To clarify how Part M impacts door specification we need to consider the following:
Specifying doors to meet approved document M of the building regulations
The Equality Act (EA) 2010 incorporated (and repealed) the DDA, rendering the term ‘DDA compliant’ obsolete.
The EA incorporates protection provided for disabled people by the DDA, but is broder in its application. It covers services in the commercial, retail, financial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors.
As the EA relates to access to services rather than to premises, consequently buildings and products cannot be ‘EA compliant’.
Instead, they must comply with either Part M of the Building Regulations or the recognised technical standard BS 8300.
Despite this, DDA compliance is still the way many people refer to accessibility regarding doors.
Put simply, doors and the related access considerations around them need to be specified to meet the requirements of Approved Document M of the Building Regulations, using products that need to meet the codes of practice set out in BS 8300.
Approved Document M of the Building Regulations (access to and use of buildings) is often referred to as Part M or ADM, and provides guidance on the design and construction of buildings to ensure access and inclusion for all.
BS 8300 is the code of practice that helps disabled people make the most of their surroundings through architectural design in the built environment. It looks at the provision of aids and the use of features such as ramps, guardrails and signs. The code is officially known as BS 8300: 2009+A1: 2010 (Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice).
However, it is incorrect to assume compliance with Part M alone will meet the requirements of the EA. Also, it should be noted that the requirements of Part M and BS 8300 are ‘minimum standards’.
To clarify how Part M impacts door specification we need to consider the following:
These door specification considerations relate directly to four main areas of Part M:
Note:
The effective clear width is the width of the opening measured at right angles to the wall in which the door is situated from the outside of the door stop on the door closing side to any obstruction on the hinge side, whether this be projecting door opening furniture, a weather board, the door or the door stop (See diagram 9).
Any change in surface or level, such as gradients and upstands found at door thresholds, can be problematic for wheelchairs, the visually impaired and less able.
To meet the requirements set out in BS8300, thresholds should preferably be level.
There are cases where a raised threshold is unavoidable, usually to prevent water ingress. In these cases the threshold should have a maximum height of 15mm.
Any upstand more than 5mm high should have exposed edges chamfered or round to minimise problems with access.
People should be able to view others approaching or standing either side of a door to avoid the risk of collision. (There may be circumstances where for reasons of privacy or security this may not be appropriate or possible).
The diagram below shows the minimum requirements to satisfy Part M.
(Please note that this diagram is now shown in Part K of the Building Regulations, not Part M. It is referenced in Part M).
Visual contrasts are required between ironmongery and door surfaces. Also, for doors likely to be kept open (particularly at 90 degrees), a contrasting leading edge should be provided. Door frames and architraves should contrast with the adjacent wall colour.
Contrasts are measured by comparing the light reflective values (LRVs) of different materials and colours. Generally a LRV of a minimum of 30 points must apply to adjacent surfaces. (LRV is measured on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 representing perfect absorbing black and 100 perfect reflecting white. In reality these perfect colours are not found – a bright white would typically have LRV of 85). Colour charts showing LRVs against each colour are available from leading paint manufacturers.
Many doors are fitted with non-powered closers. This is particularly the case with fire doors, but often occurs on external doors as well.
Part M (and BS 8300) requires that the opening force at the leading edge of the door is no greater than 30N from 0 degrees, that is the door closed to 30 degrees open, and not more than 22.5N from 30 to 60 degrees of the opening cycle.
This can sometimes create a conflict between satisfying ADM and closing the door: a conflict that can only be resolved by installing a powered closing device.
The changes to building regulations introduced in 2022 define the minimum standards required for energy performance. The extracts below are from the regulations in England and Scotland.
ENGLAND Part L Section 10: New elements in existing buildings, including extensions states:
New and replacement windows, roof windows, rooflights and doors (controlled fittings)
10.3 If the entire unit of windows, roof windows, rooflights or doors is replaced, all the following apply.
a. Units should be draught-proofed.
b. Units should meet the minimum standards in Table 4.1. Limiting U-values for new or replacement elements in new and existing buildings: Pedestrian doors (including glazed doors)1.6
c. Insulated cavity closers should be installed where appropriate.
SCOTLAND Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and updated Technical Handbooks – Non-domestic – Energy, effective from February 1st 2023 state:
6.2.1 Maximum U-values for elements of the building envelope. Pedestrian doors 1.4.
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