EPISODE: 030 - APPROVED DOCUMENT M - ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS - VOLUME 2
- Piotr Bytnar BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIStructE
- Nov 5, 2024
- 34 min read
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
BYTNAR - TALKS
EPISODE 030 - APPROVED DOCUMENT M - ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS - VOLUME 2
This episode is for people who want to know more about Approved Document Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings– Volume 2 – Buildings Other Than Dwellings.
You should like this episode if you ask yourself questions like:
What is the Approved Document M and how does it relate to building accessibility?
What are the accessibility requirements for new buildings according to Approved Document M?
How does the Equality Act 2010 influence building accessibility standards?
What are the guidelines for creating accessible routes to building entrances?
What features must entrances have to comply with Approved Document M?
How should horizontal and vertical circulation be designed in non-residential buildings?
What facilities must be accessible in public buildings under Approved Document M?
What are the requirements for accessible sanitary accommodations in public buildings?
Are there specific dimensions or standards for ramps and pathways to ensure accessibility?
This is Bytnar Talks: The Engineer Takes on Construction, Episode 30.
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 budding software developer. So, you can rest assured that I will strive to talk about best practices and the use of new technologies in the industry.
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.
Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings, Volume Two — Buildings Other Than Dwellings
Hi, and welcome to Bytnar Talks, your favorite podcast on all matters of architecture, engineering, and construction. It is Sunday, the 13th of October 2024, and I’m back with you with the 30th episode, and with information on Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings, Volume Two — Buildings Other Than Dwellings.
It’s been another busy period, including a smashing day at this year’s Kent Construction Expo 2024. At our stand, number 365, we had the pleasure of meeting and greeting many great people from Kent’s construction sector.
We were luckily placed next to the Brunel Theatre (do not mistake it for Bytnar), where many brilliant people were addressing the Building Safety Act. It was great to see people hopefully standing in the queue before the doors of the theatre opened — talking to us — and then seeing them more confused than ever before when they left the theatre!
No doubt, the Building Safety Act takes time to get used to, and we’ll likely see some amendments in the near future.
Alright, never mind — that day is gone. Let’s move on to this episode.
The last episode treated the topic of accessibility in dwellings. Let’s quickly go through the recap and see what was covered last week.
In the last episode, I talked about the first volume of Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings, dealing with dwellings.
Section 0, which always directs us to the purpose of the document, covered access and usability requirements for new dwellings and material alterations (excluding extensions). It categorizes dwellings into:
Visitable (M4(1))
Accessible and adaptable (M4(2))
Wheelchair user (M4(3)) dwellings
That is, Requirement M4 and Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3.
Planning permission may impose optional requirements, which relate to Paragraphs 2 and 3. Part M takes precedence over Part K in cases of conflict, and should be used alongside the Equality Act and other regulations.
Section 1: Category 1 – Visitable Dwellings
Visitable dwellings must ensure basic access for disabled visitors. A toilet should be available on the entry or principal floor, with step-free access and reachable controls for individuals with limited mobility.
Section 1A – Approach to the Dwelling
The approach must be safe, unobstructed, at least 900 mm wide, with a surface that is not slippery. Ramps and steps must meet gradient and size requirements.
Communal entrances must be accessible, with doorways at least 775 mm wide, and lifts should accommodate wheelchairs.
Section 1B – Private Entrances and Spaces Within the Dwelling
Private entrances should provide level access, with internal doorways and corridors wide enough for wheelchairs. Water closet facilities must allow wheelchair access, and electrical fixtures should be installed at accessible heights.
Section 2: Category 2 – Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings
These dwellings should accommodate diverse needs, allowing future adaptation for disabled or elderly occupants. The design should allow easy modifications, like installing grab rails or stair lifts, without major structural changes.
Section 2A – Approach to the Dwellings
Approaches must provide step-free access, allowing for future adaptability. Ramps, entrances, and routes should be designed to support easy modifications to meet changing accessibility needs over time.
Section 2B – Private Entrances and Spaces Within the Dwelling
Internal spaces should be adaptable for future needs, ensuring door widths and circulation areas accommodate aids or adaptations. This design flexibility ensures that spaces remain accessible as occupants’ needs evolve.
Section 3: Category 3 – Wheelchair User Dwellings
These dwellings must either be fully accessible to wheelchair users or adaptable to meet their needs. If planning requires Category 3 compliance, this standard overrides Category 2.
Section 3A – Approach to the Dwelling
Approach routes must offer step-free access from parking or external areas, with ramps, stairs, and lifts designed to accommodate wheelchairs. This ensures full accessibility from any point to the dwelling.
Section 3B – Private Entrances and Spaces Within the Dwelling
Private entrances must be level, with doorways, rooms, and circulation spaces designed for full wheelchair use. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other facilities should be pre-configured or adaptable to meet wheelchair users’ needs.
In this episode, I will move to Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings, Volume Two – Buildings Other Than Dwellings.
Luckily, a new change to the regulation just kicked in last week — hence we are fresh on the delivery. So, without further ado, let's dive straight into this.
In this episode, I’ll talk about the statutory guidance contained within Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings, Volume Two – Buildings Other Than Dwellings.
The requirements of Part M are contained within four parts — but only Parts One to Three are applicable to buildings other than dwellings. I will therefore start with reading you the requirements M1, M2, and M3 paragraphs, and then move to what is covered in the Approved Document.
All three of these requirements are expanded across five sections of the document: Sections 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of this approved document.
