What Are Part M Ramps?

If you are managing a construction project, upgrading a commercial entrance, or overseeing school estates, navigating UK accessibility laws can feel complex, but installing a Part M compliant ramp ensures your entrance meets statutory building control standards.

This legal requirement originates from Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. The official statutory guidance published by HM Government to help developers, architects, and specifiers achieve compliance is divided into two distinct volumes:

1. Approved Document M: Volume 1 – Dwellings: Focuses on new residential homes across three tiers: Category 1 (Visitable dwellings), Category 2 (Accessible and adaptable dwellings), and Category 3 (Wheelchair user dwellings).
2. Approved Document M: Volume 2 – Buildings Other Than Dwellings: Applies to non-domestic spaces, including commercial offices, retail outlets, schools, healthcare facilities, and public venues.

Where site constraints necessitate an approach gradient of 1:20 or steeper from the site boundary or designated parking bay to the building entrance, an approach incorporating a ramped access route must be provided. 

We can advise you on the most suitable ramp solution for your specific requirements and supply fully compliant components designed to meet the requirements of Parts M and K of the Building Regulations.

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Part M vs. Part K: How the Wider Regulations Work Together

When specifying or installing an access ramp in the UK, you cannot look at Approved Document M in isolation. Ramp design sits at the direct intersection of two key parts of the Building Regulations 2010: Part M (Access to and use of buildings)  and Part K (Protection from falling, collision and impact).

How Part M and Part K Work Together?

• Part M Focuses on Accessibility: Its primary objective is ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or disability —can approach and enter a building independently. It dictates ramp gradients, clear widths, level rest landings, visual contrast, and handrails that are comfortable and "warm to the touch" in cold weather. 
• Part K Focuses on Safety & Fall Prevention: Its primary objective is safeguarding all pedestrians against physical hazards, falls, or collisions. It sets structural rules for ramp construction, edge protection, guarding heights (900mm along ramp flights and 1100mm on landings), and child-safety containment.

Which Regulation Takes Precedence?

Because both documents address ramps, handrails, and changes in level, building control regulations establish a clear hierarchy: where an access route or entrance ramp is concerned, guidance in Approved Document M explicitly takes precedence over Approved Document K if any conflict arises.

However, the two documents operate co-dependently. For instance, Part M specifies that open sides of ramps require a 100mm raised visual kerb to prevent wheelchair castors or crutches from slipping off, in addition to the structural guarding required under Part K.

Part M vs. BS 8300: Baseline Law vs. Best Practice

Architects, accessibility designers, and project managers frequently compare Approved Document M with BS 8300. While both documents aim to make the built environment accessible, they serve different roles within UK planning and construction:

Statutory Part M Ramp Regulations: Technical Specification

To satisfy Approved Document M Volume 2 (Section 1.26), an external ramped access route serving a non-domestic building must meet these exact structural rules:

A. Ramp Gradients and Flight Goings

Gradients must be as shallow as site conditions allow. Steeper slopes require shorter flight runs between level rest landings to prevent user fatigue:

• 1:20 Maximum Slope: Allowed for a maximum flight run of 10m (maximum vertical rise of 500mm).

• 1:15 Maximum Slope: Allowed for a maximum flight run of 5m (maximum vertical rise of 333mm).

• 1:12 Maximum Slope: Allowed for a maximum flight run of 2m (maximum vertical rise of 166mm).

Flight Limits: No single ramp flight may exceed a 10m run or a 500mm rise. Level rest landings must be provided between individual flights.

B. Minimum Clear Surface Width

Public and non-domestic ramps must provide an unobstructed clear surface width of at least 1500mm between enclosing walls, upstands, or kerbs.

C. Landings and Passing Places

• Head & Foot Landings: Every flight requires a level landing at the top and bottom measuring at least 1200mm long, clear of any door swings or obstructions.
• Intermediate Landings: Must be at least 1500mm long clear of door swings.
• Passing Places: If a ramp contains three or more flights, or if users cannot see from one end to the other, intermediate landings must expand to at least 1800mm wide by 1800mm long so wheelchair users can pass easily.
• Landing Slopes: Landings must be essentially level, with a maximum gradient along the line of travel of 1:60 and a maximum cross-fall gradient of 1:40 to prevent water pooling.

D. Handrail Specifications & Touch Temperatures

• Continuous handrails must be installed on both sides of every ramp flight and intermediate landing.
• Height: Vertical height to the top of the handrail must be 900mm to 1000mm above the ramp pitch line, and 900mm to 1100mm above landing surfaces.
• Extensions: Rails must extend horizontally by at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the flight without projecting into pedestrian walking paths.
• Surface Properties: Handrails must be slip-resistant, visually contrasting, and not cold to the touch. Low-thermal-conductivity finishes (such as specialised nylon coatings) prevent the metal rail from freezing or scorching in extreme weather.
• Profile: Profiles must be circular (32mm–50mm diameter) or oval/non-circular (50mm wide by 39mm deep with rounded edges).

E. Kerbs & Edge Protection

Open sides of ramps and landings require a raised kerb at least 100mm high that contrasts visually with the ramp floor. This prevents wheelchair castors or walking sticks from slipping off the edge.

F. Additional Stepped Access (300mm Rule)

Where the total vertical rise of a ramped approach exceeds 300mm (equivalent to two 150mm steps), clearly signposted steps must be provided alongside the ramp (Approved Document M Vol 2, Section 1.26n; Approved Document K, Section 2.6a). This satisfies statutory requirements for ambulant disabled users who find negotiating steps with handrails easier and less tiring than walking up or down an incline.

