Access to Non-Domestic Buildings

What This Requirement Covers

Approved Document M Volume 2 sets out the requirements for access to and use of non-domestic buildings (offices, shops, restaurants, educational buildings, healthcare facilities, and other public buildings). These requirements work alongside the Equality Act 2010, which places a duty on service providers and employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled persons.

Key Requirements

Approach and Entrance

1. The principal entrance must be accessible to all users, including wheelchair users
2. A level or ramped approach must be provided where there is a change in level; maximum ramp gradient 1:12 (for rises up to 166 mm) reducing to 1:20 for longer ramps
3. Ramps must have:

- Minimum width: 1500 mm (or 1200 mm with passing places) - Handrails on both sides at 900-1000 mm and 600 mm heights - Slip-resistant surface - Level landings at top, bottom, and at maximum 500 mm rise intervals

1. Entrance doors must have a minimum clear opening width of 1000 mm (single leaf) or 800 mm per leaf (double leaf)
2. Where revolving doors are the main entrance, an accessible alternative door must be provided adjacent

Internal Circulation

1. Corridors: Minimum 1200 mm wide (1800 mm where wheelchair passing is expected)
2. Internal doors: Minimum 800 mm clear opening width
3. Lobbies: Large enough for a wheelchair user to clear one door before opening the next (minimum 1570 mm between door swings)
4. Lifts: Must comply with BS EN 81-70 (accessibility of lifts to persons including persons with disability)

- Minimum car dimensions for an 8-person lift: 1100 mm wide x 1400 mm deep - Controls at accessible heights (900-1200 mm) with tactile markings - Audible and visual floor indicators

Sanitary Facilities

1. At least one wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet must be provided at each level accessible to the public
2. Minimum dimensions: 2200 mm x 1500 mm (corner layout) or 1500 mm x 2200 mm (lateral layout)
3. The toilet must include:

- Horizontal grab rails at 680 mm height - Vertical grab rail on the wall beside the WC - Colander-type toilet paper holder - Alarm pull cord accessible from the floor

1. In larger buildings, a Changing Places facility (with a hoist and height-adjustable changing bench) may be required by planning conditions

Reception and Counters

1. Reception desks must include a section at a height of 760 mm for wheelchair users
2. Counters in shops and banks must include a low-level section
3. Hearing loops must be provided at reception desks and service counters

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Carry out an access audit of existing buildings before planning alterations; the Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments regardless of whether building work is being carried out
2. Include an access consultant in the design team for complex or public-facing buildings
3. Ensure tactile paving is provided at the top and bottom of external steps and at controlled pedestrian crossings within the site
4. Colour-contrast nosings are required on all internal stairways (minimum 55 mm on tread and riser)
5. Ensure accessible toilets are located on the shortest possible route from the main entrance
6. Consider the needs of people with sensory impairments: good lighting, acoustic treatment, and clear signage with large text and pictograms
7. The Equality Act duty to make reasonable adjustments is ongoing; plan for future adaptations as the building use evolves