Designing for Accessibility - Bathnes · Designing For Accessibility This guide has been produced by the Centre for Accessible Environments and RIBA Enterprises and adopted by Basingstoke

Designing

an essential guide for public buildings

forAccessibility

induction loopfor staff andvisitors

clear, distinguishable floor space in front of lift

unobstructed routes, clear signing

lift

waiting/talking area quiet and well lit to assist hearing impaired people, integrated space for wheelchairs

telephone alcove, accoustically protected

clear view in from outside is helpful

firm entrance mat, flush with other surfaces identifiable entrance

transitionallighting out/in

loose seats with arm rests preferred

AcknowledgementsA

ckn

ow

led

gem

ents

The publication of this design guide wasmade possible by the generous supportof the Department for Work andPensions, The Royal Institution ofChartered Surveyors, The Beatrice LaingTrust, Transport for London, and SidellGibson Architects, Derek Lovejoy,Overbury plc, Alan Conisbee andAssociates, Denton Wilde Sapte andWalsh Associates who contributed theproceeds of a charity football match.

Written and produced by Andrew Lacey BADrawings by Alison Grant MA Arch RIBA

NRAC Consultant

First published: March 2004

© Centre for Accessible Environmentsand RIBA Enterprises, 2004

Designed by Steve Paveley DesignTypeset in 12 point Frutiger by ColumnCommunications

ISBN 1 85946 143 3

Product code: 35231

Published by:Centre for Accessible EnvironmentsNutmeg House60 Gainsford StreetLondon SE1 2NYTel/textphone: +44 (0)20 7357 8182Fax: +44 (0)20 7357 8183Email: [email protected]: www.cae.org.uk

The Centre for Accessible Environmentsis a Company Limited by Guaranteeregistered in England and Wales No3112684, Registered Charity No 1050820.

RIBA Enterprises15 Bonhill StreetLondon EC2P 2EA

Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 8300Fax: +44 (0)20 7374 8200Email: [email protected]: www.ribabookshops.com

RIBA Enterprises is a Company Limitedby Guarantee registered in England andWales No 978271.

Designing For Accessibility

This guide has been produced by the Centre for Accessible Environments and RIBA Enterprises and adopted by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council as good practice guidance in September 2004.

Since 1 October 2004 service providers have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or avoid physical features which impede access for disabled people. The Designing for Accessibility Guide will help service providers plan access improvements that comply with the law. Using the Guide to inform their planning and decision making procedures service providers will also comply with the advice given in the Code of Practice for Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act that access for disabled people should be approached from a good practice perspective. A number of Local Authorities are also adopting this guide which will help promote standards that are consistent across the country.

The Council has adopted the Guide to support the Access Policy which puts accessibility at the heart of the planning and design process. The Access Policy is based on a belief in equality and inclusiveness for all and states that everyone should have equal access to facilities and services regardless of disability, age, gender, race etc. The Council is committed to promoting access for all within the Borough. For more information please contact BDBC’s Access Officer on 01256 845593.

Contents

1

Co

nte

nts

Introduction 2

The legislative framework 3

Building Regulations 3Access Statements 5British Standard BS 8300 6Disability Discrimination Act 1995 7

DDA Part 2: Employment 8DDA Part 3: Service provision 9DDA Part 4: Education 11

Access audits, access plansand access strategies 12

Design guidance 13

External environment 13Car parking 13Setting-down points 15Routes 16Street furniture 20External ramps 21External steps 23Handrails 25

Building layout 26Entrances 26Entrance doors 29Entrance foyers 33Circulation 34Corridors 35Internal doors 37Surfaces 39Internal stairs, ramps and

handrails 40Passenger lifts 41Platform lifts 43Wheelchair platform stairlifts 44WCs 45

Fixtures, fittings and services 50Seating 50Counters and service desks 51Telephones 53Wayfinding, information and

signs 54Alarms 56Switches and controls 57Lighting 58Acoustics 59

Building management 61

Building management checklist 61Means of escape 63

Appendices 64

1: Organisations 642: Publications 66

Index 70

Introduction

About this guide

2

Ab

ou

t th

is g

uid

e

Designing for Accessibility is part of anew generation of design guides jointlypublished by CAE and RIBA Enterprises.The series articulates our jointcommitment to environments designedto include the requirements of all users.Design guidance in the series is basedon relevant legislation, acknowledgedgood practice deriving from userexperience, good design, and, wherepossible, empirical research. TheCAE/RIBA Enterprises series will assistservice providers, employers andeducation providers seeking to fulfiltheir duties under the DisabilityDiscrimination Act 1995. It will also aidthose responsible for the developmentof the built environment and those whouse it, which can include architects,designers, facilities managers, and arange of consumers including disabled people.

Guidance contained in Designing forAccessibility is based primarily on the2004 edition of the Approved Documentfor Part M of the Building Regulations(AD M), with additional material fromBritish Standard BS 8300:2001 Design ofbuildings and their approaches to meetthe needs of disabled people – Code ofpractice and from the accumulatedexperience of good design practice.

Designing for Accessibility is abouthelping to achieve good practice. Someof the recommendations contained in itare not requirements under AD M orspecified in the British Standard.Architects and designers should referdirectly to these documents in additionto using Designing for Accessibility,which provides a context within whichto apply design guidance. Inclusivedesign is a fast-moving field, and therewill be further changes in legislation,about which service providers, facilitiesmanagers, architects and designers willneed to keep themselves informed.

Designing for Accessibility coversfeatures that commonly occur in a widerange of public buildings. It does notcover: audience and spectator seating;refreshment facilities; sleepingaccommodation; changing and showerfacilities and bathrooms; or guidancethat refers to specific building types.Where references are made to othersources of guidance, details of these canbe found in Appendix one.

While Designing for Accessibility has nolegal status, an architect’s or designer’sduty of care to a client will bedemonstrated by following goodpractice guidance contained in it.

The legislative framework

Building Regulations

3

Bu

ildin

g R

egu

lati

on

s

In England and Wales, building designand construction is governed by theBuilding Regulations (see p 4 forScotland and Northern Ireland). Theseregulations comprise a series ofrequirements for specific purposes:health and safety, energy conservation,prevention of contamination of waterand the welfare and convenience ofpersons in or about buildings.

Part MPart M of the regulations sets minimumlegal standards for access and use ofbuildings by all building users, includingdisabled people. Since a requirement foraccess was first introduced in 1985,there have been a number of changesto and extensions in the scope of accessregulations. The most recent – and mostradical – revision comes into effect on 1May 2004. Whereas previously, Part Mwas concerned with ‘access for disabledpeople’, now the requirement (for non-domestic buildings) is simply that:

Access and use ‘Reasonable provision shall be made forpeople to gain access to and use thebuilding and its facilities’This does not apply to any part of abuilding that is used solely to enablethe building or any service or fittingwithin the building to be inspected,repaired or maintained.

Access to extensions to buildings ‘Suitable independent access shall beprovided to the extension wherereasonably practicable’This does not apply where suitableaccess to the extension is providedthroughout the building that is extended.

Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings ‘If sanitary conveniences are provided inany building that is to be extended,reasonable provision shall be madewithin the extension for sanitaryconveniences’This does not apply where there isreasonable provision for sanitaryconveniences elsewhere in the buildingthat can be accessed by building users.

The regulation avoids specific referenceto, and a definition of, disabled people.This inclusive approach means thatbuildings and their facilities should beaccessible and usable by all people whouse buildings – including parents withchildren, older people and people withdisabilities.

Previously, Part M covered newbuildings and extensions to existingbuildings. The 2004 revision brings PartM into line with other parts of theBuilding Regulations by extending itsscope to include alterations to existingbuildings and certain changes of use.

Approved Document MBuilding Regulations are supported by‘Approved Documents’ which givepractical guidance with respect to theregulations. While their use is notmandatory – and the requirements ofregulations can be met in other ways –Approved Documents are used as abenchmark by the local authority.

The new Approved Document M (ADM), published in November 2003, offerstechnical guidance on providing accessto and within buildings. It is informedby the relevant British Standard (BS8300:2001 Design of buildings and theirapproaches to meet the needs of

•

•

•


Building Regulations

4

Bu

ildin

g R

egu

lati

on

s

disabled people – Code of practice, seep 6), although the British Standard alsocontains guidance on issues that are notappropriate or realistic to control underBuilding Regulations approval andinspection procedures, such as interiordecoration and the selection of doorironmongery. Dimensional criteria in thenew AD M are largely in accordancewith BS 8300. Where there aredifferences, these result fromaccumulated experience fed back to theGovernment during its consultation onthe new AD M, and this should befollowed in preference to dimensionalcriteria in BS 8300.

It is important that reference is made toAD M for details of the circumstances inwhich Part M applies and whatprovision is required.

Historic buildingsSince alterations to existing buildingsare now covered by Part M, morehistoric buildings will now be affected.In recognising the need to conserve thespecial characteristics of historicbuildings, AD M states that ‘the aimshould be to improve accessibility whereand to the extent to which it ispractically possible, always providedthat the work does not prejudice thecharacter of the historic building, orincrease the risk of long-termdeterioration of the building fabric or fittings’.

The role of Access StatementsApproved Document M recommendsthat Access Statements be provided toassist building control officers in making

judgements about whether proposalsmake reasonable provision. AccessStatements are particularly valuablewhere:

the applicant chooses to meet therequirements of Part M by means otherthan those described in the ApprovedDocument

in the case of alterations to or changesof use in existing buildings, it is notpractical or reasonable to achieve thelevel of access provision normallyrequired

See p 5 Access Statements.

ScotlandIn Scotland, access requirements areintegrated into general TechnicalStandards. These apply to: newbuildings; conversions; extensions toexisting buildings (but not to theexisting buildings themselves); and partsof a building that are altered or that areadversely affected by an alterationbeing carried out elsewhere in thebuilding. At the time of writing, theBuilding Regulations system is beingmodernised and Technical Standards arebeing reviewed. See www.scotland.gov.uk/build_regs

Northern IrelandIn Northern Ireland, Part R of theBuilding Regulations (NI) covers Accessand Facilities for Disabled People, and issupported by Technical Booklet R:2000(both downloadable fromwww2.dfpni.gov.uk).

•

•


Access Statements

5

Acc

ess

Stat

emen

ts

An Access Statement is a description ofhow inclusive design principles andpractice can be incorporated into aparticular project or development, andsubsequently maintained and managed.An Access Statement is not a staticdocument but a living process whichevolves with the scheme, from initiallybeing fairly generic to becominggradually more specific and detailed.Access Statements will be of benefit andrelevance to the designers, contractors,planning, building control and accessofficers, building owners and managersand local access groups.

Access Statements have been usedsuccessfully for some time in planningapplications for large, high-profileschemes. The use of Access Statements isnow formally recommended in Planningand Access for Disabled People – AGood Practice Guide on how to ensurethat the town and country planningsystem in England successfully andconsistently delivers inclusiveenvironments as an integral part of thedevelopment process. Published in 2003by the Office of the Deputy PrimeMinister (ODPM), the guide encouragesthe provision of Access Statements atthe planning application stage toidentify the philosophy and approach toinclusive design adopted, the key issuesof the particular scheme, and thesources of advice and guidance used. AnAccess Statement provided for BuildingRegulations purposes should be seen as complementary to, and as adevelopment of, that which is providedfor planning purposes, rather than as aseparate document.

An Access Statement provides an audittrail to demonstrate whether particularmatters have been considered

adequately and with the benefit ofcurrent and authoritative guidance.Their use can help guard against thedanger of routine maintenance orminor alterations compromising accessprovisions that have been designed in.

Access Statements are particularlyvaluable where design solutions varyfrom those contained in AD M, but willbe useful tools in all buildings. In thecase of existing buildings, particularlyhistoric buildings, such a statement willallow the designer or developer toidentify the constraints posed by theexisting structure and its immediateenvironment and to proposecompensatory measures where fullaccess proves to be impracticable or onlyachievable at disproportionate cost. Thiswill also allow for justification to beprovided and assessed in situationswhere a design solution does not meetthe requirements of Part M or conformto the minimal guidance in AD M.

It will be beneficial to maintain andupdate Access Statements as the designprogresses in order to provide the end-user of the building, who may haveongoing obligations under the DDA,with a record of the evolution of designand management decisions. AccessStatements may inform future accessaudits, plans and strategies (see p 12).See Planning and Access for DisabledPeople – A Good Practice Guide,published by ODPM, and forthcomingguidance on Access Statements, to bepublished by the Disability RightsCommission, CAE and RIBA Enterprises.


British Standard BS 8300

6

Brit

ish

Stan

dard

BS

8300

BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings andtheir approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people – Code of practiceexplains how the built environment canbe designed to anticipate and overcomerestrictions that prevent disabled peoplefrom making full use of premises andtheir surroundings.

Many of the design recommendations inBS 8300 are based for the first time onergonomic research commissioned in1997 and 2001 by the Department ofthe Environment, Transport and theRegions. BS 8300 includes commentarywhich provides a context and rationalefor the design guidance. Managementand maintenance issues are

incorporated in recognition that theseplay an essential part in ensuring theaccessibility of services and facilities todisabled people.

The recommendations in the standardapply to car parking provision, setting-down points and garaging, access routesto and around all buildings, andentrances to and interiors of newbuildings. They inform the designguidance in the Approved Document M(AD M) of the Building Regulations.They may also be used to assess theaccessibility and usability of existingbuildings and, where practicable, as abasis for their improvement.


Disability Discrimination Act 1995

7

Dis

abili

ty D

iscr

imin

atio

n A

ct 1

995

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)introduced new measures aimed atending the discrimination which manydisabled people face. In addition togranting new rights to disabled people,the Act also places duties on, amongothers, employers (Part 2), providers ofgoods, facilities and services (Part 3) andeducation providers (Part 4).

