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 3: Horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings OBJECTIVE a. any reception point is located away from the principal entrance (while still 3.1 The objective is for all people to providing a view of it) where there is a travel vertically and horizontally within risk that external noise will be a problem; buildings conveniently and without discomfort in order to make use of all b. any reception point is easily identifiable relevant facilities. This objective relates from the entrance doors or lobby, and in the main, but not exclusively, to the the approach to it is direct and free from provision of sufficient space for wheelchair obstructions; manoeuvre and design features that make it c. the design of the approach to any possible for people to travel independently reception point allows space for within buildings. wheelchair users to gain access to Entrance hall and reception area the reception point; d. the clear manoeuvring space in front Design considerations of any reception desk or counter is 3.2 As the entrance hall is the first point 1200mm deep and 1800mm wide if of contact with a building’s activities and there is a knee recess at least 500mm resources, the reception area in particular deep, or 1400mm deep and 2200mm should not only be easily accessible but wide if there is no knee recess; also convenient to use. e. any reception desk or counter is designed 3.3 Where a service building has a to accommodate both standing and reception or sales counter, there should seated visitors such that at least one be convenient access to it and part of it section of the counter is at least 1500mm should be at a level suitable for a wheelchair wide, with its surface no higher than user or a seated person. Any lower section 760mm, and a knee recess, not less should also be wheelchair-accessible on than 700mm, above floor level; the reception side. f. any reception point is provided with a 3.4 Designers should also be aware that hearing enhancement system, e.g. an glazed screens in front of the reception induction loop; point, or light sources or reflective wall g. the floor surface is slip resistant. surfaces, such as glazed screens, located behind the reception point, could Internal doors compromise the ability of a person with Design considerations a hearing impairment to lip read or follow sign language. 3.7 Since doors are potential barriers, their use should be avoided whenever 3.5 It should be possible for information appropriate. If doors are required, the use about the building to be easily obtained of self-closing devices should be minimised from a reception point or gathered from (particularly in parts of buildings used by notice boards and signs. the general public) since, as described in Note: Guidance on aids to communication 2.14, they disadvantage many people who is available in BS 8300, and on the use of have limited upper body strength, are signs in the Sign design guide. pushing prams or are carrying heavy objects. Where closing devices are needed for fire Provisions control, electrically powered hold-open 3.6 An entrance hall and reception area devices or swing-free closing devices will satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if: should be used as appropriate. These are 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 29