BYTNAR - TALKS
EPISODE 029 - APPROVED DOCUMENT M - ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS - VOLUME 1
This episode is for people who want to know more about Approved Document Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings– Volume 1 – Dwellings.
You should like this episode if you ask yourself questions like:
What are the categories of dwellings defined in Approved Document M for accessibility?
What are the specific requirements for visitable dwellings (M4(1)) under Approved Document M?
How should approaches to dwellings be designed to ensure accessibility for disabled visitors?
What modifications can be made to accessible and adaptable dwellings (M4(2)) to meet future needs?
What standards must wheelchair user dwellings (M4(3)) meet in terms of accessibility and adaptability?
What are the minimum width requirements for doorways and corridors in accessible dwellings?
How can electrical fixtures be made accessible in new dwellings according to Approved Document M?
What design features support step-free access in both public and private areas of a dwelling?
What considerations should be made for communal entrances to ensure accessibility for all users?
This is Bytnar Talks the Engineer Takes on Construction Episode 29 hi I'm Piotr Bytnar each day I help my clients plan and design building projects through Bytnar Limited a Consulting Chartered Structural Engineers practice my biggest passion and the cornerstone on which I've built my business is finding clever solutions for construction projects I am a chartered structural engineer and a buddying software developer. so you can rest assured that I will strive to talk about the best practices and the use of new technologies in the industry and if you're embarking on a construction project or are involved in planning designing and building the world around us you'll find this podcast useful approv document M access to and use of buildings volume one dwellings hi and welcome to Bitner talks your favorite podcast on all matters of architecture engineering and construction it is Friday the 20th of September 2024 and I'm here back with you with the 29th episode and information on approved document M access to and use of buildings volume one dwellings it's been quite a busy month thus far Plus planning applications building control applications structural designs detailings of Steel structures reports meetings networking and most of all making preparations for Kent construction Expo which will be held at midstone deadling showgrounds on the 4th of October so in less than two weeks really bear with me with that patchy delivery but hey where else can you listen to what is including in building regulations anywhere else than here I doubt so if you are visiting this year come to stand 365 for a chat 365 days a year we stand in your corner the last episode was another long one so I hope that to to recap this one quickly and move forward to to the one of today in the last episode I talked about the first volume of approved document L conservation of fuel and power dealing with buildings Ed than dwellings these requirements are contained within 2 L requirements and 17 additional regulations covered in 12 sections of the document section one this is the introduction which overlaps with volume one with distinctions for different building types and stages of execution like shell and core modular Construction and then when we get to to Second th in that shell and core it also covers exemptions for specific buildings and notes the necessity of integrating this document with other building regulations Section one this section deals details the calculation of Target primary energy and emission rates using standard specifications for a notional building the results must be compared with as designed and as build rates and communicated to building control section two focuses on calculating the building's actual primary energy emission rates stressing the accuracy of us built calculations particularly with multiple fuel sources special attention is given to District heating systems and system management improvements section three this section tells us about the mandatory assessment of high efficiency alternative systems requiring reports on their technical environmental and economic feasibility these reports provide an insight for building control authorities and POS and the insight into possible upgrades section four covers fabric performance regarding heat gains and losses setting specific U value limits for building elements it concentrates on minimizing thermal bridging maximizing air tightness and minimizing solar gains while addressing insulation and energy loss in in Running of services section five establishes minimum efficiency standards for Building Services ensuring new and replacement systems meet regulatory requirements the section stresses proper sizing control and maintenance of systems along with the need for energy Mets meters for accurate monitoring section six outlines Energy Efficiency requirements for various Building Systems such as boilers heat pumps and ventilation efficiency standards vary based on fuel type and system capacity with guidance on control systems and Technologies like combined heat and power chps and lighting section seven sets air permeability standard at 8 cubic m per hour per met square at 50 pascals and provides guidelines for testing and exceptions testing must be conducted by qualified personnel and specific require requirements apply to complex buildings results need to be submitted to building control Section 8 requires commissioning of fixed building services to ensure energy efficient operation aligned with cibc's commissioning code M A commissioning plan and notification of completion must be submitted to building control documented any deviations from expected performance section nine Munds the provision of a building log book in line with cibc's tm31 detailing energy efficient operations maintenance and commissioning record records large buildings over 1,000 M Square must include an energy use forecast