The main thrust of the legislation is toimprove access for disabled people toemployment, education and services.While the DDA does not directly requireaccessible environments to be providedfor disabled people, either in their placeof work or for access to goods, facilities,or services (for example in shops,restaurants or offices to which thepublic have access), duties under the Actinclude the requirement to considerbarriers created by physical features ofbuildings and to make adjustments incertain circumstances.

The Act defines a disabled person as‘someone who has a physical or mentalimpairment which has a substantial andlong-term adverse effect on his or herability to carry out normal day-to-dayactivities’. Discrimination occurs wherewithout justification, and for a reasonwhich relates to the disabled person’sdisability, a disabled person is treatedless favourably than others to whomthe reason does not or would not apply.

Discrimination may also occur whenthere is a duty to make a reasonableadjustment and any failure to meet thatduty cannot be justified.

Each Part of the DDA is supported byone or more Codes of Practice whichgive guidance on how to meet dutiesunder the Act. While Codes of Practiceneither impose legal obligations nor areauthoritative statements of the law,they may be referred to in any legalproceedings pursued under the Act.

Building designers, while not legallyrequired to respond to the DDA, shouldanticipate the requirements of the Actby presuming that employees, studentsand customers will fit the definition of‘disabled person’ under the Act, anddesign buildings accordingly. Thosecommissioning new buildings oradaptations to existing buildings shouldconsider the implications of the DDA interms of their ability to employ andoffer services to disabled people on anequal basis.

The DDA applies to the whole of theUK, including (with modifications)Northern Ireland.


DDA Part 2: Employment

8

DD

A P

art

2: E

mpl

oym

ent

Duties in Part 2 of the DDA coveringemployers were introduced in December1996. They are amended under theEqual Treatment Directive, whichimplements obligations placed by theEuropean Union on the UK in relationto disability discrimination and whichcomes into effect on 1 October 2004.The Directive brings into effect:

the removal of the existing exemptionfor small employers (of less than 15 people)

a significant change in the relationshipbetween Building Regulations and Part2 of the DDA (see below)

Also on 1 October 2004, the twoexisting Part 2 Codes of Practice (foremployers and trade organisations) areto be replaced by two new Codes ofPractice (for employment andoccupation and for trade organisationsand qualifying bodies).

Employers have a duty not to treatdisabled people less favourably thanothers for a reason relating to theirdisability, unless this can be justified,and to make adjustments to assistdisabled employees or applicants foremployment. This may involve changingphysical features of the premises if theseput a disabled person at a substantialdisadvantage in comparison withpersons who are not disabled. The dutyof provision of a reasonable adjustmentis triggered when an individual disabledperson applies for a job, is employed orit becomes apparent that an existing

employee requires some form ofadjustment: there is no general oranticipatory duty under Part 2 to makeprovision for disabled people.

There is no minimum standard ofadjustment to premises required by theDDA, but the Code of Practice for theElimination of Discrimination in thefield of Employment against DisabledPersons or Persons who have had aDisability states that ‘an employer mighthave to make structural or otherchanges such as: widening a doorway,providing a ramp or moving furniturefor a wheelchair user; relocating lightswitches, door handles or shelves forsomeone who has difficulty reaching;providing appropriate contrast in décorto help the safe mobility of a visuallyimpaired person.’

How do Building Regulations affectreasonable adjustments under Part 2?Until 1 October 2004, an employer doesnot have to alter any physicalcharacteristics of the building orextension which still complies with theBuilding Regulations in force at the timethe building works were carried out –that is, a building or an extension to abuilding constructed in accordance withPart M of the Building Regulations (PartT or Technical Standards in Scotland andPart R in Northern Ireland). From 1 October 2004, this exemption iswithdrawn, but an employer will stillonly be under an obligation to makeadjustments if it is reasonable in thecircumstances to do so.

•

•


9

DD

A P

art

3: S

ervi

ce p

rovi

sion

DDA Part 3: Service provision

Part 3 of the DDA places duties on thoseproviding goods, facilities or services tothe public (‘service providers’) and thoseselling, letting or managing premises.The Act makes it unlawful for serviceproviders, landlords and other personsto discriminate against disabled peoplein certain circumstances.

The duties on service providers arebeing introduced in three stages:

since December 1996, it has beenunlawful for service providers to treatdisabled people less favourably for areason related to their disability

since October 1999, service providershave had to make ‘reasonableadjustments’ for disabled people, suchas providing extra help or makingchanges to the way they provide their services, or overcoming physicalbarriers by providing a service by areasonable alternative method

from October 2004, service providersmay have to make other ‘reasonableadjustments’ in relation to the physicalfeatures of their premises to overcomephysical barriers to access

In considering whether or not a serviceprovider has taken reasonable steps tocomply with its duties after 1 October2004, a court might take into accountthe time that the service provider hashad prior to that date to makepreparations.

The Code of Practice Rights of Access:Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises,published by the Disability RightsCommission in 2002, outlines what maybe considered as reasonable for disabledpeople to establish rights of access togoods, facilities, services and premises.Several factors have a bearing onwhether a change is a reasonable one

to make: effectiveness; practicality; costand disruption; and financial resources.The Code of Practice gives detailedguidance on what ‘reasonableadjustments’ service providers are likelyto have to make in three main areas ofpractices, policies and procedures; theprovision of auxiliary aids and services;and overcoming barriers created byphysical features of premises.

While the Act does not require a serviceprovider to adopt any particular way ofmeeting its obligations, the Code ofPractice recommends that serviceproviders should first consider whetherany physical features which create abarrier for disabled people can beremoved or altered; if this is notpossible, then they should considerproviding a reasonable means ofavoiding the physical feature; and if thisis not possible either, then they shouldprovide a reasonable alternativemethod of making the service availableto disabled people.

How do Building Regulations affectreasonable adjustments under Part 3?The broad principle is that if a building(or feature within a building) has beendesigned and constructed in such as waythat it met the relevant accessrequirements at the time and is lessthan ten years old, service providers willbe exempt from their requirementunder the DDA to make adjustments tothose physical features of their buildingscovered by access regulations. Theexemption relates only to the particularaspect of the physical feature inquestion and not to the building as awhole. The service provider may still,however, be required to provide areasonable means of avoiding a featureor a reasonable alternative means ofmaking services available. Theexemption applies only to physicalfeatures constructed or installed in

•

•

•


DDA Part 3: Service provision

10

DD

A P

art

3: S

ervi

ce p

rovi

sion

accordance with the 1992 or 1999editions of Part M. Any building worksundertaken before 1 October 1994 willnot be protected by the exemption. Atpublication of the 2004 edition of ADM, the Government was still consideringwhether to extend the exemption tothis edition.

For more detailed guidance on theinter-relationship between BuildingRegulations and the DDA and on theissue of leases and the DDA, see section6 of the Part 3 Code of Practice.

How can service providers identifypossible adjustments?Service providers are more likely to beable to comply with their ‘general’,‘evolving’ and ‘anticipatory’ duty tomake adjustments in relation to physicalfeatures of existing buildings if theyarrange for an access audit of theirpremises to be conducted and draw upan access plan or strategy (see p 12).


DDA Part 4: Education

11

DD

A P

art

4: E

duca

tion

When the DDA was introduced in 1995,duties on education providers in Part 4were minimal. The Special EducationalNeeds and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA)amended Part 4 of the DDA andexpanded the duties relating to disabledpupils and students. It also removed theexemption of publicly funded educationfrom Part 3 of the Act (although, wherea duty under Part 4 applies, Part 3cannot apply).

Education providers are now required tomake ‘reasonable adjustments’ fordisabled students and pupils. The dutiesinclude all areas of education, schools,colleges, universities, adult educationand youth services, including:

not to treat disabled students or pupilsless favourably than non-disabledstudents or pupils without justification

to make reasonable adjustments topolicies, practices and procedures thatmay discriminate against disabledstudents or pupils

to provide education by a ‘reasonablealternative means’ where a physicalfeature places a disabled student/pupilat a substantial disadvantage

a duty on local education authorities inEngland and Wales to plan strategicallyand increase the overall accessibility toschool premises and the curriculum (asimilar duty is placed on authorities inScotland under the Education (DisabilityStrategies and Pupils’ EducationRecords) (Scotland) Act 2002)

Additional duties placed on providers ofpost-16 education are as follows:

from September 2002: not todiscriminate against existing andprospective disabled students bytreating them less favourably in theprovision of student services

from September 2003: to makereasonable adjustments to provideauxiliary aids

from September 2005: to makeadjustments to physical features. This isan anticipatory and continuing duty

Many schools or further/highereducation providers are also serviceproviders (for example, where premisesare used for evening classes, exhibitionsor parents’ evenings) and therefore alsohave duties under Part 3.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

12

Acc

ess

audi

ts, a

cces

s pl

ans

and

acce

ss s

trat

egie

sThe legislative framework

Access audits, access plans and access strategies

Access audits give a ‘snapshot’ of anexisting building at one point in time.They are a useful starting point inassessing the current state ofaccessibility and usability of existingbuildings. Buildings which are designedor adapted with the access needs ofdisabled people in mind are likely to bemore flexible and make it easier foremployers and service providers to meetthe requirements of the DDA. An accessaudit can form the basis of an ongoingaccess action plan.

CAE’s film Access Audits: a planning toolfor businesses uses a case-studyapproach to explain what an accessaudit is and how its recommendationscan be used to improve a business’spremises and customer service.

Access plans or access strategies are thebest way of ensuring that theinformation gathered andrecommendations made in the accessaudit are effectively used. The plan orstrategy should include regularmonitoring and updating of the audit,since even without major structuraladaptations, buildings and the way theyare used change over time. Access plansor strategies take a long-term view ofimproving access and identifyopportunities for change (for example,at routine maintenance or when a majorrefit is planned), demonstrating aserious commitment to making buildings

more accessible to everyone. Theyshould include policies, procedures,practices and management; provision ofequipment and auxiliary aids; and thephysical environment.

The Code of Practice Rights of Access:Goods, Facilities, Services and Premisesgives the following guidance to serviceproviders on how they can identifypossible adjustments to physicalfeatures of their buildings and reducethe likelihood of cases being broughtagainst employers and service providersunder the DDA (paragraphs 5.42 and 5.43):

‘Service providers are more likely to beable to comply with their duty to makeadjustments in relation to physicalfeatures if they arrange for an accessaudit of their premises to be conductedand draw up an access plan or strategy.Acting on the results of such anevaluation may reduce the likelihood oflegal claims against the service provider.

In carrying out an audit, it isrecommended that service providersseek the views of people with differentdisabilities, or those representing them,to assist in identifying barriers anddeveloping effective solutions. Serviceproviders can also draw on theextensive experience of local andnational disability groups ororganisations of disabled people.’

External environment

Car parking

Car

par

kin

g

Cars are the only practical method oftransport for some disabled people, andaccessible parking is therefore animportant consideration. The level ofprovision will depend on many factorsincluding location and use of thebuilding. Parking bays with additionaltransfer space are required to allowpeople with reduced mobility to get intoand out of their cars with the minimumof difficulty. Where on-site parking is notavailable, good practice would suggestmaintaining a record of nearbyaccessible bays. In addition, an approachcould be made to the local authority forthe provision of on-street parking.

Where parking is provided, at least onebay designated for disabled peopleshould be provided as close as possibleto the principal entrance of the building(see table opposite for guidance onnumber of bays). There arecircumstances where, even when thereis no standard parking provision,accessible parking may be needed.

•

13

Figure 1Designated off-street parking bays

preferred access route avoidingtravel behind parked cars

dropped kerb or levelaccess and tactile surface

hatched safety zonefor boot access andcars with rear hoists

hatched access zones betweendesignated bays

1200 2400 1200

1400

4800

1200

<

<< <

< << < < <<<

<

<

Car park used for:

WorkplacesWhere the number of disabled employees is known:

One space for each known disabled employee plus one space or 2% of total capacity (whichever is greater) for visiting disabled motorists

or

Where the number of disabled employees is not known:

At least one space or 5% of the total parking capacity, whichever is the greater

Shopping, recreation and leisure facilitiesMinimum one space for each employee who is a disabled motorist plus 6% of the total capacity for visiting disabled motorists

Sport England recommends 8% for some sports facilities and for 50m swimming pools

Based on BS 8300

Minimum recommended number of bays inoff-street car parks

Car

par

kin

gExternal environment

Car parking

14

transfer to a wheelchair parkedalongside and long enough to allowspace for tail loading.

All pedestrian routes within the car parkshould be level or with shallowgradients (see p 16 Routes).

Kerbs between the parking area androutes to buildings should be droppedto give access to wheelchair users, withtactile warnings where appropriate (see Guidance on the use of TactilePaving Surfaces).

The car park surface should be smoothand even and free from loose stones,with undulations not exceeding 3mmunder a 1m straight edge for materialssuch as tarmac or concrete.

Where ticket machines are intended foruse by disabled people, they should belocated adjacent to designated parkingbays and be accessible and convenientto use by someone in a wheelchair andsomeone of short stature (see Figure 2).

See Figure 3 for dimensions of on-streetparking bays.

2100

1850

<

<< <

450

750

<

<<

<

Figure 2Accessible ticket-dispensing machines

•

•

•

•

•

The location of accessible bays shouldbe clearly signposted from the car park entrance.

Bays should be identified as provisionfor disabled drivers or passengers only.

Information making it clear whether ornot free parking is available to disabledmotorists should be provided at the carpark entrance.

