Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings

Approved Document M
(download from Planning Portal)

MAIN CHANGES IN THE 2004 EDITION

This edition of the Approved Document M 'Access to and use of buildings' replaces the 1999 edition entitled 'Access and facilities for disabled people'. The main changes are:

Part M now applies generally to material alterations of and extensions to existing non-domestic buildings. It applies to material changes of use to some non-domestic uses. There is no exception for historic buildings, but this new edition of AD M contains guidance on such buildings. The guidance on dwellings in Sections 6 to 10 remains unchanged from the 1999 edition of AD M, with the exception that some diagram numbers and their text references have been changed to permit consistency with the amended Sections 1 to 5. Some publication references, particularly those concerning lifts and sports facilities, have been replaced to reflect the most recent guidance available.

1. The guidance draws on the recommendations of British Standard BS 8300:2001 'Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people - Code of Practice'. There are some instances where the guidance in this Approved Document differs from the recommendations in the edition of BS 8300 current at the date of publication of the AD. It is the intention of the British Standards Institution to review such anomalies as may exist and where practicable to take them into account in future editions of the standard.
2. The requirements in the new Part M no longer refer to 'disabled people'. The aim of the new Part M and AD M is to foster a more inclusive approach to design to accommodate the needs of all people. A new section in the AD (Section 4) on 'Facilities in buildings other than dwellings' has been introduced to cover audience and spectator facilities, refreshment facilities, sleeping accommodation and switches, outlets and controls. The guidance on changing facilities has been relocated to Section 5 'Sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings'. This new edition of AD M includes guidance in Section 0 'General Guidance' on educational establishments and clarifies the treatment of purpose-built student accommodation.
3. The explanation of the relationship between Part M and the Disability Discrimination Act 1985 has been amended in 'Use of Guidance' to reflect Regulations made or revoked since the 1999 edition of AD M was published.
4. The concept of the Access Statement has been introduced for the first time. It is recommended that an Access Statement is provided to identify the philosophy and approach to inclusive design adopted, particularly when the approach taken to satisfying the Requirements differs from that represented by the guidance in the Approved Document.

Guidance Notes:

These notes are intended for guidance and as an aid to design only. They are not a substitute for the Building Regulations and Approved Document M, they should be consulted for more detailed information.

Approved Document Notes

ACCESS TO BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Paragraph 1.13 Provisions - Level approach from the boundary of the site and car parking

1. It has a surface width of at least 1.5m, with passing places, free of obstructions to a height of 2.1m;
2. passing places at least 1.8m wide and at least 2m long are provided within sight of each other; (no greater than 50m)
3. the gradient along its length is either no steeper than 1:60 along its whole length, or less steep than 1:20 with level landings for each 500mm rise of the access, cross-fall gradient no steeper than 1:40;

7. the route to the principal entrance is clearly identified and well lit;
8. uncontrolled crossing point across the vehicular route, to be identified by a buff coloured blister surface.

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions d to f regarding surface material, recesses, etc.

Paragraph 1.18 Provisions - On-site car parking and setting down

a)/b) at least one parking bay for disabled people is provided dimensioned as shown in Diagram 2 with dropped kerb to the pedestrian route;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions c to e regarding surface material, ticket machines, etc.

Paragraph 1.26 Provisions - Ramped access

2. the gradient of a ramp flight and its going between landings are in accordance with Table 1 and Diagram 3;
3. no flight has a going greater than 10m, or a rise of more than 500mm;
4. there is an alternative means of access for wheelchair users, e.g. a lift, when the total rise is greater than 2m;
5. it has a surface width between walls, upstands or kerbs of at least 1.5m;

8. there is a landing at the foot and head of the ramp at least 1.2m long and clear of any door swings or other obstructions;
9. any intermediate landings are at least 1.5m long and clear of any door swings or other obstructions;
10. intermediate landings at least 1800mm wide and 1800mm long are provided as passing places when it is not possible for a wheelchair user to see from one end of the ramp to the other or the ramp has three flights or more;

12. there is a handrail on both sides;
13. there is a kerb on the open side of any ramp or landing at least 100mm high;
14. steps are provided, in addition, when the rise of the ramp is greater than 300mm (equivalent to 2 x 150mm steps).