All right guys, starting with the text of the legislation:
Access to and Use of Buildings Other Than Dwellings
Requirement M1 – Access and Use
Reasonable provision must be made for people to:(a) gain access to, and(b) use the building and its facilities.
Requirement M1 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.
Requirement M2 – Access to Extensions to Buildings Other Than Dwellings
Suitable independent access must be provided to the extension, where reasonably practicable.
Requirement M2 does not apply where suitable access to the extension is provided through the building that is extended.
Requirement M3 – Sanitary Conveniences in Extensions to Buildings Other Than Dwellings
If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to be extended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension for sanitary conveniences as required.
Requirement M3 does not apply where there is reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences elsewhere in the building, such that people occupying, or otherwise having occasion to enter the extension, can gain access to and use those sanitary conveniences.
As you can see, the requirements are simple. The interpretation of them, however, may not be as straightforward.
But the only dictionary between us and the legislators is the Approved Document — so let’s have a look at what this one says.
Section 0 – Introduction to the Guidance
This section follows the typical structure of statutory guidance.
The legislator is satisfied that the requirement is met if the performance standards allow everyone — who wants to gain access to the building, or within the building, or to use the building's facilities — to do so without inhibition concerning their age, gender, or disability.
And that goes for both visitors and people who work there.
The requirements apply to new buildings, as well as existing buildings that undergo:
material alteration,
extension, or
material change of use to a hotel, boarding house, institution, public building, or a shop.
The guidance also reminds us to consider the Equality Act 2010, especially in the context of being an employer — and to think about any physical bariers created by features in the building.
When it comes to extensions, these should be treated as new builds — so accessibility needs to be addressed in some way. This applies to the entire route, all the way from the site boundary or on-site car parking, to the new building.
Similarly with sanitary conveniences — provisions may, in either case, rely on what’s already in the building, but it must be appropriate. If it’s not, we may need to think about an upgrade, should we wish to use those instead of providing new ones in the extension.
Now, since material alterations cannot make the situation worse, and a material change of use will likely lead to the necessity of an upgrade. In the gist: when Requirement M applies, people should be able to navigate to and in between buildings or building parts, and should be aided whenever needed and possible.
Educational establishments should have proper regard to the requirements, and in the case of historic buildings, some concessions may need to be made. As designers or specifiers, we need to demonstrate to Building Control how we address the functional requirements of the regulation — which, in most cases, will be by following this document.
Moving on to Section 1, which deals with Access to Buildings — which covers, guess what? Access to buildings!
Access is considered from the boundary or car park into the building, and between buildings within a complex. Many things to consider here — including people with different abilities traversing these routes.
The document directs us to the publication called Inclusive Mobility: A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure for detailed guidance.
The section then goes on to cover:
Level approach from the boundary or parking space
On-site car parking and setting down
Ramped access
Stepped access
Handrails to external stepped and ramped access
Hazards on access routes
Level Approach
Level approach from the boundary or parking space should be exactly that — leveled, for as long as it's possible. Gradients over 1 in 20 should be treated as ramps.
The surface should be easy to traverse and wide enough to allow uninhibited passing by users — generally at least 1.8 m wide, though down to 1.2 m may be acceptable in more constrained circumstances.
People should not be prone to hurting themselves when passing around the perimeter of a building under all lighting conditions.
The level approach should be at least 1.5 m wide, with passing places and clear of obstructions to a height of 2.1 m.
Passing places should be 1.8 m wide and at least 2 m long, and spaced no more than 50 m apart — but also visible between each other so users can plan to rest at one or allow someone else to pass.
Crossfall should be a maximum of 1 in 40, and gradient usually max 1 in 60, but if treated as a ramp, up to 1 in 20 is acceptable, with a landing every 500 mm rise.
The surface should be firm, durable, and slip-resistant, with undulations no more than 3 mm per 1 m straight edge for formless materials. If the material used varies along the way, it should maintain consistent frictional characteristics.
(You know that feeling when you suddenly slip stepping on a wet floor in the store? Yeah — we want to avoid that.)
For paving, the units should be levelled to within 5 mm difference, with joints up to 10 mm when filled, and 5 mm when not filled.
The route to the principal entrance should be well-lit and signed. The walking path should generally be separated from vehicular access, but when there is a crossover, it should be marked with a buff-coloured blister surface — you know, the stuff you see at every pedestrian crossing.
The size of this surface should be at least 1.2 m wide and 800 mm deep, to give enough warning to people — especially people with impaired sight.
On-Site Car Parking and Setting Down
There should be sufficient provision for people wishing to access the site by car. Mobility-impaired people should not struggle to get out of the car and onto a wheelchair, or generally move around the car to access the main building.
British Standard 8300 gives guidance on the provision of parking bays for different building types, ticket-dispensing machines, vehicle control barriers, and multistorey car parks. This standard will be generally applicable in many different circumstances — so whenever you go about designing such a building, BS 8300 will be a handy companion for you.
Disabled parking bays should be:
Positioned as close to the principal entrance as possible
Located on level ground
At least 3.6 m wide and 6 m long
Including a 1.2 m zone to the side and to the back or front (depending how the car is parked)
A dropped kerb will be needed when accessing the pedestrian route, and the surface needs to be sound, slip-resistant, and not undulating more than 3 mm per 1 m straight edge.
Ticket machines must have controls at 750 mm to 1200 mm above ground.
The setting down point surface should also be appropriate — the space clearly marked, as close to the building entrance as possible, and level, to allow easy access.
Ramp requirements should follow Part K, unless Part M says otherwise.
