An overview of Part M / Section 4.2 of the Technical Handbook (Scotland) - vertical circulation within a building

Addressing the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings. These regulations set out the standards for buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible.

Part M and Section 4.2 of the Technical Handbook (Scotland) of the Building Regulations was introduced in 1985 in an attempt to ensure that all commercial buildings were suitably equipped for the needs of disabled people. Public buildings at design and building stages must be fitted with adequate access for all potential users of the service. These requirements were then extended to the building of new homes. Failure to adhere to Part M and Section 4.2 of the Technical Handbook (Scotland) will often result in planning permission not being granted.

Design considerations

• When a lifting device is installed clear signage should be provided from the entrance of a building and on each landing indicating the location of the lift and which floor you are on. Signs should contrast well with their immediate surroundings.
• For all buildings, a passenger lift is the most suitable form of access for people moving from one storey to another.
• For existing buildings, for new build in exceptional circumstances (e.g. alterations to listed buildings) or where a passenger lift just cannot be accommodated a vertical lifting platform may be considered to provide access for persons with impaired mobility. The case for using a platform lift should be argued in the Access Statement.
• In exceptional circumstances in an existing building, a wheelchair platform stairlift may be considered. This must not conflict with the requirement for means of escape.
• When selecting the appropriate lifting solution take care that the chosen product is ‘fit for purpose’.
• Lighting should take care to minimise glare, reflection or confusing shadows.
• All users should be able to reach controls, pedestrian or seated.

The installation of lifting devices will satisfy Requirement M1 or M2 if:

• There is an unobstructed manoeuvring space of 1500mm x 1500mm, or a wide straight access route 900mm wide in front of each lifting device.
• The landing call buttons are at the prescribed height, are tactile and contrast visually with their immediate area.
• The floor should not be too dark and should have frictional qualities.
• A handrail is provided on at least one wall.
• A suitable emergency communication system is fitted.

Lifting Platforms (Stannah Midilifts) – Design considerations

• A lifting platform should only be provided for use by disabled people, wheelchair users and their companions.
• All users should be able to reach the controls.
• Audible and visual information on the position of the lift should be supplied.
• Lifting platforms are operated by constant pressure buttons but other means of operation if a regular user is unable to use standard buttons.
• Consideration should be given to available support to a platform user. If no attendance is possible a passenger lift should be installed.
• Ideally, when planning allows, specify opposing doors to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit the lift forwards. If a second door at 90 degrees is used then the platform should be larger to allow for turning.
• Minimise visually and acoustically reflective surfaces that may cause discomfort to people with visual or hearing impairment.

Lifting platforms will satisfy the requirements of M1 or M2 if:

• They conform to the requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 1992/3073.
• The vertical travel is no more than 2m when there is no liftway enclosure and the lift does not go ‘through-the-floor’.
• Travel of more than 2m is in a liftway enclosure (shaft).
• The rated speed does not exceed 0.15m/s.
• Controls are located between 800mm and 1100mm from the floor of the lifting platform and at least 400mm from any return wall.
• Continuous pressure controls are provided.
• Landing call buttons are located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor of the landing and at least 500mm from any return wall.
• The minimum clear dimensions of the platform are:
  800mm wide x 1250mm deep ( no cabin and for wheelchair users)
  900mm x 1400mm (cabin, independent wheelchair users)
  1100mm x 1400mm (cabin with adjacent doors).
• Doors have an effective clear width of at least 900mm for an 1100 x 1400 platform and at least 800mm for other sizes.
• Lifts are fitted with clear operating instructions.
• The lifting platform entrances are accessible from the remainder of the storey.
• Doors are distinguishable from their surrounding area.
• Audible and visual aids announce platform arrival.
• Areas of glass are identifiable by people with impaired vision.

Wheelchair platform stairlifts (Stannah Stairisers) – Design considerations

• Wheelchair platforms stairlifts are only intended for the transportation of wheelchair users and should only be considered for conversions, alterations or where it is not practical or possible to install a passenger lift or vertical platform lift. These stairlifts travel up the string of a stair, where their installation should not impede the stairway for pedestrians.
• A wheelchair platform lift allows the user to travel independently over a stairway whilst remaining seated.
• The stairlift travels very slowly and may not be easy for all users.
• The stairlift is usually controlled by a joystick that requires constant pressure so is not suitable for people with restricted manual dexterity.
• These stairlifts are only suitable where users can be instructed and where management supervision can be ensured.

Wheelchair platform stairlifts will satisfy the requirements of M1 or M2 if:

• They conform to the requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992, SI 1992/3073.
• In a building with a single stairway, the stairway must be clear when the lift is in the parked position.
• Continuous pressure controls are provided.
• Minimum platform size is 800mm wide x 1250mm deep.
• The lift is fitted with clear instructions for use. A clear width of 800mm is provided for access.
• Controls are designed to prevent unauthorised use.