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, f, g and k regarding signage, surface, etc.

Paragraph 1.33 Provisions - Stepped access

1. a level landing is provided at the top and bottom of each flight;
2. the unobstructed length of each landing is not less than 1200mm;
3. a 'corduroy' hazard warning surface is provided at top and bottom landings of a series of flights to give advance warning of a change in level in accordance with Diagram 4;
4. where there is side access onto an intermediate landing, a 'corduroy' hazard warning surface 400mm deep is provided either on the intermediate landing 400mm from both upper and lower flights, if there is sufficient space to accommodate the surface outside the line of the side access, or within the side access 400mm from the intermediate landing if there is a continuous handrail opposite the side access;
5. no doors swing across landings;
6. it has flights whose surface width between enclosing walls, strings or upstands is not less than 1.2m;
7. there are no single steps;
8. the rise of a flight between landings contains no more than 12 risers for a going of less than 350mm and no more than 18 risers for a going of 350mm or greater (see Diagram 5);
9. all nosings are made apparent by means of a permanently contrasting material 55mm wide on both the tread and the riser;
10. the projection of a step nosing over the tread below is avoided but, if necessary, not more than 25mm (see Diagram 6);

12. the rise of each step is between 150mm and 170mm;
13. the going of each step is between 280mm and 425mm;
14. rises are not open;
15. there is a continuous handrail on each side of a flight and landings;
16. additional handrails divide the flight into channels not less than 1m wide and not more than 1.8m wide where the overall unobstructed width is more than 1.8m.

Note: In respect of 1.33(l) and (m), for school buildings, the preferred dimensions are a rise of 150mm, and a going of 280mm.

Note: consideration should also be given to provision k regarding consistency of the risers.

Paragraph 1.37 Provisions - Handrails to external stepped and ramped access

1. the vertical height to the top of the upper handrail from the pitch line of the surface of a ramp, or a flight of steps, is between 900mm and 1000mm, and from the surface of a landing is between 900 and 1100mm;

3. it is continuous across the flights and landings of ramped or stepped access;
4. it extends at least 300mm horizontally beyond the top and bottom of a ramped access, or the top and bottom nosing of a flight or flights of steps, while not projecting into an access route;

8. its profile is either circular with a diameter of between 40 and 45mm, or oval preferably with a width of 50mm;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions b, e, f, g, i to l regarding handrail surface, material type, etc.

Paragraph 1.39 Provisions -Hazards on access routes

1. where there is a projection of more than 100mm, during normal use, onto an access route, windows and doors (excluding fire escape doors) that swing outwards towards an access route, or other projecting features, are protected by guarding, which incorporates a kerb or other solid barrier that can be detected using a cane at ground level to direct people around the potential hazard (see Diagram 8);

Note: consideration should also be given to provision b regarding guarding.

ACCESS INTO BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Paragraph 2.7 Provisions - Accessible entrances

4. there is a level landing at least 1500 x 1500mm, clear of any door swings, immediately in front of the entrance and of a material that does not impede the movement of wheelchairs;
5. the threshold is level or, if a raised threshold is unavoidable, it has a total height of not more than 15mm, a minimum number of upstands and slopes, with any upstands higher than 5mm chamfered or rounded;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a to c and f to j regarding signage, hazards, etc.

Paragraph 2.13 Provisions - Doors to accessible entrances

2. the effective clear width through a single leaf door, or one leaf of a double leaf door, is in accordance with Table 2, and the rules for measurement are in accordance with Diagram 9;
3. door leaves, and side panels wider than 450mm, have vision panels towards the leading edge of the door whose vertical dimensions include at least the minimum zone, or zones, of visibility between 500mm and 1500mm from the floor, if necessary interrupted between 800mm and 1150mm above the floor, e.g. to accommodate an intermediate horizontal rail (see Diagram 9).

