Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL CIRCULATION IN BUILDINGS O N L I N E V E R S I O N M1/M2 OTHER THAN DWELLINGS Note: In respect of 3.14(b), for school 3.18 Signs indicating the location of buildings, the preferred corridor width a lifting device accessible by mobility- dimension is 2700mm where there are impaired people should be clearly visible lockers within the corridor. from the building entrance. Additionally, a sign identifying the floor reached should be Internal lobbies provided on each landing in a location that Design considerations can be easily seen from the lifting device and is designed so that it contrasts visually 3.15 An internal lobby should allow a with its surrounding. wheelchair user, with or without a companion, or a person pushing a pram or buggy to 3.19 Whatever lifting device is chosen, move clear of one door before attempting internal stairs should always be provided to open the second door, as indicated in as an alternative means of vertical access, 2.27, under ‘External lobbies’. and designed to suit ambulant disabled people and those with impaired sight. Provisions 3.20 A ramp may also be provided on an 3.16 Internal lobbies will satisfy internal circulation route to a suitable lifting Requirement M1 or M2 if: device, if a change of level is unavoidable. a. their length with single swing doors is Provision of lifting devices in accordance with Diagram 10; Design considerations b. their length with double swing doors is at least (DP1 + DP2 + 1570mm); 3.21 For all buildings, a passenger lift is the most suitable form of access for c. their width (excluding any projections people moving from one storey to another. into the space) is at least 1200mm (or (DL1 or DL2) + 300mm) whichever is the 3.22 For existing buildings, and in greater when single leaf doors are used, exceptional circumstances for new and at least 1800mm when double leaf developments with particular constraints doors are used; (e.g. a listed building or an infill site in a historic town centre), where a passenger d. glazing within the lobby does not create lift cannot be accommodated, a vertical distracting reflections; lifting platform (platform lift), although not e. any junctions of floor surface materials equivalent to a passenger lift, may be at the entrance to the lobby area do not considered as an alternative option to create a potential trip hazard; provide access for persons with impaired f. any columns, ducts and similar full mobility. height elements that project into the 3.23 In exceptional circumstances in an lobby by more than 100mm are protected existing building, a wheelchair platform by a visually contrasting guard rail. stairlift may be considered, provided its installation does not conflict with Vertical circulation within requirements for means of escape. the building Provisions Design considerations 3.24 The provision of lifting devices will 3.17 A passenger lift is the most suitable satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if: means of vertical access and should be provided wherever possible. However, a. new developments have a passenger lift given the space constraints in some serving all storeys; buildings, it may not always be possible to install the type and size of passenger lift that would be suitable for use by all, and other options may need to be considered to provide for users with mobility impairments. Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings Approved Document M Volume 2 32 O N L I N E V E R S I O N