To look for a specific item then please use the search facility by clicking
here
Buildings
6.1 External access routes for buildings
Contents
Good design should offer unimpeded access for disabled people. The aim is to
provide safe and suitable means of access and egress for pedestrians to the
building from points of entrance, such as public footpaths and any car park
within the site.
Design Criteria
- Provide a level approach or, if this is not possible, a very gentle gradient
of less than 1 in 20. Where the contour of the site necessitates a steeper
approach, provide a ramped access with complementary steps (see 6.2
Ramps and 6.3 Steps and Stairs)
- Approach paths should have a minimum surface width of 1800mm to allow people
to pass clear of obstruction
- Approach route surfaces should be firm, smooth and slip-resistant and distinguished
in colour and tone from the surrounding surfaces
- Provide dropped kerbs at crossings and car parking (see 5.4
Dropped Kerb Detail at Pedestrian Crossings and 5.15
Car Parking)
- Use the correct tactile warning paving where the route crosses a carriageway
and at the top of steps (see 5.6 Tactile Paving)
- Provide directional and information signs as necessary, to guide people
and help avoid unnecessary journeys (see 4.3
Signs and Notices)
- Provide suitable non-glare lighting, to illuminate the way for people entering
and leaving the building (see 5.11 Lighting)
- Keep entrances and access routes free from obstructions and hazardous projections,
both permanent eg. bollards, low canopies andtemporary eg. portable advertising
boards.
next
part of fact sheet 6.1
back
to section contents
home page | contents
| introduction | principles
and policies | useful information |
appendices
fact sheets: general
| development | external
environments | buildings | transport
| education