with logbook updates required after system modifications section 10 tells us about new elements in existing buildings which must meet current energy performance standards with extensions over 100 the square treated as new builds compliance can be demonstrated through area weighted u values calculations or approved calculations methods section 11 deals with Renovations or material change of affecting energy use that must improve Thal performance to meet specific u values significant Renovations involving over 50% of% of an element surface require upgrades to the entire element section 12 tells us that for buildings over a 1,000 M Square undergoing extensions or significant system upgrades the system the significant system upgrades must include consequential improvements to enhance energy performance these improvements must be feasible and involve a minimum spend of 10% of the principal Works costs in this episode I will move to approve document M access to and use of buildings volume one dwellings so without further Ado let's dive straight into [Music] this in this episode I will talk about the statutory guidance contained within the approved document M access to and use of buildings volume one dwellings the requirements of part M are contained within four parts but only the part four is applicable to dwellings I will therefore start with reading you the requirement M4 paragraphs and then move to what is covered in the approved document the episode will follow the structure of previous episodes dealing with the approved documents so first the text of legislation then section 0 1 2 and three so let's get into the NR of this approved document all right guys starting with the text of the legislation access to and use of dwellings category one visitable dwellings requirement m4.5 reasonable provision must be made for people to a gain access to and B use the dwelling and its facilities Category 2 accessible and adaptable dwellings requirement m4.5 optional requirement point one reasonable provision must be made for people to a gain access to and B use the dwelling and its facilities point two the provision made must be sufficient to a meet the needs of occupants with different needs including some older or disabled people and B to allow adaptation of the dwelling to meet the changing needs of occupants over time category three wheelchair use of dwellings that's requirement m43 optional requirement point1 reasonable provision must be made for people to a gain access to and B use the dwelling and its facilities point two the provision made must be sufficient to a allow simple adaptation of the dwelling to meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs or B meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs now requirement m41 doeses not apply to a an extension to a dwelling or B any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected repaired or maintained optional requirement m4.5 a May apply only in relation to dwelling that is erected B will apply in substitution for require requirement m4.5 C does not apply where optional requirement m43 applies D does not apply to any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected repaired or maintained optional requirement m43 point a May apply only in relation to a dwelling that is erected B will apply in substitution for requirement m41 C does not apply where optional requirement and for two applies D does not apply to any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected repaired or maintained optional requirement m43 2B applies only where the planning permission under which the building work is carried out specifies it shall be complied with so simples isn't it it will usually be only the requirement m41 that we need to observe unless otherwise stipulated by by the planning permission as however the document starts with an introduction to the document contained within section zero the document is contained within three sections otherwise covering Vis visitable dwellings accessible and adaptable dwellings and Wheeler used dwellings the recommendations of this document do not apply to extensions but to new dwellings and dwellings undergoing material alteration only we are obliged to inform building control if there are any optional requirements attached to to the planning permission and to which dwelling if stated in the planning approval the access to the dwelling should follow the optional requirements when playable mixed use buildings will need to follow the require recommendations of the volume two for the common areas and we may also need to check the workplace regulations and the equality act to satisfy the letter of laow as however when undergoing material alteration the building cannot be worth of than it was before and historic buildings adaptability should be balanced with its historical Merit we are also informed that part M takes precedence of a part K requirements but when we are to make the approach the building more more convenient by a ramp in more convenient fashion by a ramp or a level access we should mind requirement C also now section one deals with category one visitable dwellings and in the Secretary of State's opinion the building satisfied the dwell the Secretary of State satisfied that the dwelling or dwellings can be reasonably accessed by a disabled person who can walk from the likely highlighting point from the car the toilet is available at the entry story if there is a habitable room at this story or otherwise on the principal story bathroom access from the habitable room at the entry story should be step-free and wallmounted switches and socket Outlets inh habitable rooms should be accessible to people with reduced reach section one is divided into part A and Part B dealing with the approach to the dwelling and private entrances and spaces within the dwellings consecutively section 1A applies to the external and internal areas within the cartilage of the dwelling of the development if the car parking does not form part of the curtilage the whole idea is for a person to reach the dwelling