Disabled access

Disabled people shall have access from the point of entry to the principal entrance of a dwelling or the common entrance to a block of dwellings by –
(a) a level approach
(b) a ramped approach

A combination of (a) and (b) may be used.

Where the plot gradient to the principal entrance of a dwelling or the common entrance to a block of dwellings is greater than –
(a) 1 in 15; or
(b) 1 in 12 where the travel distance is less than 5m, access may be provided to an alternative entrance complying with the above.

Where the plot gradient to an alternative entrance is greater than (a) or (b), a stepped approach shall be provided.

Where the point of entry is at the boundary of the plot it shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 900 mm.

Where a driveway provides the whole or part of the approach, it shall comply with the provisions of a Level approach or a Ramped approach. The approach shall be clear of any parking space.

Where there is a need to guard the approach, guarding shall 900mm high.

Level approach

A level approach shall have –
(a) a surface which is firm and even;
(b) an unobstructed width not less than 900 mm; and
(c) a slope not exceeding 1 in 20.
Where a level approach has a crossfall it shall not exceed 1 in 40.

Ramped approach

A ramped approach shall have –
(a) a surface which is firm and even;
(b) an unobstructed width not less than 900 mm;
Section 7 Means of access to and into a dwelling
(c) a ramp or ramps not exceeding –
(i) 10 m in length where the slope of the ramp does not exceed 1 in 15; or
(ii) 5 m in length where the slope of the ramp does not exceed 1 in 12; and
(d) landings with an unobstructed length of not less than 1200 mm.

Stepped approach

A stepped approach shall have –
(a) a flight or flights with an unobstructed width of not less than 900 mm;
(b) a rise of not more than 1800 mm in each flight of steps;
(c) steps with a uniform rise of not less than 75 mm and not more than 150 mm;
(d) steps with a uniform going of not less than 280 mm (which in the case of tapered treads shall be measured at a point 270 mm from the narrow end);
(e) steps that are not open and have a suitable profile such that the risk of tripping is reduced (see Diagram 7.1);
(f) a maximum of 16 steps in a flight;
(g) landings with an unobstructed length of not less than 900 mm; and
(h) a suitable continuous handrail (see paragraph 7.9) on one side of the flight and at an intermediate landing where the flight comprises three or more steps.

A stepped approach shall have a suitable handrail which –
(a) is at a height measured vertically of –
(i) 900 mm above the pitch line of a flight of steps; and
(ii) 1000 mm above the surface of a landing; and
(b) extends not less than 300 mm horizontally beyond the top and bottom nosing's of a flight of steps.

Diagram 7.1 External step profiles

Principal entrance

The principal entrance to a dwelling or the common entrance to a block of dwellings shall have a door with a minimum clear opening width of not less than 775 mm and a level threshold (see Diagram 7.2).

The access to the principal entrance to a dwelling or the common entrance to a block of dwellings shall be –
(a) level for a distance of not less than 900 mm; and
(b) at or about the level of the floor of the dwelling.

Where access is by an alternative entrance the above provisions shall apply to that entrance and not to the principal entrance or the common entrance to a block of dwellings.

Diagram 7.2 Level thresholds

In a dwelling, disabled people shall have access from the principal entrance (or an alternative entrance) to all habitable rooms and to a sanitary convenience in the entrance storey. However, where there are no habitable rooms in the entrance storey, disabled people shall have access to all habitable rooms and to a sanitary convenience in the principal storey.

Horizontal circulation

Widths of circulation routes and doorways

The widths of circulation routes and doorways are interrelated and depend on the direction of approach of a wheelchair. Table 8.1 gives the minimum widths of circulation routes for a range of doorway widths and directions of approach.

The width of a circulation route may be reduced to 750 mm at a local permanent obstruction or projection provided that the obstruction or projection is not greater than 2000 mm in length and is not located –
(a) opposite a door to a room; or
(b) where it would prevent a wheelchair user turning into or out of a room.

Circulation within a dwelling

Vertical circulation

Stairs
Where the circulation route within the entrance storey or the access to the circulation route within the principal storey includes a stair, the stair shall –
(a) have an unobstructed width of not less than 900 mm;
(b) have a suitable continuous handrail on each side of the flight and any intermediate landing; and
(c) comply with the relevant provisions for stairs.

Please check with your local building control department before using information contained in this page to ensure that they comply with your local building codes.