Note: consideration should also be given to provision a regarding opening force of door.

Paragraph 2.17 Provisions - Manually operated non-powered entrance doors

1. there is an unobstructed space of at least 300mm on the pull side of the door between the leading edge of the door and any return wall, unless the door is a powered entrance door;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, c to d regarding opening force, door handle, etc.

Paragraph 2.21 Provisions - Powered entrance doors

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a to g regarding sensors, controls, etc.

Paragraph 2.24 Provisions - Glass entrance doors and glazed screens

1. they are clearly defined with manifestation on the glass at two levels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400 to 1600mm above the floor, contrasting visually with the background seen through the glass (both from inside and outside) in all lighting conditions;
2. manifestation takes the form of a logo or sign at least 150mm high (repeated if on a glazed screen), or a decorative feature such as broken lines or continuous bands, at least 50mm high;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions c and d regarding contrasting, etc.

Paragraph 2.29 Provisions - Entrance lobbies

1. their length with single swing doors is in accordance with Diagram 10;
2. their length with double swing doors is at least (DP1 + DP2 + 1570mm);
3. their width (excluding any projections into the space) is at least 1200mm (or (DL1 or DL2) + 300mm) whichever is the greater when single leaf doors are used, and at least 1800mm when double leaf doors are used;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions d to h regarding distracting reflections, surface, etc.

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL CIRCULATION IN BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Paragraph 3.6 Provisions - Entrance hall and reception area

4. a clear manoeuvring space in front of any reception desk or counter is 1200mm deep and 1800mm wide if there is a knee recess at least 500mm deep, or 1400mm deep and 2200mm wide if there is no knee recess;
5. any reception desk or counter is designed to accommodate both standing and seated visitors such that at least one section of the counter is at least 1500mm wide, with its surface no higher than 760mm, and a knee recess, not less than 700mm, above floor level;
6. any reception point is provided with a hearing enhancement system, e.g. an induction loop;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a to c regarding access.

Paragraph 3.10 Provisions - Internal doors

2. the effective clear width through a single leaf door, or one leaf of a double leaf door, is in accordance with Table 2 and Diagram 9;
3. there is an unobstructed space of at least 300mm on the pull side of the door between the leading edge of the door and any return wall, unless the door has power-controlled opening or it provides access to a standard hotel bedroom;

8. where appropriate in door leaves or side panels wider than 450mm, vision panels towards the leading edge of the door have vertical dimensions which include at least the minimum zone, or zones, of visibility between 500mm and 1500mm from the floor, if necessary interrupted between 800mm and 1150mm above the floor, e.g. to accommodate an intermediate horizontal rail (see Diagram 9).
9. when of glass, they are clearly defined with manifestation on the glass at two levels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400 to 1600mm, contrasting visually with the background seen through the glass in all lighting conditions (see 2.24(b) for details of manifestation);

11. fire doors, particularly those in corridors, are held open with an electro-magnetic device, but self-close when:

• activated by smoke detectors linked to the door individually, or to a main fire/smoke alarm system;
• the power supply fails;
• activated by a hand-operated switch;

11. fire doors, particularly to individual rooms, are fitted with swing free devices that close when activated by smoke detectors or the building's fire alarm system, or when the power supply fails;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, d to g, j and m regarding opening force, latch, etc.

Paragraph 3.14 Provisions - Corridors and passageways

2. they have an unobstructed width (excluding any projections into the space) along their length of at least 1200mm;
3. where they have an unobstructed width of less than 1800mm, they have passing places at least 1800mm long and with an unobstructed width of at least 1800mm at reasonable intervals, e.g. at corridor junctions, to allow wheelchair users to pass each other;

7. any door opening towards a corridor, which is a major access route or an escape route, should be recessed so that when fully open, it does not project into the corridor space, except where the doors are to minor utility facilities, such as small store rooms and locked duct cupboards;
8. any door from a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet projects when open into a corridor that is not a major access route or an escape route, provided the corridor is at least 1800mm wide at that point;

12. any glazed screens alongside a corridor are clearly defined with manifestation on the glass at two levels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400 to 1600mm, contrasting visually with the background seen through the glass in all lighting conditions (see 2.24(b) for details of manifestation);

Note: In respect of 3.14(b), for school buildings, the preferred corridor width dimension is 2700mm where there are lockers within the corridor.

