Approved Document M Volume 2 (2024 Edition) – Access to and Use of Buildings Other Than Dwellings
Approved Document M: Volume 2 provides statutory guidance for complying with requirements M1, M2, and M3 of Schedule 1 to The Building Regulations 2010. Issued by HM Government for use in England, this volume focuses exclusively on buildings other than dwellings. The document is the 2015 edition incorporating subsequent amendments made in 2020 and 2024. It sits within a wider regulatory framework that includes Approved Document K (Protection from falling, collision and impact) and the recently introduced Approved Document T (Toilet accommodation).
The scope of the document encompasses newly erected non-domestic buildings, extensions to existing non-domestic buildings, and material alterations. It also applies when an existing building undergoes a material change of use to a hotel, boarding house, institution, public building, or shop. Technical sections cover the entire user journey, from the level approach from the boundary and on-site car parking to internal horizontal and vertical circulation. The document defines critical compliance terms such as independent access, contrast visually, and light reflectance value (LRV), providing specific dimensions for effective clear widths of doors and ramp gradients.
The following sections detail the specific technical provisions for site approaches, entrance thresholds, internal lift installations, and specialized sanitary facilities. These standards ensure that people, regardless of disability, age, or gender, can reach and use a building and its facilities independently.
General Guidance and Application of Part M
Requirements M1, M2, and M3 apply if a non-domestic building is newly erected, extended, or undergoes a material alteration. Under Requirement M1, reasonable provision must be made for people to gain access to and use the building's facilities. Requirement M2 mandates suitable independent access to extensions where reasonably practicable, while Requirement M3 governs the provision of sanitary conveniences within extensions.
- Material Change of Use: Access must be upgraded when a building is converted into a hotel, public building, institution, or shop.
- Historic Buildings: Accessibility improvements should be made where practically possible without prejudicing the character of the building or increasing the risk of long-term deterioration.
- Access Strategy: Applicants are encouraged to communicate their chosen approach to building control bodies, particularly where alternative solutions to the guidance are proposed.
Access to Buildings and External Approaches
The primary objective is to provide a suitable route from the site boundary and any on-site car parking to the building entrance. Design considerations focus on minimizing level differences and providing sufficient space for maneuvers.
- Level Approach: Must have a surface width of at least 1.5m, be free of obstructions to a height of 2.1m, and have a gradient no steeper than 1:60.
- Ramped Access: Required where gradients are 1:20 or steeper. Table 1 limits ramp gradients to a maximum of 1:12 for a 2m going and 1:20 for a 10m going.
- Stepped Access: Required in addition to ramps for ambulant disabled people. Flights must contain no more than 12 risers for goings less than 350mm.
- Tactile Paving: Uncontrolled crossings must be identified by a buff-colored blister surface (Diagram 1).
Access Into and Circulation Within Buildings
Internal design must facilitate horizontal and vertical travel without discomfort. This includes reception areas, corridors, and the installation of lifting devices.
- Entrance Doors: External doors used by the general public in new buildings must have a minimum effective clear width of 1000mm (Table 2).
- Lifting Devices: A passenger lift is the preferred means of vertical access. Minimum lift car dimensions are 1100mm wide by 1400mm deep (Diagram 11).
- Corridors: Must have an unobstructed width of at least 1200mm. Passing places (1800mm wide and long) are required at reasonable intervals if the width is less than 1800mm.
- Visual Contrast: Critical elements like door frames, handles, and leading edges must contrast visually with their surroundings to assist people with impaired sight.
Sanitary Accommodation and Specialized Facilities
The document specifies layouts for various sanitary facilities, ensuring they are accessible to wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people. Recent amendments have updated these requirements to align with Approved Document T.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Unisex Toilets: One must be provided at each location where sanitary facilities are available. Minimum dimensions and fitting heights are dictated by Diagrams 18 and 19.
- Changing Places Toilets: Mandatory in specific high-capacity buildings, including assembly/entertainment venues with a capacity of 350+ and shopping centers over 30,000m².
- Audience Seating: Wheelchair spaces must be provided in accordance with Table 3, with at least 1% of total seating capacity (rounded up) dedicated to permanent spaces in venues up to 600 seats.
- Sleeping Accommodation: At least one wheelchair-accessible bedroom must be provided for every 20 bedrooms in hotels or student housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Approved Document M Volume 2 apply to private houses?
No, Volume 2 specifically covers buildings other than dwellings. Guidance for domestic properties is found in Approved Document M Volume 1.
What is the maximum permissible gradient for a 5-meter ramp flight?
According to Table 1, a ramp flight with a 5m going has a maximum permissible gradient of 1:15.
What is the minimum clear width for an internal door in a new non-domestic building?
For a straight-on approach, the minimum effective clear width is 800mm. This increases to 825mm if the approach is at right angles from a 1200mm wide corridor.
Are Changing Places toilets required in all retail premises?
They are required in retail premises with a gross floor area of 2500m² or more, and in shopping centers or retail parks with a gross floor area of 30,000m² or more.
What are the minimum dimensions for a wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet?
The standard layout requires a space of at least 1500mm by 2200mm to allow for a corner WC and sufficient turning space, as detailed in Diagram 18.
What is the requirement for passenger lift dimensions?
For new developments, the minimum dimensions for a lift car are 1100mm wide and 1400mm deep to accommodate a wheelchair user and an accompanying person.
How should glass doors be treated to ensure they are visible?
Glass doors and glazed screens must include manifestation at two levels (850mm to 1000mm and 1400mm to 1600mm above the floor) to be identifiable by people with impaired vision.
What is Requirement T1 in the 2024 amendments?
Requirement T1, introduced via the Building (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2024, mandates the provision of specific toilet accommodation to facilitate single-sex toilets in buildings other than dwellings.
