Ten implications of Part M 2010 on the design of approaches to new buildings
The following list highlights ten implications of Part M and Technical Guidance Document (TGD) M 2010 on the design of approaches to new buildings:
- Gently sloping access routes: A gradient of more than 1:50 and less than 1:20 is considered to be a gently sloped access route. The minimum width of an approach route has to be 1500mm (preferable 1800mm). In order to comply with TGD M 2010, a level landing of 1500mm (a gradient of 1:50 or less steep) must be provided for every rise of 500mm and a level landing of 1800mm must be provided at the top and bottom of the slope.`
- Hazards on approach routes: Hazards must be avoided on approaches to buildings or easily detectable by all users of buildings.
- External Steps: The design of all external steps on approach to the building must meet the requirements of section 1.1.3.5 of TGD M 2010. The going of external steps must be between 300-450mm with a rise of between 150 – 180mm. The rise of flight between landings must not exceed 1500mm. TGD M does however make provision for 18 risers or less if the going of the step is greater than 350mm.
- Tactile warnings should be provided at top and bottom landings of all external steps and be clear of entrance landing. Permanent visual contrasting nosings (50-65mm) should be provided on all of the step treads.
- Ramps: The preferred gradient of a ramp is 1:20 with a maximum rise between flights of 10m. The width of ramps has increased to 1500mm between upstands, walls and kerbs.
- Handrails should be round in profile, easy to grip, provide adequate contrast from their background and extend at least 300mm beyond top and bottom of the steps and ramps. Handrails should be continuous and provided on both sides of the steps. Handrails should comply with the recommendations in section 1.1.3.6 of TGD M 2000.
- Car parking barriers and ticket machines: It should be possible for all motorists to activate car park control barriers. Ticket, swipe card or key activated controls can be difficult to reach and manipulate by some drivers (Refer to BS 8300:2009 for further guidance). Barrier control systems should conform to BS 6571- 4:1989.
- All pedestrian crossings within the site on approach to the building must comply with the guidance set out in the ‘Good Practice Guidelines on Accessibility of Streetscapes’ published by the Local Government Services Board.
- According to TGD M 2010, ‘where there is a road on site leading to the building, there should be a setting down point provided at, or adjacent to, at least one accessible entrance’.
- Effective clear width of external entrance doors: External doors and internal lobby doors at the entrance of buildings used by the general public should have a minimum effective clear width of 1000mm.
For further information and design details refer to section 1.1.1 to 1.1.6 of TGD M 2010. In next months newsletter we will look at the implications of TGD M 2010 on the design of new buildings. If you would like further information on any of the above information or need further assistance in relation to designing accessible buildings, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].
