advanced construction technology chapter 11 · 4 advanced construction technology there should be a...

2 Advanced Construction Technology

INTRODUCTION

The Building Regulations, Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings closely complements the recommendations provided within BS 8300: Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice. This British Standard contains additional material not considered appropriate for Building Regulation guidance, such as signposting and other management procedures. It also contains some variations from the Approved Document. Therefore, although the two publications have similar objectives, and compliance with the BS will ensure good practice, it is not necessarily totally equivalent to the guidance in Approved Document M.

The Equality Act differs from Approved Document M and BS 8300 in that it is not directly about the design and construction of buildings. It is concerned with the provision of a wide range of services and premises with non-discriminatory facilities. Therefore the facilities available in buildings must be favourable for all users, including the physically less able, and such alterations to comply must be anticipated and carried out before they may be required by a person with specific disabilities.

All three documents apply to newly constructed buildings as well as to newly extended buildings and those undergoing material alteration or change of use. Owners and business operators are required to remove and change features that prevent access to that service or facility. For example, in retail outlets, displays need to be at an accessible height, aisle widths adequate for wheelchairs, lighting levels increased, accesses ramped and so on.

The sections that follow provide general guidance for some of the more common provisions and facilities for people less able to walk who are using commercial buildings. Although the objectives are to show how people can be assisted, it is noteworthy that the title of the Building Regulations Approved Document does not include specific reference to disabled people. This emphasises the need for buildings to be convenient for all users, including those carrying heavy or large packages or luggage as well as people with pushchairs. Furthermore, it is worth noting that particular purpose groups and building functions (such as theatres and sports centres) will have provisions specifically detailed for that activity, and appropriate references should be sought.

The provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act Part II – Employment Provisions 1996 must also be taken into account. This asks employers to ‘make reasonable adjustments’ to the workplace or working procedures in support of those requiring additional assistance. This could be, for example, the provision of office furniture that allows a wheelchair to fit into the work station.

Access to buildings 3

The objective is to provide a suitable means for accessing buildings from the point of site entry and from the car parking areas. It is also important to provide suitable means for gaining access between buildings on the same site. Car parking designated for people with disabilities should be planned to have a priority for closeness to the building entrance.

Care and consideration must be applied to the design of access to commercial buildings. Windows should not open out onto footpaths, a clear level approach free from hazards must be considered, and the capabilities of people using the building must also be evaluated.

CAR PARKING

Parking provisions should be made available for visitors, customers and members of staff needing to access a building. The main entrance and staff entrances should be reasonably accessible on foot or by wheelchair from any of the allocated car parking spaces. Priority parking for the disabled should be suitably designated and given larger parking bays to allow people with limited mobility to access their vehicles unimpeded: see Fig. 11.1.1. The provisions for car parking with regard to Approved Document M can be summarised as follows.

■ A clearly signposted setting-down point should be provided as close as possible to the main entrance.

■ Sufficient space should be provided to enter and leave vehicles.

■ The surface of the parking area should be free of hazards and allow safe transfer.

■ At least one designated parking bay for disabled drivers should be clearly identified.


■ There should be a firm, durable and slip-resistant surface on level ground (no undulations greater than 3 mm over 1 m).

■ Parking bays for use by the disabled should have adequate width to allow car doors to be fully opened for wheelchair space and passenger transfer and rear access to the boot of the vehicle (1,200 mm accessibility zone between bays and on the vehicular side).

■ There should be dropped kerbs for wheelchair access from the bay onto a footpath.

■ Any ticketing machines should be accessible for a person in a wheelchair and be adjacent to their parking bay, and have controls between 750 mm and 1,200 mm above ground level.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

■ Level or slightly graded foot or wheelchair approach to building entrance.

■ Approach surface to be firm, durable, trip-free, slip-resistant and unobstructed to a height of 2.1 m.

Figure 11.1.1 Designated parking bays


■ Where the surface comprises paving slabs, differentials between slab levels to be no more than 5 mm, with joints no deeper than 5 mm. Preferably not exceeding 3 mm under a 1 m level.

■ Tactile (blistered) paved surfaces to be located to indicate deviation from the pedestrian access.

