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 a. the vertical height to the top of the Diagram 7 Handrail design upper handrail from the pitch line of the surface of a ramp, or a flight of steps, Non-circular handrail is between 900mm and 1000mm, and Circular handrail 50mm wide and 39mm from the surface of a landing is between 32mm to 50mm diameter deep having rounded edges 900 and 1100mm (see Diagram 5); b. where there is full height structural guarding, the vertical height to the top of a second lower handrail from the pitch line of the surface of a ramp, or a flight of steps, is 600mm, where provided; c. it is continuous across the flights and landings of ramped or stepped access; d. 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; e. it contrasts visually with the background against which it is seen, without being highly reflective; f. its surface is slip resistant and not cold to the touch, in areas where resistance to vandalism or low maintenance are key factors, use of metals with relatively low thermal conductivity may be appropriate; Hazards on access routes g. it terminates in a way that reduces the risk of clothing being caught; Design considerations h. its profile is either circular with a diameter 1.38 Features of a building that occasionally between 32 and 50mm, or non-circular, obstruct an access route, particularly if 50mm wide and 39 mm deep having they are partially transparent and therefore rounded edges with a radius a minimum indistinct, or cause a danger overhead, of 15mm (see Diagram 7); should not present a hazard to building users. i. it protrudes no more than 100mm into Provisions the surface width of the ramped or stepped access where this would 1.39 Requirement M1 or M2 will be impinge on the stair width requirement satisfied in relation to hazards on access of Part B1; routes where Approved Document K, sections 6 and 10 are complied with. j. there is a clearance of between 50 and 75mm between the handrail and any Note: Diagram 8 has been moved to adjacent wall surface; Approved Document K, Section 10, all other numbering remains the same. k. there is a clearance of at least 50mm between a cranked support and the underside of the handrail; l. its inner face is located no more than 50mm beyond the surface width of the ramped or stepped access. 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 23