SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

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Building Regulations: Technical Standards

The standards

S1 Application of Part S

S1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 32.

S1.2 The standards apply to all buildings,

except -

the standards in S2 do not apply to buildings of purpose group 1.

S1.3 Standards S3.26 to S3.28 do not apply to access for disabled people.

S2 Access to and movement within buildings other than dwellings

CAR PARKING

S2.1 Where car parking is provided within land in the same occupation as a building to which this standard applies, parking spaces in accordance with S2.2 must be -

a. provided at a ratio at least one car parking space per 20 parking spaces or part thereof; and

b. not more than 45 metres from the principal entrance of the building; and

c. clearly marked for use by disabled people.

S2.2 A car parking space or spaces must each be at least 4.8 x 2.4 metres with a clear space at least 1 metre wide along one long side. The clear space may be shared between 2 car parking spaces.

ACCESS TO BUILDINGS

S2.3* The approach to the principal entrance of a building from a point of access to, and from any car parking within, land in the same occupation, must have -

a. a level or ramped firm surface suitable for disabled people; and

b. an unobstructed width of at least 1.2 metres, unless a handrail is required by this Part, in which case the width at handrail level may reduce to at least 1 metre; and

c. a dropped kerb between any road, or car parking provided for disabled people, and the access route to the building.

PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE

S2.4 The principal entrance door must -

a. contain a leaf which provides a clear opening width of at least 800 mm in accordance with the diagram to this standard; and

b. have an unobstructed space on the side next to the leading edge of at least 300mm, in accordance with the diagram to this standard,

except -

where the door is opened by automatic control; and

c. have a clear glazed panel or panels giving a zone of visibility from a height of not more than 900mm to at least 1.5 metres above finished floor level; and

d. where it comprises a revolving door, be provided with an adjacent side hinged or automatic door complying with a. to c.

Diagram to S2.4: Principal entrance

Diagram

S2.5* Where an entrance lobby is provided it must be sized to -

a. permit a wheelchair user to move clear of one door before using the next; and

b. allow for someone assisting the wheelchair user; and

c. permit an able-bodied person to pass.

MOVEMENT WITHIN BUILDINGS

S2.6* Access for disabled people must be provided to and throughout each storey of a building,

except -

a. to a storey containing only fixed plant or machinery the only normal visits to which are intermittent to inspect or maintain the fixed plant or machinery; or

b. to any catwalk, racking or openwork floor; or

c. to a storey, other than the principal entrance storey, or gallery in a building of not more than 2 storeys where the storey or gallery is not more than 280 square metres in area excluding vertical circulation, sanitary accommodation and plant rooms; or

d. to a storey, other than the principal entrance storey, or gallery in a building of more than 2 storeys where the storey or gallery is not more than 200 square metres in area excluding vertical circulation, sanitary accommodation and plant rooms; or

e. to a bedroom not having access to sanitary facilities suitable for disabled people in accordance with Part M, in a building of purpose sub-group 2B not provided with a lift; or

f. within an area having fixed seating where wheelchair spaces and associated access are provided in accordance with S2.10; or

g. in a car park and parking garage of purpose sub-group 7B or 7C, storeys where car parking for disabled people is not provided; or

h. to more than half the public area of a restaurant or bar, provided there is access to the counter in a bar and to any self-service counter in a restaurant.

S2.7* A change of level within a storey to which access for disabled people is required by S2.6 must be accomplished by a -

a. ramp; or

b. stair, together with a means of providing unassisted movement between levels for wheelchair users.

INTERNAL DOORS AND LOBBIES

S2.8 An internal door accessible to disabled people must -

a. contain a leaf which provides a clear opening width of at least 750mm; and

b. have an unobstructed space on the side next to the leading edge of at least 300mm in accordance with the diagram to this standard,

except -

where the door is opened by automatic control; and

c. where the door is across a corridor or passageway, have a clear glazed panel or panels giving a zone of visibility from a height of no more than 900mm to at least 1.5 metres above finished floor level.

Diagram to S2.8: Internal doors

Diagram

S2.9 An internal lobby accessible to disabled people must comply with S2.5.

AREAS OF AUDIENCE AND SPECTATOR FIXED SEATING

S2.10 In an accessible storey which contains fixed seating for spectators, or an audience, accessible level spaces for wheelchair users must be provided in accordance with the table to this standard and which -

a. are each at least 1.4 metres x 900mm; and

b. are dispersed among the remainder of the seating; and

c. enable wheelchair users to be located next to able-bodied or disabled companions; and

d. are arranged to avoid the extra height of wheelchair users from obstructing sightlines; and

e. are kept clear specifically for wheelchair users or are fitted with seating which can be readily removed if the space is required for a wheelchair user.

Table to S2.10: Wheelchair space provision in areas of audience and spectator fixed seating

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