Do Wheelchair Ramps Have to Comply With Building Regulations?
Yes – No – Maybe – See this page for more – Do Wheelchair Ramps Have to Comply With Building Regulations?
Wheelchair Ramps Guidelines and Best Practice
Guidelines and advice about wheelchair ramps.
Portable Wheelchair Ramps Information
1:12 is the recommended maximum gradient for fixed wheelchair ramps but some portable ramps may also be used as an auxiliary aid at a gradient of 1:8 over shorter distances where assistance is provided and if an adequate risk assessment is carried out first to confirm this.
Please contact us on 01608 663759 for further information on portable ramps.
Portable Wheelchair Ramp Calculator
Note: this calculator is based on a 1:8 gradient – ensure that suits your requirements before ordering.
Wheelchair Ramp Building Regulations
The 2015 edition of Approved Document M came in legislation on October 2015
There are now two volumes of Approved Document M;
1. Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, Volume 1: dwellings
2. Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings
Wheelchair Ramps Regulations – UK Building regulations regarding ramps
Note: Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M were updated in October 2015 and now consist of 2 volumes of the Approved Documents, a 2013 amendments to Approved Documents and Pre October 2015 edition, Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings.
All 4 documents are available for free download on the gov.uk website here – Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M
The 2004 edition (incorporating the of 2010 and 2013 amendments) of Approved Document M*, as amended, will continue to apply to building work started before 1 October 2015 or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date.
Length of ramp required to comply with UK Building Regulation
The following table shows the minimum ramp length required to comply with current UK Building Regulations from the Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings
Note: 10m is the maximum length a ramp should be before including a level resting platform of 1.5m minimum length.
Archived Wheelchair Ramps Regulations – UK Building regulations regarding ramps
Information on disabled wheelchair access ramps provided Part M of 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 always necessarily so with existing premises, it is advised that you try to adhere to these recommendations whenever possible.
Building Regulations Part M: Access and facilities for disabled people (archived)
Note: 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 of Building Regulations 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
- Has a maximun gradient of 1:20 at 10m (500mm high)
- Has a maximun gradient of 1:15 at 5m (333mm high)
- Has a maximun gradient of 1:12 at 2m (166mm high)
- For goings between 2m and 10m it is acceptable to use a sliding scale
i.e. 1:13 for 3m, 1:14 for 4m, 1:16 for 6m, etc. - Has top and bottom landings no less than 1.2m and intermediate
- Landings of 1.8m every 10m.
- Has 100mm high raised kerbs to any open side of ramp or landings
- Has a continuous suitable handrail on each side.
- Has a maximum cross fall of 1:40
- Has a maximum slope on landings of 1:60
- Has a contrasting, landings, upstands and handrails to ramp surface.
2015 Part M: access and facilities for disabled people is now available from .gov.uk website here
Quality wheelchair ramps at competitive prices
Call: 01608 663759 for free friendly advice on wheelchair ramps.
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
Wheelchair-ramps.co.uk is a website belonging to TJS Marketing Ltd. a company registered in England and Wales (company no. 11426930)
Honington
Shipston-on-Stour
Warwickshire
CV36 5AB
01608 663759
info@wheelchair-ramps.co.uk
The Wheelchair Ramps and Building Regulations Problem
We are quite often asked about building regulations for wheelchair ramps
To be honest it can be a nightmare – Read the following page carefully or call us on 01608 663759 if you want further information
Building Regulations for Wheelchair Ramps on New Builds
Building Regulations for Wheelchair Ramps on Existing Buildings
Building Regulations for Wheelchair Ramps when making a material change of use of the building
Do Wheelchair Ramps Have to Comply With Building Regulations?
Yes – No – Maybe
Wheelchair Ramp Information, Advice and Tools
General advice, ramp regulations, ramp guidance, etc. Buyers Guide For Wheelchair Ramps : Ramp Information : Wheelchair Ramp Calculator : Disability Resources : Wheelchair Ramp Installation
Wheelchair Ramps Finder
Let our Wheelchair Ramp Expert find the right ramp for you – This is a FREE service – For further information see our Wheelchair Ramp Finder
- Temporary Wheelchair Ramps
- Bridge Ramps for Wheelchairs
- Briefcase Ramps for Wheelchairs
- Channel Ramps for Wheelchairs
- Mobility Scooter Ramps
- Threshold Ramps for Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair Ramps for Cars
- Solid Wheelchair Ramps
- Width Folding Wheelchair Ramps
- Length Folding Wheelchair Ramps
- 2 Piece Wheelchair Ramps
- Semi Permanent Wheelchair Ramps
- Dog Ramps For Helping Dogs in to Cars
We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.