safely leave in a car the approach should be at least 900 mm wide and unobtrusive gentle firm not slippery and only stepped if unavoidable cross fall of Maximum one in 40 gradient if the external approach needs to be ramped the individual flight needs to be not longer than 10 M for the gradient up to 1 in 15 and not more than 5 m for the gradient 1 in 12 width of at least 900 mm with Landing top and bottom and a turn and between flights of at least 12 1200 mm long if the approach is external and stepped again it needs to be minimum 900 mm wide with Landing of at least 900 mm length every 1.8 8 m rise have suitable nosing and minimum 200 mm threat with Riser between 75 and 150 mm so conveniently resembling brick thicknesses one sided grippable handrail needs to be put in place whenever the change of level is at least three Rises handrail needs to exceed 300 mm past the top and bottom nosing and be at the height of between 850 and 1 M communal entrances should be at least 775 mm wide and easy to Traverse by a wheelchair communal lift should be provided whenever possible and should be suitable for wheelchair use have a landing of at least 1 and 1/2 M by 1 and 1/2 m in front of the lift door load capacity to at least 400 kg doors opening at least 800 mm the car space should be of at least 900 mm by 1250 mm controls at least 400 MM away from the inside of the front wall at height between 900 and 1200 mm have tactile indicators outside and inside as well as signaling that it works when when we press the button if it serves more than three floors it should inform us visually and audibly about the rich story it it should remain open for at least 5 seconds and have an override button working for 3 seconds the document says that Lees to BN 8170 type 1 specification will satisfy the requirement communal STS should meet requirement K of General access stest if there is no lift and be at least of an utility type in line with requirement can K when there is a lift present Section 1 B it regulates private entrances and spaces within the dwelling entrance should be leveled and traversable by a wheelchair whenever possible and be step step free whenever whenever possible it should be of if if we got steps that should be of Maximum 150 mm mm rise and align with the threshold clean opening remains at 775 mm with circulation areas and internal doorway should be between between 750 and 800 mm minimum width depending on the nature of the access to the door less than the access less when the access is head on and more otherwise corridors in similar fashion should be between 900 and 1200 mm but not less than 750 mm at localized obstructions like radiators these obstructions cannot be opposite doors and no longer than 2 me mm 2 2 m sorry 2 mm that would be quite small steps between the habitable rooms at the entrance story should be avoided whenever possible water closet facilities should be provided on entrance story where there are habitable rooms or on the primary story otherwise there should be sufficient space in the WC facility at least 45 cm either side of the center line of the toilet and 750 mm to the front of the water closet Basin it can be a bit less 400 C 400 MM to one side if access is oblique doors should open outwards and generally the minimum dimensions are around 150 mm for frontal axis and, 1600 mm for oblique axis those opening can infringe on the water closet Basin by as much as 250 mm and similarly can the sink with the trap at the edge of 750 mm zone for the ease of operation of switches sockets Bells Etc this should be at the zone between 450 and 1200 mm above the floor consumer units at 1350 mm to 1450 mm so that is the simple and most common set of requirements now we will move to optional requir requirment M4 Category 2 dwellings where considerations are pretty much the same but the dimensions and features of the dwellings are more suitable for people with a wider range of mobility issues and the building is primed for future functionality and accessibility upgrades section 2A follows the same reach of consideration as this section one the circulation and access areas need to be sufficient for the purpose the approach need to be stepf free and as gentle as possible but if principal private entrance cannot be reached without the stairs a suitable alternative step-free access to the dwelling needs to be provided if the approach is communal and Rises by at least 300 mm there also should be a stepped access available private approaches should be 900 mm wide generally but can be down to 750 taken into consideration localized abstractions communal Parts with dimension extend to 1200 mm and 1,50 mm mm wide respectively naturally ground surface needs to be suitable and any Gates on route should have a minimum of clear opening width of 850 mm with a 300 mm nip to the Leading Edge of the gate to allow for easy access to operate it the document gives us Provisions for the length of rams depending on the gradient starting with as little as 2 m for the steepest gradient of 1 in 12 to 10 m at 1 to20 and here again the width of the flight will depend on whether it is a private or communal ramp and with it will be either 900 or 1200 mm Landing requirements remain as they were before needed at the top and bottom between flies and changes of directions of at least 1200 mm in length stairs forming an additional route should be uniform of between 150 mm and 170 mm rise and 280 mm to 425 mm goings steps with suitable nosings at least 900 mm wide and landings should have a hand of suitable Dimensions the typical height of 850 to 1,000 mm on at least one side for STS not wider than 1 m h really should extend 300 mm past the top and bottom nosing parking spaces when provided in a private setting should be capable of accom accommodating at least one space of 3.3 M width communal parking spaces to blocks of flat should have at least one parking place close to the entrance with a 900 mm wide clear accesses to one side and dropped curb and all the features to make it easy to use meaning suitable surface level or shallow