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, d to f, i to k regarding hazards, surface, etc.

Paragraph 3.16 Provisions - Internal lobbies

1. their length with single swing doors is in accordance with Diagram 10;
2. their length with double swing doors is at least (DP1 + DP2 + 1570mm);
3. their width (excluding any projections into the space) is at least 1200mm (or (DL1 or DL2) + 300mm) whichever is the greater when single leaf doors are used, and at least 1800mm when double leaf doors are used;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions d to f regarding distracting reflections, trip hazards, etc.

Vertical circulation within the building

Paragraph 3.24 Provisions - Provision of lifting devices

1. new developments have a passenger lift serving all storeys;
2. new developments, where due to site constraints a passenger lift cannot be accommodated to provide access to persons with impaired mobility, have a lifting platform, of a type designed for the vertical height to be travelled;
3. existing buildings have a passenger lift serving all storeys or, if a passenger lift cannot reasonably be accommodated to provide access to persons with impaired mobility, they have a lifting platform, of a type designed for the vertical height to be travelled;
4. existing buildings have a wheelchair platform stairlift serving an intermediate level or a single storey, only in exceptional circumstances.

Paragraph 3.28 Provisions - General requirements for lifting devices

1. there is an unobstructed manoeuvring space of 1500mm x 1500mm, or a straight access route 900mm wide, in front of each lifting device;
2. the landing call buttons are located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor of the landing and at least 500mm from any return wall;
3. the landing call button symbols, where provided, and lifting device control button symbols are raised to facilitate tactile reading;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions d to g regarding contrasting call and control buttons and surfaces, etc.

Paragraph 3.34 Provisions - Passenger lifts

3. the minimum dimensions of the lift cars are 1100mm wide and 1400mm deep (see Diagram 11);

5. power-operated horizontal sliding doors provide an effective clear width of at least 800mm (nominal);

7. car controls are located between 900mm and 1200mm (preferably 1100mm) from the car floor and at least 400mm from any return wall;
8. landing call buttons are located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor of the landing and at least 500mm from any return wall;

10. audible and visual indication of lift arrival and location is provided in the lift car and the lift lobby;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, b, d, f, i, k to m regarding controls, etc.

Paragraph 3.43 Provisions - Lifting platforms

2. the vertical travel distance is:

• not more than 2m, where there is no liftway enclosure and no floor penetration;
• more than 2m, where there is a liftway enclosure;

4. lifting platform controls are located between 800mm and 1100mm from the floor of the lifting platform and at least 400mm from any return wall;
5. landing call buttons are located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor of the landing and at least 500mm from any return wall;

7. the minimum clear dimensions of the platform are:

• 800mm wide and 1250mm deep, where the lifting platform is not enclosed and where provision is being made for an unaccompanied wheelchair user;
• 900mm wide and 1400mm deep, where the lifting platform is enclosed and where provision is being made for an unaccompanied wheelchair user;
• 1100mm wide and 1400mm deep where two doors are located at 90° relative to each other and where the lifting platform is enclosed or where provision is being made for an accompanied wheelchair user;

7. doors have an effective clear width of at least 900mm for an 1100mm wide and 1400mm deep lifting platform and at least 800mm in other cases;

12. an audible and visual announcement of platform arrival and level reached is provided;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, c, f, i to k and m regarding speed of lift, contrasting surfaces, etc.

