Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M

O N L I N E V E R S I O N M1 FACILITIES IN BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS screen) to ensure that patterned walls, Table 3 Provision of wheelchair space poor interior lighting or very bright natural in audience seating back-lighting does not have a detrimental effect on the ability of people to receive Seating Minimum provision of capacity spaces for wheelchairs information from a sign language interpreter Permanent Removable or a lip speaker (see 4.32 to 4.34). Up to 600 1% of total seating Remainder to make Entertainment, leisure and social facilities capacity (rounded up) a total of 6 4.10 In facilities for entertainment, e.g. Over 600 1% of total seating Additional provision, but less than capacity (rounded up) if desired theatres and cinemas, it is normal for 10,000 seating to be more closely packed than Note: in other types of auditoria. Care is needed For seating capacities of 10,000 or more, guidance is given in ‘Accessible stadia: a good practice guide to the design of facilities in the design and location of wheelchair to meet the needs of disabled spectators and other users’. spaces so that all visitors can enjoy the atmosphere. Reference should also be made to Technical standard for places d. some wheelchair spaces (whether of entertainment. permanent or created by removing seats) are provided in pairs, with Sports facilities standard seating on at least one side 4.11 For guidance on integrating the needs (see Diagram 13); of disabled people into the design of spectator facilities, in particular the provision of, and access to, suitable spaces for Diagram 13 An example of wheelchair wheelchair users in stadia, see Guide to spaces in a lecture theatre safety at sports grounds, Accessible stadia: a good practice guide to the design of facilities to meet the needs of disabled spectators and other users and accessible sports facilities. Provisions 4.12 Audience and spectator facilities will satisfy Requirement M1 if: For audience seating generally a. the route to wheelchair spaces is accessible by wheelchair users; b. stepped access routes to audience e. where more than two wheelchair spaces seating are provided with fixed handrails are provided, they are located to give (see 1.34 to 1.37 for details of handrails); a range of views of the event at each side, as well as at the front and back c. the minimum number of permanent and of the seating area; removable spaces provided for wheelchair users is in accordance with Table 3; f. the minimum clear space provided for access to wheelchair spaces is 900mm; g. the clear space allowance for an occupied wheelchair in a parked position is 900mm wide by 1400mm deep; h. the floor of each wheelchair space is horizontal; 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 39