gradient approach and step-free access to the building drop off points follow similar expectation in terms of surface step free character and being as level as possible close to entry point and when dropped curb is present it is at least 1 M wide and slope no more than 1 in 12 communal entrances need to be cover to a minimum of 1200 mm width and 900 mm depth and be formed by a landing of a at Le 1.5x 1.5 M clear of the swing of any door and automatically illuminated with fully diffused light by The Dusk Till down doors or Gates should be at least 850 mm clear opening like previously we need to think about the space on both sides of the doors to provide easy access and this can be achieved by the nip at least 300 mm wide to the Leading Edge creating a space around the wing of the door for at least 1200 mm and the 200 mm reveal maximum in case of porches or lobbies that doors should be at least 1 and A2 M apart and do not swing against each other the accessible threshold is is a must a surface of proper quality is two door control should be 900 mm to a meter over the floor and at least 300 mm away from any project in corner all remaining communal doors on the way should meet these Provisions well except the one for external parts of such doors communal lifts should have a landing of 1.5 M by 1.5 m in front of the doors lift type 2 to b81 hyphen 10 is said to be sufficient the car needs to be minimum of 1.1 M wide and 1.4 M deep to allow a wheelchair with a driver in minimum door opening of 800 millimet Lea controls at between 900 to 1200 millimet above the car floor and a minimum of 400 MM away from the inside of the front wall and a dwell time of at least 5 Seconds communal stairs should meet the general access stair requirements of requirement K section 2B Now deals with private entrances and space within the dwelling that includes other external doors and key elements within the dwelling principal private entrances and alternative entrances where step-free access cannot be achieved to the former should have a cover Landing Landing should be at least of 1.2 M by 1.2 M and the covering at least 900 mm width and 600 mm depth lighting should be diffused and working From Dusk Till D the door opening should be of at least 850 mm clear width if door HS are double the leading Leaf should maintain that Dimension the 300 mm nip creating space for at least 1200 mm and the reveal of Max 200 mm is also applicable here accessible threshold and at least 1500 mm mm of clear space between the doors of porches or lobbies is also a must same requirement except for Landings is also applicable to all other doors associated with the dwelling circulation areas will need to be now either of at least 900 mm width for holes and landings and corridors not less than 750 mm at points of obstructions obstructions can be of Maximum 2 m in length and are restricted to areas remote remote of doors 1.5 M obstruction free zone is required at the doors opening for an uninterrupted maneuvering and 300 mm is the minimum distance at the corners including for the nip at the entrance story nib needs to extend by at least 800 mm in such cases those clear withd will depend on the corridor space and the way we approach the corridor so head on and when the corridor is at least 1200 mm wide it can be as low as 750 mm mm extending to 800 mm where the corridor is 900 mm and we approach it off fugly private stairs and changes of levels are rather straightforward there shall be no obstruction to use of rooms and facilities at the entrance story and avoid it whenever possible on all other stories to be able to fix a stair lift the stair needs to be at least 850 mm wide 4 50 mm above the pitch line of the stairs including the new post and to meet care requirements now living kitchen and eating areas should be usable and easy to access there should be a living area at the entrance story which is either a living room dining room or kitchen Diner to move freely there should be at least 1200 mm clear space provided above about the kitchen units and appliances glazing to a principal window of the principal living area starts at a maximum room at of 850 mm above the floor level or at the minimum height compliant with the requirements of partk for guarding two windows the bedroom should also be accessible and allow at least 750 mm wide route from the doors to the window there should be at least one double bedroom with 750 50 mm on all sides of the bed but headrest and all single and twin bedrooms should provide this 750 mm clear width to one side of each bed one way to show compliance is to show it on Dimensions drawings using dimensions for the fure as put together in appendix D of the document it is fine to have a bedside table as long as it is not deeper than 600 mm from the wall sanitary facilities also have Provisions for more accessible use water closet CL clck rooms bathrooms and shower rooms walls ducts and box sings should be strong enough to support grab rails seats and other adaptations up to 150 kg per M squared water closes on the entrance story should provide step-free access and perhaps showering facilities for some wheelchair users in the dwellings should have a room containing WC and the Basin those opening outwards in all those circumstances in two or three story dwellings with one or two bedrooms water closet should follow the recommendation of category one dwelling but when there is three or more bedrooms we need to think about the provision of level shower and dimensions of clear zones that will allow use of the room by Less Mobile people the minimum dimensions of the zones are given by the document we generally think about the movement of a 110 mm long by 700 mm wheelchair in and out of spaces and about the rooms if there is an accessible toilet on the entrance story as well as water closet cloak room the the water closet May comply with the requirement of category one dwelling similarly for bathrooms the document gives us clearances for our layouts it tells us that on the story with a double bedroom AKA principal bedroom there should