Bays should be as close as possible to(and in any case no more than 50mfrom) the principal entrance.

In multi-storey car parks, designatedspaces should ideally be at the samelevel as the principal (or alternativeaccessible) entrance or the main accessroute to and from the car park.Alternatively, a suitable passenger lift orramp should be provided. Accessiblebays are best grouped together so theyare easier to find and to manage.

Bays should be level (defined by AD Mas predominantly level but with amaximum gradient along the directionof travel of 1:60), wide enough for cardoors to be fully opened to allowdisabled drivers and passengers to

•

•

•

•

•

•


Setting-down points

15

Sett

ing

-do

wn

po

ints

People with mobility impairments whoare passengers may need to be droppedoff or picked up at a convenient point.

Setting-down points should be clearlysignposted and located on level ground as near to the principal entrance(or alternative accessible entrance) as possible.

The surface of the footway should belevel with the carriageway at thesetting-down point, to allow convenienttransfer to and from a wheelchair.

For dimensions see Figure 3.•

•

•

Figure 3Example of on-street parking bay

3.6m (allows safety zone on kerb or street side)

6.6mdropped kerb withtactile paving

<

<

< <

Figure 4Path dimensions

tree gratings flush with paving

1800mm min width allowstwo wheelchair users topass each other

splayed or rounded edges ease wheeled passage

cross-fall gradient no greater than 1:40

handrail and kerb at changes in level and where slope steeper than 1:20

drainage gratings offset from access route where possible

1800 min

1500 min

<

<

<

<

<

16

Ro

ute

sExternal environment

Routes

Changes in level are difficult for manypeople to negotiate. As far as possible,access should be level or near level fromthe edge of the site or from designatedaccessible car parking spaces to the mainentrance and/or other entrances used bydisabled people and other principalroutes around and between buildings.

Where sections of the route havesignificant gradients (between 1:60 and1:20), level landings should be providedfor each 500mm rise.

Where sections of the route have agradient of 1:20 or steeper, designguidance on external ramps applies (see p 21).

The cross-fall gradient of a path should not exceed 1:40 (except atdropped kerbs).

There should be sufficient space forpeople, including wheelchair users, toapproach the building and pass otherstravelling in the opposite direction. Awidth of 1800mm can accommodate anyamount of non-vehicular traffic withoutthe need for passing places; 1500mm inaddition to passing places is acceptableon less busy routes; a width of 1200mmmay be acceptable in exceptionalcircumstances on restricted sites (seeFigure 4 for path dimensions and Figure5 for passing places).

Routes should be clearly signed, andmay include landmarks for orientation.As well as providing visual clues they can also incorporate audible andolfactory clues such as fountains andfragrant planting.

•

•

•

•

•

Pedestrian and vehicle routes should beclearly distinguished using texture and colour.

Path edges should be defined (see Figure 6).

Drainage channels should be flush withpaving and designed to avoid trappingwalking aids and wheels (see Figure 7).

Surface materials should be firm, durableand slip-resistant in all weather (such as tarmac or York paving), withundulations not exceeding 3mm under a1m straight edge for formless materials(such as tarmac or concrete), well laidand maintained.

Surfaces such as sand, loose gravel,cobbles and terrazzo should be avoided.

Surface materials can offer differentsound qualities and textures as well ascolour as an aid to locating the routewithin the environment.

Where a variety of surface materials areused along access routes, materialsshould have similar frictionalcharacteristics.


Routes

17

Ro

ute

s

Figure 5Passing bays

2000

1800

distance between passing places within sight of each other and nogreater than 50m

2000

18001500

< <

<

<

< <

<

<

<

<

< <

planting should be trimmed back toa height of at least2.1m to avoid obstruction of the route

100 min

surface change nottoo pronounced

100 min

Figure 6Path edges

<

<

<

<

low rail

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


Routes

18

Ro

ute

s

Joints between paving units should bedetailed as follows:- filled joints, max difference in

level 5mm- recessed joints, no deeper than 5mm

and no wider than 10mm- unfilled joints, no wider than 5mm.

Slip-resistant blister surface should beused to identify crossings with vehicularroutes (see Figures 8 and 10). It isimportant to refer to Guidance on theuse of Tactile Paving Surfaces.

Planting can assist in defining routes oridentifying hazards through scent andcolour, but should not obstruct routes orprevent an overhead hazard.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 7 Drainage channels

circulation holes in gratings should be not more than 18mm diameter

slots in gratings should be not more than 13mm wide and set at right angles to dominant line of travel

grids, gratings and covers flush with paving

shallow drainage channels to avoid trapping footrests etc

Signs should be carefully located, clear,non-reflective and logical (see p 54Wayfinding, information and signs).

Consider provision of seating at regularintervals, particularly on long or inclinedroutes (see p 50 Seating).

Routes to main and/or alternativeaccessible entrances and potentialhazards should be adequately lit.

Low-level uplighters are notrecommended because they cause glare.

Lighting should not create pools of lightand dark.

Any objects that project more than100mm onto an access route and have alower edge more than 300mm fromground level should be protected (seeFigure 9).

Suitable protection may be by a kerb orother solid barrier that can be detectedby a blind or partially sighted personusing a cane and guarding between 900and 1100mm from ground level.

See also p 26 for guidance on hazardprotection of entrance doors.

Figure 8Blister tactile surface

25

5max height of domes, edgesshould be chamfered

<<

<<


Routes

19

Ro

ute

s

Figure 10Tactile crossings

blister tactile paving

dropped kerb flush withcarriageway

1200 min

gradient 1:12 max

800

Dropped kerb

Raised carriageway

kerb flush with raisedcarriageway

blister tactile paving

800

1200 min< <

< <

<

<

<

<

Figure 9Avoiding hazards on access routes

guarding with cane detection at ground level where doors open onto an access route

guarding with cane detection at ground level where projection ontoaccess route is greaterthan 100mm

<<>100


Street furniture

20

Stre

et f

urn

itu

re

Avoid low headroom and safeguardbuilding projections. Areas below stairsor ramps where there is less than2100mm headroom above ground levelshould be protected by guarding andlow-level cane detection, or apermanent barrier giving the samedegree of protection. See also p 26 forguidance on protecting outward-opening doors.

Bollards should be a minimum of1000mm in height and tonallycontrasted with background. Adjacentbollards should not be linked with achain or rope.

Free-standing posts or columns withinaccess routes should incorporate a bandof contrasting colour or luminance at1500–1650mm. An additional band at850–1000mm might also be considered.

Cycle parking areas should be clear ofpedestrian routes, and cycle standsshould be clearly visible even when notin use.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 11Positioning of street furniture

avoid overhangs

support rail where helpful

2100 min clearance

150

distinctive surface around obstacles and street furniture

900 min

clear path to building frontage

low rail

shop

contrasting bands for easy identification150

< <

<< <<

<

<

Careful positioning of street furnitureprovides easier access and reducespotential hazards, particularly forpeople with visual impairments.

Clearly defined routes should beplanned for pedestrians.

Consider use of tonal contrast and/ortextural changes in paving, logicalgrouping of street furniture, andeffective lighting to define routes.

Avoid where possible placing streetfurniture where it causes problems forpeople with sight impairments orobstructs the passage of wheelchairusers (see Figure 11; see also p 54Wayfinding, information and signs).

If items of street furniture have to belocated within access routes, theyshould be clearly identified, for exampleusing contrasting colour and luminancewith the background against which theywill be seen. Avoid bench seats withopen ends and sharp corners.

The provision of appropriate seating isimportant, especially on long or slopingroutes (see p 50 Seating).

Figure 13Short-rise ramp design

level landing

for ramps up to 300mm rise,alternative steps not required

kerb to outer edge 100mm high

1500 min

min 300

900–1000

1200 min

min 300

<<

<

<

<<

<

<

<<


External ramps

21

Exte

rnal

ram

ps

Where level access is not achievable,ramps enable wheelchair users andpeople with pushchairs to overcomelevel changes.

Ramps should be accompanied by stepsfor ambulant disabled people where therise of the ramp is greater than 300mmand by alternative means of access (alift, for example) for wheelchair users ifthe total rise is greater than 2m.

Ramped approaches should be clearlysigned if not readily apparent.

The permissible gradient of a ramp isdependent on the length between levellandings (the ‘going of the flight’).However, it should be noted that aroute with a gradient of 1:20 over asignificant distance can still be apotential barrier.

Ramps should be as shallow as possible.The maximum permissible gradient is1:12 (see Figures 12, 13 and 14), withthe occasional exception in the case ofshort, steeper ramps when refittingexisting buildings.

The total going of a ramp flight shouldnot exceed 10m and the total riseshould not exceed 500mm.

Ramps should be at least 1500mm wide.

In existing buildings where an extremelevel change would require a long,circuitous ramp or where space islimited, a short-rise lift may beappropriate (see p 43 Platform lifts)either as an alternative or in addition tothe ramp.

Adequately large and unobstructedlevel landings at the bottom and top ofthe ramp and at any intermediate levelsshould be designed in accordance withFigures 13 and 14.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

0 2 5 101:10

1:12

1:15

1:20

(155mm rise)

(333mm rise)

(500mm rise)

going of ramp flight

grad

ient

of r

amp

Figure 12Ramp gradients

1200 min<

<


External ramps

22

Exte

rnal

ram

ps

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 14Ramp design (with adjacent steps)

kerb edging to outer edge 100mm high

900–1000

for ramps 300mm or more rise, alternative stepped access required

1200 min

1200min

900–1100

1500 min

1500 min

<<

<<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

300 min

300 min

Intermediate landings at least 1800mmwide and 1800mm long should beprovided as passing places when it is notpossible for a wheelchair user to seefrom one end of the ramp to another orif the ramp has three flights or more.

Level landings should have a maximumgradient of 1:60 along their length anda maximum cross-fall gradient of 1:40.

Handrails, continuous to ramps andlandings, should be provided to eachside of the ramp set at appropriateheights and extending beyond the topand bottom of the flight (see Figures 13and 14).

A kerb at least 100mm high should beprovided on the open side of any rampor landing (in addition to any guardingrequired under Part K). It shouldcontrast visually with the ramp andlanding.

Avoid patterning which simulates steps,such as applied or inserted slip-resistantstrips.

Surface materials should be slip-resistantwhen wet, firmly fixed and easy tomaintain. The colour of the rampsurface should contrast visually with thelanding surface. The frictionalcharacteristics of the landing and rampsurfaces should be similar.

It is not recommended to use corduroytactile warnings to indicate ramps orlifts, as these are properly used toindicate the start of a flight of steps orstairs.

Consideration should be given toadequate lighting.


External steps

23

Exte

rnal

ste

ps

Steps should always be provided as analternative to ramps steeper than 1:20, as they are preferred by someambulant disabled people. Safety is an important consideration whendesigning and detailing flights of steps.

For dimensions see Figure 15.

Lighting can be located at the side ofthe flight, should be consistent alongthe full flight and adjoining landings,and should not cause anyone tonegotiate the stairs in their ownshadow.

Straight flights are easier to negotiatethan curved or dogleg flights.

The unobstructed width of flightsshould be at least 1200mm.

Handrails should be provided, howevershort the flight (see Figure 15 and p 25 Handrails).

On wide flights of steps, handrailsshould be used to divide the flight intochannels. AD M states that on flightsof steps wider than 1800mm, handrailsshould be used to divide the flight intochannels between 1000 and 1800mm,(but note anomaly here: taking intoaccount the width of handrails, a flightneeds to be at least 2050mm wide tobe divided such that each channel is1000mm wide).

Level landings at least 1200mm longshould be provided at the top andbottom of the flight of stairs, free ofdoor swing across the landing (seeFigure 15).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

<

<

1200 min1200mm minbottom landing

<<

<

<400

800

corduroy hazard warning surface

open ends of handrailto be designed toreduce the risk ofclothing being caught

handrails to becontinuous acrossintermediate landings

closed end to handrail at top and bottom of flights

corduroy hazard warning surface at top of steps to extend 400mmmin beyond flight width

<

<<

<

<<

<

<<<

400 min

400 min

stair width

400

800mm when approach to the steps is straight on and 400mm when aconscious turn is neededto reach the step

Figure 15External stair dimensions

<

<

900–1100

<<

900–1000

<

<

Figure 17Nosings

contrasting material 55mm wide on both treads and risers


External steps

24

Exte

rnal

ste

ps

The rise and going of each step shouldbe consistent in a flight, between 150and 170mm (with possible exceptionswhere adjacent to an existing buildingthe riser may be greater than 170mm).

Open risers should not be used.

Spiral stairs, tapered treads andtapered risers are not recommended,as they are exceptionally difficult formany people.

Avoid isolated single steps.

Surfaces should be slip-resistant.

A ‘corduroy’ hazard warning surface ofraised ribs set parallel to the stepnosings should be provided at the topand bottom of each flight as awarning to people with sightimpairments of the presence of atripping hazard (see Figure 16).

Corduroy surfaces should also be usedat intermediate landings where thereis access onto the landing other thanfrom the steps themselves or on largeintermediate landings where thehandrails are not continuous.

Nosings should be integral with thestep and distinguishable in colour andtone (see Figure 17).

Nosings should be used on the frontface as well as on the top of each stepso that they are visible whenascending and descending.

A flight between landings should notcontain more than 12 risers if thegoing is less than 350mm or 18 risers ifthe going is 350mm or more.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 16Corduroy tactile surface detail

20 50

<<

< <<<

150–170

25 maxoverlap

280–425

max 12 risers if going less than 350mmmax 18 risers if going 350mm or more

<<

< <

<

<

steps without projecting nosings are preferred

Figure 18Step profiles and number of risers

60º

25 maxoverlap

<<

6


Handrails

25

Han

dra

ils

People who have difficulty negotiatingchanges of level need the support ofhandrails. They should be provided inconjunction with changes in level,flights of ramps and steps.