It is beneficial to have ramp and steps, when needed and for gradients up to 1 in 20, landings should be every 500 mm rise, but max every 10 m of flight length. For maximum gradients of 1 in 12, the going should be no more than 2 m for each 166 mm rise.
Railing should be provided on both sides, should be lit, and of good surface. It is all about providing easy access for all different types of disabilities. Some people will be better at walking, some will need one-sided support, some will struggle to propel or stop a wheelchair. Therefore, the access route should be as easy for them as is feasible.
When the total rise is more than 2 m—and mind you that the longest going is 10 m for 500–100 mm rise—we will need to provide an alternative access. A lift could do the trick, or an alternative entrance.
Ramp should be at least 1.5 m wide, with landing at top and bottom of at least 1.2 m length. Any intermediate landing of 1.5 m length should be at least 1.8 m by 1.8 m. Landings for passing should be provided if the users cannot see the other side of the ramp or the ramp has three or more flights.
Landings should be levelled, with max gradient of 1 in 60 and crossfall of 1 in 40, with handrails on both sides. Ramp should have at least 100 mm height visually distinct curb on its open side, and clearly signposted stairs for level change of at least 300 mm (meaning two steps).
The stepped access should be marked to signal to the vision-impaired people that it is there, especially at the top where the hazard of falling down the flight of stairs is the greatest.
Frictional characteristics of all surfaces forming the access route—ramps, landings, stairs—should be similar. Steps should not be slippery and easily identifiable, avoiding open risers.
Further guidance can be sought—guess where—in British Standard 8300.
Level landings are a must at top and bottom, of at least 1.2 m length, with so-called corduroy hazard warning at top and bottom to alert people of impending stairs. It will need to be long enough so no one can stride over it without noticing—so at least 800 mm wide when the approach is head-on, and half that if we need to turn to go on the stairs.
The spacing of the hazard marking and the stairs is to be 400 mm at top and bottom. Certain requirements for the spacing of strips and their size is also provided in the document: being 20 mm strips at 6 mm elevation with gaps of 30 mm between them.
There should be no single steps. Max 12 rises for goings less than 350 mm, and 18 for goings greater than 350 mm.
Contrasting nosing markers of at least 55 mm width should be placed at the rising and going part of the step, and the nosings should be no more than 25 mm.
Rises should be between 150 and 170 mm, and goings between 280 and 425 mm. Preferred dimensions for school stairs are, though, 150 mm rise and 200 mm going.
Rises may be different adjacent to existing buildings, but that needs to be agreed with building control. Risers should not be open, and stairs should have continuous handrails on each side of the stairs and landings.
Extra wide stairs should be divided into not less than 1 m portions, but not greater than 1.8 m width sections—giving that odd jump to 2 m when the stairs become more than 1.8 m wide.
Handrails, as ever, should extend 300 mm past the bottom and top nosing, at between 900 mm to 1 m height over the pitch line of the stairs. Handrails should be grippable, soft to touch, and preferably usable as forearm support.
They should be rigidly supported and away from the wall to avoid finger trapping—which means at least 50 mm away from the wall and any other points where your fingers could get snapped in between.
Round handrails should be between 32 and 50 mm diameter, and other shapes should be rounded at edges with a radius of minimum 50 mm. Otherwise, they should be 50 mm wide and 39 mm deep.
A diagram shows some additional dimensions that are worth considering. It should not protrude overly into the stairs to impede its use—usually, the limit is set at 100 mm protrusion, which is allowed.
Hazards on access routes are generally addressed in sections of Approved Document K—Sections 6 and 10. In their gist, though, there should be no protrusion—permanent or temporary—that could injure a pedestrian during normal use of the access route.
Off to Section 2, which addresses access into buildings—in that gist, again, we need to consider all users of the building, and that access into the building should be easy to use for all and as hazard-free as possible.
The document goes on to cover accessible entrances and doors to accessible entrances include manually operated non-powered entrance doors, powered entrance doors, glass doors, glazed screens, and entrance lobbies.
Accessible entrances may sometimes be difficult to include as part of the principal access route. In such circumstances, we need to provide an alternative entry point. Such entrances should also be clearly signposted.
The entry threshold should not cause undue difficulty for wheelchair users or present trip hazards. Ideally, thresholds should be level but still provide weather protection.
Accessible entrances should be clearly signed—and guess what—there are expectations for the type of signage, too. The signage should be clearly visible and incorporate the international symbol of access. The signage should be visible from the edge of the site and from the principal entrance if it is not itself accessible.
Accessible entrances should be clearly identifiable among other elements of the building. The landing in front of the doors should be clear and easy to use for wheelchair users, so a 1.5 m by 1.5 m turning space is generally needed.
A level threshold is preferred, but otherwise, the threshold must not be higher than 50 mm, and any upstand over 5 mm should be rounded or chamfered.
Any door access system needs to be accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people, as well as people who cannot speak.
Weather protection should be provided at manual, non-powered entrance doors. The floor material behind the doors should also be suitable for wheelchair users.
If the entrance is an alternative one, the internal accessible route should be provided to the space otherwise accessible by the primary entrance.
These accessible entrances should be easy to use by all and be capable of being held closed when not in use—whether power- or manually-operated, it does not matter.
It should be noted that self-closing doors capable of closing against wind forces and with draught-proofing are not likely to be user-friendly, so preference is given to power-assisted doors—preferably sliding ones.
People should be able to see others approaching from the opposite side to avoid collision. However, in special circumstances—such as for security or privacy—doors may be obscured.