be a bathroom containing water closet a basin and a puff and we should mind that if there is no other rooms with the potential level access shower in the house such should be considered for that bathroom now services and controls need to be conveniently placed for people with reduced reach consuming units at 1350 to 1450 mm height switches sockets stop and controls at 450 to 1200 mm and at least 300 mm away from internal Corners window handle CL in a principal living area at between 450 to 1200 mm above floor area or by remote switch at the same level and all other windows similarly but up to 14,400 mm above floor area the boiler and other controllers should generally be positioned at between 900 and 1200 mm except for the radiator or cooker hoods now section three deals with Category 3 D dwellings which are wheelchair user friendly but otherwise follow the same consideration as we already covered in category one and two houses so section 38 38 3A goes on to tell us about the approach to the dwelling similar to the previous one we address the access to the dwelling from outside as far as the drop off point naturally the route needs to be the route needs to be convenient for the wheelchair user meaning no steps of good service and and they need to include step-free Mobility Scooter parking parking if such is provided if the approach is communal and Rises over 300 mm two steps we are obliged to provide such as an alternative route the approach route should be at least 1200 mm wide any localized obstructions are no longer than 2 m and do not happen at the change of direction or opposite of or near the doorways we need to think 1 and A2 M width and depth space for turning and passing about but at a maximum of 10 m apart external approaches should be lit with diffused light from dust d and a gate between the footway and the main communal or private entrance should have a minimum of 850 mm clear space with 300 mm ni to the Leading Edge and 200 mm nip to the following Edge external and internal RMS should be at the gradient between 1 in 20 to 1 in 15 up to 10 m length at the former and 5 m at the lat Landing as necessary should be provided in addition to the top bottom and the change of Direction and need to be at least 1200 mm long for additional step routes the steps should be between 150 170 mm in rise and between 280 and 425 mm in going Max flights remain the same at 1.8 m rise with nosings of minimum 900 mm clear width minimum 900 mm long Landings and railings for all flights of three steps or more single step should be avoided rable handrail should be at least level at the level of between 800 and 1 M and extend beyond top and bottom nosing by at least 300 mm car parking and drop off points should allow the wheelchair user to be mobile around it parking space needs enough space on both sides of the car and allows access to the boot in a communal setting but to one side and the boot in a private setting the surface should be proper and leveled with a minimum of over a head space at 2.2 m space can be shared between parking places drop off point should be leveled with a good surface and dropped curb not too steep 1 in 15 maximum and at least 1 M wide and reasonably flush with the ground communal entrance should be covered with a minimum of 1.2 M by 1.2 M and have a 1.5 M by 1.5 M Landing 1.5 M turning circle behind the closed doors is required well lit with diffused lightning From Dusk Till down either switched on automatically during the dark times or motion activated when approached the clear 850 mm mm opening applies here also to the leading do 300 mm nibs naturally extended for 18800 mm and 200 mm nip is also required to following edge of the door also so the 200 mm Max reveal to the Leading Edge applies here the threshold needs to be of an accessible type and there should be at least 1500 mm space between the door swings in case of porches and lobbies ground surface should not impede the wheelchair user and we need to provide Power assistance if the doors require more Force to open the document limits it that Force to 30 Newtons from 0 to 30° opening and then 22 and2 Newtons from 30 to 60° controls for such dolls should be at least about 900 mm to a meter above the floor level and at least 300 mm away from any projec in corner all other community doors should follow these requirements well expect for the requirements that deal with external approaches that there is really no need for a canopy IND those you know communal lifts are generally fine if follow the BN 81 hyphen 70 type 2 specification otherwise The Landing in front of the lift doors should be at least 1 and 1/2 M by 1 and 1/2 M the lift car is 1100 by, 1400 doors have a clear opening of at least 800 mm landing and car controls are at 9900 to 1200 mm High over the floor and a minimum of 400 MM from the inside of the front wall dwell time remains at 5 Seconds communal stairs should follow requirement k for General access stairs now we move on to section 3B which deals with private entrances and spaces within and connected to the dwelling to show compliance with special and functional Provisions for the wheelchair adaptable or accessible dwellings will be obliged to show that on dimensioned and furnish layouts to a scale of one in 100 at least Furniture sizes are given in the document in appendix D private entrances should be suitable for wheelchair use which will generally mean a level external Landing of 1 and 1/2 M by 1 and 1/2 M dimensions and clear of those wings light it with diffused light when needed and we also need to think about the Turning circle inside of the door swing of at least 1 and 1/2 M when the doors are closed a typical 300 mm nip creating a niche of at least 18800 mm needs to be provided at the Leading Edge of the doors and at least 150 mm to the hinge side to allow for the installation of a cage for the letter box the door clear opening is maintained at 850 mm 200 mm nib needs to be provided on the approach side of the doors and maintain for 1500 mm the maximum of 200 mm reveal at the Leading Edge of the doors