Access for People with Disabilities

Contents

Introduction

The Guidance
Existing Buildings
Technical Specifications
Materials and Workmanship
Interpretation

Part M: The Requirement

General

Section 1 Access and Use

Section 1a: Buildings other than dwellings
Approach to a building
Access into a building
Circulations within a building
Use of facilities in a building
Hotel and other guest bedrooms
Section 1b: Dwellings
Approaches to a dwelling
Access into a dwelling
Circulation within a dwelling

Section 2 Sanitary Conveniences

Section 2a: Buildings other than dwellings
Section 2b: Dwellings

Section 3 Audience or Spectator Facilities

Standards and Other References

Building Regulations, 2000 Technical Guidance Document M Access for People with Disabilities

Introduction

This document has been published by the Minister for the Environment under article 7 of the Building Regulations. It provides guidance in relation to the revised Part M of the Second Schedule to the Regulations. The document should be read in conjunction with the Building Regulations, 1997, and 2000 and other documents published under these Regulations.

In general, Building Regulations apply to the construction of new buildings and to extensions and material alterations to buildings. In addition, certain parts of the Regulations apply to existing buildings where a material change of use takes place. Otherwise, Building Regulations do not apply to buildings constructed prior to 1 June, 1992.

Transitional Arrangements

In general, this document applies to works, where the works commence, on or after 1 January, 2001 except in the case of new dwellings where planning permission has been applied for on or before 31 December, 2000 and where substantial works have been completed by 31 December, 2003, or a notice pursuant to Part X of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 has been published on or before 31 December, 2000 and where substantial works have been completed by 31 December, 2003. Technical Guidance Document M - Access for Disabled People, dated 1997, also ceases to have effect from that date. However, the latter document may continue to b e used in the case of works, or buildings.

where the works commence, as the case may be, before 1 January, 2001. In respect of which a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations, has been granted before 1 January, 2001 and where the works commence, not later than 31 December, 2003.

The Guidance

The materials, methods of construction, standards and other specifications (including technical specifications) which are referred to in this document are those which are likely to be suitable for the purposes of the Regulations. Where works are carried out in accordance with the guidance in this document, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with Part M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations (as amended). However, the adoption of an approach other than that outlined in the guidance is not precluded provided that the relevant requirements of the Regulations are complied with. Those involved in the design and construction of a building may be required by the relevant building control authority to provide such evidence as is necessary to establish that the requirements of the Building Regulations are being complied with.

Existing Buildings

In the case of material alterations of existing buildings, the adoption without modification of the guidance in this document may not, in all circumstances, be appropriate. In particular, the adherence to guidance, including codes, standards or technical specifications, intended for application to new work may be unduly restrictive or impracticable. Buildings of architectural or historical interest are especially likely to give rise to such circumstances. In these situations, alternative approaches based on the principles contained in the document may be more relevant and should be considered.

Technical Specifications

Building Regulations are made for specific purposes, e.g. to provide, in relation to buildings, for the health, safety and welfare of persons, the conservation of energy and access for disabled persons. Technical specifications (including harmonised European Standards, European Technical Approvals, National Standards and Agreement Certificates) are relevant to the extent that they relate to these considerations. Any reference to a technical specification is a reference to so much of the specification as is relevant in the context in which it arises. Technical specifications may also address other aspects not covered by the Regulations.

A reference to a technical specification is to the latest edition (including any amendments, supplements or addenda) current at the date of publication of this Technical Guidance Document. However, if this version of the technical specification is subsequently revised or updated by the issuing body, the new version may be used as a source of guidance provided that it continues to address the relevant requirements of the Regulations.

Materials and Workmanship

Under Part D of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, building work to which the Regulations apply must be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. Guidance in relation to compliance with Part D is contained in Technical Guidance Document D.

Interpretation

In this document, a reference to a section, sub-section, part, paragraph or diagram is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to a section, sub-section, part, paragraph or diagram, as the case may be, of this document. A reference to another Technical Guidance Document is a reference to the latest edition of a document published by the Department of the Environment under article 7 of the Building Regulations (as amended). Diagrams are used in this document to illustrate particular aspects of construction - they may not show all the details of construction.