Figures-wise, this means that the door, if operated manually, should be able to be opened using less than 30 Newtons of force at the leading edge from 0 to 30°, and 22 Newtons from 30° to 60°. This requirement applies universally to any door used by wheelchair users or people less able to move around.
The effective clear width of the door will be between 750 mm to 775 mm in existing buildings, and between 800 mm and 1 m in new buildings. In both cases, the narrower width is acceptable only where the approach is straight on or from the side of a 1.5 m-wide access route, or in general public access buildings with similar side approaches.
Tables and diagrams clearly show the dimensions and clearance requirements—so have a look at those.
For manual doors, we need to consider ease of use and provide a 300 mm nib (space) at the leading edge. Doors operated manually should have latches and handles that are pleasant to touch and operable with a closed fist. Unfortunately, not all users can rely on fine finger or hand dexterity.
Powered entrance doors should be easy and safe to use, allowing people enough time to react to their movement. The elements used to prepare or activate them manually should be clearly visible.
It should be noted that revolving doors are not considered accessible—so a suitable door should be provided immediately adjacent to them and clearly signposted.
All doors should be operable with a closed fist and not require reaching too far from the leading edge. If the doors open toward pedestrian traffic, they should include both audio and visual alerts. These doors should not open directly into access routes.
Controls should be placed between 750 mm and 1 m above floor level.
Glass doors and glazed screens should be made clearly visible so that people do not walk into them—and they will be, if they follow the recommendations in Section 7 of Approved Document K.
Now, about the entrance lobbies:
The document provides a helpful diagram showing six different arrangements of door positioning and lobby layouts.
There should be enough space in the lobby to operate a wheelchair and open the door. Typically, a 300 mm nib at the leading edge is required, and a lobby size of at least 1570 mm in length and 1200 mm in width lobby.
The actual size will depend on which way the doors open. The lobby should be easy to traverse and free of hazards. If there are elements that protrude more than 100 mm into the lobby, these should be protected by clearly visible guardrails.
Now, Section 3 addresses horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings other than dwellings. It is all about moving unaided and with ease around the building, especially for the wheelchair user.
This section goes on to cover: entrance hall and reception area, internal doors, corridors and passageways, internal lobbies, vertical circulation within the building, provision of lifting devices, general requirements for lifting devices, passenger lifts, lifting platforms, wheelchair platform stair lifts, internal stairs, internal ramps, handrails to internal steps, stairs and ramps—so plenty!
Starting with the entrance hall and reception area—this being the first point of contact with the building—these need to be particularly easy to navigate and move around.
If there is a reception desk, part of it should be at a lower level to allow seated communication on both sides of the counter. We always think about all users—visitors and staff alike.
We should think about the choice of materials and layout, so people who need to lip read or hear badly can gain appropriate information from either reception staff or notice boards.
Ideally, the reception desk should be away from the entrance to alleviate external noise issues, but it should remain visible and easily accessible from the doors, which will need a bit of manoeuvring space in front of the desk.
The extent of that space will depend on whether there is a knee space at the desk of at least 500 mm or not. So:
1200 mm deep by 1000 mm wide in the former case (with knee recess), and
1400 mm by 2200 mm in the latter (without).
The reception desk should be able to accommodate both seated and standing visitors, so at least one section of it—of at least 1.2 m width—should be provided at a level not higher than 760 mm, with a knee recess of at least 700 mm.
Other enhancements should be provided as well, and the floor should remain slip-resistant.
Regarding internal doors:These should be kept open whenever possible or be of proper size, detail, and easy to open. In a fire case scenario, that may be achieved by release magnets if needed.
However, BS 8300 offers some additional guidance on those systems. Doors, whether open or closed, should also be apparent for visually impaired people.
In real terms, think about how much force is needed to open the doors: the 30 Newtons and 22 Newtons rules are universal.
The clear width of doors should be between 750 mm and 1 m, depending on the position of the approach. Whether it’s an existing building or a new one a 300 mm nib (clear space) to the leading edge is required—unless the doors are automatic or lead to a standard hotel bedroom.
Doors should be capable of being opened with closed fists or feet—that would be essential, as not everyone can rely on fine hand or finger movement.
Door-opening furniture should contrast with the doors, and doors and door frames should contrast with the walls. If the door remains open, the edge should still contrast—so no one walks into it.
Also, think vision panels in door leaves wider than 450 mm—providing a view of the other side at a level between 500 mm to 1500 mm above floor level.
Glass doors should be marked so they are visible.
Electromagnetic door holders should release self-closing doors when activated by the alarm system, when the power supply fails, or when triggered by a hand-operated switch.
Fire doors should generally be closed by a swing-free device—especially if they lead to individual rooms.
Any power-operated swing door system should be operational in all states: manually, power-assisted, or fully powered.
Corridors and passageways should be wide enough for a wheelchair to reverse, or for people with luggage or crutches to pass each other.
Some localised narrowing may be necessary, but that should not, in general, make the corridor unusable.
The contrast between walls, ceilings, and floors should be considered, as well as good use of materials, colours, textures, and lighting to assist people with sight impairments.
The acoustics of spaces should also be as natural as possible—avoiding excessive reverberation or absorption of sound.
In general, corridors should be at least 1200 mm wide.
Some projections into the space may be unavoidable, but if they reduce the width to less than 1800 mm, then passing spaces should be provided at intervals.
These passing spaces—1.8 m by 1.8 m—will likely be needed and are best placed at corridor junctions.
Generally, gradients should not be more than 1 in 60, and if needed, gradients steeper than 1 in 20 should be treated as an internal ramp. For in-between gradients, every 500 mm rise we need to provide a rest place of 1.5 m long.
