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 b. new developments, where due to site b. the landing call buttons are located constraints a passenger lift cannot be between 900mm and 1100mm from the accommodated to provide access to floor of the landing and at least 500mm persons with impaired mobility, have a from any return wall; lifting platform, of a type designed for c. the landing call button symbols, where the vertical height to be travelled; provided, and lifting device control c. existing buildings have a passenger lift button symbols are raised to facilitate serving all storeys or, if a passenger lift tactile reading; cannot reasonably be accommodated d. all call and control buttons contrast to provide access to persons with visually with the surrounding face plate, impaired mobility, they have a lifting and the face plate similarly contrasts platform, of a type designed for the with the surface on which it is mounted; vertical height to be travelled; e. the floor of the lifting device should not d. existing buildings have a wheelchair be of a dark colour and should have platform stairlift serving an intermediate frictional qualities similar to, or higher level or a single storey, only in exceptional than, the floor of the landing; circumstances. f. a handrail is provided on at least one General requirements for wall of the lifting device with its top lifting devices surface at 900mm (nominal) above the floor and located so that it does not Design considerations obstruct the controls or the mirror; 3.25 In selecting the appropriate lifting g. a suitable emergency communication device care should be taken to ensure it is system is fitted. fit for purpose. Relevant legislation includes the Lift Regulations 1997 SI 1997/831, the Passenger lifts Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Design considerations Regulations 1998 SI 1998/2307, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment 3.29 A wheelchair user needs sufficient Regulations 1998 SI 1998/2306 and the space and time to enter and leave a Management of Health and Safety at Work passenger lift, particularly when sharing Regulations 1999 SI 1999/3242. it with other people. Lift sizes should therefore be chosen to suit the anticipated 3.26 The illumination in the passenger density of use of the building and the lift car, on the lifting platform or on the needs of disabled people. The minimum wheelchair platform stairlift should minimise size lift car shown in the provisions below glare, reflection, confusing shadows or accommodates a wheelchair user with an pools of light and dark. accompanying person. A larger lift size 3.27 All users including wheelchair users (2000mm wide by 1400mm deep) will should be able to reach and use the controls accommodate any type of wheelchair that summon and direct the lifting device. together with several other passengers. It will also allow a wheelchair user or a Note: Further guidance is available in person with a walking frame to turn BS 8300. through 180°. Provisions 3.30 Lift door systems should be designed 3.28 The installation of lifting devices will to allow adequate time for people, and any satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if: assistance dogs, to enter or leave the lift a. there is an unobstructed manoeuvring without coming into contact with closing doors. space of 1500mm x 1500mm, or a 3.31 People using or waiting for a lift need straight access route 900mm wide, audible and visual information to tell them in front of each lifting device; that a lift has arrived, which floor it has 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 33