Part M Ramp Compliance Matrix

Because UK accessibility regulations differentiate between residential housing and non-domestic properties, ramp specifications must be verified against the correct volume of Approved Document M.

Table 5.1: Volume 2 – Buildings Other Than Dwellings (Commercial, Public, Schools, Healthcare).

Table 5.2: Volume 1 – Dwellings (Residential Housing: M4(1), M4(2), M4(3))

The Benefits of Modular Ramps

When upgrading site entrances to meet Part M requirements, choosing the right ramp system can have a significant impact on installation time, cost, disruption and long-term flexibility.

Modular steel ramps offer a faster, more flexible and practical alternative to traditional ramp construction. Unlike concrete or timber solutions, modular systems are precision-engineered off site and assembled quickly on site, providing a high-quality access solution with minimal disruption.

Why Choose a Modular Ramp?

• Designed for Compliance: Prefabricated sections are engineered with compliant gradients, widths and kerbs to help meet the requirements of Parts M and K, providing a consistent and professionally engineered access solution.
• Rapid Installation: Once the site survey is complete and the quotation has been approved, Rapid Ramp’s modular ramp systems can be delivered and installed in as little as 24 hours to two days, depending on the project requirements.
• Ready to Use Immediately: Modular steel ramps can be used as soon as installation is complete. This avoids the curing period associated with poured concrete, which can take 3–4 weeks, helping projects keep moving and reducing disruption to the site.
• Built to Last and Adapt: Manufactured from fire-resistant galvanised steel, Rapid Ramp’s modular ramp systems hold an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Unlike permanent construction that can be difficult and costly to alter, modular ramps can be unbolted, reconfigured or relocated as requirements change.
• A More Flexible Investment: Modular ramps can be supplied as a permanent purchase or on a temporary hire basis with Rapid Ramp. This makes them suitable for everything from permanent building access to temporary construction, refurbishment and infrastructure projects.

If you’re considering a modular system get in touch with our team. We can discuss your requirements and provide advice on the most suitable solution for your project, whether that’s a Standard Ramp, a tailored solution or a Fully Compliant Ramp.

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Specifier & Contractor Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps when planning a Part M compliant access route:

• Measure Threshold Heights: Record the exact vertical rise from ground level or parking surface to your finished entrance threshold.
• Calculate Flight Length: Use a Ramp Calculator to establish the required flight run and landing layout for your total rise. USE THE RAMP CALCULATOR
• Verify Clear Widths: Ensure you have at least 1500mm clear width along flights and a 1500mm x 1500mm level landing space in front of entrance doors.
• Select Compliant Handrails: Make sure handrails have a "warm to the touch" year-round finish.
• Include Steps where Needed: If the total ramp rise exceeds 300mm, incorporate a matching modular step unit alongside the ramp to comply with Approved Document M (Section 1.26n) and Approved Document K.
• Request Technical Drawings: Obtain 2D layouts and 3D CAD visuals before installation to streamline Building Control sign-offs. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DESIGN SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Part M ramp?

A Part M ramp is an accessible ramped approach built to comply with Approved Document M of the UK Building Regulations. It features specific gradient limits, clear surface widths, level rest landings, visual contrast, and non-cold-to-the-touch handrails to ensure safe, step-free access.

What is the steepest allowable gradient for a Part M ramp?

The maximum slope depends on the length of the flight. Short flights (up to a 2m run / 166mm rise) allow a maximum gradient of 1:12. Longer flights up to 10m (500mm rise) allow a maximum gradient of 1:20. Flights longer than 10m or rising over 500mm must be broken up with level rest landings.

What is the minimum width of a public Part M ramp?

Under Approved Document M Volume 2, public and commercial non-domestic ramps require a minimum clear surface width of 1500mm between kerbs, upstands, or walls.

Do temporary or hire ramps need to comply with Part M?

Yes. Any temporary or semi-permanent access route serving a public, commercial, educational, or healthcare building must comply with Building Regulations Parts M and K to ensure safety and satisfy legal duties.

Technical & Statutory Reference Index
All access configurations cited in this guide comply with the following UK statutory requirements, guidance, and standards:

Category A: Statutory Standards for Modular Systems (Pedestrian Accessibility)

• Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings (Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings), 2015 edition incorporating 2020 and 2024 amendments:
• Section 1.33 (Stepped Access): Governs step rise (150–170mm), going (280–425mm), closed risers, and 55mm visual contrast nosings.
• Section 2.9 (Ramp Widths): Sets the clear width requirement of at least 1500mm for public ramps.
• Table 1 (Limits for Ramp Gradients): Defines maximum flight runs relative to slope (10m max for 1:20; 5m for 1:15; 2m for 1:12).

Section 1.37 (Handrail Design): Mandates non-cold-to-the-touch handrails set at 900–1000mm height on flights and 900–1100mm on landings.

Approved Document K: Protection from falling, collision and impact, 2013 edition:

• Section 1 (Stairs and Ladders): Defines structural geometry rules for Utility, Private, and General Access stairs.

• Section 2 (Ramps): Governs safe siting, visual warnings, and kerb protection for ramps.

• Section 3 (Protection from Falling): Mandates guarding heights of 900mm on flights and 1100mm on landings in public buildings.

Category B: Statutory Standards for Site Access & Inclusive Design

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance & Work at Height Regulations 2005:

• Workplace Access & Safety Rules: Covers temporary works safety and statutory inspection protocols.

BS 8300-1:2018 & BS 8300-2:2018:

• Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment: BSI Code of Practice for external environments and buildings.