Access for People with Disabilities

Building Regulations - The Requirement

Part M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, (as amended), provides as follows:

Access and Use : M1
Adequate provision shall be made to enable people with disabilities to safely and independently access and use a building.
Sanitary conveniences : M2
If sanitary conveniences are provided in a building, adequate provision shall be made for people with disabilities.
Audience or Spectator facilities : M3
If a building contains fixed seating for audience or spectators, adequate provision shall be made for people with disabilities.
Definition for this Part : M4
In the Part, "people with disabilities" means people who have an impairment of hearing or sight or an impairment which limits their ability to walk or which restricts them to using a wheelchair.
Application of this Part : M5
Part M does not apply to works in connection with extensions to and the material alterations of existing dwellings, provided that such works do not create a new dwelling.

General

0.1 - The requirements of Part M aim to ensure that:

The document sets out guidance on the minimum level of provision to meet these requirements. However, the underlying philosophy on which these requirements are based is that buildings should e accessible and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Those involved in the design and construction of buildings should have regard to this philosophy of universal access, and should consider making additional provision where practicable and appropriate.

0.2 - In order to satisfy the requirements of Part M, buildings should be designed and constructed so that

0.3 - In the case of buildings other than dwellings, the building should be designed and constructed so that:

0.4 - Dwellings should be designed and constructed so that:

0.5 - The requirements of Part M apply to works in connection with new buildings, extensions to existing buildings and material alterations of existing buildings. However, in the case of existing dwellings, the requirements only apply to works in connection with extensions and material alterations where such works create a new additional dwelling.

Where access to an extension or accommodation which is subject to a material alteration, to which this Part applies, is through an existing building, the access requirements in relation to the approach route to the extension or material alteration, including relevant existing entrances, will only apply to that part of the route which is being materially altered or to the extent required to prevent a new or greater contravention of the Regulations.

However, in the case of hotels, cinemas, educational establishments and similar places of assembly, if the existing entrance is not accessible to wheelchair users, an alternative entrance should be provided which is accessible to wheelchair users and which will enable them to gain independent access to an extension to which it is intended that members of the public would normally have access.

0.6 - Access provision must be linked to egress provision. The scope of Part M is limited to matters of access to and use of a building. For guidance on means of escape or evacuation, reference should be made to Technical Guidance Document B (Fire Safety).

0.7 - Diagrams included in this Document are intended to clarify certain aspects of the guidance. They are not necessarily to scale and do not represent fully detailed solutions. Where dimensions are stated, they refer to minimum finished dimensions. Allowance should be made for all necessary tolerances and finishes. Reference should be made to Technical Guidance Document D (Materials and Workmanship) for guidance in relation to manufacturing and other tolerances applicable to building components generally.

Section 1 Access and Use

Access and Use : M1
Adequate provision shall be made to enable people with disabilities, to safely and independently access and use a building.

Section 1a Buildings other than dwellings

Approach to a Building

1.1 - The guidance in Section 1a applies to buildings other than dwellings including, where applicable, to common areas of apartment blocks and the like.

1.2 - To reduce the risks to people with disabilities, particularly those with impaired sight, building features which may present hazards on circulation routes immediately adjacent to them, should be avoided. For example, a window or a door in general use should not open out onto a circulation route. In general all approach routes should have clear headroom of 2.2 m over their full width. A lesser height may be accepted over a short distance, e.g. the underside of an adjacent stairs or landing, but should not be less than 2 m (see Diagram 1). Where such hazards are unavoidable the area should be protected by guarding, planting or other suitable barriers.

Diagram 1 : External hazards (Par. 1.2 )

1.3 - The main entrance or entrances should be accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Where this is not practicable, an alternative entrance, intended for general access, should be accessible. There should be a clear area of at least 1.5 m wide and at least 1.5 m deep in front of every such entrance. The approach to the entrance from the adjacent road, car park or other area accessible to motor vehicles should be level. If a gradient is needed, e.g. to remove surface water, it should be as gentle as circumstances allow (a level approach is considered to include gradients of less then 1: 50). The approach should have a clear unobstructed width of at least 1.0 m and should have a surface which is suitable for wheelchair traffic and which reduces the risk of slipping. Where it is not possible to provide a level approach, a sloped approach with as gentle a gradient as possible (see par. 1.4) should be provided. Where the slope is steeper than 1:20, a stepped approach should also be provided. The steps should be as easy-going as possible (see par. 1.5).

1.4 - Where a sloped approach is provided:

Diagram 2 illustrates the guidance on sloped approaches.

Diagram 2 : Sloped/stepped approach (Par. 1.4 )

1.5 - Where external steps are provided:

Diagrams 2 and 3 illustrate guidance on stepped approaches.