Typically, no doors should open onto the passageway, and any sloping surfaces should be identified and edged when needed. Utility or cupboard doors may open onto the corridor.
Unisex accessible toilet doors may project into corridors that are not main or escape routes if the route is at least 1.5 m wide.
On the same escape route, all doors should be of the same orientation so people do not need to guess between doors—about which way or how to open them.
Textures, anti-slip surfaces, and manifested glass (for visibility) should be used in general. In schools preferred locker corridor width is 2.7 m.
Internal lobbiesIn essence, there needs to be enough space between doors for a wheelchair user to use both unaided Typically, that means 1570 mm between the door swings and at least 1200 mm wide—plus a 300 mm nib, whichever is greater.
Glazing should not distract people. Any projections into the lobby width should be visible and guarded with rails.
There should be no trip hazards between different materials—typically between pavement and internal surfaces.
Vertical circulation should ideally be served by a lift—always accessible for ambulant people. Accessible stairs may also be provided, and ramps as well, but lifts remain the most suitable for all users.
All these elements (lift, stairs, ramps) should be readily apparent from the main circulation flow. Identification should be provided at each level.
Lifting platforms may be used in constrained situations, or even a wheelchair platform stair lift—but always within reason, and only if proper circulation for other users is still allowed.
General requirements for lifting devices are included in other legislation concerning lifts, including:
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Lift Regulations 1997
Lighting should be properly balanced, and people should not have difficulty operating the lift.
The space in front of the lift should be typically 1.5 m by 1.5 m, or an approach from a 900 mm-wide space.
Lift call buttons should be positioned between 900 mm and 1.1 m above floor level, and at least 500 mm away from any return wall.
The lift floor should have the same or better frictional properties as the landing. A handrail at 900 mm height should be installed, without obstructing controls or mirrors.
An emergency communication system should be provided.
Passenger lifts should typically be a minimum of 1.1 m wide by 1.4 m deep. However, 2 m wide will be more functional for mixed passenger use.
All the necessary features should be provided:
D-tactile numbers and buttons
Visual and audible communication
Clear information about floor levels and lift operation
If planning allows, a lift between two levels may have two doors for straight-through wheelchair access. Refer to Lift Regulations and BS EN 81 for more information.
The clear door width should be at least 800 mm. Controls should be positioned between 900 mm and 1.2 m, and at least 400 mm from any return wall.
Lift landings and doors should be visually contrasted with adjacent walls.
If the lift is intended for evacuation, it should conform to BS 5588 Part 8, Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings – Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people.
Lifting platforms should be provided only between levels or storeys and must include:
Continuous pressure control
Appropriate visual, audible, and tactile signals
Contrasting elements for visibility
Compliance with relevant standards
If they travel more than 3 m, they must be certified by a notified body.
If a platform lift travels more than 2 m, it must be enclosed.
The speed should not exceed 0.15 m/second—about one step per second.
Controls should be between 800 mm and 1.1 m above floor level and 400 mm from any return wall. Landing call buttons should also be at 900 mm to 1.1 m, and 500 mm from any return.
Minimum dimensions:
Not enclosed platform: 800 mm wide and 1250 mm deep
Enclosed: 900 mm by 1400 mm, or 1100 mm wide if doors are at 90° to each other
Doors should have a clear width between 800 and 900 mm, depending on use case and ease of access.
There should be clear instructions for use provided for all users of the lift.
Wheelchair platform stair lifts are intended for wheelchair users only.They should not restrict the safe use of stairs for others. They should be:
Continuously pressure-controlled
Supervised during use
Easy to operate and self-instructing for the user in their operation, they should meet the Supply of Machinery Regulations and BS EN 81, or have notified body approval.
Minimum size of the platform is to be 800 mm wide by 1250 mm deep, fitted with clear instructions for use and clear access of at least 800 mm. Controls should be designed to prevent unauthorised use.
Internal stairs should have a hazard warning surface on the landing. Apart from otherwise meeting Approved Document K considerations, it should be noted that mobility-impaired people benefit from goings of at least 300 mm.
Internal ramps should be avoided. But if they are necessary and consist of more than two rises, we should also provide alternative steps, as ambulant disabled people often struggle with ramps.
Meeting the guidance of Approved Document K will generally be sufficient.
Handrails to internal steps, stairs, and ramps will be compliant if they follow Approved Document K, Section 1 to Section 3 guidance.
This leads us nicely into Section 4, which addresses facilities in buildings—these should be provided so everyone can use the building fully, no matter if they are a visitor or work in the building, regardless of sex, age, or ability.
That includes spectator places, where wheelchair users should be capable of watching without obstructing the views of others.
In refreshment facilities, bars, and counters, wheelchair users should have at least part of the counter space made accessible, and all floor levels should also be accessible.
A proportion of the sleeping accommodation in hotels, motels, and student accommodation should be designed for independent use by wheelchair users. The remainder should have facilities that at least cater to people with mild disabilities.
The document goes on to cover:
Audience and spectator facilities
Refreshment facilities
Sleeping accommodation
Switches, outlets and controls
Aids to communication
Starting with audience and spectator facilities, as you may expect, it’s all about balance and making venues accessible.
The document recognises three primary categories:
Lecture/conference facilities
Entertainment facilities (e.g., theatres and cinemas)
Sports facilities (e.g., stadia)
This guidance mainly concerns seating provisions. For guidance on reception and sales counters, refer to Section 3 of this document.