For heights of handrails see Figures 13 and 14 (in relation to ramps), andFigure 15 (in relation to steps).

Handrails should be continuous acrossflights and landings.

Consideration should be given to theprovision of a second (lower) handrailset at 600mm on stairs, particularly inschools, for use by children and peopleof short stature.

For handrail profiles and dimensionssee Figure 19.

Handrails should be easy to grip andprovide good forearm support forpeople who are unable to grip. Theyshould be configured with a positiveend to reduce the risk of clothingbeing caught on the ends of rails.

Surfaces such as hardwood or nylon-coated steel are recommended inpreference to surface materials thatare cold to the touch.

The handrail should be easilydistinguishable from its background,without being highly reflective.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 19Handrail profiles

50

60–75

circular handrail 40–45mm diameter

< << <

<

<

15 minradius

50

60–75< << <

<

<

<

non-circular handrail preferably 50mm widewith rounded edges

60–75 45–50< << < < <

50 max

ramped orstepped

access

consider solid balustrade where exposed

handrails should notprotrude more than 100mminto the surface width of aramp or stairs where thiswould impinge on the widthrequired by Part B1

Building layout

Entrances

26

Entr

ance

s

In new buildings, the principalentrance (or entrances) should beaccessible. In existing buildings, whereit is not possible for the main entrance(or entrances) to be accessible, analternative entrance should beprovided which is accessible for allpotential users.

Entrances to buildings should beplaced in a logical relationship withinthe routes that serve them and beeasily distinguishable from the façade.

Alternative accessible entrances shouldbe signposted both from the edge ofthe site and from the main entrance.Signs should incorporate theinternational access symbol.

Clear signs indicating the entranceshould be provided, visible from allapproaches to the building. Signshanging perpendicular to the buildingfacade can be useful.

The area immediately in front of theaccessible entrance (at least 1500mm x1500mm) should be level and have asurface which does not impedewheelchairs. Structural supports shouldbe clearly identifiable so that they donot present a hazard for visuallyimpaired people.

Canopies over entrances should beconsidered as protection from badweather, particularly at entrances withmanual doors or entry systems.

Outward-opening doors should beprotected or recessed (see Figure 20).

The approach to door entry controlsshould be clear of obstructions andaway from any projecting columns orreturn walls.

Door entry systems should be accessibleto people with hearing impairments andpeople who cannot speak. Visualcontact could be made possible eitherthrough a window or via an entryphonewith a visual display.

Security systems such as swipe cardsshould be detailed to allow use bypeople with sensory or mobilityimpairments.

Turnstiles are difficult for most peoplewith mobility impairments. If used,there should be at least one alternativeaccess gate.

See Figure 23 for unobstructed spaceon the pull side of the door betweenthe leading edge of the door and anyreturn wall.

Thresholds should be flush whereverpossible. A maximum change in levelof 15mm is permissible if clearly visibleand floor finishes are graded toprovide a flush junction.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 20 Outward-opening doors

Figure 21Position of door entry system

200

1000

750

<

<<

< <

Building layout

Entrances

27

Entr

ance

s

Any upstands greater than 5mmshould be chamfered or pencil-rounded.

Internal floor surfaces adjacent tothresholds should be easy forwheelchair passage. Any changes infloor materials should not create apotential trip hazard.

A firm and flush entrance mat shouldbe provided extending a minimum1500mm into the building (see p 39Surfaces). Coir matting should be avoided.

See also p 29 Entrance doors forwidths of doors and detailed guidanceon entrance door design.

LobbiesLobbies should be sized to allowwheelchair users and anaccompanying helper to move clear

of the first door before negotiatingthe second. See Figure 22 for variousacceptable lobby configurations.

Where lobbies have automatic slidingdoors or reduced swing doors, thelength of the lobby may be reduced asless space is needed for wheelchairmanoeuvre.

Immediately after entering thereshould be a transition zone wherelighting is used to aid people withvisual impairments to adjust tochanges in light levels from theexterior to the interior environment.

Signs should be obvious and clear,indicating where visitors should go tofind the reception area, informationpoint, lifts, stairs or WCs.

Glazing within the lobby should notcreate distracting reflections.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Building layout

Entrances

28

Entr

ance

s

Figure 22Entrance lobbies

L L L

L L L

DL1 a

DL2 a DL2 a

DL1 a

DL2 a DL2 a

DL1 a

DL1a

DL1a

DP2

DP1

1570

DP2

1570

DP2

1570

DP2

1570

DP2

1570

< << < <<<< DL1 a< << <

< << <

< << < < << <

< << < < << <

< << <<<<<

<<

<

<

<

<DP

2DP

1

DP1

1570

<<

<

<

<

<

<<

<<

<

<

<<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<<

<

<

<<

<

<

<<

<

<

<

<

<

<

DL1 and DL2 = door leaf dimensions of lobby doorsDP1 and DP2 = door projection into lobbyL = min lobby length, or length up to door leaf for side entry lobbya = min 300 clear space (can be increased to reduce L)

1570mm-long space represents area for wheelchair user and assistant

Building layout

Entrance doors

29

Entr

ance

do

ors

Doors to the principal or alternativeentrance should be accessible to all,including wheelchair users and peoplewith limited manual dexterity.

The minimum effective clear width (seeFigure 23) of external doors should be1000mm in new buildings and 775mmin existing buildings (although 1000mmis preferred). Effective clear widthshould be measured from the face ofthe door when open to the oppositeframe or doorstop (but note thatprotruding door furniture may reduceusable opening).

Doors and/or door frames should beclearly identified by tonally contrastingwith the wall.

Doors and side panels wider than450mm should normally have visionpanels (see Figure 24).

•

•

•

Figure 24Visibility requirements

minimumzones ofvisibility

1500

1150

800

500

1500

500

<<

<<

<< <

<<

<

<

<

Figure 23Effective clear width of doors

< <

< <

300mm minimum (unless door is powered)

effective clear width – measured from the face of the door when open to the opposite frame or doorstop taking into account door handle or any other protruding door furniture

Building layout

Entrance doors

30

Entr

ance

do

ors

Substantially glazed doors or side panels should bear markings for safety and visibility (see Figure 25). It is recommended that markings aretwo-tone to be visible against a variety of backgrounds and lightingconditions. Consideration could be givento using a company logo, sign ordecorative feature.

Glazed entrance doors, where adjacentto or forming part of a glazed screen,should be clearly differentiated byhighly contrasting strips at the top andon both sides.

Fully glazed, frameless entrance doorsare not recommended. If used, andwhere capable of being held open, theyshould be protected by guarding toprevent the leading edge constituting ahazard.

For double doors, it is preferred that both are kept in regular use. If one islocked, clearly identify the leaf in regular use.

Manually operated doorsManually operated doors, includingthose with self-closing devices, aredifficult for many people to open.Particularly where doors are heavy,consideration should be given toproviding automatic opening (see p 32Powered doors) or closers linked to firealarm installations or low-energy swing-door operators.

The opening force should be as low asreasonably practicable. AD Mrecommends that the opening force atthe leading edge of the door should notbe greater than 20 newtons. See also p 61 Building management checklist.

Where self-closing devices are fitted tomanually operated doors, these shouldbe slow in operation and regularlymaintained.

Door furniture should be clearlydistinguishable from the door usingtonal contrast and be designed to beeasily reached and gripped.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 25Markings for safety and visibility

glazing clearly defined with manifestation at two levels

high-contrast strips to top, bottom andboth sides of glazed door to clearlydifferentiate from glazed screen

decorative logo 150mm min height

decorative feature such as repeated dots or broken lines at least 50mm high

<

<<

< 1400–1600above floor level

850–1000above floor level

Building layout

Entrance doors

31

Entr

ance

do

ors

Door handles should be selected forease of grip by people with poormanual dexterity and, where fitted witha latch, should be operable with onehand using a closed fist, such as a leveraction handle (see Figure 26 and forpositioning Figure 27).

Full-height door pulls can be useful butmay restrict effective clear width, asmay substantial weather boards.Additional opening width should beprovided to accommodate these.

• •

Figure 27Height of door handles

1000

<

<

<

<

<

<

1400

1000

long pull handle toassist door closure

Figure 26Door handle details

lever handle diameter 19mm

45

centre line

return on end of handle helps grip and improves safety

lever handle with 54mm min backset from door edge

45

< <

<<

<

<

32

Entr

ance

do

ors

•

•

•

•

•

•

Entrance doors

Powered doorsPowered door-opening and closingsystems are generally recommended inpreference to non-powered, manuallyoperated doors.

Automatic sliding doors, activated by amotion sensor or other trigger,generally offer very good access.

Automatic doors should open earlyenough and stay open long enough toallow safe entry and exit, particularlyfor people who move slowly. Ensurethat the sensor and delay mechanismare adjustable.

They should incorporate a safety stopthat is activated if the doors start toclose when a person is passing throughthem and revert to manual control orfailsafe in the open position in theevent of a power failure.

With doors that swing towards the userboth visual and audible warnings arerecommended. When open, they shouldnot project into any adjacent accessroute.

Manual controls – push pads, cardswipes, proximity readers or coded entry– for powered doors should be locatedbetween 750 and 1000mm above floorlevel and set back 1400mm from theleading edge of the door (so that theuser does not have to move to avoidcontact with the door as it opens). Theyshould be clearly distinguishable fromthe background.

Revolving doors of whatever size arenot considered accessible. Ambulantdisabled people, older people, thosewith sight impairments and guide dogsmay not have the confidence tonegotiate them. If used they should besupplemented with a fully operationalswing door.

Building layout

33

Entr

ance

fo

yers

dual-height receptioncounter, for seated andstanding users

induction loopfor staff andvisitors

information, eg:maps, guides,and directions

safeguard areas of lowheadroom

recess fixtures

clear space in front of lift

unobstructed routesand clear signs

lift

waiting area:quiet and well lit with space forwheelchair usersalongside seats

telephone alcove,with acousticprivacy

clear view in fromoutside is helpful

firm entrance mat,flush with adjacent surfaces

clearly identifiable entrance

transitional lighting to lobby

loose seatswith armrestspreferred

Building layout

Entrance foyers

Well-designed entrance foyers provide atransition from the outside to theinside, and can help orientate peopleonce inside the building.

Clear view in from outside is helpful.

The area should be well lit, with plentyof circulation space. Routes to receptioncounters, lifts, stairs and WCs should beeasily visible, clearly defined andunobstructed.

The reception point should be locatedaway from the principal entrance (while

still providing a view of it) to reduceimpact of external noise. Where slidingglass windows are installed they shouldbe fully openable to allow for audibleconversation.

At reception, both the receptionist’sface and visitors’ faces should be clearlyvisible and well lit to allow lip reading.

See Figure 28 and also guidance onCounters and service desks, p 51 andInduction loops, p 59.

•

•

•

•

Figure 28Entrance foyers

Building layout

34

Cir

cula

tio

n

Circulation

Designing open-plan spaces – forexample in offices, restaurants,exhibition spaces, entrance foyers andshopping centres – reduces the need forinternal doors, which create potentialbarriers to easy movement around abuilding.

A minimum clear circulation width of1200mm should be provided, andmaintained when furniture layouts arealtered.

For large open-plan areas, considerdefining routes with contrasting floorfinishes and textures.

Ensure adequate tonal contrast incolour schemes.

Lighting systems can be used to helpdefine circulation routes in open-planspaces.

•

•

•

•

Building layout

35

Co

rrid

ors

Corridors

Figure 29Corridor dimensions

<

<

outward-openingdoor recessed to atleast width of door

clear width where permanentobstruction over short distance

1000

a clear width of1800mm will enabletwo wheelchair usersto pass each other

fixtures such asradiators, hose reels,pipes and ducts to berecessed, where possible

a recess within corridorprovides a place forwheelchair users topass each other

noticeboard

store

1800

900

1800

1800

1200 min

1800mm diameterturning area

<<

<<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<<

<

<

Corridors should be simple and safe tonegotiate, as they both provide accessand form part of escape routes. In awell-planned building, corridors conveyinformation about a building and assistwith circulation around it.

Corridor widths should be unobstructedas far as possible. Ideally, radiators andequipment such as fire extinguishersshould be recessed. Where unavoidable,there should be a means of directingpeople around them, such as a visuallycontrasting guardrail.

Doors that open outwards into acorridor that is in regular use should berecessed. Exceptions may be outward-opening doors to unisex wheelchair-accessible WCs (so long as the corridor isat least 1800mm wide and the doorcloses in the direction of emergencyescape) and doors to minor utilityfacilities such as small store rooms andlocked duct cupboards.

•

•

obstruction to be guarded

Building layout

36

Co

rrid

ors

Corridors

Along a major access route or an escaperoute, if there is a series of double doorswith one leaf wider than the other, thewider leaf should be on the same sideover the length of the corridor.

Avoid glazing at ends of corridors, sincethis can cause visual confusion.

Where corridor widths in existingbuildings are narrow, wider doorsshould be considered.

Floors within a corridor should be level(up to a gradient of 1:60) whereverpossible. Where a section of a corridorhas a gradient between 1:60 and 1:20 inthe direction of travel, the slopedsurface should be clearly differentiatedand there should be a level rest area atleast 1500mm long for every 500mm risein level.

Any sections within a corridor steeperthan 1:20 should be designed as aninternal ramp (see p 40).

Where a section of corridor is divided(for example between a level and asloping section) the exposed edgeshould be clearly identified by visualcontrast and, where necessary,protected by guarding.