Paragraph 3.49 Provisions - Wheelchair platform stair lifts

5. the minimum clear dimensions of the platform are 800mm wide and 1250mm deep;

7. access with an effective clear width of at least 800mm is provided;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a to d, f and h regarding controls, etc.

Paragraph 3.51 Provisions - Internal stairs

1. they comply with provisions (a), (b), (e) to (g), and (i) to (k) and (n) to (p) of 1.33;
2. a flight between landings normally contains no more than 12 risers, but exceptionally no more than 16 risers in small premises where the plan area is restricted (see Diagram 12);
3. the rise of each step is between 150mm and 170mm, except in existing buildings where, due to dimensional constraints, the case for a different rise is argued in the Access Statement;
4. the going of each step is at least 250mm;

Note: For school buildings, in respect of 3.51(c) and (d), the rise should not exceed 170mm, with a preferred going of 280mm. Also, for schools, refuges should be provided for all stairs where no other arrangement is in place (see AD B, B1.xvi, and BS 5588-8 for details of refuges).

Note: consideration should also be given to provision e regarding hazards, etc.

Paragraph 3.53 Provisions - Internal ramps

1. they comply with provisions b, c, e, h, I, j, l, m for ramped access in 1.26;
2. where the change in level is 300mm or more, 2 or more clearly signposted steps are provided in addition to the ramp;
3. where the change in level is no greater than 300mm, a ramp is provided instead of a single step;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions d and e regarding gradient, hazards, etc.

Paragraph 3.55 Provisions - Handrails to internal steps, stairs and ramps

1. to comply with a, c, d and h provisions contained in 1.37.

FACILITIES IN BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Paragraph 4.12 Provisions - Audience and spectator facilities

For audience seating generally

2. stepped access routes to audience seating are provided with fixed handrails (see 1.34 to 1.37 for details of handrails);
3. the minimum number of permanent and removable spaces provided for wheelchair users is in accordance with Table 3;
4. some wheelchair spaces (whether permanent or created by removing seats) are provided in pairs, with standard seating on at least one side (see Diagram 13);
5. where more than two wheelchair spaces are provided, they are located to give a range of views of the event at each side, as well as at front and back of the seating area;
6. the minimum clear space provided for access to wheelchair spaces is 900mm;
7. the clear space allowance for an occupied wheelchair in a parked position is 900mm wide by 1400mm deep;

10. standard seats at the ends of rows and next to wheelchair spaces have detachable, or lift-up, arms;

    Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, h and i regarding access, etc.

    For seating on a stepped terraced floor

11. wheelchair spaces at the back of a stepped terraced floor are provided in accordance with Diagrams 14 or 15, the arrangement in Diagram 15 being particularly suitable for entertainment buildings, such as theatres or cinemas, subject to the approval of the licensing authority;

    For lecture/conference facilities

12. where a podium or stage is provided, wheelchair users have access to it by means of a ramp or lifting platform;
13. a hearing enhancement system in accordance with 4.36 is provided for people with impaired hearing.

Paragraph 4.16 Provisions - Refreshment facilities

2. part of the working surface of a bar or serving counter is permanently accessible to wheelchair users, and at a level of not more than 850mm above the floor and, where necessary, part at a higher level for people standing;
3. the worktop of a shared refreshment facility (e.g. for tea making) is at 850mm above the floor with a clear space beneath at least 700mm above the floor (see Diagram 16);
4. a wheelchair-accessible threshold (see 2.7(e)) is located at the transition between an external seating area and the interior of the facility.

Note: consideration should also be given to provision a regarding access.

Paragraph 4.24 Provisions - Sleeping accommodation

For all bedrooms

1. the effective clear width of the door from the access corridor complies with Table 2;

5. all bedrooms have a visual fire alarm signal, in addition to the requirements of Part B;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions b, c, d and f regarding doors, handles, etc.