■ Surface width to be at least 1.5 m, with established passing places.

■ Passing places to be at least 1.8 m wide ¥ 2 m long, at a maximum distance of 50 m apart.

■ Main access route to be adequately signed.

GRADIENTS

■ Formed as a gentle continuous slope (maximum gradient 1 in 60 on landings).

■ May include a series of shorter gradients.

■ Maximum gradient 1 in 20 in any part, with level landings at each 500 mm rise.

■ Crossfalls, maximum gradient 1 in 40.

RAMPED ACCESS

Ramp access is required where site conditions or constraints create a gradient approach greater than 1 in 20. Ramps are essential for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs to overcome changes in ground levels. See Fig. 11.1.2 for outline requirements. The requirements of Part M are as follows:

■ Must be clearly signposted.

■ Maximum going of flight 10 m.

■ Maximum rise of flight 0.5 m.

■ Maximum gradient to be in accordance with Table 1.

■ An alternative access is required where the total rise exceeds 2 m: for example, a platform lift.

■ Slip-resistant surface to ramp and landings.

■ Ramp surface colour to contrast with that of the landings.

■ Surface width, of at least 1.5 m.

■ Landings provided at the top and bottom of ramp, minimum 1.2 m long and clear of opening doors and other possible obstructions.

■ Intermediate landings at least 1.8 m long and 1.8 m wide to function as passing places.

■ Landings to be level, subject to maximum gradient 1 in 60 along their length, with maximum crossfall gradient of 1 in 40.


■ Handrails to be provided to both sides.

■ Handrail to be accompanied by balustrade or other guarding (see guidance in Building Regulations Approved Document K). If there is an open side, the adjacent ground level to be with the ramp surface or a visually contrasting kerb of at least 100 mm height to be provided.

■ Grading of ramps:

● flight going up to 2 m, maximum gradient is 1 in 12, maximum rise 500 mm;

● flights of going 5 m, maximum gradient is 1 in 15, maximum rise 333 mm;

● flight going of 10 m, maximum gradient is 1 in 20, maximum rise 166 mm;

● maximum flight gradient in between 2 and 10 m going can be interpolated directly:

for example, a going of 6 m has a maximum gradient of 1 in 16;

a going of 8.5 m has a maximum gradient of 1 in 18.5.

STEPPED ACCESS

Ramps should be accompanied by a stepped access, because many ambulant disabled people may find them more negotiable than using a ramp. It should be noted that, where there is any perceived conflict between Approved Document K and M, Part M takes precedence.

■ Landings A level landing should be provided at the top and bottom of each flight. The approach is to be identified by an 800 mm deep tactile (corduroy) warning surface. Intermediate landings provided with a tactile warning surface where the landing is accessed other than from the steps. Top and bottom of flights to have a level landing not less than 1.2 m long. Landings to be clear of door swings and other potential obstructions.

Figure 11.1.2 Ramped access


■ Steps and flights

● Unobstructed surface width not less than 1.2 m.

● Maximum 12 risers between landings for going less than 350 mm.

● Maximum 18 risers between landings for going 350 mm or more.

● No open risers or single steps.

● Nosings integral (not projecting) and colour-contrasted 55 mm on tread and riser.

● Nosing projection a maximum of 25 mm over tread below.

● Risers between 150 and 170 mm and consistent.

● Going between 280 and 425 mm and consistent.

■ Handrail

● Continuous to both sides, including landing.

● Central handrail provided where unobstructed stair width exceeds 1.8 m.

● Height between 900 and 1,000 mm above the pitch line.

● Height between 900 and 1,100 mm above landings.

● Extends at least 300 mm beyond ramps or steps.

● Contrasts visually with the background, and is slip resistant.

● Suggested profile 40–45 mm diameter and has clearance 60–75 mm from the wall.

● Projection from wall preferably not more than 100 mm into stair width.

● Terminates in a non-hazardous manner, generally by returning to the wall to prevent clothing being caught.

Note: Some variations may be more practical and safer in special circumstances. For example, the given riser, going and handrail dimensions may not be considered appropriate for use in schools designed specifically for young children (e.g. rise 150 mm and going 280 mm).

