Part M PDF Print E-mail

The requirements relating to access to buildings are covered by Part M of the Building Regulations. This requires ‘reasonable provision’ to be made to enable all people, including disabled people, to access and move around buildings.

Requirements

There are four main requirements set out in Part M (with certain limitations):

  • M1 – Reasonable provision to gain access to and use buildings and facilities
  • M2 – Suitable independent access to extensions to buildings (other than dwellings)
  • M3 – Reasonable provision of sanitary conveniences within extensions to buildings (other than dwellings)
  • M4 – Reasonable provision of sanitary conveniences on the entrance storey (or principal storey where there are no habitable rooms on entrance storey) of dwellings

The requirements of Part M (as set out above) may be achieved by following the guidance provided within Approved Document M. Designers can, however, choose to select an alternative way of meeting the requirements.

Principal access requirements

For public buildings, Part M requires:

  • access to the principal and other entrances from the boundary of the site, car park and other buildings on the site
  • that elements of the buildings are not a hazard, particularly for people with sight loss, and that they help with wayfinding
  • access to and within any storey of the buildings and its facilities
  • suitable accommodation for disabled people in audience and spectator seating
  • aids to communication for people with a sensory impairment at reception, meeting rooms, auditoria, ticket offices and information points
  • sanitary accommodation for all building users

The more detailed issues to be considered include:

  • steps, ramps and handrails
  • doors
  • corridors and circulation areas
  • lifts
  • switches, sockets and controls
  • refreshment facilities
  • sleeping accommodation

For housing, Part M requires:

  • access to the principal, or suitable alternative, entrance from the point of access
  • access to the principal storey of the dwelling
  • WC provision on the principal storey

Educational establishments – which were formally exempt – are now included within the requirements of Approved Document M.

Access to historic buildings is also included within the requirements of Approved Document M. Balancing access and conservation can be a tricky process – this topic has been addressed in the following publications: