Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M

O N L I N E V E R S I O N M1/M2 ACCESS TO BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS Provisions Diagram 1 Tactile paving and an 1.13 A ‘level approach’ (from the boundary example of its use at an of the site and from car parking spaces uncontrolled crossing designated for disabled people to the principal entrance, to a staff entrance or to an alternative accessible entrance) will satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if: a. it has a surface width of at least 1.5m, with passing places, free of obstructions to a height of 2.1m; b. passing places at least 1.8m wide and at least 2m long are provided within sight of each other (the width of the passing place may be included in the width of the level approach), but in any case spaced at a distance no greater than 50m; c. 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 (see 1.26(k)) introduced for each 500mm rise of the access (where necessary, between landings), in all cases with a cross-fall gradient no steeper than 1:40; d. its surface is firm, durable and slip resistant, with undulations not exceeding 3mm under a 1m straight edge for formless materials. Inappropriate materials might be loose sand or gravel; e. where there are different materials along the access route, they have similar frictional characteristics; f. the difference in level at joints between paving units is no greater than 5mm, with joints filled flush or, if recessed, On-site car parking and no deeper than 5mm and no wider than setting down 10mm or, if unfilled, no wider than 5mm; Design considerations g. the route to the principal entrance (or alternative accessible entrance) is 1.14 People who need to travel to clearly identified and well lit; buildings by car need to be able to park, have sufficient space to enter and leave h. the danger of inadvertently walking into their vehicle, on occasions move to the a vehicular access route is minimised rear of their vehicle, then walk, travel in a by providing a separate pedestrian wheelchair or with pushchairs or luggage, route and, where there is an uncontrolled etc. to the principal entrance, the staff crossing point across the vehicular route, entrance or any alternative accessible this is identified by a buff coloured blister entrance of the building. surface (see Diagram 1, and ‘Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces’). Approved Document M Volume 2 Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings O N L I N E V E R S I O N 17