Figure 11.1.3 shows the general provisions for stair flights, landings and handrails.


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Access into buildings: entrances 9

The main entrance should be positioned so it is prominent, safely accessible and easily distinguished from the general façade of a building. This is usually achieved through the introduction of external signage above the main entrance.

Further considerations with regard to main entrances are covered within Section 2 of Part M of the Building Regulations.

■ The entrance should be clearly identified with adequate international symbol of access approved signage, and should be identified by visual contrast and/or lighting especially at night.

■ If an alternative access for people with disabilities is provided, it should link directly with the area served by the principal entrance.

■ Architectural featurework or structural supports, such as columns to a canopy, should be colour-contrasted and of a rounded finish to minimise any hazard to the visually impaired.

■ The threshold should have an immediate level approach in front of the entrance at least 1.5 ¥ 1.5 m clear of door swings.

■ The threshold should be flush and trip-free for easy transit with a wheelchair (see Fig. 3.5.9 in Construction Technology). A 15 mm maximum upstand is acceptable, provided it has a 5 mm chamfered or rounded finish.

■ Floor finishes in the immediate threshold area (inside and out) should be of materials not likely to impede movement of chair-assisted people.

■ Immediately inside the entrance, the area should be sympathetically lit for transition and adjustment by the visually impaired, when contrasting with outside lighting levels.


■ Inside the entrance, the location of facilities such as the WC, lift and reception should be clearly signed.

■ The entrance lobby should be of adequate dimensions to allow a wheelchair user to move sufficiently clear of the first door before negotiating the next: see dimensionally enhanced diagrams provided in Section 2 of Approved Document M to the Building Regulations.

■ Glass doors should be defined by manifestation (lettering or patterns) at 0.85 to 1 m and 1.4 to 1.6 m above floor level. Manifestation should contrast with the background (see Fig. 11.2.1) and can take the form of a logo or sign at least 150 mm high, or decorative/broken bands 50 mm high.

■ Door opening widths should be as shown in Fig. 11.2.2.

Figure 11.2.1 Entrance doors

Access into buildings: entrances 11

POWERED ENTRANCE DOORS

Many non-domestic offices and commercial buildings incorporate a powered entrance door system. These tend to be automatic: they detect the movement of people who approach the door, causing an electrical relay to power-open the doors. The following are the provisions with regard to the application of Part M of the Approved Documents.

■ Entrance doors ideally should be activated automatically by motion sensor, should not swing outwards (horizontal sliding preferred), and should remain open long enough for a slow-moving person to progress through.

■ If not automatic, entrance doors should have large, push-button, visually contrasting controls at a suitable height for all users (750–1,000 mm above ground finish).

■ Revolving doors are not acceptable for wheelchair access. An alternative, suitably furnished single-leaf, side-hung door should be made available adjacent to the revolving door: see Fig. 11.2.2.

Figure 11.2.2 Door opening widths


All users of a building should be able to travel through it, vertically and horizontally, safely and comfortably. The facility should allow unimpeded, independent circulation by wheelchair users and those with hearing and/or visual impairments.

HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION

Corridors and passageways have the dual function of connecting spaces and providing a means for emergency escape. With particular regard to escape, they must be easy and safe to negotiate by those less able to walk. Information about the building (fire escape routes, location of lavatories, function rooms and so on) should be adequately signed to assist circulation. Appointed people may need to be trained in how to evacuate those who are less able, as this may involve the use of specialist evacuation equipment, such as evacuation chairs.

ENTRANCE AND RECEPTION AREA

■ Reception point to be identified and accessible from the entrance door by a wheelchair user.

■ Reception to be sufficiently clear of the building entrance to be unimpaired by external noise.

■ Reception point to be provided with a hearing induction loop system.

■ The minimum space for wheelchair manoeuvring in front of reception is 1,200 mm deep ¥ 1,800 mm wide where there is a 500 mm minimum knee recess under the counter. With no recess, a 1,400 mm ¥ 2,200 mm space is required.

Accessibility within buildings 13

■ Part of the reception counter should be at a lower level. Maximum surface height 760 mm with a knee recess not less than 700 mm above floor finish: see Fig. 11.3.1.