Avoid colour schemes with little tonalcontrast, or patterned surfaces on floorswhich may be mistaken for steps orchanges in level. Doors, floors, walls andceilings should be defined using tonalcontrast.

Lighting should be located where itdoes not create glare or silhouettes.

Wall and floor surfaces should bechosen to minimise light reflection andsound reverberation, which can beconfusing for people with sensoryimpairments.

Consider also guarding of projectinghazards and avoid glazing that createsdistracting reflections (see p 39Surfaces).

For various acceptable layouts ofinternal lobbies, see Figure 22.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Building layout

37

Inte

rnal

do

ors

Internal doors

The main consideration regarding adoor is whether it is actually necessary orwhether it could be 'designed out'. Ifthe door is required and is on a maincirculation route or provides access to akey facility or service, ease of use is a priority.

The minimum effective clear width (seeFigure 23) of internal doors variesaccording to the type of door, angle ofapproach and width of access routes (seetable below). Effective clear widthshould be measured from the face ofthe door when open to the oppositeframe or doorstop (but note thatprotruding door furniture may reduceusable opening).

In existing buildings where it is notpossible to achieve 800mm, internaldoors should provide a minimum 750mmeffective clear width (or 775mm asagainst 825mm for doors at right anglesto corridors narrower than 1200mm).

Doors and/or door frames should beclearly identified by tonally contrastingwith the wall.

The surface of the leading edge of anydoor that is not self-closing, or is likely

to be held open, should contrast visuallywith the other door surfaces and itssurroundings.

Doors (and side panels wider than450mm) should normally have visionpanels (see Figure 24).

Substantially glazed doors or side panelsshould bear markings for safety andvisibility (see Figure 25). It isrecommended that markings are two-tone to be visible against a variety ofbackgrounds and lighting conditions.Consideration could be given to using acompany logo, sign or decorativefeature.

For double doors, the leaf in regular useshould be clearly identified. Theminimum required effective clear widthshould be provided through at least one leaf.

Door furniture should be clearlydistinguishable from the door usingtonal contrast and be designed to beeasily reached and gripped.

Door handles should be selected forease of grip by people with limitedmanual dexterity and operable with one

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Direction and width New buildings Existing buildings of approach (mm) (mm)

Straight on (without a turn 800 750 or oblique approach)

At right angles to an access 800 750 route at least 1500mm wide

At right angles to an access 825 775 route at least 1200mm wide

Minimum effective clear widths of internal doors as recommended in AD M

alarm installations or low-energy swing-door operators. Any low-energy,powered swing door systems should becapable of being operated in manualmode, powered mode or power-assistedmode.

Where doors are opened manually, theopening force should be as low asreasonably practicable. AD Mrecommends that the opening force atthe leading edge of the door should notbe greater than 20 newtons. See also p 61 Building management checklist.

Building layout

Internal doors

38

Inte

rnal

do

ors

hand using a closed fist, such as a leveraction (see Figure 26 and for positioningFigure 27).

Full-height door pulls can be useful butmay restrict effective clear width, as maysubstantial weather boards. Additionalopening width should be provided toaccommodate these.

Particularly where doors are heavy,consideration should be given toproviding automatic opening,electromagnetic catches which holddoors open or closers linked to fire

•

•

•

39

Surf

aces

Building layout

Surfaces

The selection of floor surfaces is ofconsiderable importance to all buildingusers. Considered choice of surfaces canaid orientation, acoustic conditions, easeof passage for wheelchairs and buggies,and safety.

GeneralHard surfaces can cause soundreverberation and increased backgroundnoise levels, which can cause difficultiesfor people with hearing impairments. Amixture of hard and soft surfaces shouldbe used.

A combination of colour, tonal andtextural contrast helps people with sightimpairments to distinguish betweensurfaces and objects placed upon them,such as switches on walls and litter binson floors.

Tonal contrast is more important thancolour contrast. Some colours whichappear to be different can be tonallysimilar under certain lighting conditionsor for people who have difficultydistinguishing colours.

Textured surfaces are important inproviding information to people withlittle or no sight.

FloorsFloor surfaces should be firm and non-directional to allow easy passage forwheelchair users.

Carpets should be of shallow dense pile.Avoid coir matting, deep pile orexcessively grooved carpet.

Junctions between different flooringmaterials should be carefully detailed soas not to create an obstacle to wheelchairusers or a tripping hazard for peoplewith mobility or visual impairment.

Textured floors can warn of hazards orimpart directional information.

Floor surfaces should be slip-resistant.This is of particular importance topeople who use walking aids such assticks or crutches, and to older people.See BS 8300, Annex C: Slip potentialcharacteristics of tread and floorfinishes.

Floor areas that may become wet – justinside the entrance to covered shoppingmalls for example – should not be of atype that becomes slippery. Entrancemats should be considered.

Glossy floors cause reflection and glare,which can create difficulties for peoplewith visual impairments. They can alsogive the illusion of being wet andslippery even if they are not, which mayinhibit people with mobilityimpairments.

Avoid types of floors that becomehazardous when recently washed.

Bright, boldly patterned flooring shouldbe avoided as it can create a confusingimpression for people with impairedsight.

WallsWall coverings should not be busy ordistracting. This can cause difficulties forwayfinding or those needing to lip read.

Glossy walls cause reflection and glare,which can create difficulties for peoplewith visual impairments.

Textured walls (of fine rather thanrough grain) can alert people to thepresence of facilities such as WCs or liftswhere a key to the understanding ofthis system has been given in advance.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

40

Inte

rnal

sta

irs,

ram

ps

and

han

dra

ils

•

•

•

•

Building layout

Internal stairs, ramps and handrails

Stairs and ramps should be designed forease of use and safety for all buildingusers. Guidance is broadly similar to thatfor external steps and ramps.

StairsFollow guidance on External steps, p 23and Figure 15, except that hazardwarnings are not required at the topand bottom landings (although tactilewarnings may be incorporated intohandrails).

Flights should contain not more than 12 risers between landings or,exceptionally, up to 16 risers in smallbuildings where space is restricted.

The rise of steps should be between 150and 170mm, except in existing buildingswith space constraints, where a higherrise may be acceptable.

Spiral stairs and tapered treads are notrecommended.

Open risers should not be used.

Avoid single steps.

RampsFollow guidance on External ramps, p 21 and Figures 13 and 14.

Where the change in level is more than300mm, two or more clearly signpostedsteps should be provided in addition tothe ramp; where the change in level isnot more than 300mm, a ramp shouldbe provided instead of a single step.

HandrailsFollow guidance as for Handrails, p 25.

Height of handrails should be900–1000mm above pitch line and900–1100mm at landings.

•

•

•

•

•

•

1400 min

1500 min1500 min

800 min clear*

unobstructedlanding space

900

1100

500

400 min

1100 min

1200

900

mirror to assist when reversing out of lift

hands-freealarm/intercom with visualindicator

tactile identification of floor level

passiveinfrared door safetyoverride

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<<<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

41

Pass

eng

er li

fts

Building layout

Passenger lifts

For people who cannot use stairs, apassenger lift is the preferred form ofaccess from one storey to another for all buildings.

Figure 30 shows the minimum lift cardimensions to accommodate awheelchair user and an accompanyingperson. This size does not allow awheelchair user to turn around insidethe lift. Therefore, a mirror (bottomedge 900mm from the floor) should beprovided in the lift car to enable awheelchair user to see which level thelift has reached.

Larger-size lifts are preferred wherepossible and may in fact be requireddepending on the building type and

use. For example, a lift compartment2000mm wide by 1400mm deep willaccommodate most types of wheelchairtogether with several other standingpassengers.

Fold-down or perch seats in larger liftscould be considered.

Lifts should be served by landings largeenough for wheelchair users to turn toreverse into the lift (see Figure 30).

The call panel should be easilydistinguishable from its background.

Lift buttons should be clearlydistinguishable. ‘Lift coming’ indicationshould be clear from any position

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 30Lift car dimensions

*BS EN 81-70 recommends 900mm minimum clear opening

42

Pass

eng

er li

fts

Building layout

Passenger lifts

within the lift lobby. Where there ismore than one lift, ensure people withmobility impairments have time to getto the relevant lift.

The floor area outside the lift and liftcar doors should be visuallydistinguishable from the adjoiningwalls.

Provide visual and tactile indication offloor level adjacent to call buttons andopposite lift doors.

An embossed sign indicating thenumber of the floor should be providedon each lift landing on the wallopposite the lift. The sign should bevisually contrasting with itsbackground.

Power-operated horizontal slidingdoors should provide an effective clearwidth of at least 800mm according toAD M. However, BS EN 81-70:2003recommends a minimum of 900mm,which is more suitable for wheelchairsand double buggies.

Lift doors should remain open for fiveseconds, providing an adequate timefor entry. Door reactivating deviceswhich rely on infrared or photo eyesystems are necessary to ensure no onecan get trapped in the doors.

Control panels should be located on aside wall, and preferably on both sidewalls of the lift car, at a height that canbe easily reached by someone in awheelchair (see Figure 30). Raised andwell-contrasted numbers on buttonshelp people with sight impairments.Braille can also be used, although many visually impaired people do notread Braille.

Audible announcements and visualdisplays are recommended internally and externally on all lifts to indicate floor reached or inform that the doorsare open.

Emergency telephones in lifts should beeasy to use (for example, intercom andpush-button activation rather than hand-held) and contain inductivecouplers so that hearing aid users canmake use of them.

Alarm buttons in lifts should be fittedwith a visual acknowledgement that the alarm bell has sounded for lift usersunable to hear it.

The floor of the lift car should havefrictional qualities similar to or higherthan the floor area outside the lift.

Lighting and surfaces within the lift carshould minimise glare, reflection,confusing shadows and pools of light and dark. Lights adjacent to controlpanels are not recommended becausethey could make it difficult for people to read controls.

Lifts that are designated for use inemergency to evacuate people should be fitted with an independent power supply.

Areas of glass should be identifiable bypeople with impaired vision.

Acceleration and deceleration ratesshould be set to avoid jolting.

Passenger lifts should conform to therequirements of the Lift Regulations 1997(SI 1997/ 831) and, if used to evacuatedisabled people in an emergency, to therelevant recommendations of BS 5588-8.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

43

Plat

form

lift

s

Building layout

Platform lifts

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 32Enclosed platform lifts

where vertical travel is above 2000mm, platformrecommended to be fully enclosed

doors to provide 850mmclear opening width(public buildings) andvision panel

landing doors to belinked to lift lockingmechanism

<

<

Figure 31Short-riseplatform lifts

800

300

ramped safety guard/flap providing easy access to platform

2000mm max rise for non-enclosed platform lifts

landing barriersinterlocked withlift operation

1100<

<

<

<

<<

<

While not ideal, platform lifts may beacceptable to overcome changes in levelwhere passenger lifts or ramps are notpossible due to space constraints.Disadvantages include slow travel speedand the need for application ofcontinuous pressure on controls, whichmay be difficult for some people.

Platform lifts should be located adjacentto the stair with which they are associated.

They should be designed for independentuse with clearly visible controls set at asuitable height for wheelchair users, clearinstructions for use and fitted with anemergency alarm.

Platforms need to be large enough toaccommodate a range of users. A largerplatform may be required for poweredwheelchairs or accompanied wheelchairusers (see Figure 31 for dimensions).

Where the vertical travel distance exceeds 2m and/or the lift penetrates afloor, there should be a liftway enclosure(see Figure 32).

Lift controls should be located between800 and 1100mm from the floor of the lifting platform and at least 400mmfrom any return wall.

Acceleration and deceleration rates should be set to avoid jolting.

Platform lifts should conform to therequirements of the Supply of Machinery(Safety) Regulations 1992, SI 1992/3073.

See also section on Passenger lifts, p 41,and Figure 30 for guidance on landingcontrols, distinguishing doors from walls,audible and visual announcements andidentifying areas of glass, and BS 6440:1999 Powered lifting platforms for use by disabled persons – Code of practice.

800<

<

900<

<

1250<

<

1400<

<

Building layout

44

Whe

elch

air

plat

form

sta

irlif

ts

Wheelchair platform stairlifts

Wheelchair platform stairlifts may – inexceptional circumstances – be suitablein adapting existing buildings where it isnot feasible to install a passenger lift orvertical-rise platform lift. They are notappropriate in new buildings. Althoughdesigned to be operated independently,they are only suitable where users canbe instructed in their safe use and undermanagement supervision. Like vertical-rise platform lifts, disadvantages includeslow travel speed and the need forapplication of continuous pressure oncontrols, which may be difficult forsome people.

Minimum dimensions are 800mm x 1250mm (see Figure 33).

Ensure that the stairlift has controls thatare designed to prevent unauthoriseduse and an alarm. A means ofcommunication with building staff isrecommended should assistance berequired.

In a building with a single stairway,ensure that the required clear flightwidth for means of escape ismaintained, including when the liftplatform is folded up and parked.Consult with fire officer beforeinstallation.

Wheelchair platform stairlifts shouldconform to the requirements of theSupply of Machinery (Safety)Regulations 1992, SI 1992/ 3073.

•

•

•

•

support rails mountedon inner/outer wallsor balustrades

clear space to enableconvenient manoeuvreonto and off platform

motor/drive can beremotely sited orintegrated with platform

platform levelwith top landing

landing andplatform controls

1500 min <<

1500 min <<

Figure 33Wheelchair platform stairlifts

Building layout

45

WC

s

WCs

•

•

•

•

inward-opening door

450diameter

<

<

800< <

Suitable and easily identifiable sanitaryaccommodation should be provided forall building users. This will involvecombinations of general provision,accommodation for ambulant disabledpeople and others who need morespace, and wheelchair users.Appropriate provision will varyaccording to type and size of buildingand use patterns. Issues relating toprovision, design and use of WCs arecovered in more detail in CAE/RIBAEnterprises’ Good Loo Design Guide.

