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APPENDIX The applicant should have regard to the following – [1] EXTERNAL FEATURES - car parking bays should conform to recommended dimensions, with side and rear hatching for wheelchair access, and be clearly identified for disabled people - dropped kerbs are necessary on all routes from parking areas to building entrances - car park surfaces and pathways should be smooth, even, and free from loose stones and gravel etc: this also applies to pathways which also require tactile surfacing and colour contrasting for the visually impaired - suitable surfaces and contrasting also need to be considered for street furniture and landscaped areas - pathways with a gradient of more than 1:20 may require handrails, which should be contrasted - where ramps are necessary they should be flush at each end: a gradient of 1.20 is recommended but less than 1.15 is unacceptable: level resting areas are required for ramps of more than m in length: surfaces should be slip resistant - while ramps may be necessary for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs where possible steps should also be provided for ambulant people who prefer to use them - straight flights of steps are preferred to curved or dogleg: tactile paving is necessary at each end, together with colour contrast and textured edges on each step - step lighting should be located at the side of the flight so that users are not in their own shadow [2] ENTRANCES AND EXITS - entrances should be flush with a minimum door width of 900mm: any unavoidable turning space should be adequate for powered wheelchairs/scooters - colour contrasting between entrance doors and the building façade, and between the door and any door furniture is required: automatic doors are preferable, revolving doors are not - glass doors, or those with large areas of glass should have markings for visibility and safety - door handles must be convenient for people with poor manual dexterity/strength, and closures etc adjusted so that no more than 24Newtons of energy are required to open them - all emergency exits, fire refuges and emergency escape routes must be designed and sited for the safety and convenient use by frail or disabled persons using the building [3] INTERNAL FEATURES - reception areas should have a lowered counter and hearing loop - all signage should be suitable for people with limited vision - corridor and door widths should be suitable for powered wheelchairs/scooters and lit and colour contrasted for the visually impaired - any stairs should have colour/texture contrasted nosings, and avoid open stair treads and spiral/curved flights: handrails to be suitable as above - toilet provision should consist of an enclosed unisex facility with sufficient circulation space to turn a powered chair/scooter: colour contrast between wall and support bars: washbasin with easy reach of WC: alarm cord and easy door closure from within - public areas to be well lit but with no glare - light switches and power points at recommended height for operation from wheelchair - all except single-storey buildings to have a lift large enough to accommodate a powered chair/scooter and at least one standing passenger: controls to be operable from wheelchair More detailed information on the above can be obtained from Part M of the Building Regulations and BS8300 Standards. |