needs to be assured as needs the 1500 mm between the door swings in the porch or Lobby type Arrangements there are few more requirements that are depicted quite nicely in the document diagram the document also informs us that all other entrance doors will need to meet these requirements and excluding once for the external primary entrance approach you know canopies and land land ings and all now holes and door wids are to be a minimum of 1 m 50 mm wide unless not approach heads on then it needs to be 1200 mm wide at least obstructions cannot occur opposite doors near doors or at corners and cannot be longer than 2 m reducing the clear clearance to minimum of 900 mm clear width all doors are now of uniformly eight 150 M mm clear opening irrespective of their position all doors need to have the 300 mm Leading Edge nip and 200 mm following Edge nip and be at least 800 mm away from the corner with its Leading Edge or capable of providing 1.5 M turning Circle between the door and the opposite Edge we now need to provide wheelchair storage and transfer space between the home and the outdoor wheelchair the space should be of minimum 1100 mm depth and 1700 mm width with a space of at least 1200 mm in front of it it should have power socket should be that power socket should be provided to charge the wheelchair in the adaptable home this can be utilized for other purposes provided there will be no need for structural works or Services r location at the point of adaptation or reduction of storage space below the required minimums this requirements general for any adaptable parts of the dwelling we can use it for other purposes but it should be readily available for the change for the adaptation once needed General storage provision requirements is starting at 1.5 M Square for one bedroom up to 4 M square at six bedrooms growing 0.5 M Square half a m Square per each bedroom and stairs counts counts as 1 M squared any space with head height lower than 900 mm does not count and between the height of 90012 M counts as 50% for the wheelchair adaptable dwelling we need to think lift between the circulation spaces on each story and the lift way of at least 1.1 M by by 1.65 M internally with ideally a circulation SP space in front of it of at least 1.5 M Circle the space can be utilized in the meantime but as was the case with the wheelchair storage it needs to be easily formed without any major work to the building when the dwelling is wheelchair accessible accessible the lift needs to be put in place and the 1 and A2 M circulation SP space in front of the lift is is a m in a two-story dwelling a lift to BS 5,9 900 or a lift platform to BN 81 hyphen 41 may be sufficient when it comes to the private stars and changes of level within the dwelling it should be good enough for the ambulant disabled person to move up and down assisted by a ster lift when needed generally STS should follow the requirements K but a minimum of 800 50 mm width needs to be provided measured at 450 mm above the pit line of the stairs have ster lift charging sockets at top and bottom and generally there should be no steps between spaces at any given level now habitable rooms living areas to be usable need to have a convenient transfer between the principal private entrance water closet and the living space the principal living area will need to be located within the entrance story we will need to make sure the minimum combined internal floor area of living dining and kitchen space is somewhere between 25 M square and 37 M Square for between two and eight bed spaces so 2 m Square per additional bed space in between glazing to a principle window should start at maximum of 850 mm above the floow level in kitchen and eating areas we again think in the dwelling for the consideration of wheel adaptable or wheel accessible in the former we we need to ensure the dwelling can be changed relatively easily to become wheelchair accessible and in the latter well you guessed it it needs to be accessible the kitchen and eating areas should be in one room or directly connected to each other and there is sufficient space to maneuver the wheelchair meaning one and a half meter wide approach to Kitchen units and appliances and the same between them the length of the work tops will vary between the adaptable and accessible the difference between 1,800 mm and the sizing for adaptable dwelling starts at 433 mm so over 4 M 4 M and a fet and a foot for two bed spaces up to 6,000 730 M mm for for 6 to eight bed spaces the document gives us a handy diagram with more explanation when the kitchen becomes accessible we then need to realize the person has a cooking and food washing food prep area adjustable to the height and that they will not suffer injur injury while using it that section of the worktop should be at least 2.2 M long with a space underneath for the wheelchair user with the sink thermally insulated to protect the person person's legs from scolding the sink should not be more than 150050 mm deep tab should be easy to operate with levers we ought to think about the space to to place items when taking them out of the appliances and the documents require at least 400 MM of the worktop space for that purpose drainage and water supply should be adaptable and flexible and have isolated valves typically the worktop level will need to be adjustable between 700 and 950 mm above the floor level in bedrooms for bedrooms there is also a handy diagram for principal bedrooms shown in the document that gives us the required access space between the sides and front of the bed of at least 1 M 600 mm depth of bedside tables and 1.2x 1.2 maneuvering square at the door entrance and corners of beds one bedroom needs to be close to the accessible bathroom but all bedrooms should be accessible the best requirement is to provide a 750 mm wide access between the doors to the window the principal bedroom should be no further than a single story away from the entrance story and be minimum of 13 and2 M squared and 3 m wide clear of obstructions similarly every other double or twin