications 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
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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 to
gain 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 upgrade
access 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 buildingand shop are explained in regulation2. In particular, it should be noted thatshop 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 be
reasonable 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 use
results 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 down0.13 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 apply
0.14 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,
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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 buildingsfacilities, 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 at
information points; andf. 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 establishments
0.15 From 1 April 2001, maintainedschools ceased to have exemptionfrom the Building Regulations. Certain
school-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 regulation
2(1), should be treated as hotel/motelaccommodation in respect of space
requirements and internal facilities (see4.17 to 4.24).
Historic buildings
0.17 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 authoritysdevelopment 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 provided
that 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 authoritysconservation and access officers, andEnglish Heritage or CADW: Welsh
Historic 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 to
previous inappropriate alteration, e.g.replacement windows, doors androoflights;
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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 Statements
0.20 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 whether
proposals 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 building
control 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 the
building 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 to
comply 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 Statement
should 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);
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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 full
access 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, but
for 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 in
certain 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 suitable
for 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.
Definitions
0.29 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 (flatis 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, stairs
and ramps means predominantly level,but with a maximum gradient along thedirection of travel of 1:60.
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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.
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ACCESS TO BUILDINGS OTHER
THAN DWELLINGS
Objectives
1.1 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 thatpeoples 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 boundary
of the site and car parking
Design considerations
1.6 As far as possible, access should
be 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 may
have 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 risks
to people, particularly people withimpaired sight, when approaching and
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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 disabled
people 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 of
the 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-fall
gradient 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 is
minimised 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 setting
down
Design considerations
1.14 People who need to travel tobuildings by car need to be able to
park, have sufficient space to enter andleave their vehicle, on occasions moveto the rear of their vehicle, then walk,
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Blister surface (with 36 domes)
Dome profile
Note: Full details of tactile paving
are in "Guidance on the use ofTactile Paving Surfaces."
16 radius
25 diameter
5
10
Gradient 1:12 max.
Blister surface
Dropped kerb flush
with carriageway
Dropped kerb at an uncontrolled crossing
800
1200 min.
Diagram 1 Tactile paving and an
example of its use at an uncontrolledcrossing
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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 located
in 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 into
the 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.
Provisions1.18 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 Diagram
2 (with a 1200mm accessibility zonebetween, and a 1200mm safety zoneon the vehicular side of, the parking
bays, and with a dropped kerb when
there 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 of
short 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 accessible
entrance with its surface level with thecarriageway at that point to allowconvenient access to and from theentrance for people with walking
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Access zone between
and at the end ofdesignated parking
bays
Dropped kerb whereaccess 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
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difficulties or people using awheelchair.
Ramped access
Note: Where there appears to be aconflict between the guidance in PartM and Part K, Part M takesprecedence; see the Notes to theRequirements.
Design considerations
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. The
case 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 steps
as 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;
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Table 1 Limits for ramp gradients
Going 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 to
interpolate between the maximum gradients, i.e. 1:14 for a 4m
going 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
Gradientoframp
(500mm rise)
(333mm rise)
(166mm rise)
Diagram 3 Relationship of rampgradient to the going of a flight
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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 a
maximum 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 are
provided, in addition, when the rise ofthe ramp is greater than 300mm(equivalent to 2 x 150mm steps).
Stepped access
Note: Where there appears to be aconflict between the guidance in PartM and Part K, Part M takesprecedence; see the Notes to theRequirements.
Design considerations1.27 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 an
intermediate 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;
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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 corduroyhazard 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 width
between 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 contrasting
material 55mm wide on both the treadand the riser;
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Corduroy hazard warning surface at top of stairs
to 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 becontinuous across
intermediate landings
400 min.
Stair width
400 min.
800 when the approach is straight onand 400 when a conscious turn is
needed to reach the step
1200 min.
bottom landing
400
400
800
Closed end to handrailat top and bottom
Corduroy hazard warning surface (with 8 ribs)
20
20 rib
30 gap
6
Rib profile
Note: Full details of tactile pavingare in Guidance on the use of
Tactile Paving Surfaces.
1200 min.
Diagram 4 Stepped access key dimensions and use of hazard warning surface
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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 and
ramped access
Design considerations
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 flight
of 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 ramped
and stepped access will satisfyRequirement M1 or M2 if:
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Access to buildings other than dwellings
M1/M2BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS
Steps without projecting nosings are preferred
25 max.overlap
25 max.
overlap
150 to 170
280 to 425
60min.
Note: Rise and going dimensions applyto all step profiles
Diagram 6 Examples of acceptable
step profiles and key dimensions forexternal stairs
900 to 1000
above 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
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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 300mm
horizontally 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
Design considerations
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, which
incorporates a kerb or other solidbarrier that can be detected using acane at ground level to direct people
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M1/M2 BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS
Diagram 7 Handrail design
Non-circular handrail
preferably 50 wide
with rounded edges60 to 75
Circular handrail
40 to 45 diameter
50 min.
15 min.radius
i
Ramped orstepped
access
50 max.
i
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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 M
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M1/M2BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS
Diagram 8 Avoiding hazards on access routes
Plan
Guarding with
cane detectionat ground level
Section
Where the projection onto an
access route is more than 100,
guarding with cane detectionat ground level
>100
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ACCESS INTO BUILDINGS OTHER
THAN DWELLINGS
Objectives
2.1 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 risks
to people when entering the building.
Accessible entrances
Design considerations
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 be
clearly 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 in
frequent use.Note: Guidance on sign-posting isgiven in BS 8300, Inclusive Mobilityand 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 total
height 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 to
the 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
Design considerations
2.8 Doors to the principal, oralternative accessible, entrance shouldbe accessible to all, particularlywheelchair users and people withlimited physical dexterity. Entrance
doors may be manually operatedwithout powered assistance, or power-operated under manual or automatic
Section 2
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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 particularly
beneficial 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, the
argument 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 through
calculation 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 intermediate
horizontal rail (see Diagram 9).
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M1/M2BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS
Table 2 Minimum effective clear widthsof doors
Direction 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 measured
at right angles to the wall in which the door is situated from
the outside of the door stop on the door closing side to any
obstruction on the hinge side, whether this be projecting door
opening furniture, a weather board, the door, or the door stop
(see Diagram 9). For specific guidance on the effective clear
widths of doors in sports accommodation, refer to Access forDisabled People.
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Manually operated non-poweredentrance doors
Design considerations
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 leading
edge 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 the
door.
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 of
at 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
Design considerations
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 clearly
distinguishable 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 with
children and/or pushchairs. If arevolving door is used, an entrancedoor complying with 2.17 or 2.21
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M1/M2 BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS
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 door
is power
operatedMinimum
zones of
visibility
500 500
800
1150
15001500
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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 stop
that 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 between
750mm 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 glazed
screens
Note: Where there appears to be a
conflict between the guidance in PartM and Part N, Part M takes
precedence, see the Notes to theRequirements.
Design considerations
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 and
outside) 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 differentiated
from 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
Design considerations
2.25 There are a number of reasons forproviding a lobby:
to limit air infiltration
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to maintain comfort by controllingdraughts
to increase security
to provide transitional lighting.
2.26 The provision of a lobby maymake it possible for