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 j. audible and visual indication of lift 3.42 The use of visually and acoustically arrival and location is provided in the lift reflective wall surfaces should be minimised car and the lift lobby; within the lifting platform to prevent discomfort for people with visual and k. areas of glass are identifiable by people hearing impairment. with impaired vision; Provisions l. where the lift is to be used to evacuate disabled people in an emergency, it 3.43 Lifting platforms will satisfy conforms to the relevant recommendations Requirement M1 or M2 if: of BS 5588-8. a. they conform to the requirements of the Lifting platforms Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992, SI 1992/3073 (Note: These Design considerations regulations may be met by compliance, 3.35 A lifting platform should only be among other things, with the relevant provided to transfer wheelchair users, people British Standards, EN81 series of with impaired mobility and their companions standards or, where necessary, by product vertically between levels or storeys. certification issued by a Notified Body. In the absence of relevant harmonised 3.36 All users including wheelchair users European Standards, products with should be able to reach and use the controls a travel exceeding 3m must have a that summon and direct the lifting platform. product certificate issued by a 3.37 People using or waiting for a lifting Notified Body); platform need audible and visual information b. the vertical travel distance is: to tell them that the platform has arrived, and which floor it has reached. i. not more than 2m, where there is no liftway enclosure and no floor 3.38 Lifting platforms travel slowly penetration; between landings and may not be suitable for lone users with certain disabilities, e.g. ii. more than 2m, where there is a those easily fatigued. liftway enclosure; 3.39 Lifting platforms are operated by c. the rated speed of the platform does continuous pressure controls. In their not exceed 0.15m/s; simplest form these may be push buttons. d. lifting platform controls are located However, another means of continuous between 800mm and 1100mm from the pressure control may need to be considered floor of the lifting platform and at least to accommodate the needs of users with 400mm from any return wall; varying degrees of manual dexterity. e. continuous pressure controls are 3.40 It is important when selecting a lifting provided; platform that due care and attention is paid f. landing call buttons are located to its intended use particularly if located in between 900mm and 1100mm from the an unsupervised environment. Where floor of the landing and at least 500mm management control cannot be exercised, from any return wall; particular attention should be paid to the product’s designed duty cycle. g. the minimum clear dimensions of the platform are: 3.41 Where planning allows, lifting platforms may be provided with opposing i. 800mm wide and 1250mm deep, doors when used for access between two where the lifting platform is not levels only, to allow a wheelchair user to enclosed and where provision is leave without reversing out. In some cases, being made for an unaccompanied it may be more convenient to provide a wheelchair user; second door at 90° to the first, in which case a wider platform would be required. 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 35