Building and Fire Safety Regulations FAQs
Do the Regulations have any requirement for access for people with disabilities?
Yes. The Regulations aim to ensure that buildings other than dwellings are accessible and usable by people with disabilities.
From 1st January 2001 all new dwellings must be visitable by people with disabilities. The requirements cover the access and use of buildings, provision of sanitary facilities, audience or spectator facilities. Technical Guidance Document M - Access for People with Disabilities provides guidance on the provision of:
- at least one entrance accessible to wheelchair users;
- an internal layout which allows disabled people to circulate freely;
- a passenger lift in buildings above a certain size;
- a proportion of hotel guest bedrooms suitable for disabled people;
- wheelchair spaces in theatres, cinemas, concert halls and sports stadiums;
- facilities for people with hearing impairments in theatres, cinemas, concert halls and places of religious worship.