For wheelchair-accessible bedrooms

7. at least one wheelchair-accessible bedroom is provided for every 20 bedrooms, or part thereof;

10. the door from the access corridor to a wheelchair-accessible bedroom complies with the relevant provisions of 'Internal doors' (see 3.10), in particular the maximum permissible opening force, Table 2 and the need for a clear space of 300mm from the leading edge of the door to the side wall;
11. the effective clear width of any door to an en-suite bathroom or shower room within the wheelchairaccessible bedroom complies with Table 2;
12. the size of wheelchair-accessible bedrooms allows for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre at the side of a bed, then transfer independently to it. An example of a wheelchair-accessible bedroom layout is shown in Diagram 17;
13. sanitary facilities, en-suite to a wheelchair-accessible bedroom, comply with the provisions of 5.15 to 5.21 for 'Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms' or 'Wheelchair-accessible shower facilities';

15. a balcony, where provided to a wheelchair-accessible bedroom, has a door whose effective clear width complies with Table 2, has a level threshold and has no horizontal transoms between 900mm and 1200mm above the floor;
16. there are no permanent obstructions in a zone 1500mm back from any balcony doors;
17. an emergency assistance alarm (together with a reset button) is located in a wheelchair-accessible bedroom and activated by a pull cord, sited so that it can be operated both from the bed and from an adjacent floor area;
18. an emergency assistance call signal outside an accessible bedroom is located so that it can be easily seen and heard by those able to give assistance and, in any case, at a central control point.

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions h, i and n regarding location, etc.

Paragraph 4.30 Provisions - Switches, outlets and controls

a)/b) suitable wall-mounted socket outlets, are to be located between 400mm and 1000mm above the floor, switches are to be located between 750mm and 1200mm above the floor.

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions c to m regarding types of switches and controls, etc.

Paragraph 4.36 Provision - Aids to communication

2. provision for a hearing enhancement system is installed in rooms and spaces designed for meetings, lectures, classes, performances, spectator sport or films, and at service or reception counters when they are situated in noisy areas or they are behind glazed screens;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, c to f regarding signage, etc.

SANITARY ACCOMMODATION IN BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS

Paragraph 5.4 Provisions - Sanitary accommodation generally

7. any fire alarm emits a visual and audible signal to warn occupants with hearing or visual impairments;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a to f and h to k regarding taps, handles, etc.

Paragraph 5.7 Provisions - Provision of toilet accommodation

1. where there is space for only one toilet in a building, it is of a wheelchairaccessible unisex type, but of greater width to accommodate a standing height wash basin;
2. at least one wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet is provided at each location in a building where sanitary facilities are provided for use by customers and visitors to a building, or by people working in the building;
3. at least one WC cubicle is provided in separate-sex toilet accommodation for use by ambulant disabled people;
4. where there are 4 or more WC cubicles in separate-sex toilet accommodation, one of these is an enlarged cubicle for use by people who need extra space, in addition to any provision under 5.7(c).

Paragraph 5.10 Provisions - Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets

5. when it is the only toilet facility in the building, the width is increased from 1.5m to 2m and it includes a standing height wash basin, in addition to the finger rinse basin associated with the WC;

8. any wheelchair user does not have to travel:

1. more than 40m on the same floor, unless a greater distance can be argued in the Access Statement on the grounds that the circulation route is unobstructed, e.g. by the installation of doors with hold-open devices;
2. more than a 40m combined horizontal distance where the unisex toilet accommodation is on another floor of the building, but is accessible by passenger lift (if a lifting platform is installed, vertical travel to a unisex toilet is limited to one storey);

8. the minimum overall dimensions of, and the arrangement of fittings within, a wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet, comply with Diagram 18, 19 & 20.

15. A suitable emergency assistance alarm system is provided;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a to d, f, g, j to n and p to r regarding location, etc.

