Public buildings in the UK are expected to cater to all members of the population. That means making sure buildings are usable by everyone regardless of any disabilities or other accessibility requirements.
This is a big and important area to consider before doing any work on a public building. As a result, this article will only provide a basic overview of the rules and regulations you’ll need to consider.
This article certainly does not constitute legal advice. We would strongly recommend speaking to experts or contacting your local council about any potential accessibility requirements on your project before commencing work.
Public Building Accessibility Rules: At a Glance
Most of the rules around accessibility requirements stem from the Equality Act 2010, which protects everyone from discrimination in many areas, including access to services.
The basic rules for public buildings are that they should not discriminate; people with disabilities should be just as able to enter and use your building as anyone else.
This means that every area of your building – from car parks and entranceways to corridors and signage – should be designed with various people’s needs in mind.
If a building already exists but does not meet current accessibility expectations, most laws indicate that “due regard” or “reasonable adjustments” must be made. This means that the building owner must make as many adjustments as they reasonably can to ensure the building is as accessible as possible to those with differing needs.
Key Documents Concerning Accessibility Regulations for Public Buildings
Various government documents outline the regulations for accessibility in public buildings. Depending on the specific issue, your work is likely to be covered by one or more of these documents: There may also be more regulations specific to your project.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act is arguably the most important piece of legislation in this area.
According to the government website, under The Equality Act, people are protected from “discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.” Discrimination can include (but is not limited to) the access and ease of use of public buildings.
The Equality Act 2010 replaced previous similar legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. As a result, it is a wide-ranging document, but there are specific aspects that are important when it comes to work on public buildings.
Put simply, the Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal for businesses and other public bodies to discriminate against any group of people in many ways, including their access to buildings and services. This means, in theory, that all public buildings must be able to accommodate people of all abilities equally.
Because many buildings were constructed before such legislation was in place, the document also speaks about “reasonable adjustments” being made to buildings. In essence, this means that existing public buildings should make adjustments to ensure their facilities are widely accessible so long as the work doesn’t cause unreasonable expense or disruption.
Access to and Use of Buildings: Approved Document M (Volume 2)
Approved Document M applies to all buildings in England and is one of the main government documents outlining accessibility expectations around renovations and building work. Scotland has similar Planning Advice Notes for Inclusive Design.
Approved Document M was first published in 2010 but was updated in 2015, with further amendments this year. The document is split into two volumes, with Volume 2 focused on buildings other than dwellings.
As written on the Government website, Approved Document M “provides a baseline for accessibility in the built environment.”
The document provides specific guidance as to steps that should be taken in various areas, from corridors to on-site parking and refreshment facilities. However, the document also explains that “there is no obligation to adopt any particular solution contained in an Approved Document if you prefer to meet the relevant requirement in some other way.”
How to Apply Accessibility Regulations to Your Public Building Project
The rules are applied slightly differently depending on the nature of your building or project.
If a new building is being constructed, the equality expectations discussed above are a legal requirement. If a building already exists and doesn’t meet equality requirements, then it comes down to “reasonable adjustments” as explained previously.
These rules also apply to specific jobs inside public buildings, including extensions. Any new work on a public building will be expected to accommodate everyone under the Equality Act 2010. However, you may not be expected to do additional work on existing structures if it falls outside the “reasonable adjustments” threshold.
Common Modifications to Public Buildings to Comply with Accessibility Regulations
Here are some common areas where accessibility requirements need to be accommodated in public building works. All of these would need to be considered for new builds, but many of these would also need to be considered when working on existing buildings.
- Stairs: Hazard warnings should be included, especially in places such as landings. The size of the steps (the tread) should be big enough to accommodate a foot planted square. Handrails must be included.
- Corridors: Passageways should be wide enough for people to pass each other, even in instances where people are using crutches, for example. There should also be enough contrast between walls, ceilings, and floors so people with visual impairments can realise the space.
- Ramps: These should be provided internally and externally wherever practical, at as shallow a gradient as possible. However, stairs should also be provided as some people – such as those who walk with restricted mobility – will prefer the use of stairs. Support should also be provided, such as grab rails.
- Entrances: An automatic door, or one operated using minimal strength (such as a button-operated door) is recommended. Entrances must also be wide enough to accommodate all people, potentially including people using double-width buggies. If the main entrance can’t be made accessible, an alternative accessible entrance should be provided and signposted.
- Internal Doors: These should be avoided where possible. When required, they should avoid being self-closing, as the mechanism can be too heavy for those with limited upper body strength. Doors should also be clearly visible.
- Switches: All users should be able to access switches and controls, so many are required to be close enough to the floor. Text and pictograms should be provided alongside switches when additional information might be required.
- Parking: Disabled parking spaces must be provided, and these must provide sufficient space for those with all disabilities to enter and exit their vehicle without barriers or undue effort. Where possible, access from parking spaces designated for disabled people to the building should be level.
Note that the list above is not exhaustive. A much larger list of considerations can be found in the Government’s Access to and Use of Buildings: Approved Document M.
Steps to Ensure Pubic Building Accessibility Compliance
If you’re wondering whether your building complies with accessibility regulations, the best thing you can do is get an audit.
Due to the huge number of things to consider regarding accessibility, it’s recommended that you have a professional conduct any audit. Lots of businesses offer accessibility audit services, while many local councils will also have someone who specialises in accessibility needs and can highlight what you need to consider.
If you’re doing work on a building and are unsure what accessibility regulations might apply, it’s worth mentioning it to the building or project manager. Again, your local authority should be able to provide additional advice.
