ACCESS REGULATIONS TO OTHER BUILDINGS

When specifying ramped or stepped access to public or commercial buildings, it is essential to consider several key factors to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards. The following documents outline the necessary requirements:

Approved Document M: Volume 2: This document provides guidance on access to and use of buildings, with a focus on making buildings accessible and inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities.
Approved Document K: This document addresses protection from falling, collision, and impact. It provides guidelines on the design of stairs, ladders, ramps, and guarding to ensure safety.
British Standards 8300-1:2018: This standard offers recommendations for the design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people, including guidance on ramps, steps, and other access features.

RAMP WIDTHS

The minimum width for a ramp to a non-dwelling building, such as a commercial or public building, is 1500mm (as specified in Approved Document M, Volume 2, Section 1.26e, Page 19, and BS 8300-1, Page 41).

LEVEL LANDINGS (REST PLATFORMS)

Once the maximum ramp length has been reached, a level landing should be provided to allow the user to rest.

The minimum length of a level platform is 1500mm (as specified in Approved Document M, Volume 2, Section 20h; Approved Document K, Section 2.13b; and BS 8300-1, Page 41).

RAMP GRADIENTS

The maximum (steepest) gradient you can use is 1:12.

You can use a gradient between 1:12 and 1:20, if the ramp length remains within the permitted lengths.

Please refer to the diagram below for the maximum ramp lengths corresponding to these gradients (see Doc M. Vol 2, Page 19, Table 1 & Diagram 3 / BS8300-1, Page 40).

THE MINIMUM STEP WIDTH

The minimum step width to a non-dwelling building, such as a commercial and public building, is 1500mm (as detailed in Approved Document M, Volume 2, Section 1.26e, Page 19, and BS 8300-1, Page 36).

HANDRAILS ON A LEVEL PLATFORM

1100mm is the minimum height for handrails on a level platform (as specified in Approved Document K, Page 24, Diagram 3.1, and BS 8300-1, Page 42).

If the height of the ramp exceeds 380mm, infill handrails are required to prevent users from climbing or falling through gaps.

Additionally, it is important to remember that the Equality Act 2010 requires employers, local authorities, schools, and service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This includes removing barriers that could prevent individuals from gaining or retaining employment or education, or accessing and using goods and services.

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Approved Document M: Volume 1 - Dwellings

Doc M: Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwellings

Doc K: Protection from falling, collision and impact

BOOK YOUR CPD TRAINING

Our free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Building Regulations documents related to accessibility into dwellings or other buildings, such as commercial or public properties.

The half-hour session can be arranged at a time and location that suits you and your team or conducted online with our in-house experts using screen-sharing technology.

After the training, participants will receive a certificate and documents, including a specification guide, compliance materials, and a copy of our Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) data.