Information on disabled wheelchair access ramps Including recommendations from BS 8300:2001 and Part M of current UK building regulations
Disclaimer: The information and advice given on this website is to the best of our knowledge, but we accept no responsibility if acted upon, and advise you contact your architect, building control, planning department, highways department and local fire authority if in any doubt.
Although not necessarily so with existing premises, it is advised that you try to adhere to these recommendations whenever possible.
Part M: access and facilities for disabled people
Current UK Building regulations are slightly different with regard Dwellings and other building, these recommendations are for “Buildings Other Than Dwellings”.
A wheelchair ramp will comply with Part M if it;
Has a non-slip surface.
Is 1.5m wide with a minimum unobstructed width of 1.5m.
Has a maximum individual flight of 10m and maximum
gradients of 1:20 if longer than 5m, 1:15 if longer than 2m
or 1:12 if shorter than 2m.
Has top and bottom landings no less than 1.2m and intermediate
Landings of 1.5m every 10m.
Has 100mm high raised kerbs to any open side of ramp or landings
Has a continuous suitable handrail on each open side when
the ramp excedes 2m
Part M: access and facilities for disabled people is available from The Stationary Office here for £13.00, or a free downloadable version in pdf format is available from The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister here
BS 8300:2001
A more recent document BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Code of practice
has been produced by the British Standards Institution
BS 8300:2001, is a source of best practice for architects, builders, and facilities managers. It encourages innovative design solutions for different types of building, including homes, shops and theatres.
A number of sections provide guidelines and recommendations in relation to disabled access and ramps in particular and it tends to offers a more detailed version than the building regulations document Part M.
At a cost of nearly £:220.00 it is a little expensive and to date, does not appear to be available free of charge online without a subscription.
Fortunately, it is available for viewing free of charge at most Public Libraries (I suggest you check with you local library first and book a time to use their facilities)
For further information on BS8300
Portable Wheelchair Ramps
There are recommendations concerning portable ramps in BS8300:2001, but in a number of circumstances, primarily with existing premises they can be difficult to adhere to.
A key point to bear in mind is the DDA’s phrase:
“Where a physical feature (for example, one arising from the design or construction of a building or the approach or access to premises) makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled persons to make use of such a service, it is the duty of the provider of that service to take such steps as it is reasonable”
“Reasonable adjustments” is a phrase that if you have not heard yet, you more than likely will do other the coming months. It is the so called “grey area” of the Act which will surely be a key point for the courts to decide.
What constitutes a “reasonable adjustment”? – Their is no easy answer, but in my personal oppinion all cases will be dealt with individually.
For instance
A new, or an existing high value property would reasonably be expected to comply with all recommendations under BS8300 and Part M.
Where as, a small local village shop, salon etc. would reasonably be expected to make minor alterations and provide auxiliary aids, such as clipboards, audio aids, trained assistance, portable wheelchair access ramps etc.
If you would like to make any comments on the information displayed on, or this website in general I would be most grateful to receive them.
Please email any comments to,
Mr.Terry Simmonds
(Director)
Access Appraisals Ltd
www.wheelchair-ramps.co.uk