Audience facilities should not segregate the wheelchair user from the rest of the audience. They should allow for:
An accompanying person
A space for a guide or assistance dog
A position close enough to allow lip reading or sign reading
This space can be made available temporarily by the provision of removable seating, which can be taken away as needed.
The spaces should visually contrast with their surroundings, and it should be ensured that moving around the facilities is a straightforward and safe process. People should be able to easily locate their seats.
There should be at least 1% of the total seating capacity in the form of permanent wheelchair spaces, up to 10,000 seats. Numbers should be rounded up.
For larger venues, we are directed to the publication Accessible Stadia: A Good Practice Guide to the Design of Facilities to Meet the Needs of Disabled Spectators and Other Users.
When it comes to removable wheelchair spaces, for venues with up to 600 people, there should be at least six total spaces that can be made up with removable chairs.
For venues over 600 people, we may provide additional spaces as desired.
For lecture and conference facilities, it should be ensured that all participants can see and hear clearly, so the lighting, position of speakers, and screens are crucial.
Entertainment, leisure, and social facilities may be more densely packed, so the provision of wheelchair accommodation must be made without obstructing other users. We are referred to the Technical Standard for Places of Entertainment.
For sports facilities, we are directed to:
Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds
Accessible Stadia: A Good Practice Guide to the Design of Facilities to Meet the Needs of Disabled Spectators and Other Users
Accessible Sports Facilities
In essence, the route to wheelchair spaces should be accessible, and stepped access routes to audience seating must be provided with handrails.
Some wheelchair spaces can be placed in pairs, but more than two should be spread across the venue to offer different views—typically distributed across front, back, and sides.
The minimum space for access to a wheelchair is 900 mm, and the parked wheelchair space itself should be 900 mm by 1400 mm.
The floor should be horizontal—the document says. I think they mean level.
Some seats should be located so that an assistance dog can rest in front or under the seat, and the standard seats next to the wheelchair space or at the edge should have removable or lift-up arms.
Stepped terrace floor seating should have wheelchair spaces to the back, and where a podium or stage is provided, wheelchair users should benefit from a ramp or a lifting platform to gain access to it.
Hearing aids and induction loops may also be necessary.
Refreshment facilities—let me reiterate: accessible, accessible, accessible—including for impaired staff.
The counter, to be accessible, needs to be no higher than 850 mm, with clear space under to 700 mm above the floor level.
Wheelchair accessible thresholds are installed between the exterior and interior, a 1.5 m by 1.5 m wheelchair working space should be considered.
Sleeping accommodation should also accommodate everyone.
Where accessible bedrooms are provided, this should preferably include en suite showers, and have doors, curtains, and windows operable remotely.
Even bedrooms not designated accessible should have doors wide enough to admit a wheelchair.
Accessible bedrooms may be connected with an adjacent companion room, and in general, the use of electronic locks and lever handles in bathrooms is preferred to accommodate people with limited dexterity.
All bedrooms should have:
Widened doors
Built-in wardrobes and other storage systems with 180° opening doors
Handles, hinges, and sliding doors that are easy to grip
Window controls at 800 mm to 1 m above floor level
Visual fire alarms
Room numbers indicated with embossed characters
For wheelchair-accessible bedrooms, think of at least one room per 20 bedrooms, located on an accessible route that leads to all other facilities in the building. These rooms need to be of the same standard as other rooms.
The doors leading to the room should have the typical 300 mm nib and low-force operation, with enough space to manoeuvre around the room and approach the bed from the side.
There are some expectations for viewing angles through doors—if provided, vision panels should be between 850 mm and 1500 mm above floor level.
Balcony doors should not have transoms between 900 mm and 1.2 m, as these create trip hazards or barriers to access.
We also need to think about the alarm cord and alarm signal outside the bedroom, so others can react in case of emergency.
Switches, outlets, and controls simply need to be:
Visible
Accessible
Easy to operate
Preferably, they should be placed and specified so a person does not inadvertently activate the wrong one or an adjacent switch.
They should be positioned based on function:
Sockets: 400 mm to 1 m above floor
Switches: 400 mm to 1.2 m, unless higher is specifically required
Precise hand movement controls (e.g., thermostats, dimmers): 750 mm to 1.2 m
Simple push buttons: no higher than 1.2 m
You get the gist—when designing a room, check the dimensions first.
Also, switches should indicate clearly whether they are on or off.
Aids to communication include:
Wayfinding
Public address systems
Hearing enhancement
When designing and spacing rooms, we should consider:
Colours
Textures
Acoustics
Use of systems like induction loops, for example
This leads us nicely to Section 5, which addresses sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings.
Again, we need to think about the needs of all users of the building.
But in the case of ambulant sanitary accommodation, we are now directed to the new Approved Document T.
We are also reminded that keeping building layouts simple will assist people with learning difficulties.
This section covers:
Sanitary accommodation generally
Provision of toilet accommodation
Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets
Toilets in separate-sex washrooms
Wheelchair-accessible changing and shower facilities
Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms
Sanitary accommodation generally should cater for a wide range of people, especially those less capable of going about their daily lives.
Doors to the WC cubicles or toilets should, whenever possible, open outwards, but be capable of being opened from the outside if someone collapses inside.
There should be enough space for a wheelchair to enter and turn.
Large push pads for operating light switches should take precedence over pull cords—so think automatic or lever operation.
The aspect of controlling things with a closed fist permeates the whole document.
Terminal fittings should comply with Guidance Note G18.5 of the guidance document relating to Schedule Two requirements for water fittings of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
Ironmongery needs to be operated by a closed fist and visually contrast with surrounding surfaces. These should be easy to use, with the Newton force for operation that applies universally throughout the document.
