In this section, we’ll discuss some of the regulations that make up what is Approved Document M, which is formally titled “Access to and Use of Buildings”. The Building Regulations Approved Document Part M contains standards on building accessibility, of which, compliance is required for any new building in the UK. As a result, engineers use tools like Approved Document M Compliance Reports in order to stay on top of all the requirements.

Below we discuss Part M requirements for some common accessibility features:

Ramp Regulations UK Part M

Ramp Regulations UK Part M requirements include requirements on ramp gradient and geometry that primarily promote the inclusive design of these features. Typically, you may find that the general gradient requirement is a maximum gradient of 1:12 (and preferably 1:20), depending on the ramp length. Additionally, Part M requires that ramps must have well-designed handrails and must be installed along the length of the ramp. You can use this Handrail Compliance Checklist to help guide you regarding this.

You may have noticed that some ramp regulations UK Part M requirements overlap with those in Part K. However, these overlaps are well-integrated, as Part K primarily covers the safety aspect of the construction of ramps. You can check out the exact ramp requirements in this Stair & Ramp Compliance Checklist based on Part K.

Additionally, it is important to note that ramps are required to provide safe, convenient access where level entry isn’t possible. However, sometimes, ramps can be unreasonable to install, especially in cases where the vertical distance between levels is too great. In cases like these, you will want to consider other options like platform lifts or passenger lifts instead. Here are samples of a Platform Lift Inspection Checklist and a Passenger Lift Compliance Checklist you can use to guide you.

Approved Document M Door Widths

The Approved Document M regulations cover standards on accessibility of doors and entryways of a building. Primarily, these regulations benefit those with wheelchairs or limited mobility, like those using crutches, as it ensures their safety and comfortability when accessing spaces. For example, a doorway that's too thin could cause collisions and make it hard for occupants using a wheelchair to move through.

Regulations on minimum door widths are a portion of part M regulations on internal circulation. In this context, internal circulation refers to the main access ways that connect spaces within a building. Approved Document M door threshold, Approved Document M door handle height, Approved Document M effective clear widths for stair stairs and ramps, Approved Document M level threshold, and Approved Document M corridor widths are examples of other features included in the internal circulation regulations. Here's a sample form of an Internal Circulation Checklist you can use to ensure compliance with all these regulations.

Approved Document M Fire Doors

If you are familiar with the UK building regulations, you may be aware that Part B is the primary source of fire safety regulations for building design. However, part B focuses on practical guidelines for fire safety, which include building design, fire escapes, evacuation routes, etc. On the other hand, Part M ensures that these safety features are inclusive and accessible to all types of occupants such as wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, elderly, children, and even the parents with trolleys or prams.