Paragraph 5.14 Provisions -Toilets in separate-sex washrooms

1. the swing of any inward opening doors to standard WC compartments is such that a 450mm diameter manoeuvring space is maintained between the swing of the door, the WC pan and the side wall of the compartment;
2. the minimum dimensions of compartments for ambulant disabled people, including the activity space, and the arrangement of grab bars and other fittings within the compartment, comply with Diagram 21;

4. an enlarged compartment for those who need extra space (based on the compartment for ambulant disabled people) is 1200mm wide and includes a horizontal grab bar adjacent to the WC, a vertical grab bar on the rear wall and space for a shelf and fold-down changing table;

7. any wheelchair-accessible washroom has at least one washbasin with its rim set at 720 to 740mm above the floor and, for men, at least one urinal with its rim set at 380mm above the floor, with two 600mm long vertical grab bars with their centre lines at 1100mm above the floor, positioned either side of the urinal.

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions c, e and f regarding layout, etc.

Paragraph 5.18 Provisions - Wheelchair-accessible changing and shower facilities

For changing and shower facilities

3. in communal shower facilities and changing facilities, they are provided with subdivisions that have the same configuration of space and equipment as for self-contained facilities but without doors;
4. in sports facilities, individual self-contained shower facilities and changing facilities are available in addition to communal separate-sex facilities;
5. a suitable emergency assistance alarm system is provided;

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions a, b, f and g regarding layout, etc.

For changing facilities

8. the minimum overall dimensions of, and the arrangement of equipment and controls within, individual self-contained changing facilities comply with Diagram 22;

10. there is a manoeuvring space 1500mm deep in front of lockers in self-contained or communal changing areas;

Note: consideration should also be given to provision i regarding surfaces, etc

For shower facilities

11. individual self-contained shower facilities comply with Diagram 23;
12. where showers are provided in commercial developments for the benefit of staff, at least one wheelchairaccessible shower compartment complying with Diagram 23 should be provided;

Note: consideration should also be given to provision m to q regarding slip resistant surfaces, etc.

For shower facilities incorporating a WC

18. the minimum overall dimensions of, and the arrangement of fittings within, an individual self-contained shower area incorporating a corner WC, e.g. in a sports building, comply with Diagram 24;

Note: Guidance prepared by the Health and Safety Executive on the slip resistance of floor surfaces is given in Annex C of BS 8300.

Note: consideration should also be given to provision s regarding transfer, etc.

Paragraph 5.21 Provisions - Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms

1. the minimum overall dimensions of, and the arrangement of fittings within, a bathroom for individual use incorporating a corner WC comply with Diagrams 25 and 26;

7. a suitable emergency assistance alarm system is provided.

Note: consideration should also be given to provisions b to f regarding layout, etc.

Note: Guidance prepared by the Health and Safety Executive on the slip resistance of floor surfaces is given in Annex C of BS 8300.

NOTE REGARDING DOORS AND HANDRAILS

Doors to accessible entrances and internal doors should be accessible to all including wheelchair users and people with limited physical dexterity.

A non-powered manually operated entrance door fitted with a self-closing device is unlikely to be openable by many people, particularly wheelchair users or who have limited strength. Powered entrance doors complying with the recommendations in Clause 2.21 or entrance doors without self-closing devices (provided the opening force at the leading edge of the door is no greater than 20N) should be used.
For similar reasons the use of self-closing devices on internal doors should be minimised (particularly in parts of buildings used by the general public and to doors onto frequently used routes). The opening force at the leading edge of the door, which is manually operated, should not exceed 20N;
Fire doors, particularly those in corridors, should be held open with an electro-magnetic device, but self-close when:

- activated by smoke detectors linked to the door individually, or to a main fire/smoke alarm system;

- the power supply fails;

- activated by a hand-operated switch;

Fire doors, particularly to individual rooms, are fitted with swing free devices that close when activated by smoke detectors or the building's fire alarm system, or when the power supply fails;

It is important that fittings such as handrails, door furniture, and elements such as door frames etc contrast visually with the surrounding surfaces, in order that persons with impaired vision are made aware of these features.

The appropriate choice of floor, wall and ceiling surfaces can help visually impaired persons appreciate the boundaries of a room or space.

Floor Surfaces

The surface of floors, ramps etc should be slip resistant especially when wet.