General guidanceIn general, there should be at least asmany WCs for women as there areurinals for men, and in some buildingtypes, such as large retail buildings, atleast twice as many.

Doors to WC cubicles and wheelchair-accessible unisex compartments should,preferably, open out. If they open in,they should not encroach unduly onusable space (see Figure 34). Reduced-swing doors could be used where spaceoutside is restricted.

Doors, when open, should not obstructemergency escape routes.

Doors should be fitted with light-actionprivacy bolts that can be operated bypeople with limited dexterity. If self-closing, they should be openable using aforce of no more than 20 newtons.

Figure 34Standard WCcompartment withinward-opening door

Emergency release mechanisms whichcan be operated from the outsideshould be fitted to doors.

For guidance on door handles and otherironmongery, see p 37 Internal doors.Locks to cubicles should be operable bypeople with limited dexterity.

Shiny ceramic tiles and floors should be avoided. They cause reflection andglare, which may be visually confusing.

Slip-resistant flooring materials shouldbe used.

Fixtures and fittings within the WCcompartment should be clearly visibleusing tonal contrast.

The recommended height from thefloor to the top of the WC seat is480mm for WCs used by adults.

Any washbasin taps should becontrolled by a lever-operated,thermostatic mixer that delivers waterat a temperature not exceeding 41ºC.

Any heat emitters should be eitherscreened or have their exposed surfacesmaintained at less than 43ºC.

Light switches with large push padsshould be used in preference to pullcords.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Building layout

46

WC

s

WCs

Emergency assistance alarm systemslinked to a staffed area of the buildingshould be provided. They should havevisual and audible indicators to confirmthat an emergency call has been received,a reset control reachable from the WC orfrom a wheelchair, and a signal that isdifferent from the fire alarm.

Any fire alarms should emit a visual and audible warning to occupants of WCs.

Any wheelchair-accessible WC shouldhave at least one washbasin with its rimset between 720 and 740mm above the floor.

Paper dispensers should be designed for single-hand operation.

Male wheelchair-accessible WCs shouldhave at least one urinal with its rim set at 380mm above the floor, with two 600mm-long vertical grabrailspositioned at either side of the urinal (with centre lines at 1100mm).

Consider privacy screens for urinals where grabrails are not provided.

A low-level urinal and washbasin forchildren and people of short stature inmale WCs are recommended.

For more detail on all aspects of thedesign of accessible WCs, see the GoodLoo Design Guide and BS 8300.

WC layout for ambulant disabled peopleAt least one cubicle per range of WCcompartments within separate-sexaccommodation should be providedwhich is suitable for ambulant disabledpeople (see Figure 35).

Ensure that the grabrails protrude nomore than approximately 90mm so as

not to restrict space within the cubicle.Ensure adequate knuckle space behind rails.

Doors should open outwards whereverpossible, and be fitted with a horizontalclosing bar on the inside face. If a dooropens inwards, the 750mm-long activityspace should be maintained (see Figure35). The door should be designed so thatit can be opened outwards in an emergency.

WC pans should conform to BS 5503-3 or BS 5504-4 so that they are able toaccommodate a variable-height seatriser.

Provide a shelf if space permits.

Provide a coat hook at 1200–1400mmhigh.

Where there are four or more WCcubicles in separate-sex accommodation,one of these should be 1200mm wide for use by people who need extra space. Consideration should be given to installing a fold-down table for baby changing.

Where a larger separate-sex WC can beaccessed by wheelchair users, it should be possible for them to use both aurinal, where appropriate, and awashbasin at a lower height than isprovided for other users.

For guidance on layout and dimensionsof wheelchair-accessible compartmentswithin single-sex accommodation, seeThe unisex accessible corner WC belowand Figure 36, p 49.

The unisex accessible corner WCWheelchair users use WCs in a variety of ways. This may be independently orwith assistance. Transfer to the WC from a wheelchair could be from the

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Figure 35WC layout for ambulant disabledpeople

< << <

<

<

<

<

1400

600mm-long additional grabrail

750mm activity space clear of door swings

600mm grabrail set at 15˚ or horizontal as required

800680480

500 min

800

100

<

< <

<

<

<<

<

<

200 min

Building layout

47

WC

s

WCs

front, side or at an angle. Some maytransfer backwards with assistance byremoving the wheelchair back support.

At least one accessible unisex WC (seeFigure 36) should be provided at eachlocation where sanitary accommodationis provided for use by customers, visitorsor employees.

The recommended number and locationof wheelchair-accessible WCs depends on the size and use of the building. Awheelchair user should not have to travel more 40m on one level (except in circumstances where the access routeis completely free of obstructions such as doors which need to be opened) ormore than 40m total horizontal distance

using a passenger lift to get to the nextstorey up or down.

Where there is space for only one WC ina building, it should be a unisexaccessible WC but wider (2000mm) than the standard wheelchair-accessiblecompartment (1500mm) to accommodatea standing-height washbasin in additionto the finger-rinse basin.

One compartment should be located asclose as possible to the entrance and/orwaiting area.

They should be located on direct,accessible routes that are free fromobstruction and such that they do notcompromise the privacy of users.

•

•

•

•

•

clothes hook at1400mm

outward-opening door

Building layout

48

WC

s

WCs

If located in a similar position on eachfloor of a multi-storey building, right-handed and left-handed transfer shouldbe provided on alternate floors.

Where more than one unisex WC isavailable in single-storey buildings, achoice of layouts suitable for right-handand left-hand transfer should be provided.

Where the layouts are handed, the door configuration should be handedaccordingly.

Combining baby-changing facilitieswithin AD M layout WC compartmentswhich are likely to be in frequent useshould be avoided.

The unisex accessible corner WC canaccommodate a variety of methods oftransfer and allows most users to washand dry their hands while seated on theWC before transferring back to theirchair (see Figure 36).

Overall dimensions shown in Figure 36are minimum and could be increased to advantage.

Doors should open outwards whereverpossible, and be fitted with a horizontalclosing bar on the inside face. Whereinward-opening doors are unavoidable,additional space is required, and it should be possible to open the dooroutwards in an emergency.

The dimensions relating WC fitting tobasin and associated fittings andequipment, and to wheelchairmanoeuvring space, are critical forindependent use.

The horizontal rail/backrest to the rear of the WC should be padded ifthere is no WC lid to rest against. Abackrest may not be required so long as

the cistern is low-level and comfortableto lean against.

WC pans should conform to BS 5503-3or BS 5504-4 so that they are able to accommodate a variable-height seat riser.

The flush should be easy to operate and mounted on the transfer side ofthe cistern within easy reach. A lever-type flush is recommended.

Plastic-coated handrails and grabrails,and drop-down rails that are easy tooperate, are recommended. Considertexture to aid grip.

Emergency alarm systems should beprovided. These should be audible as well as visual. The call signal outsidethe compartment should be located so that it can be easily seen and heardby those able to give assistance. Pull-cords should extend to 100mm abovefloor level and be easy to grip.

Coat hooks and mirrors should be fixedat heights usable by standing andseated users. The recommended heightfor a coat hook is 1200mm and formirrors 600–1600mm.

Fittings such as radiators, vendingmachines, sanitary disposal units andwaste paper bins should be set atappropriate heights and recessedwhere possible so as not to obstructtransfer space or manoeuvrability.

Sink plumbing returned to the wall(rather than run to the floor) ispreferred as this leaves more clearspace below the hand washbasin.

The boxing-in of pipes should becarefully considered so as not tocompromise manoeuvring space.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Building layout

WCs

49

WC

s

An emergency light should be providedwithin the compartment to ensure thata person is not left in the dark during apower failure.

For guidance on wheelchair-accessiblechanging and shower facilities andbathrooms, see AD M or BS 8300.

•

Toilet paper dispenser

Alarm reset button

Soap dispenser

Paper towel dispenser

Hot air hand dryer

wall-mounted basin providesclear space for feet andwheelchair footrests

300

300

1100

680

100

480720–740

800–1000

colostomy shelf at 950mm above floor level

alarm pull cord

drop-down rail

cistern flush

clothes hook

alternative position for door

mirror

vertical grabrails

shelf disposal bin

sanitary dispenser

horizontal rail to assist door closing

2200 min

vertical rail

1000

min15

00 m

in

970

150

320

500

140–160

200600

<<

<

<

<<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<<

<

<<

<

<

<

<

< <

< < <<

<<

Figure 36Unisex accessible corner WC

HDSDPTTPAR HD

SD

PT

TP

AR

sanitary waste bin

Fixtures, fittings and services

Seating

50

Seat

ing

General guidance on seating foroccasional use is given here.

Seats should be provided at intervalsalong long routes or where waiting islikely.

Seats should be stable and provided in arange of heights. BS 8300 recommendsbetween 450 and 475mm for fixedseating. In larger buildings where moreseating is provided, consider a widerrange of seat heights from 420 to580mm and ‘perch’ seats at 650 to800mm on long routes or in short-staywaiting areas.

A mixture of fixed and loose seatingprovides flexibility of use of space.

A mixture of seating with and withoutarmrests should be provided.

In waiting areas there should be spacefor a wheelchair user to pull upalongside a seated companion. Onespace within or at the end of a block ofseating could be provided for anassistance dog to rest.

Seating should contrast in colour andluminance with surrounding surfaces.

For more detailed guidance on seatingsee BS 8300. For guidance on audienceor spectator seating in various buildingtypes, see AD M, BS 8300 and SportEngland’s Access for Disabled People.

•

•

•

•

•

•


Counters and service desks

51

Co

un

ters

an

d s

ervi

ce d

esks

Figure 37Counters/service desks

induction loopwell signed

upper writing surfacefor standingvisitors/customers

well illuminatedcounter

650

700 min

300

760 max

260

500

700 min

950–1100

Receptionist sideThe dimensions enable a member of staff usinga wheelchair with desk armrests to sit close toa counter at normal desk height.

<

< <

<

< <

<

<

<

<

< <<

<<

<

<

Counters and service desks should bedesigned so that they can be accessedand used – on both staff and customersides – by as wide range of people as possible.

Counters and desks should be set at aheight suitable for seated and standingusers, with high and low sections wherepossible (see Figure 37) and withsufficient clear manoeuvring space infront (see Figure 38).

Access for wheelchair users should beprovided to both staff and visitor sidesof the counter. For clear manoeuvringspace see Figure 38.

There should be sufficient counter spaceto allow people to write or signdocuments.

An upstanding lip at the edge of thecounter, if well detailed, can assist inpicking up tickets or loose change.

•

Visitor/customer sideThe dimensions enable a visitor using a wheelchair to bring the arms of their wheelchair to the edge of the counter in order to read and sign papers.

•

•

•


Counters and service desks

52

Co

un

ters

an

d s

ervi

ce d

esks

Contrast between objects and surface ishelpful. Top of counter should contrastwith edge.

All exposed edges and corners shouldbe well rounded.

Avoid positioning service desks in frontof windows where bright sunshine willcause the user’s face to be silhouettedand hence difficult to lip-read or followsign language. Similarly, avoid confusingbackgrounds such as strong patterns.

Lighting should assist lip-reading onboth sides of the counter.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Induction loops should serve staff andvisitors. There should be clear signsindicating where loops are fitted.

Speech enhancement and inductionloop systems fitted at counters withglazed screens or where there isbackground noise will help people withhearing aids.

Provision of seats near low counterscould be considered.

counter/desktop

a low-level counter 1800mm wide will accommodate two wheelchair users alongside each other or facing each other across the counter diagonally

B: 1800 x 1200

A: 2200 x 1400

clear manoeuvring space:A: counter/desktop without knee recessB: counter/desktop with knee recess

700

<

<

Figure 38Space dimensions in front ofcounter /service desk


53

Tele

ph

on

es

Telephones

•

•

•

•

•

•

In buildings where telephones areprovided for the public, at least oneaccessible telephone should beprovided.

If possible, locate telephones wherebackground noise levels are minimal.

Telephones should be fixed at a heightthat allows wheelchair users to read anyvisual display panels and to use thetelephone with ease (see Figure 39).

If telephones are fixed at a low height,seats should be provided.

Where several telephones are provided,a range of fixing heights to suitstanding and seated users should beadopted.

A textphone should be provided, clearlyindicated by the standard symbol (seeFigure 42).

An induction coupler fitted to atelephone enables it to be used bysomeone with a hearing aid. Suchtelephones should have variable volumecontrols and be identified by thestandard symbol (see Figure 42).

Figure 39Accessible telephones

clearly written instructions

fixed shelf

clear floor space

fold-down seat450–520mm high

<

<

<

<

telephone controlsbetween 750–1000mmfrom floor level


54

Way

find

ing,

info

rmat

ion

and

sign

s

Wayfinding, information and signs

Buildings designed with a logical layoutcan directly assist wayfinding,particularly for people with sightimpairments and people with learningdifficulties, as well as facilitating meansof escape. Additional information canbe conveyed through colour,communication systems, maps, modelsand guides.

Clearly audible public address systemsshould be supplemented by visualinformation (see also p 59 Acoustics).

Colour can be used to signal wherecertain features can be found within abuilding. For example, all walls withincore areas containing stairs, lifts andWCs could be painted a particularcolour to help orientation.

Visual information can be provided bydistinguishing floor, wall and ceilingplanes, door surrounds and decorativefeatures.

Tactile maps and models of the interiorlayout of buildings – particularly thoseof architectural interest – aid thecomprehension of the building for thosewith sight impairments.

