Part M Handrail Compliance Checklist Template
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What is a Part M Handrail Compliance Checklist?
A Part M Handrail Compliance Checklist is a tool that is used by engineers and site personnel to ensure handrails are installed and positioned as required by the Building Regulations Part M, also known as the Approved Document M. For context, Part M consists of regulations on the “Access to and Use of Buildings”, which largely deal with accessibility requirements to all new buildings to promote inclusivity, safety, and comfort of all building users.
Handrails are a simple, yet critical safety feature that is required on most stepped or ramped accessways in most modern buildings and spaces. To ensure uniformity, building regulators in the UK issued handrail installation standards in Part M, together with other accessibility requirements for other features and constructs. However, looking through the entire Part M document every time you need standards on handrails can get tiring. That’s why most engineers use tools like checklist forms to streamline the preparation and inspection process.
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What is the Importance of Handrails and its Placement?
Handrails are a critical safety feature in all types of buildings and spaces. They physically support the user when ascending or descending a flight of stairs or ramps. This is especially crucial for children, the elderly, and those with limited mobility. In the UK, building regulators have issued strict handrail standards in Part M, along with other accessibility standards, which are highly relevant in places like homes, residential buildings, hospitals, schools, government buildings, and other public spaces.
Most of the time, their importance is overlooked by the general, able-bodied populace. However, the assistance they offer those with limited mobility cannot be understated. Using a slippery handrail or reaching for a one that is too high or too low could put people in even more risk of slipping, tripping or falling. That’s why handrail quality and placement is a key safety feature that must be well-thought of and planned.
For example, here are some common handrail requirements that you will need to be aware of:
- Continuous along full length of stairs or ramps
- Height: 900–1000 mm above pitch line, 900–1100 mm at landings
- Extend at least 300 mm beyond top and bottom of flight
- Minimum 60 mm clearance from adjacent walls
- Easy-to-grip, smooth, non-slip profile (≈40–50 mm diameter)
- Visually contrast with background surfaces
- Provided on both sides where possible
How do Part M Requirements on Handrails Interact with Other Parts of the Building Regulation?
While Part M is the main source of requirements for accessibility in the UK, other parts of the building regulations also issue requirements for handrails. However, in theory and in practice, Part M regulations largely integrate with these other parts well to ensure an inclusive design and overall safety of the building.
For example, the most directly overlapping with Part M is directives for the Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact for handrails. These regulations integrate well, as they both require good quality, well-placed handrails to ensure easy access and the safety of those who use it. Another example is how Part M seems to overlap with Fire Safety requirements to handrails. Basically, when designing stairs to be used as means of evacuation or escape, handrails must both satisfy accessibility standards and fire safety standards (i.e. non-obstructive, heat resistant, etc.).
Overall, you will notice that these regulations, while seemingly overlapping, never directly oppose each other. They are meant to round-out the UK Building Regulations as a whole, and promote safe, inclusive building design and construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use this Part M Handrail Compliance Checklist template?
Sitemate’s Part M Handrail Compliance Checklist gives you the exact compliance requirements for handrails right there on the form. Whether you're working on a dwelling or a building other than a dwelling, all you need to do is select the appropriate regulation that applies, and the form gives you all the relevant standards, without you having to go through the entire Part M document. You can even save and export to PDF or CSV when you’re finished.
Does this checklist comply with any relevant building regulations?
Yes, this checklist was created based entirely on the UK Part M Building Regulations, and built to help you and your team stay compliant during quality and safety checks and inspections.
How do I add or edit the checklist items in the template?
With Dashpivot’s easy-to-use template builder, you can add, remove, or revise any field, checklist item, or portion of the template. Plus, you can even add your company logo and header to the document, to really tailor-fit to your company’s needs.
How do I access the checklists I create?
You can save, export, and access any of the checklists you create on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Take the form with you on your field inspections, fill in your inspection notes, take and attach photos, and even perform sign-offs - all in one form, all in real-time.
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This checklist was generated with Dashpivot software
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