Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M

O N L I N E V E R S I O N M1/M2 Section 2: Access into buildings other than dwellings OBJECTIVES immediate environment, e.g. by lighting and/or visual contrast; 2.1 The aim for all new buildings is for the principal entrance or entrances and c. any structural supports at the entrance any main staff entrance, and any lobbies, do not present a hazard for visually to be accessible. impaired people; 2.2 Where it is not possible, e.g. in an d. there is a level landing at least 1500 x existing building, for the principal or main 1500mm, clear of any door swings, staff entrance or entrances to be accessible, immediately in front of the entrance and an alternative accessible entrance should of a material that does not impede the be provided. movement of wheelchairs; 2.3 It is important to reduce the risks to e. the threshold is level or, if a raised people when entering the building. threshold is unavoidable, it has a total height of not more than 15mm, a Accessible entrances minimum number of upstands and slopes, with any upstands higher than Design considerations 5mm chamfered or rounded; 2.4 Steeply sloping or restricted sites f. any door entry systems are accessible sometimes make it impossible for the to deaf and hard of hearing people, and principal or main staff entrance to be people who cannot speak; accessible, in which case an alternative accessible entrance may be necessary. g. weather protection is provided at manual non-powered entrance doors; 2.5 Accessible entrances should be clearly sign-posted and easily recognisable. h. internal floor surfaces adjacent to the Any structural elements, for example threshold are of materials that do not supports for a canopy, are useful in impede the movement of wheelchairs, identifying the entrance, but should not e.g. not coir matting, and changes in present a hazard. floor materials do not create a potential trip hazard; 2.6 The route from the exterior across the threshold should provide weather i. where mat wells are provided, the protection, and not present a barrier for surface of the mat is level with the wheelchair users or a trip hazard for other surface of the adjacent floor finish; people. A level threshold is preferred, j. where provided as an alternative especially for doors in frequent use. accessible entrance, an accessible Note: Guidance on sign-posting is given in internal route is provided to the spaces BS 8300, Inclusive mobility and the Sign served by the principal or main staff design guide. entrances. Provisions Doors to accessible entrances 2.7 Accessible entrances will satisfy Design considerations Requirement M1 or M2 if: 2.8 Doors to the principal, or alternative a. they are clearly sign-posted, incorporating accessible, entrance should be accessible the International Symbol of Access, to all, particularly wheelchair users and from the edge of the site and from the people with limited physical dexterity. principal entrance (if this is not accessible); Entrance doors may be manually operated b. they are easily identified among the without powered assistance, or power other elements of the building and the operated under manual or automatic Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings Approved Document M Volume 2 24 O N L I N E V E R S I O N