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 f. the ramp surface is slip resistant, 1.28 The warning should be placed especially when wet, and of a colour sufficiently in advance of the hazard to that contrasts visually with that of the allow time to stop and not be so narrow landings; that it might be missed in a single stride. g. the frictional characteristics of the ramp 1.29 Materials for treads should not and landing surfaces are similar; present a slip hazard, especially when the surface is wet. h. there is a landing at the foot and head of the ramp at least 1.2m long and clear 1.30 People should be able to appreciate of any door swings or other obstructions; easily where to place their feet by highlighting nosings and avoiding i. any intermediate landings are at least open rises. 1.5m long and clear of any door swings or other obstructions; 1.31 People who wear callipers or who have stiffness in hip or knee joints are j. intermediate landings at least 1800mm particularly at risk of tripping or catching wide and 1800mm long are provided as their feet beneath nosings. People with passing places when it is not possible a weakness on one side or with a sight for a wheelchair user to see from one impairment need the dimensions of the end of the ramp to the other or the tread to be sufficient for them to be able ramp has three flights or more; to place their feet square onto it. If the k. all landings are level, subject to a going is towards the upper end of the maximum gradient of 1:60 along their dimensional range, the flight may rise to length and a maximum cross-fall a greater height without the need for an gradient of 1:40; intermediate landing, as the tread is l. there is a handrail on both sides; sufficiently deep to allow a person to stand and rest at any point within the flight. It m. there is a kerb on the open side of any should be noted that excessive rounding ramp or landing at least 100mm high, of nosings reduces the effective going. which contrasts visually with the ramp or landing in addition to any guarding 1.32 Many ambulant disabled people find required under Part K; it easier to negotiate a flight of steps than a ramp and, for these people, the presence n. clearly sign-posted steps are provided, of handrails for support is essential. in addition, when the rise of the ramp is greater than 300mm (equivalent to Note: Guidance is given in BS 8300 on: 2 x 150mm steps). – lighting stepped access; and Stepped access – slip resistance (Annex C). Note: Where there appears to be a conflict Provisions between the guidance in Part M and Part K, 1.33 A stepped access will satisfy Part M takes precedence; see the Notes to Requirement M1 or M2 if: the Requirements. a. a level landing is provided at the top Design considerations and bottom of each flight; 1.27 People with impaired sight risk b. the unobstructed length of each landing tripping or losing their balance if there is is not less than 1200mm; no warning that steps provide a change in level. The risk is most hazardous at the c. a ‘corduroy’ hazard warning surface head of a flight of steps when a person is provided at top and bottom landings is descending. of a series of flights to give advance warning of a change in level in accordance with Diagram 4; Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings Approved Document M Volume 2 20 O N L I N E V E R S I O N