Water-closet compartment doors, and doors to wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets, changing rooms, or shower rooms, should have a release mechanism that allows them to be opened outwards in case of an emergency.
Doors should not obstruct emergency escape routes, and any fire alarms should emit both a visual and audible signal to accommodate people with hearing or visual impairments.
Any emergency assistance alarm should provide both visual and audible confirmation that the emergency call has been received, have a wheelchair-reachable reset button, and the alarm tone should be distinct from the fire alarm.
Switches and controls should be appropriately positioned, and heating elements must either be guarded or kept below 43 °C to avoid scalding injuries.
Spatial elements should visually contrast with one another—walls, floors, and sanitary fittings should all be easily distinguishable, especially for people with impaired vision.
Toilet accommodation, again, should be suitable for wheelchair users, ideally located in a separate room. There should also be a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet provided, even if there is already provision in the separate-sex toilets.
However, the unisex toilet should not be used for baby changing facilities. Also consult Approved Document T for guidance on the reasonable provision of single-sex toilets in buildings other than dwellings.
The guidance found in BS 8300 is also useful here when it comes to the provision of enlarged cubicles or simply rooms with changing facilities.
What does all of this mean?
It means that if there is space only for one toilet, it should be:
Unisex
Wheelchair-accessible
Of greater width, to accommodate a standing-height wash basin
At least one such toilet should be provided at any location that includes sanitary facilities.
There should also be at least one water closet cubicle provided for the ambulant disabled person in each separate-sex toilet area.
If there are four or more cubicles in such a toilet, one should be of increased space in addition.
There should be at least one Changing Places toilet provided in:
Assembly, recreation, and entertainment buildings with a capacity of 350 people or more, or
Groups of buildings used for the same purpose with a total capacity of 2000 people or more
This includes places such as:
Zoos
Theme parks
Venues for sport
Shopping centres/malls
Retail parks with a gross floor area of 30,000 m² or more
Retail premises with a gross floor area of 2,500 m² or more
Sports and leisure buildings over 5,000 m²
Hospitals
Primary care centres
Ceremonial and cemetery buildings
Any other building admitting the general public for purposes of assembly, recreation, or entertainment
For Changing Places provision in schools, seek Department for Education guidance for schools providing community facilities.
If the number of people expected is unknown, we are directed to the methods in Approved Document B to estimate occupancy.
Now let’s consider wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets.
We need to ensure that there is enough provision, and that these toilets are easy to use by a wide range of wheelchair users.
This includes:
Proper approach points
Support rails
Space for transfer to and from the wheelchair
The ability to wash and dry hands while seated on the water closet
The toilet should be:
Self-contained and
As close as possible to the entry point of the sanitary facilities
The ideal internal space allows for:
A wheelchair user
Up to two assistants if required
WC pans that follow BS EN 997 standards are acceptable, though it is important to note that pan height is critical, and different users will require it at different levels.
To address this, the accessible toilet should be:
As close as possible to the entrance or waiting area of the building
Designed in a way that does not compromise user privacy
In multi-storey buildings, these toilets should:
Be provided in similar positions on each floor
Allow alternating transfer sides (left/right) on alternate floors, or within the same floor if only one such toilet is provided
In single-storey buildings, if there is only one such toilet, it should be:
Wider than the standard 1.5 m
Ideally 2 m wide, to allow for a standing-height wash basin in addition to the finger-rinse basin
The toilet doors should:
Preferably open outside
Be located on The accessible route—40 metres of travel is generally the limit for travel.
The size and arrangement of such toilets, either on plan or elevation, are given in diagrams contained within the document.
I try the picture too much rather than talk, but you can expect that all bases have been covered, including the relative positions of all the elements.
For the overall size, the bathroom starts at 1.5 m wide and 2.2 m long, with the centre line of the toilet positioned 500 mm away from the side wall and the front edge of the pan 750 mm from the back wall.
The finger basin edge should be 140–160 mm from the edge of the water closet pan, and so on—have a look at the diagram.
The toilet should be fitted with an assistance alarm system, and the call signal outside the toilet should be located where people can see and respond to it.
Expectations also apply to:
Heat emitters
Alarm cords access
Water-closet pans conforming to BS EN 997
Flushing mechanism positioning, which is also regulated
Toilets in Separate-Sex Washrooms
Here, we go as far as ensuring ambulant disabled people are catered for. At least one compartment must:
Have support rails
Provide minimum activity space
Be fitted with a toilet pan capable of accepting variable-height risers
There are additional provisions dealing with minimum space for movement within the compartment. These are covered in Approved Document T.
We should also think about the provision of fold-down tables and larger space for people with luggage or baby strollers in larger toilets.
Where these toilets are wheelchair accessible, it should be possible for the user to operate:
Urinals
Washbasins
It is considered that, in general, there should be as many water closets for women as urinals for men.
In large buildings like retail centres, there should be at least twice as many for women.
We also need to consider young children using men’s toilets.
In practice, the minimum clear space between the swing of an inward-opening door and any obstacle should be at least 465 mm.
Dimensions for ambulant-disabled compartments should be:
At least 920 mm wide
At least 1465 mm long
Also, refer to Approved Document T for more details.
Enlarged compartments should be at least 1200 mm wide, and in general, should include all the belts and whistles needed to assist the use of the compartment—including the water closet pan conforming to BS EN 997.
