Part M Accessible Route Checklist Template
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What is a Part M Accessible Route Checklist?
A Part M Accessible Route Checklist is a form that is used during the assessment of a building’s access routes. These routes are checked for compliance to Approved Document M, or Part M Building Regulations in the UK. Specifically, these regulations ensure that all access to buildings are safe and easy for its users - including wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or those with hearing or visual impairment.
The Building Regulations Part M is divided into two volumes. First, Volume 1 covers regulations for dwellings, residential homes, and other buildings that include flats and dwellings. Further, Volume 1 regulations are further subdivided into 3 categories, depending on the level and ease of accessibility provided. Secondly, Volume 2 covers regulations for buildings other than dwellings such as hospitals, schools, government buildings, and other public spaces. These regulations are especially important to ensure equality and safety of access to a building and its facilities.
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Why are Accessible Routes to Buildings Important?
Accessible Routes are important to ensure that people, regardless of ability, can safely and comfortably gain access to your building. Further, it is an essential factor of inclusive and modern building design. The design and construction of accessible routes is regulated by the Approved Document Part M of the UK building regulations, and is a legal requirement under the Equality Act of 2010, among broader accessibility laws.
Essentially, Part M regulations on accessible routes were issued to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone who accesses buildings. Buildings like apartment complexes, hospitals, schools, or workplaces must have the appropriate access to ensure people using wheelchairs, people with limited mobility, physical impairments, or even parents with a pram, can gain access to your facilities.
What are Examples of Important Access Routes?
As discussed, access routes are an important facility that you will need to factor into your building design. An example of an important access route is the car park, and the approach from the boundary or car park to the building. According to Part M, these areas must be level (or gently sloping), with appropriate ground surface materials or finish to prevent slipping. Part M also goes on to describe the appropriate clearances and dimensions for car park access, as well as recommendations on lighting and proper signs for the area.
Another example, building entrances and approach routes are critical to ensuring safe access to your building. Specifically, these routes normally present as level, ramped approaches, or stepped approaches. Part M goes on to specify important geometric requirements for these features, such as regulations on landings, hand rails, the maximum gradient and the maximum heights for ramps, and the step rise and the step going for stepped approaches.
Part M Volume 1 Dwellings - Categories Explained
Volume 1 of Part M issues regulations on accessibility for dwellings, or buildings that contain dwellings. It is then further subdivided into three categories, to reflect different levels of need for accessible routes. To enumerate, the categories are as follows:
- Category 1: Visitable Dwellings M4(1) - General housing, suitable for most dwellings, but not fully accessible for wheelchair users
- Category 2: Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings M4(2) - Buildings that are designed for long-term flexibility — “lifetime homes” that can adapt to changing needs
- Category 3: Wheelchair User Dwellings M4(3) - Buildings designed for wheelchair users or households where one or more occupants use a wheelchair
However, it is important to note these categories, and what category applies to your building, is decided by your Local Planning Authority. The Building Control Body or building regulation officials will then come check if your building complies to the category the building was assigned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the best Part M Accessible Route Checklist template?
With Sitemate’s Part M Accessible Route Checklist, you will be able to quickly create checklists and easily perform inspections. The checklist template comes ready with specific requirements for each of the important inspection points, whether you are inspecting a dwelling (category 1, 2, or 3), or non-dwellings. All you need to do is select the appropriate regulation set that applies, and you’re good to go.
Does this checklist comply with important building regulations?
Yes, this checklist template was built entirely on the latest versions of Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Approved Document M, or Part M, of the UK Building regulations.
Can I edit the checklist to include company-specific standards?
Yes, you can edit, add, or remove any portion of the checklist. With Dashpivot’s easy-to-use template builder, you can tailor-fit the template to your company’s needs. You can even add your company logo to the form to really make it your own.
Where can I access the checklists I make?
You can access, edit, and work on your checklist just about on any device. Whether you're working on a laptop or computer, or you're out-and-about on inspections with just your phone or tablet, you can access, fill-in, and save your checklists for future use. You can even add photos and perform sign offs - all on one form. Then, after your done, you can even export your files to PDF or CSV.
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