DOORS

A potential conflict exists between the need for fire compartments and the use of a fire door by all users as it has to be fitted with a self-closing device to ensure that the fire rating remains intact for that partition.

The maximum door closer pressure by powered operation, as specified in Approved Document M to the Building Regulations, relates directly to a minimum opening force for manual operation of a door; this is considered to be a maximum of 20N on the door's leading edge. The exact relationship between closing and opening operating pressure depends on the efficiency of the closing device: see BS EN 1154: Building hardware. Controlled door closing devices. Requirements and test methods.

Doors hinder the circulation around a building, particularly for disabled people. Where specified as ‘fire doors’ (Building Regulations Part B: Fire safety) they are normally closed using a self-closing device, but they can be held open by an electromagnetic device. Such doors must self-close when they are activated by a smoke detector, a fire alarm system, a power failure or a hand-operated device, but must still open manually. BS 8300 offers further guidance on the use of electromagnetic door retention devices.

Figure 11.3.1 Counters and checkouts


Powered swing doors must also be capable of manual operation. Other considerations from Part M of the Approved Documents should include:

■ Clear opening width 800 mm minimum including any projecting ironmongery with a 300 mm minimum access space for convenience of a wheelchair user, between the door leading edge and the adjacent wall. Situations exceeding 800 mm are as shown in Fig. 11.2.2.

■ Door latch to be lever-operated in preference to a rounded knob. So it can be used with just one hand only.

■ Door furniture should colour-contrast with the door finish.

■ Door surround (frame and/or architrave) to colour-contrast with the adjacent wall.

■ Door leading edge to have a colour contrast with the door surface and surrounds.

■ Vision panels are to be provided at a height between 500 mm and 1,500 mm above floor level. If necessary, interrupted between 800 and 1,150 mm for an intermediate rail: see Fig. 11.2.1.

■ Glass doors to be suitably manifested as Fig. 11.2.1, and differentiated from any adjacent glazed wall system such that it is clear.

Figure 11.3.2 Corridors and passageways, minimum dimensions (mm)


CORRIDORS

Corridors are required to allow people with equipment, cases, on crutches or within a wheelchair to pass alongside others travelling in the opposite direction comfortably, and to be able to turn around within the width of the corridor. Corridors should be finished such that there is a contrasting colour between the walls and ceiling for the visually impaired. The level of lighting, both natural and artificial, should also be carefully considered. See Fig. 11.3.2.

■ Unobstructed width of at least 1,200 mm, with no obstructions into the corridor.

■ Unavoidable wall fixings, e.g. radiators, grills, fire hoses, are to be fully recessed.

■ Note: If projections are unavoidable, a means such as a colour-contrasted guard rail may be acceptable.

■ Other potentially hazardous projections into a corridor, such as outward-opening doors, are unacceptable and should be recessed so when open they don’t obstruct the corridor width.

■ Where a corridor has a width of less than 1,800 mm then passing places are to be provided at least 1,800 mm long at reasonable intervals.

■ Floor finishes: to be slip resistant and without patterns, as they can be confused with changes in level or steps.

■ Floor to be level. If a section of floor has a gradient then it should not exceed 1 in 20 and rise no more than 500 mm without a horizontal landing or rest area of at least 1,500 mm length.

VERTICAL CIRCULATION

Lifts are usually the most convenient means for travelling between and accessing different levels in a building. Some buildings, particularly those subject to modernisation, may not have sufficient space to accommodate a lift. In these situations a platform lift or a stairlift may be considered for use between two levels. Platform and stairlifts may be used only if they do not interfere with the requirements for fire escape on a stairway. A ramp in place of a step may be used for access limited to a 300 mm rise, and as described in Chapter 11.1. In excess of a 300 mm rise, steps are also to be provided. Steps or internal stairs are as described in Chapter 11.1 and limited to 12 risers (up to 16 risers may be used in small premises where space for landings is restricted) with 900 mm to 1,100 mm handrail heights at landings. An internal stair must always be provided as an alternative to vertical access by any form of lift. Stairs are suitably designed for use by the ambulant disabled and the visually impaired.