When complex information is beingprovided, audio or BSL-interpretedguides should also be considered.

Where a building relies upon its ownvocabulary of textured surfaces toconvey information to people with sightimpairments, a key should be providedat a central information point.

SignsLocation of signs should be part of theprocess of planning the building. Theyshould be placed in a logical positionand be obviously identifiable.

Signs are difficult to identify and read ifthey are positioned against abackground of low-level sunlight orartificial light.

The signboard should contrast with thebackground against which it is seen, andthe lettering should contrast with thesign board.

Directional signs should be situated sothat they do not cause obstruction andare well lit. They should be positionedat high level in areas of buildings thatare likely to be crowded.

Informational signs to be read at closerange should be located at a suitableheight. The recommended range for awheelchair user is 1000–1100mm andfor somebody standing 1400–1700mm.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

1400–17001000–1100

900

1100

2300mm min clearance

1400

1700

<<

<

<<

<

<<

<<

<

<

Figure 40Height and position of signs

Information Office

Telephone

First Aid

Auditorium

Toilets

Theatre bar

Box Office


55

Way

find

ing,

info

rmat

ion

and

sign

s

Wayfinding, information and signs

Signs need to be simple, short,consistent and easily understood usingprescribed typefaces, colour and graphic devices.

Signs are more easily read if thewording starts with a capital letter andis followed by lower case lettering.

Factors which determine the legibility ofsigns include the contrast between thetext colour and the background colour,the contrast between the sign itself andthe background surfaces, and lightingconditions.

To minimise glare, avoid reflective glassand ensure that the sign has a mattsurface.

Symbols should be used to supplementwritten signs (see Figure 42).

Tactile signs (such as embossed letters,raised pictograms and direction arrows)should only be used where they can beeasily reached, for example lift controls,door numbers, lockers and WC doors.

For more detailed guidance on use ofsigns in buildings, see BS 8300 and theSign Design Guide published by JMUand the Sign Design Society.

•

•

•

•

•

•

facilities for blind or partially sighted people

international symbol of access, indicating

accessible routes and facilities

equipment to enhance microphone sound for people whose hearing

aid is fitted with a ‘T’ switch

equipment toenhance microphone

sound through aninfrared receiver

text telephone facilities

Figure 42Standard public information symbols

Figure 41Sign design detail

arrows and text aligned towards direction of travel

• locations listed and left-aligned where no arrows• use of capitals and lower case text• effective contrast between text and background

Braille messageand locater

symbol sign


56

Ala

rms

Alarms

It is important that people with visual orhearing impairments can be alerted incase of emergency.

Consideration should be given to visualalarms or vibrating pager systems (butnote that certain types of strobe lightalarm systems may induce seizures insome people).

Use of emergency alarms must bebacked up by a suitable evacuationstrategy for all occupants, both staffand visitors, taking into account alldisabilities. See p 63 Means of escape.•

•


Switches and controls

57

Swit

ches

an

d c

on

tro

ls

The location and detailing of switchesand controls should take into accountease of operation, height, distance fromcorners, visibility and unobstructedaccess.

See Figure 43 for heights of variousdifferent kinds of switches, controls and sockets.

The operation of switches, sockets andcontrols should not require thesimultaneous use of both hands. Largeswitch pads are recommended.

Avoid flushed or recessed controls, asthese are not accessible to people withlimited dexterity.

Colour and tonal contrast should beused to ensure controls aredistinguishable from their background.

Ensure that switched socket outlets,mains and circuit isolator switchesindicate clearly whether they are ‘on’ or‘off’ (red and green colour indication, ifused, should be supplemented by textor pictogram indication).

Consider the use of tactile buttons andcontrols. These should be embossed, not engraved.

•

•

•

•

•

•

switches and controls requiring precise hand movements

socket outlets,telephone points and TV sockets

utility meters

light switches

1000mm preferred (to match door handle height)

11001200

750900

1200

400

350mm min tocornerwall1400

12001000

450

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

< <

Figure 43Height of switches and controls

permanentlywired switches


Lighting

58

Lig

hti

ng

Good lighting is essential for everyonefor visibility and safety. Lighting systemscan be used to accentuate interiorcolour, tone and texture scheme.

All lighting, including natural light,should be controllable and adjustablewhere possible to suit the needs of theindividual.

Good light levels are particularlyimportant in potentially hazardousareas such as stair wells or changes inlevel along a route.

Passive infrared sensors can be used todetect dim light and activate boosterlighting.

Keeping windows, blinds and lampsclean maximises the amount of lightavailable.

Lights should be positioned where theydo not cause glare, reflection, confusingshadows or pools of light and dark.

Positioning lighting in unusual orunexpected places can create shadowsand misleading visual effects.

Uplighters placed above a standingperson’s eye level can delivercomfortable, glare-free illumination.

Some fluorescent lights create amagnetic field which can cause a hum inhearing aids. Lighting of this typeshould be specified with care where itcannot inconvenience people withhearing impairments.

Artificial lighting should be compatiblewith other electronic and radiofrequency installations.

Consider how different types of lightingaffect colours and contrast, which maycause problems for people with visualimpairments.

For further guidance see CIBSE Code forLighting and BS 8300.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


Acoustics

59

Aco

ust

ics

Consideration of the acoustic propertiesof buildings, as well as the specificationof hearing enhancement systems, canbenefit people with hearingimpairments.

In order to allow people with hearingimpairments to maximise their residualhearing, it is important to keepbackground noise to a minimum.

However, sounds can be useful forpeople with visual impairments. Forexample, the sound of a lift arrival belllocates the lift, and being able to hearfootsteps informs that someone isapproaching.

Noise reductionConsider areas where communicationwill be important, such as receptiondesks. Locate these away frompotentially noisy areas.

Provide adequate sound insulation tominimise intrusive noise, both fromoutside and within the building.

Separate quiet and noisy areas ofbuildings with a buffer zone.

Avoid too many hard surfaces, whichcause problems for people with hearingimpairments.

Supplementary heating units should bechosen with a view to minimisingbackground noise, which can bedistracting and tiring for people withhearing impairments.

Air conditioning units and extractor fanscreate a lot of background noise. Theyshould be regularly maintained in orderto reduce noise due to wear.

The main power supply cable to abuilding generates a considerablemagnetic field, which can cause a loud

hum in hearing aids. Care should betaken to route the cable away frompublic spaces.

Computers, overhead and slideprojectors and lighting can createbackground noise and interfere withhearing aids.

Hearing enhancement systemsAD M requires that hearingenhancement systems be installed inrooms and spaces designed formeetings, lectures, classes,performances, spectator sports or films,and at service or reception counterswhere they are situated in noisy areasor are behind glazed screens. Thepresence of an induction loop orinfrared system should be indicated bythe standard symbol.

Induction loopsInduction loops convert sound via amicrophone into a varying magneticfield, which is converted back toamplified sound by an individual’shearing aid (where a ‘T’ switch is fitted).Loops help to cut out extraneousbackground noise.

Induction loops should be fittedwherever information is given verbally:airports, railway stations, box offices,ticket counters, banks, post offices,churches, meeting rooms, cinemas and theatres.

Further technical advice should besought from induction loop systemmanufacturers. Some systems may allowsound to be picked up by hearing aidusers in adjacent rooms – this is calledoverlap. This may be a problem in multi-screen cinemas, adjacent classrooms, orwhere confidentiality is required. Largeamounts of metal within a building canalso reduce the effectiveness of the loop system.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


Acoustics

60

Aco

ust

ics

Infrared systemsInfrared systems work on differentprinciples by converting a sound sourceinto an infrared light signal, and requirespecial receiving headsets. This system ismore suitable for controlled areas suchas cinemas, theatres and lecture rooms,where headsets can be borrowed from acentral source. The system is ofparticular value where confidentiality isimportant. As the technology is basedon light, sound cannot be picked upoutside the room in which the infraredsignals are generated.

Infrared systems cannot be usedexternally.

FM radio systemsFM radio systems can be used insituations where a loop, infrared orsound reinforcement system is notavailable. Using a licence-exempt FMradio link, the transmitter and receiversare lightweight and compact and can beworn under clothing. Receiver unitshave a thumb-wheel volume control,and both units have power ‘on’indicators.

The systems can be used with a suppliedearphone/headphones or with aneckloop (hearing aid switched to ‘T’)for extra seclusion and clearer sound.The range is up to 30m. This type ofsystem is particularly suitable fortraining and educational purposes.

•

•

•

•

Building management

Building management checklist

61

Bu

ildin

g m

anag

emen

t ch

eckl

ist

Accessibility cannot be guaranteed bygood design alone. How a building ismanaged in its day-to-day running willhave a huge impact on how easy it is touse by disabled people. For example, aspacious lift lobby with plenty of roomfor a wheelchair user to reverse into thelift is rendered useless if left full of boxesof stationery. Installing an inductionloop in a theatre or meeting room isonly useful if management advertises itspresence and staff know how to use it.

ChecklistIt is important that those involved inmaking a building accessible – whethernew or existing – contribute to thedrafting of a building managementmanual, which can be updated andadded to as required and linked to anyAccess Statement. In response to dutiesunder the DDA, and to achieve goodpractice in the management of buildingsgenerally, the following buildingmanagement and maintenance issuesshould be considered.

Car parking – ensure that non-disableddrivers do not occupy bays intended fordisabled people.

Bicycles – ensure that bicycles are notleft across access routes or chained tothe handrails of steps or ramps.

Routes and external paving surfaces –ensure that external routes, ramps andsteps are kept clean, unobstructed andfree of surface water, snow and ice andof algae growth.

Vegetation/planting – ensure thatplanted borders, shrubs, bushes andtrees are not allowed to grow to anextent whereby they obstruct paving,entrances, routes, signs or the spread of light.

Doors – ensure that door closers areregularly maintained, door ironmongeryis kept clean and free-moving, side-hungdoors accompanying revolving doors arenot kept locked.

Door opening – ensure that doors areeasy to use. Where an opening force atthe leading edge of a door of 20newtons cannot be achieved, options to consider include:

a door can be held open (on magneticclosers linked to the fire alarm if it is afire door)the door closer can be removed if it isnot required (though fire containmentmust be the priority)the door can be automatedassistance can be provided as and whenrequired (this option is a last resort as itresults in a lack of independent access)

Horizontal circulation – ensure thatspaces required for wheelchairmanoeuvres are not obstructed bydeliveries or storage and ensure accessbetween movable tables, for example inrefreshment areas.

Vertical circulation – ensure that lifts areregularly checked to see that the lift carfloor aligns with the structural floor, thatshort-rise lifts are not abused by peopleusing them as goods lifts and thatportable ramps are available where needed.

WCs – ensure that supplies of toilettissue and paper towels are regularlyreplenished, that the waste bin is notleft in transfer spaces, and that the WCis not used as an unofficial storage area.

Signs – ensure that new signs integratewith the existing signage, that signs arereplaced correctly when removed for

•

•

••

Building management

Building management checklist

62

Bu

ildin

g m

anag

emen

t ch

eckl

ist

redecoration, and that temporary signsare removed when no longer relevant.

Maps and models – ensure that mapsand models of building interiors areupdated when departments move officeswithin the building.

Hearing enhancement systems – ensurethat installations are advertised andregularly checked, and that staff areproperly trained.

Alarms and security – ensure that alarmsystems, including those in WCs, areregularly checked and that new staff aretrained in alarm response procedures.

Surfaces – ensure that cleaning andpolishing does not render slip-resistantsurfaces slippery. Ensure that thejunctions between different flooringmaterials do not become worn,presenting a tripping hazard. Ensurethat, when flooring is renewed, like isreplaced by like. Ensure that theredecoration of interiors does notcompromise a carefully selected colourscheme designed to impart information

to people with poor sight or impaircontrast with features such as doorframes, control panels or signs.

Lighting – ensure that windows, lampsand blinds are kept clean in order tomaximise available light. Ensure thatblown light bulbs are swiftly replaced.

Information – ensure that up-to-dateinformation is available on theaccessibility of the building, on theequipment available, on the assistanceavailable in order to overcome anybarriers, and on the nearest accessibleparking and accessible WCs if these arenot provided.

Policy issues – including reviewingallocation of parking spaces, number ofdisabled people needing facilities,signage policy, staff training andevacuation procedures. Commissioningaccess audits and ensure that accessimprovements are incorporatedwherever possible in maintenance andrefurbishment work.

Building management

Means of escape

63

Mea

ns

of

esca

pe

Means of escape is a crucial subject areathat should be considered at the sametime as access. Designing forAccessibility does not attempt to coveremergency egress from buildings in thesame degree of detail as access to andwithin buildings.

The design of a building alone cannotensure safety for the occupants in thecase of a fire or other emergency.Means of escape strategies should bedevised by the building’s managementin conjunction with designers, fireofficers, access consultants and buildingusers in order to ensure safe, swift andorderly evacuation for all. Escapestrategies for disabled building usersmay differ from those for able-bodiedbuilding users according to the amountof assistance they require in order toleave the building.

Detailed information on means ofescape is given in Part 8 of BS 5588:1988Fire Precautions in the Design,Construction and Use of Buildings –Code of practice for means of escape fordisabled people. This documentconsiders the concepts of horizontal andvertical escape, proposing that disabledpeople evacuate themselves as far as

possible horizontally to a fire-protectedrefuge space on or near the escapestairs. From there they can be evacuatedvertically with the required assistance bythe building management or firebrigade. It states that lifts can be usedto assist in the evacuation of disabledbuilding users if they are encased withina fire-protected shaft and have theirown independent electrical supply andcontrol panel. Appendices give guidanceon evacuation techniques.

