‘Building Regulations 2010 – Approved Document M Access to and use of buildings’ draws on BS 8300:2009 + A1:2010 for guidance to the reasonable provisions which should be made for people to access and use a building. The main objective is to enable all people to travel around the building without discomfort or risk of personal injury.
Recommended handrail dimensions are given:
- for diameter (32mm to 50mm for circular handrails),
- distance from wall (50mm to 75mm)
- and distance from crank of bracket to underside of rail (50mm min).
- Return to wall ends are recommended to prevent clothing or carried objects being caught and causing potential injury.
Compliant Handrail Products
Contrasting Colours & Light Reflectance
Obstructions in corridors or entrance lobbies (such as columns), should be protected with visually contrasting materials – this could be achieved by using sheet protection, trolley plates, crashrails or corner guards. Alternatively, a handrail could be utilised to steer pedestrians and wheelchair users around the obstacle.
Doors and frames should have sufficient contrast with each other and surrounding walls should be easily visible when closed. The leading edge of the door and the opening should be easily identifiable by visually impaired people. Contrasting colours with a 30 point Light Reflectance Value difference from background are recommended.
LRV Compliant Colour Scheme Examples
References:
- The Building Regulations 2010, Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings, HMSO, 2004 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments. Copy of this and other approved documents are available from: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/
- BS 8300:2001+A1:2010 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice. British Standards Institution, 2010