PASSENGER LIFTS

The use of a passenger lift for lifting people vertically who may require assistance is ideal within a multi-storey building. However, the lift will descend to the ground floor in the event of a fire and alternative means of evacuation may have to be provided for the less able. Many passenger lifts are employed to overcome internal entrance steps and stairs into older buildings where the requirements for the less able were not included. In this case a small hydraulic lift is enough to ascend one floor. Allowances for space within such lifts must accommodate a helper. See Fig. 11.3.3.

■ Landing space in front of lift doors should have enough area (minimum 1,500 mm ¥ 1,500 mm) for a wheelchair user to turn and reverse into the lift car.

■ Where a building design allows enough space, opposing doors are beneficial so that a wheelchair user can enter one side and leave via the other side without turning around.

■ Lift doors to remain open a sufficient time for a wheelchair user and assistant to enter the lift car unimpeded. Door-reactivating device essential.

■ Lift doors colour-contrasting and distinguishable from surroundings.

■ Landing and in-car call panel to be easily distinguishable from its wall mounting. Located between 900 and 1,100 mm from the floor and within 400 mm of the wall return.

■ Lift control buttons to be embossed for tactile identification and to contrast visually with their background, and to include raised Braille lettering for the blind to read.

■ Landing and in-car audible announcements and visual/illuminated displays of lift arrival, travel direction and floor reached.

■ Emergency telephone in lift car to have inductive couplers for use by people with hearing difficulties.

■ Alarm buttons to have a visual display acknowledging that an alert has been sounded.

■ Lift car floor finish to be resistant to slippage, particularly when wet.

■ Support rail in lift car at 900 mm top height above floor level.

■ Floor number displayed clearly on the wall opposite the lift doors.

■ Independent power supply for emergency use.

Reference: BS EN 81: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts.

PLATFORM LIFT

Platform lifts have evolved from industrial applications for movement of goods between different levels within floors. For people with mobility impairments,


platform lifts have been adapted to provide safe vertical transport. The main differences from conventional passenger lifts are a relatively small floor area, limitations on speed, and operation by continuous pressure controls by push button or joystick. Section 3 of Approved Document M contains design and installation provisions deemed to satisfy the Building Regulations. Other guidance is found in:

■ BS 6440: Powered lifting platforms for use by disabled persons. Code of practice;

■ BS 8300: Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Code of practice;

■ ISO/DIS 9386-1: Power operated lifting platforms for persons with impaired mobility. Rules for safety, dimensions and functional operations. Part 1. Vertical lifting platforms.

Figure 11.3.3 Lift provisions


STAIRLIFTS

These have evolved from special applications used in hospitals and homes for the elderly. More recently they have become standardised in terms of components for use in dwellings and now have a place in Approved Document M to the Building Regulations. All newly created dwelling houses are required to be suitably structured to support and accommodate a retrospective installation. The objective is to allow people with limited disabilities to continue the enjoyment of their home without the need to move. For non-domestic applications, a stairlift should be considered only where it is impractical to install a conventional lift or platform lift. Where used, a stairlift must not restrict the use of a stair by other people, and there must be no intrusion on the required width of stair for emergency escape purposes.

References:

BS EN 81-40: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts.

ISO/DIS 9386-2: Power operated lifting platforms for persons with impaired mobility. Rules for safety, dimensions and functional operations. Part 2. Powered stairlifts moving in an inclined plane for seated, standing and wheelchair users.

Use of facilities 19

Buildings provide a huge range of uses, functions and facilities. All people should be able to participate in and enjoy the function of a building. Buildings should be designed to provide people with disabilities with a choice of unobstructed seating. This is particularly appropriate when designing a building for spectators and audiences, such as a football stadium or new community centre. Refreshment bars, sanitary conveniences and other public services should be on a level and accessible path for those less able to walk. Different floor levels should have provision for access.

Buildings designed as commercial accommodation, such as hotels and hostels, should have some rooms arranged and serviced specifically for the convenience of occupants with disabilities. These are most likely to be situated at ground level; accommodation elsewhere should provide for those less able to walk.