bedroom which can be 1 M Square smaller and the single bedroom can go down to 8.5 M Square being at least 2.5 M wide ceiling should be strong enough to accommodate a 200 kg capacity hoist all but principal bedrooms can have 1 M access to one side of the bedroom and the dimensions for Furnishings should follow that from appending D of this document sanitary f facilities consideration will be the same again we need to cater to disabled people and the building will need to be ready for adaptation or be accessible from the W go we will face dimensional requirements the minimum number of bathrooms per per number of bedrooms that the bathrooms with level access showers are designed as wetrooms dcks walls and boxing to every water closet buff and shower will need to be strong enough to gra to accommodate accommodate grab rails seats and other adaptations the required strength is again 150 kons sorry 150 kg per met squared similarly the ceilings will need to be capable of holding a hoist lifting 200 kg the level of water closet pun should be at minimum 400 MM in height basins and sinks should be wall hung at 775 to 850 mm above the floor finish with clear Zone underneath to allow access for the wheelchair we should avoid stacks and soil pipes within the bathroom but if it is unavoidable it should be next to the water closet regarding the number of water closets or cloak rooms we start at the default of one bathroom with level access shower up to three bed spaces and then add a separate water closet for four bed spaces and walk-in shower and a bath at five bed spaces for single story dwellings single bed space is considered as a room between 8 and 1/2 M squared and 12 1/2 M squared two or three story dwellings will follow similar will follow suit water closed facilities on the entrance story well it is important to have an appropriate water closet in the ENT story right in that gist it needs to be large enough and be designed as a wet room with a level access shower the wet room and that water closet May however be accommodated by two separate rooms the door to water closet should be opening outwards though there are really handy diagrams showing the minimum requirement for both adaptable and accessible toilets but we always need to keep in mind if we do an adaptable water closet it needs to be easily transformed into an accessible one with bathroom facilities alike these can be arranged in different ways and depending on the adaptable or accessible nature of the room will have ever so slightly different requirements again diagrams are shown in the document that the pig distances and arrangements for us dwellings up to four bed spaces should have a minimum of one bedroom that contains a water closet a basin and an installed level access shower with an option for a latter installation of a buff unless that is provided elsewhere in the room or another bathro however the level access shower buff room should be on the same level as is the principal double bedroom in the gist we need to be able to wash and bathe safely and provide enough access to facilities in line with the number of bed spaces meaning people that may require the facilities at the same time may need to be given the opportunity to do so services and control should be conveniently placed so that the consumer units so that that that means for the consumer units it is between 30 1350 to 1450 mm above floor level with switch sockets stop coocks and controls at 700 to 1 M accessible away from inside Corners by at least 700 mm this does not include radiator controls obviously kitchen appliances need isolators located at similar range the handle to at least one window in the principal living area should be at similar height and the remaining Windows between 450 and 1200 mm all can be though controlled remotely as an alternative door handles locks latches and catches should be both easy to grip and use and at 850 to 1 M height light switches should be at individual plates and let have should have individual plates unless of a wide rocker or full plate fitting type switches to double sockets should be positioned externally we should provide a door entry phone with remote door release facility in the main living space and the principal bedroom also the bedroom should be prepared for the installation of bed head controls a telephone and a power socket should be positioned together in the main living space tabs and bathroom controls should be suitable for one hand operations by a person with a limited grip boiler controls should occupy space between 900 and 1200 mm and radiator controls between 450 and 1 M now private outdoor space well every outdoor space should accommodate a turning circle of 1.5 M free of any door swings paths should be at least 1,50 mm wide turn terminated again with that 1.5 5 m turning Circle gates and doors should be at least 850 mm wide with 300 mm and 200 mm functional nips to both sides similar to other provisions and the paving obviously should be of suitable surface and not too steep [Music] so this is it folks the approved document M access to and use of building volume one dwellings let's sum it up section by section section zero introduction this section introduces the document scope which applies to new dwellings and material alterations but excludes extensions the document outline access and usability requirements for dwellings categorized into three sections visitable dwellings section m4.5 accessible and adaptable dwellings m4.5 and wheelchair user dwellings m4.5 it is important to check for any optional requirements attached to planning permission and building regulations should be followed alongside the equality act and other relevant codes we are informed that in case of conflict part M takes precedence over part part K section one deals with cat one visitable dwellings visitable dwellings ensure reasonable access for disabled individuals who can walk to and use the dwellings facilities a toilet must be accessible on an entry or principal story if there is a habitable room on that level access to the bathroom should be