1.6 - Handrails suitable for sloped or stepped approaches should comply with the following:

Diagram 4 contains guidance on handrail design. See Technical Guidance Document K (Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards) for guidance on the provision of guarding.

Diagram 3 : External steps ( Par. 1.5 )

Diagram 4 : Handrail design (Par. 1.6)

Access into a Building

1.7 - An accessible entrance should be so designed and constructed that:

In general, revolving doors are not suitable for use by people with disabilities. Diagrams 5 and 6 illustrate the guidance on doors.

Diagram 5 : Measuring minimum clear openings and clearances (Par. 1.7 )

Diagram 6 : Glazed Doors (Par. 1.7 )

Diagram 7 : Entrance Lobbies (Par. 1.8 )

1.8 - Entrance lobbies should be so designed and constructed that there is sufficient space to enable a wheelchair user, and a person assisting the wheelchair user, to move clear of one door before using the next one while allowing space for a person to pass in the opposite direction. Examples of lobbies of suitable dimensions are shown in Diagram 7.

Circulation within a Building

1.9 - Internal doors should be so designed and constructed that:

Diagrams 5 and 6 illustrate the guidance on doorways and glazed panels.

1.10 - A corridor or passageway accessible to wheelchair users should have a clear unobstructed width of at least 1.2 m. Where a stairway crosses over a circulation route, suitable precautions should be taken to ensure that any part of the area under the stairway with a height lower than 2.0 m cannot be used for circulation purposes.

Diagram 8 : Internal lobbies (Par. 1.11 )

1.11 - Internal lobbies should be so designed and constructed that there is sufficient space to enable a wheelchair user and the person assisting the wheelchair user, to move clear of one door before using the next one. Examples of internal lobbies of suitable dimensions are shown in Diagram 8.

1.12 - A suitable passenger lift should be provided to any storey above or below the entrance storey which:

In calculating nett floor area, the areas of all parts of a storey which can be reached from the same entrance to the storey (including any flats) should be added together, whether they are in more than on e part of the same storey or used for different purposes. The area of any vertical circulation, common sanitary accommodation and maintenance areas in the storeys should not be included.

A suitable passenger lift should also be provided to each storey above or below the entrance storey which provides access to flats when,

1.13 - Where a passenger lift is provided:

Diagram 9 illustrates a suitable passenger lift.

Diagram 9 : Passenger lift (Par. 1.13 )

1.14 - Where a building is not required to be provided with a lift in accordance with par. 1.12, at least one internal stairs, satisfying the needs of ambulant disabled people, should be provided. It should be designed and constructed in accordance with the guidance set out for a stepped approach in par. 1.5, except for the following:

A suitable continuous handrail should be provided on each side of flights and landings. This should be in accordance with the guidance given in par. 1.6.

Diagram 10 illustrates the guidance on internal stairs.

Diagram 10 : Internal stairway (Par. 1.14 )

1.15 - Where internal graded or sloped circulation routes are provided, the design considerations are similar to those for sloped approaches.

1.16 - See Technical Guidance Document K for guidance on the provision of guarding.

Use of Facilities in a Building

1.17 - Each storey of a building should be so designed and constructed as to allow for independent circulation by people with disabilities and independent access to the range of services and facilities provided on that storey. Where a change of level within a storey of a building is necessary because of site constraints or design considerations, either -

Careful attention should be given to the selection and location of ironmongery, taps, light switches, power points, communication facilities etc. so that they can be operated by light pressure and without undue stretching, or stooping, by wheelchair users and the ambulant disabled.

Hotel and Other Guest Bedrooms

1.18 - The requirement of access for people with disabilities to bedrooms in hotel and other guest accommodation may be regarded as being met if:

Diagram 11 illustrates an example of an accessible bedroom. For guidance on sanitary conveniences see Section 2.

Diagram 11 : Example of an accessible bedroom (Par. 1.18 )

Section 1b: Dwellings

1.19 - The guidance in Section 1b applies to new dwellings.

Approach to a dwelling

1.20 - The minimum clear opening width of at least one point of access at the boundary of the dwelling plot should be 800 mm.

1.21 - The main dwelling entrance, should be accessible to wheelchair users. There should be a clear area at least 1.2 m wide and at least 1.2 m deep in front of every such entrance. Where this is not practicable, an alternative entrance should be accessible. The approach to this entrance from the point of access referred to in par. 1.20 should be suitable for use by wheelchair users. Alternatively, the approach suitable for use by wheelchair users may be provided from a point within the curtilage of the dwelling plot where a visitor can conveniently alight from a vehicle, where

The approach should have a clear unobstructed width of at least 900 mm and have a firm surface which is suitable for wheelchair use and reduces the risk of slipping. It should be level (slope not more than 1:50) or, where plot gradients do not allow this, gently sloping.