Determining the requirements and the subsequent design of buildings with adequate facilities for the disabled depends considerably on a building’s function. Functions vary, and the subject of special accommodation and facilities is so diverse that it is beyond the scope of this book. Readers should consult design manuals relating to particular purpose groups. Some outline guidance for audience seating to lecture theatres, conference centres, theatres, cinemas and sports stadia is provided in the Building Regulations, Approved Document M, Section 4: Facilities in buildings other than dwellings. This section also considers accessibility to and the use of refreshment facilities, and the design considerations for sleeping accommodation, with particular regard for wheelchair accessibility to bedrooms and bathrooms. The principal areas that Part M covers on this are:

■ wheelchair routes;

■ handrails;


■ number of wheelchair spaces to be provided;

■ the size of the space to be provided;

■ requirements for assistance dogs;

■ refreshment counter levels.

MANUAL LIGHTING CONTROLS AND SOCKET OUTLETS

Provision and disposition of controls and connections is common to most buildings, and should feature the following:

■ front switch plates to have a colour that contrasts from the background;

■ precise manual operation switches located 750 mm to 1,200 mm above floor;

■ switches preferably aligning with door handles at 900 mm to 1,100 mm above floor;

■ switches of simple design, preferably of push-pad type or large rocker style for operating with one hand;

■ switches and thermostats that require hand movement other than a push/pull function, 750 mm to 1,000 mm above floor;

■ alarm pull cords in sanitary accommodation and other private areas, coloured red, located close to the wall with two 50 mm diameter red bangles for easy grasp at 100 mm and between 800 mm and 1,000 mm above floor;

■ printouts or metered indicators at 1,200 mm to 1,400 mm above floor;

■ socket location 400 mm to 1,000 mm above floor;

■ socket outlets (power or telecommunications) not closer than 350 mm to corners;

■ switched sockets and circuit isolators to indicate clearly ON or OFF.

Figure 11.4.1 illustrates the requirements with regard to the vertical positioning of the sockets so all can have access to their use.

Use of facilities 21

Figure 11.4.1 Switch and socket location


Accessibility to and within sanitary accommodation is essential for the freedom of people who require additional support. This generally requires the provision of supplementary sanitary accommodation for access by wheelchair users. Special facilities should also be provided for people with babies and small children, and in certain buildings, such as hotels and airport terminals, for people encumbered with luggage. The latter has to be considered carefully in light of the terrorist risk associated with unattended luggage in transport network systems.

The design and physical layout of sanitary facilities for those who require additional support is a specialist subject, covering provisions for:

■ WC compartments for people who have difficulty with walking within standard separate-sex toilets;

■ unisex facilities that are accessible for a wheelchair user with an assistant, and that allow space for lateral transfer from ‘chair to WC pan’;

■ enlarged cubicle space in separate-sex toilets.

In buildings designed for sports participation, accessibility to changing facilities, showers and bathrooms is also a priority. This may involve the provision of walk-in wet rooms where the room is a fully fitted shower incorporating a fall to floors to a drain outlet. The Building Regulations, Approved Document M, Section 5: Sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings in conjunction with BS 8300 provides a basis for the design of these requirements. Both publications include applications to cinemas, theatres, sports stadia, office buildings and recreational facilities. The subject is both extensive and specialised, with specific provisions for individual buildings. As a guide, the following general considerations for accessibility to, and use of, facilities within WC compartments, and those shown in Figs 11.5.1 and 11.5.2, may be applied to most non-domestic buildings and closely detail the provisions of Approved Document Part M:

Sanitary accommodation 23

■ passageways and corridors up to the WC facilities must meet the requirement for corridors previously described in Chapter 11.3 to be a minimum 1,200 mm clear width;

■ door openings in passageways to be as Section 2, Table 2;

■ minimum floor dimensions of 1,500 mm ¥ 2,000 mm, to accommodate a wheelchair in clear turning space and people with impaired leg movement and those with crutches;

■ compartment door to open outwards and to be provided with an emergency release device that may be operated from the outside. A horizontal bar for closing is fitted to the inside;

■ support or hand-grab rails of 50 mm diameter located each side of a wash basin;