The safe and competent evacuation ofdisabled employees and other known,regular building users depends to alarge part upon the creation of bespokepersonal emergency egress plans thattake into account the difficulties of thebuilding, people’s requirements forassistance, and the abilities ofcolleagues in giving that assistance.

Generic emergency evacuation plans canbe devised to meet the needs of visitors.These will be fundamentally suited forthe evacuation of wheelchair users orambulant disabled people or peoplewith visual impairments, and willfacilitate the safe evacuation of disabledvisitors whose needs cannot beidentified in advance.

Appendix 1

Organisations

64

Org

anis

atio

ns

British Standards Institution (BSI)389 Chiswick High RoadLondon W4 4ALTel: 020 8996 9000Fax: 020 8996 7001Email: [email protected]: www.bsi.org.uk

Publishes British Standards including BS8300:2001 Design of buildings and theirapproaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people – Code of practice.

Centre for Accessible EnvironmentsNutmeg House60 Gainsford StreetLondon SE1 2NYTel/textphone: 020 7357 8182Fax: 020 7357 8183Email: [email protected]: www.cae.org.uk

Provides technical information, trainingand consultancy on making buildingsaccessible to all users, including disabledand older people and carers of youngchildren.

Department for Work and PensionsDisability UnitLevel 6Adelphi1-11 John Adam StreetLondon WC2N 6HTTel: 020 7712 2171Fax: 020 7712 2386Website: www.dwp.gov.uk andwww.disability.gov.uk

Responsible for the Government'swelfare reform agenda, supportsdisabled people and their carers,disability benefits and disability civilrights issues.

Disability Rights CommissionDRC HelplineFreepost MID 02164Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9BRTel: 08457 622 633Textphone: 08457 622 644Fax: 08457 778 878Email: [email protected]: www.drc.org.uk

Publishes codes of practice and otherguidance related to the DDA.

The Equality Commission for NorthernIrelandEquality House7-9 Shaftesbury Square Belfast BT2 7DPTel: 028 90 500600Fax: 028 90 248687Textphone: 028 90 500589Email: [email protected]

Works towards the elimination ofdiscrimination and keeps the relevantlegislation under review.

Employers’ Forum on DisabilityNutmeg House60 Gainsford StreetLondon SE1 2NYTel: 020 7403 3020Textphone: 020 7403 0040Fax: 020 7403 0404Email: [email protected]: www.employers-forum.co.uk

Represents and advises membercompanies on disability issues, plusinformation on good practice availablefree to all businesses.

The Mobility and Inclusion UnitDepartment for TransportZone 1/18, Great Minster House76 Marsham StreetLondon SW1P 4DRTel: 020 7944 8300Fax: 020 7944 6589

Appendix 1

Organisations

65

Org

anis

atio

ns

Email: [email protected]: www.mobility-unit.dft.gov.uk

Research, information and policy advice.

National Register of Access ConsultantsNutmeg House60 Gainsford StreetLondon SE1 2NYTel: 020 7234 0434Textphone: 020 7357 8182Fax: 020 7357 8182Email: [email protected]: www.nrac.org.uk

Enables clients quickly and easily tolocate suitable auditors or consultants,and provides a quality standard forthose advising on the accessibility of thebuilt environment for disabled people.

Royal Institute of British Architects(RIBA)66 Portland PlaceLondon W1B 1ADPublic information line: 0906 302 0400Tel: 020 7580 5533Fax: 020 7255 1541Email: [email protected]: www.architecture.com

The RIBA advances architecture bydemonstrating benefit to society andexcellence in the profession.

Royal National Institute of the Blind(RNIB)105 Judd StreetLondon W1H 9NETel: 020 7388 1266Fax: 020 7388 2034Email: [email protected]: www.rnib.org.uk

Help, advice and support for peoplewith serious visual impairments.

Royal National Institute for Deaf People(RNID)19-23 Featherstone StreetLondon EC1Y 8SLNational information line: 0808 8080123Tel: 020 7296 8000Textphone: 020 7296 8199Email: [email protected]: www.rnid.org.uk

Provides consultancy on theenvironmental needs of people withhearing impairments.

Scottish Executive DevelopmentDepartmentVictoria QuayEdinburgh EH6 6QQTel: 0131 556 8400Textphone: 0131 244 1829 Fax: 0131 244 8240Email: [email protected]: www.scotland.gov.uk

For information on the ScottishTechnical Standards.

The Stationery Office LtdPO Box 29Duke StreetNorwich NR3 1GNTel: 0870 600 5522Fax: 0870 600 5533Email: [email protected] ordering:www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

Sells printed versions of any item of legislation or any other officialpublication previously published by HMSO.

Appendix 2

Publications

66

Publ

icat

ions

Legislation, standards and codesof practice

The Building Regulations 2000Approved Document M: Access to anduse of buildings (England and Wales)Office of the Deputy Prime MinisterThe Stationery Office, 2003

The Building Regulations (NorthernIreland) 2000 Technical booklet R: Accessand facilities for disabled peopleGreat Britain Department of Financeand Personnel (Northern Ireland) The Stationery Office, 2001

Scottish Executive Technical Standard,6th AmendmentScottish ExecutiveThe Stationery Office, 2001

BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings andtheir approaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people – Code of practiceThe British Standards Institution, 2001

BS 5588:Part 8:1988 Fire Precautions inthe Design, Construction and Use ofBuildings – Code of practice for meansof escape for disabled peopleThe British Standards Institution, 1988

BS 6440:1999 Powered lifting platformsfor use by disabled persons – Code ofpracticeThe British Standards Institution, 1999

BS EN 81-70:2003 Safety rules for theconstruction and installation of lifts –Particular applications for passengerand goods passenger liftsThe British Standards Institution, 2003

Disability Discrimination Act 1995The Stationery Office, 1995

Special Educational Needs and DisabilityAct 2001The Stationery Office, 2001

Code of Practice for the Elimination ofDiscrimination in the Field ofEmployment against Disabled Personsor Persons who have had a DisabilityDisability Rights Commission The Stationery Office, 1996

Code of Practice Rights of Access toGoods, Facilities, Services and PremisesDisability Rights Commission The Stationery Office, 2002

Code of Practice for providers of Post-16education and related servicesDisability Rights CommissionThe Stationery Office, 2002

Code of Practice for SchoolsDisability Rights Commission The Stationery Office, 2002

Draft Code of Practice – Employmentand OccupationDisability Rights Commission, 2003

Draft Code of Practice – TradeOrganisations and Qualification BodiesDisability Rights Commission, 2003

Appendix 2

Publications

67

Publ

icat

ions

Other publications

Access Audits: a guide and checklist forappraising the accessibility of publicbuildingsCAE, 2003Includes guidance notes, series ofchecklists, film Access Audits: a planningtool for businesses and design guide forpublic buildings Designing forAccessibility.

Access Audits: a planning tool forbusinessesCAE, 2003Prize-winning film which explains whatan access audit is and how itsrecommendations can be used toimprove a business’s premises andcustomer services. Available on VHScassette, CD ROM and DVD, withsubtitles or BSL.

Access Audit Price Guide 2002 for workin relation to the DisabilityDiscrimination ActBuilding Cost Information Service Ltd,The Royal Institution of CharteredSurveyors, 2002Clear, concise, specialist guidance on thecosts of alteration works andimprovements that may be required toexisting premises as a consequence ofthe reforms being brought about by theDDA and changes to AD M.

Access for Disabled PeopleSport England, 2002Design guidance note including a seriesof checklists for auditing sportsbuildings.

Access to ATMs: UK design guidelinesby Robert FeeneyCAE, 2002Design principles and guidance forthose who design, manufacture, installand maintain ATMs.

Building Sightby Peter Barker, Jon Barrick, Rod WilsonHMSO in association with the RoyalNational Institute of the BlindRNIB, 1995A handbook of building and interiordesign solutions to include the needs ofvisually impaired people.

Code for LightingChartered Institution of BuildingServices Engineers (CIBSE), 2000Detailed guidance on all aspects oflighting.

A Design Guide for the Use of Colourand Contrast to Improve the BuiltEnvironment for Visually ImpairedPeopleDulux Technical Group, ICI Paints, 1997

Disabled Access to Facilities: a practicaland comprehensive guide to a serviceprovider’s duties under Part III (2004) ofthe Disability Discrimination Act 1995FM Law Seriesby Ian Waterman and Janet A Bell,Access Matters UK LtdButterworths Tolley Lexis Nexis, 2002

Disability: Making Building Accessible –Special ReportEdited by Keith Bright Workplace Law Network, 2003

Disability PortfolioResource: The Council for Museums,Archives and Libraries, 2003Series of 12 guides on how to meet theneeds of disabled people as users andstaff in museums, archives and librariesincluding guides on the DDA, Auditsand Accessible Environments.www.resource.gov.uk/action/learnacc/ooaccess_03.asp

Appendix 2

Publications

68

Publ

icat

ions

Easy Access to Historic PropertiesEnglish Heritage, 1995 (now out ofprint; new edition expected to bepublished in 2004)Guidance in relation to achieving accessin historic buildings.

Good Loo Design GuideCAE/RIBA Enterprises, 2004Authoritative design guidance on WCsthat meet the requirement of all users.

Guidance on Access Statements(draft title)Disability Rights Commission, CAE andRIBA Enterprises, to be published 2004

Guidance on the use of Tactile PavingSurfacesDTLR Mobility and Inclusion Unit, 1999

Inclusive Mobility: a guide to bestpractice on access to pedestrian andtransport infrastructureby Philip R Oxley, Cranfield Centre forLogistics and TransportationDepartment for Transport Mobility andInclusion Unit, 2002

Inclusive Projects: a guide to bestpractice on preparing and deliveringproject briefs to secure accessDisabled Persons Transport AdvisoryCommittee, Department of Transport2003

Inclusive School Design –Accommodating pupils with specialeducational needs and disabilities inmainstream schoolsDepartment for Education andEmploymentThe Stationery Office, 2001

Planning and Access for Disabled People– A Good Practice GuideOffice of the Deputy Prime Minister,2003How to ensure that the town andcountry planning system in Englandsuccessfully and consistently deliversinclusive environments as an integralpart of the development process.

Sign Design Guideby Peter Parker and June FraserJMU and the Sign Design Society, 2000A guide to inclusive signage.

Centre for Accessible Environments

RIBA Enterprises

69

Cen

tre

for

Acc

essi

ble

En

viro

nm

ents

/RIB

AEn

terp

rise

s

The Centre for Accessible Environmentsis an information provider and a forumfor collaborative dialogue betweenproviders and users on how the builtenvironment can best be made ormodified to achieve inclusion by design.

Founded in 1969, registered as a charityin 1976, the Centre is the acknowledged

centre of excellence on the practicalitiesof designing for accessibility. As acharity, we have a mission to share ourknowledge and expertise. Our servicesinclude information, training,consultancy and publications.

RIBA Enterprises is a leading provider ofinformation in the fields of architectureand construction for specifiers andmanufacturers, as well as for engineers,surveyors, construction lawyers,contractors, academics and students.

We are committed to delivering a widerange of products and services eachyear, to the highest quality, in practicemanagement, construction law, design,

specifying, construction contracts, formsof appointment and associatedguidance and monographs.

With a comprehensive range ofpublications, products and services, anda history spanning more than 30 years,RIBA Enterprises is the perfect partnerto provide solutions to all your business,professional and academic needs.

Index

70

Inde

x

Access Statements 4, 5Access plans and strategies 12Access audits 12Acoustics 59Alarms 46, 48, 56, 62British Standard BS 8300 2, 3, 6Building management 61Building Regulations 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9Car parking 13, 61Circulation 34Colour 20, 22, 24, 27, 33, 34, 35, 36,

37, 42, 52, 54, 57, 58Corridors 35Counters and service desks 51Disability Discrimination Act 2, 5, 7, 12

– Part 2: Employment 8– Part 3: Service provision 9, 12– Part 4: Education 11

Doors– automatic 27, 32, 38– effective clear width 29, 37– entrance 29– entry systems 26, 27, 32– handles 31, 37– internal 37, 38– manually operated 30, 37– opening force 30, 38, 61– outward-opening 26, 35, 48– powered 32– revolving 32– self-closing devices 30, 38– vision panels 29, 37

Dropped kerbs 14, 19Entrances 26Entrance foyers 33Floors 39FM radio systems 60Glazing 27, 30, 36, 37Gradients 14, 16, 21, 36Handrails 22, 23, 25, 40Hearing enhancement 52, 59, 62systems

Infrared systems 60Induction loops 52, 59Lifts

– passenger 41– platform 43– wheelchair platform 44

Lighting 18, 23, 34, 36 42, 49, 52, 58, 62

Lobbies 27, 28Maps 54, 62Means of escape 63Models 54, 62Noise reduction 59Paths 16, 17Planting 16, 18, 61Ramps

– external 21, 22– internal 40

Reception areas 33Routes 14, 16, 20, 61Safety 18, 19, 20, 24, 30,

35, 39, 43, 44, 45Seating 18, 20, 50, 52Setting-down points 15Signs 14, 18, 26, 27, 53, 54, 55, 61Steps

– external 23, 24– internal 40

Street furniture 20Surfaces 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 27,

36, 39, 45, 59, 61, 62Switches and controls 41, 42, 43, 57Telephones 53Tonal contrast 20, 22, 24, 36, 37,

39, 45, 52, 57, 58Walls 39Wayfinding 54WCs 45, 61

– ambulant disabled people 46– unisex corner 46

An excellent Borough - together we can be even better!

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Civic Offices London Road Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 4AH

Telephone 01256 844844 Textphone 84540010983