A sloped approach should have the flattest gradient achievable. Where the gradient is steeper than 1 : 20, the maximum length between level landings should be 10 m. Where the gradient is between 1 : 2- and not exceeding 1 : 15 the maximum length between level landings should be 10 m. Where the gradient is between 1 : 15 and 1 : 12, the maximum length between level landings should be 6 m.

The approach may, in whole or in part, form part of an onsite driveway. Where this occurs, the driveway should be at least 3 m wide so as to allow adequate unobstructed width at parked cars.

A raised kerb, at least 75 mm high, should be provided on any open side where the adjacent ground is not graded to the approach.

See Technical Guidance Document K for guidance on the provision of guarding.

1.22 - Where it is not practicable to provide the required level or sloped approach to the dwelling entrance from either the point of entry to the dwelling plot or from a point within the curtilage of the plot where a visitor can alight from a vehicle, a stepped approach may be used. This may arise

Guidance on the approach to apartment blocks and the like is given in Section 1a.

Where a stepped approach is used, it should be suitable for use by ambulant disabled people and should comply with the following:

See Technical Guidance Document K for guidance on the provision of guarding.

Access into a Dwelling

1.23 - Where the approach to a dwelling entrance is level, or sloped, i.e. free of steps, or, in the case of apartment blocks or the like, is provided with a suitable passenger lift in accordance with par. 1.12, and there is at least one habitable room at entry level, the entrance should be suitable for wheelchair access. In this case,

1.24 - Where a level entry is provided, regard should be had to the requirements of the Regulations generally, particularly in relation to resistance to weather and ground moisture. Guidance on the issues involved in the provision of level entry can be found in the publication "Accessible Thresholds in New Housing".

1.25 - Where a stepped approach is used (see par. 1.22) or where the entrance storey does not contain at least one habitable room, one or more steps may be used at the dwelling entrance. Steps externally should comply with the guidance given in par. 1.22. If the steps are inside a building, they should comply with the guidance given in par. 1.30 below.

1.26 - Equipment adjacent to the entry intended to assist in gaining entry, e.g. doorbells, entry phones, should be located at a height between 900 mm and 1200 mm above floor level.

Circulation within a Dwelling

1.27 - Corridors, passageways and doors to habitable rooms in the entrance storey or, where there is no habitable room at this level, in the storey containing the main living room, should be sufficiently wide and free of stepped changes of level so as to allow convenient circulation by people with disabilities. Corridors and passageways should have a minimum unobstructed width of 900 mm. Local permanent obstructions, such as radiators, may be allowed, provided that the unobstructed width in those areas is at least 750 mm. Where a stepped change of level is provided, e.g. because of the slope of the site, it should be located so that at least one habitable room can be accessed from the accessible entrance without the need to negotiate the step(s).

1.28 - Doors to accessible habitable rooms should be so designed and constructed that the minimum clear opening width, in relation to the adjacent unobstructed corridor width, complies with the following:

The length of unobstructed corridor complying with the minimum width requirement specified should be at least 1200 mm.

Saddleboards, where provided, should be beveled with maximum upstand of 10 mm.

Doors to rooms which can only be accessed by the use of steps or stairs, may have a minimum clear opening width of 750 mm, irrespective of the adjacent unobstructed corridor width.

Diagram 12 illustrates the guidance on internal doors, corridors and passageways for convenient wheelchair use.

1.29 - Door handles should be located at a height of 900 mm to 1200 mm above floor level. Electric light switches should be located at a similar height.

1.30 - Where there is no habitable room at entry level, the stairway providing access to the storey containing the main living room should comply with the following:

Diagram 12 : Corridors, passages and internal doors in dwellings (Par. 1.28 )

Section 2 Sanitary Conveniences

Sanitary conveniences : M2
If sanitary conveniences are provided in a building, adequate provision shall be made for people with disabilities

Section 2a: Buildings other than dwellings

2.1 - The guidance in Section 2a applies to buildings other than dwellings.

2.2 - Provision for sanitary accommodation for people with disabilities should be made on the same basis as provision is made for other users of the building, i.e. if sanitary accommodation is only provided for staff, then provision should be made for staff with disabilities (whether or not any member of the present staff is disabled), whereas, if sanitary accommodation is provided for customers or visitors to the building, provision should also be made for customers or visitors with disabilities.