■ support rail of the hinged drop-down type positioned on the exposed side of the WC pan (minimum length of rail 300 mm);

■ WC pan located at least 500 mm from the adjacent wall to allow for unimpeded transfer from a wheelchair;

Figure 11.5.1 Disposition of facilities in a WC compartment


■ WC pan seat set at a 480 mm height above the floor (seat to be of a robust and rigid composition);

■ WC cistern flush handle or push button at 1,200 mm maximum above the floor;

■ toilet paper dispenser to be on the nearest adjacent wall and within easy reach;

■ wash basin rim set between 720 mm and 740 mm above the floor and within reachable distance of a user seated on the WC pan;

■ a towel facility is acceptable, but an automatic warm air hand dryer is preferable, with the air temperature set at 35 °C maximum, height above floor 800 mm to 1,000 mm;

■ basin taps of the quarter-turn lever type or of photoelectric cell automatic operation; water temperature controlled through a thermostatic mixing valve to 35°C maximum;

■ emergency alarm chord suspended from the ceiling, close to the wall and unobstructed; two distinctive red bangles of 50 mm diameter fitted at 100 mm and between 800 mm and 1,000 mm above the floor.

Figure 11.5.2 Facilities in a typical unisex WC compartment

Index 25

access to buildings 3–8gradients 4–6main entrance 9–11ramps 5–6stepped 6–8

alarm cords 20, 21, 24approach to buildings 3assistance dogs 20audience seating 19automatic/powered doors 11

door closer 13

bathroom accessibility 22blistered paving 5Braille lettering 16building, access 3–9

entrance 9–11horizontal circulation 12internal 2, 12–19vertical circulation 15see also access

Building Regulations 2access to facilities 19doors 11, 13–14entrance lobby 10lifts 17, 18sanitary accommodation 22–23

car parking 3–4signposting 3size of bays 4ticketing machines 4

colour contrast 9corridors 15door controls 11doors 14, 20glass door marking 10, 14lift doors 16ramped access 6

commercial accommodation 19corduroy warning surface 6corridors 15

access and escape 12dimensions 14, 15

counter, reception 13

Disability Discrimination Act 2dogs, assistance 20doors 13–14

automatic closers 13electromagnetic retention devices

13fire doors 13furniture 10, 11, 14glass 10, 14powered entrance 11powered swing 14vision panels 14

emergency telephone 12, 13entrance

access 9–11doors 10, 11

Equality Act 2


evacuationequipment 12and lifts 16

facilities accessibility 19–21fire doors 13floor finishes 9

corridors 15

glass doors 10, 14gradients of access 5, 6

ramped access 5–6

handrails 19, 23, 24ramped access 6stepped access 7, 8WC facilities 23

hazardsin access routes 3for visually impaired 9

horizontal circulation 12

induction loop system 12, 13

landings 6, 8ramped access 5, 6stepped access 6, 8

lifts 15–18alarm buttons 16control buttons 16, 17passenger lifts 16platform lift 15, 16–17provisions 17stair lift 15, 18

lightingcorridors 15for visually impaired 9

lighting controls 20–21

main entrance see entrance

parking, disabled access 3–4passenger lifts 16paving for wheelchairs 4–5platform lift 15, 16–17powered/automatic doors 11, 13, 14pushchair access 5–6

ramped access 5–6gradient 5–6

reception area design 12–13retail outlets 2

sanitary accommodation 22–24seating, audience 19signage 2

building facilities 12car parking 3main entrance 9ramped access 5

socket/switches positioning 20–21stair lift 15, 18stairs 6–8

internal 15stepped access 6–8

handrail 7steps and flights 7

surfaceof approach to building 4–5of parking area 3, 4of ramps 5

tactile paving 5, 6toilet/WC accessibility 22–24

vertical circulation 15visually impaired

and corridors 15glass door marking for 10, 14hazards 9lighting for 9see also colour contrast

WC accessibility 22–24wheelchair access 2

corridors 14, 15lifts 16main entrance 9–11parking 3–4powered/automatic doors 11ramped access 5–6reception area 13use of facilities 19, 20WC access 22–24and work stations 2