Wheelchair-Accessible Changing and Shower Facilities
In essence, these should be:
Fit for purpose
Include a WC, though a separate one must be provided if included
Allow enough space to manoeuvre
Provide space for a support person
Offer sufficient support rails
Be free of any risk of scalding or injury
Provide, where possible, two-way transfer to the seating area
Size-wise, we’re talking:
At least 2 m by 2.2 m for changing and shower rooms
Increasing to 2.5 m by 2.4 m for a shower room that incorporates a water closet, alarm cords, and all essential fittings
The document provides sufficient diagrams and directs us to BS 8300 for further detail.
If the shower is located in a communal area, shower controls should be placed between 750 mm and 1 m above floor level.
Wheelchair-Accessible Bathrooms
The logic follows previous sections.
The minimum size of such rooms with an incorporated water closet should be 2.5 m by 2.7 m.
This guidance applies to:
Hotel bathrooms
Motel bathrooms
Relatives’ accommodation in hospitals
Student accommodation
Sports facilities (where a bathroom is offered as an alternative to a shower room)
Different rules may apply to hotel and suites.
Final Summary
So, this is it, folks: Approved Document M – Access to and Use of Buildings, Volume 2: Buildings Other than Dwellings.
Let’s sum up, section by section.
The document aligns accessibility requirements for buildings, emphasising that the key to compliance is meeting functional performance.
This means allowing all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or disability, to access and use the building’s facilities.
These requirements apply to:
New builds
Existing buildings undergoing major alterations, extensions, or changes in use
The document also references the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that physical barriers do not impede access.
Designers must demonstrate compliance, particularly for:
Public spaces
Educational establishments
Historic buildings where some concessions may be needed, such as when designing extensions, must still consider accessibility for all.
All routes from the site boundary or car park to the new building must include provisions for appropriate sanitary facilities.
A material alteration must not worsen existing access, and material changes in use may necessitate upgrades to meet modern standards.
The general principle is to ensure that people can navigate to, within, and between buildings, with appropriate assistance where needed—particularly in complex developments.
Section 1 focuses on access to buildings, detailing requirements from the site boundary or parking area to the building entrance.
This includes considerations for ramps, steps, handrails, and hazards.
Access routes should be:
Level,
Firm,
Slip-resistant,
Well-lit,
Unobstructed
Dimensions are provided for various elements like pathways, parking bays, and ramps.
The document also references best practices, such as Inclusive Mobility guides, and provides detailed specifications for slopes, surfaces, signage, and tactile markings to assist people with different disabilities.
Section 2 addresses access into buildings, specifying that entrances must be easily usable and hazard-free for all users, including those with disabilities.
It covers requirements for:
Accessible entrances
Doors
Lobbies
Emphasis is placed on:
Signage
Level thresholds
Appropriate door widths
Easy-to-operate doors, whether manual or powered
Powered doors, if used, must be:
Safe
Have clear controls and notifications
Revolving doors must always have accessible alternatives.
Glass doors must be visibly marked to prevent accidents.
Entrance lobbies must be spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs and prevent hazards.
Section 3 takes us to horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings.
It focuses on ensuring ease of movement for all users, especially wheelchair users in non-residential buildings.
It covers the design of:
Entrance halls
Internal corridors
Lobbies
Stairs
Lifts
The section promotes accessible circulation across all areas, emphasizing:
Proper layout
Adequate space
Use of suitable materials
It includes specific guidance for:
Manoeuvring spaces
Door widths
Gradients
Compliance with safety standards for lifts, ramps, and stairs is mandatory to facilitate seamless movement for individuals with varied mobility needs.
Section 4 – Facilities in Buildings ensures that all users, including visitors and staff, can access and use a building, regardless of their ability, sex, or age.
It covers:
Seating provisions for wheelchair users
In spectator areas accessible refreshment counters
Adaptable sleeping accommodation in hotels and student residences
Specific guidelines are provided for:
Lecture halls
Entertainment venues
Sports facilities
The focus is on wheelchair access without segregation, and includes:
Details on wheelchair spaces
Seating arrangements
Accessible switches
Controls
Communication aids like induction loops for hearing enhancement
Section 5 – Sanitary Accommodation in Buildings outlines requirements for:
Toilets
Changing facilities
Showers
All should be able to accommodate wheelchair users and those with other disabilities.
It mandates that sanitary facilities be:
Spacious
Accessible
Fitted with proper support rails
Include emergency alarm systems
Use user-friendly controls
Special provisions are made for:
Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets, which should be located:
Near building entrances
Along accessible routes
Guidelines ensure that:
Separate-sex washrooms,
Changing rooms, and
Bathrooms
…are all suitable for disabled users, offering proper manoeuvring space and necessary aids for safety and comfort.
In the next episode, we will move on to Approved Document O – Overheating.
I hope you enjoyed this episode, and that the considerations of Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings, Volume 2 – Buildings Other Than Dwellings are now clear for you.
I know this type of content needs to be listened to as you go, while specifying and designing things—otherwise, it’s nearly impossible to take it all in at once.
But here it is for you, should you ever need it.
If you have any questions, reach out to me on LinkedIn or send me an email—I’m more than happy to help you out.
At Bytnar, we deal with the planning, designing, and management of your projects, and we are always glad to facilitate a free initial consultation to steer you in the right direction.
Visit: www.bytnar.co.uk and get in touch,whether your question is “Can you help with my project?” or “What should I do?”—we’ll provide a piece of non-obligatory advice.
At Bytnar, 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 provide you with an appropriate strategy, design, and specifications for repair.
Thank you again for listening. Please voice your opinions—I’m 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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