step free and switches or Outlets must be reachable for people with limited Reach This section ensures basic usability for visitors with Mobility impairments section 18 treats on approach to that dwelling the approach to the dwelling must provide safe and convenient access being at least 900 mm wide unobstructed and and of non-sleep character if ramps are necessary they must meet specific gradient and length requirements of the flight and have appropriate alternative step route where communal entrances are provided they must wheelchair accessible with a width of at least 775 mm and communal lifts should accommodate wheelchairs with suitable Landings doors and controls as per specified standards section 1B goes on to talk about private entrances and spaces within the dwelling private entrances should be level where possible and allow wheelchair access internal doorways must meet minimum with requirements for circulation around 750 to 800 mm while corridors Must ALL allow easy movement avoiding steps were feasible water closet facilities on the entry on or principal story must provide sufficient clearance for wheelchair access with outward opening doors electrical fixtures must be installed at accessible Heights for ease of use section two Category 2 deals with accessible and adaptable dwellings category to focuses on dwellings that can accommodate occupants with diverse needs including older or disabled people and be adaptable over time the design should allow for future modifications such as the addition of grab rails or sell lifts without significant alterations to the fabric of the building these Provisions are applied where specified in planning approval in addition section 2A approach to the dwelling the external approach must provide step-free accessible paths similar to category 1 but with added flexibility for future adaptation ramps and entrances and circulation routes should support adaptability ensuring that future changes to dwelling to meet specific accessibility needs are simple and straightforward it is vital for long-term usability as occupant needs evolve and change in section 2B private entr in and spaces within the dwellings internal spaces must be designed to allow straightforward adaptation to meet the future needs of disabled or aging OCC occupant occupants door with circulation areas and bathrooms should be flexible to accommodate AIDS and adaptations the focus is on ensuring that spaces can easily be modified as needs change provided greater accessibility and usability over the dwellings lifespan now moving to section three that deals with Category 3 wheelchair user dwellings well here dwellings in this category must either be adaptable for wheelchair users or fully wheelchair accessible from the onet this includes ensuring access to and usability of all facilities within the dwelling but wheelchairs wheelchair users Category 3 requirements override Category 2 if planning specifies compliance ensuring wheelchair users have sufficient access in section 3A approach approach to the dwelling we are told that approach routes for wheelchair user dwellings must ensure step-free access from the parking or external areas all external and internal approaches should be fully accessible ensuring safe movement from entry points to the dwelling ramps stairs and lifts must be designed to accommodate wheelchair users ading to specified standards for size clearance and usability section 3B talks about private entrances and spaces within the dwellings private entrances must provide provide level access for wheelchairs with doorways circulation spaces and rooms designed for full wheelchair maneuverability bath room and kitchen layout should be adaptable or preconfigured to meet the needs of wheelchair users including appropriate Heights for controls fixtures and three things the design ensures that wheelchair users can fully inhabit and use the dwelling without additional modifications in the next episode we will move to approve document M access to and use of buildings volume two buildings other than [Music] dwellings I hope you enjoyed this episode and that the consideration of the approved document M access to and use of buildings volume one dwellings are clear for you now if you have any questions reach out to me on LinkedIn or send me an email I am more than happy to help you out in BNA we deal with planning designing and managing of your projects and we are always glad to facilitate a free initial consultation to steer you in the right direction visit www.but now.co and reach out to us whether your question is if we can help you with your project or what should I do we will be able to give you a piece of non obligatory advice at Bitner we help our clients design and execute their dream homes or Investments if your building is falling apart we can also help investigate the reasons behind it and to provide you with an appropriate strategy design and specifications for the repair thank you again for listening please voice up your opinions and waiting for you on LinkedIn and I want to hear from you see you next week Bytnar Designs The World Around You, Toodloo!
Piotr Bytnar BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIStructE
Chartered Structural Engineer who deals with the Architecture of buildings. His Master's Studies led him to an in-depth understanding of risk and contract arrangements in construction as well as specialist knowledge in soil mechanics.
He and his team help homeowners and property developers to design and deliver construction projects reducing waste in time and the cost. He believes that the construction project is an iterative process that can be well managed and it is best managed if all the aspects of the project definition and management are dealt with in-house or coordinated by one organisation. His team works to all stages of RIBA and ISTRUCTE stages of work and enables contractors to deliver projects on-site providing risk evaluations, methodologies for execution of works and temporary works designs.
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