Doors provide accessibility to buildings and rooms, but only if they provide accessibility for all, including the less able, older people, and children. That’s not to mention people using pushchairs, carrying heavy loads, or those with visual impairments.
UK Building Regulations, specifically Part M, cover access to and use of buildings. Part M aims to ensure that buildings are accessible and usable for people with disabilities, including provisions for door widths, threshold heights, handle heights, and other accessibility features. But it’s not all about compliance on paper. The door must work beautifully for everyone in the real world.
When we create a schedule for a door at Em-B, we have to take many factors into account many factors to make sure that that door is not just compliant but it’s also pleasant and easy to use by everyone:
- Width and Clearance: the door opening must be wide enough to accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers. The minimum width should be 800mm, but wider is often better.
It’s not just about the width of the opening, though; the angle of opening can also be critical. Ideally, a genuinely accessible door must open wide—maybe 180 degrees—to create unobstructed pathways. - Ease of Opening: The door should be easy to open without requiring too much force, even if the user opens it near the hinge edge. If door closers are fitted that offer too much resistance, they can significantly hinder accessibility. When door closers are adjusted too strongly, they require more force to open and close, posing a substantial challenge for those with limited strength or dexterity. This excessive force makes it difficult to operate the door and can also be a risk for injury. Doors that close too quickly can also be dangerous, potentially not providing enough time for safe passage. Ensuring that door closers are sized and adjusted to allow doors to open easily and close slowly is essential in creating an accessible and safe environment for all users.
When it comes to door furniture, lever handles are preferable to knobs as they are easier to operate for people with limited hand strength or dexterity.
- Thresholds: A high or uneven threshold can create a barrier for wheelchair users and pose a tripping hazard for people with mobility impairments. Ideally, thresholds should be flush with the ground or, if necessary, not exceed 15mm in height, according to Approved Document M. A bevelled edge can also assist in smoothing the transition from one side to the other, making it easier for wheels and walking aids to pass over without getting caught. This consideration is critical in both external doors and transitions between different areas within a building.
- Visibility: Good visibility of doors is crucial for people with visual impairments. Doors should contrast visually with their surroundings to make them easier to identify. This can be achieved through different colours, shades, or lighting conditions. Additionally, glass doors should have clear markings to avoid accidental collisions—a common issue for those with limited vision. Tactile signals near the door can also aid visually impaired users in locating and identifying the entrance, enhancing usability and safety.
The visual contrast of door hardware is also essential in making doors accessible. This issue is addressed in Approved Document M, which specifies that door furniture, such as handles, should contrast visually with the door itself. This contrast helps individuals distinguish the hardware from the door, making locating and operating the handles, locks, or other operational components easier.
- Automatic Features: Approved Document M recommends installing automatic or power-assisted doors in buildings requiring a lot of public access, and manual operation may be challenging for some users. These doors need to include safety features to prevent them from closing too quickly and make sure they provide plenty of time for people to pass through safely. Where automatic doors are not feasible, power-assisted doors that require less effort to operate may be an option. The controls must be easily accessible to all users, including those in wheelchairs, to guarantee that buildings are welcoming and accessible to everyone.
- Hardware Height: Approved Document M suggests that door hardware like handles, locks, push plates, and power-assisted operators be placed between 900mm and 1200mm above the floor. This height means everyone, including those in wheelchairs, can reach them easily, whether standing or sitting.
- Signage: Approved Document M points out that clear signage is crucial for making buildings accessible. Signage should be easy to read and placed at a height visible to everyone, including those seated in wheelchairs. It’s essential to use simple language and large, high-contrast text so that people with visual impairments can read it easily. Ensuring signs are well-lit and placed consistently throughout the building helps everyone find their way around more independently.
There’s a lot to consider when we schedule doors to make abuilding truly accessible. That’s why we have a roster of fully qualified and registered architectural ironmongers on our team who can make sure that every door works for everyone.