In case of places of work, designers should have regard to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 1993 (S.I. No. 44 of 1993).

2.3 - The number and location of WC cubicles required in a building to meet the needs of wheelchair users and other people with disabilities will be dictated by the nature of the building, the size of the building, the number of people who will use the building and the ease of access. Where one or two WCs are sufficient, they should be unisex and at least one should be wheelchair accessible. In buildings or parts of buildings, which are open to the public, one unisex WC suitable for use by wheelchair users of either sex and approached separately from other sanitary accommodation should be provided as a minimum. In buildings intended for use by staff only, provision for people with disabilities may be made in the context of the traditional separate provision for men and women, or as unisex provision approached separately from other sanitary accommodations. Sanitary accommodation for people with disabilities should be provided in a convenient and accessible part of a building to which wheelchair users have independent access.

2.4 - Where independent access to storeys, above or below the entrance storey, is not available for wheelchair users, i.e. if access is by stairway only, a unisex WC suitable for use by wheelchair users of either sex should be located on the entrance storey except where the entrance storey contains only the entrance and vertical circulation areas. In such cases, the provision of a WC accessible to wheelchair users is not mandatory. However, in every such building, provision for ambulant disabled people should still be made (see par. 2.6).

2.5 - To be suitable for use by a wheelchair user, a WC cubicle should have adequate space:

Where more than one unisex WC cubicle, suitable for use by a wheelchair user, is provided, then handing of the internal layout will provide for both left and right hand transfer onto a WC.

Diagram 13 illustrates the type of WC facilities required by a wheelchair user. A distance of 750 mm from the back wall to the front of the WC pan allows the wheelchair seat to be parallel with the toilet seat, so that the wheelchair can be reversed against the wall and the person using the toilet does not have to maneuver both sideways and also backwards to get into the seat.

A distance of 200 mm from the front of the WC pan to the vertical grab rail is also desirable so that a person on the toilet does not have to reach backwards for support at the same time as transferring back into the wheelchair. At the same time, the person sitting on the toilet should be able to lean forward and wash their hands in the basin, and insert or take out the wash-hand-basin waste plug. The 50 mm maximum dimension from grab rail to wash-hand-basin edge is so as to keep the wash-hand-basin as close as is reasonably practicable to the WC pan.

A distance of 450-500 mm from WC pan to the wall ensures enough space for the wheelchair on the opposite side of the WC, in the given 1.5 m overall dimension.

The desirable length of a grab rail is 600 mm so as to allow ease of grasping.

A distance of 800 mm from floor to washbasin is to optimise the ease of getting one's knees below the basin while not having the basin too high so as to make it difficult to reach the waste.

2.6 - Where provision for the ambulant disabled is required (see par. 2.4), this can be achieved by the provision of suitable grabrails in conventional WC cubicles. At least one such cubicle should be provided in each room containing sanitary conveniences.

Diagram 14 illustrates a WC for ambulant disabled people.

2.7 - In hotels and other guest accommodations, where en suite sanitary accommodation is provided in bedrooms suitable for independent use by a wheelchair user (see par. 1.18), such en-suite accommodation should also be suitable for independent use by a wheelchair user. Where en-suite sanitary accommodation is not provided 'unisex' sanitary accommodation suitable for use by a wheelchair user should be provided.

En suite provision should include level deck shower unit. In larger bathrooms, provision may also be made for a bath. Where accessible en-suite sanitary accommodation is provided in more than one bedroom, a bath may be provided in more than one bedroom, a bath may be provided instead of a level deck shower in up to half such bedrooms (see Diagram 11). In all other areas of hotels etc., sanitary accommodation in accordance with pars. 2.2 to 2.6should be provided.

Diagram 13 : WC cubicle (Par. 2.5 )

Diagram 14 : WC cubicle for ambulant disabled (Par. 2.6 )

Section 2b: Dwellings

2.8 - The guidance in Section 2b applies to new dwellings.

2.9 - A WC should be provided at entry level or, where there is no habitable room at this level, in the storey containing the main living room at his level, in the storey containing the main living room. At entry level, the WC should be so located that it can be accessed from the accessible entrance and from at least one habitable room without the need to negotiate steps.

The WC should be located in a bathroom or separate WC compartment, the layout of which should be designed to facilitate access to, and use of, the WC by persons with disabilities. A clear space 750 mm by 1200 mm, accessible by wheelchairs users, should be available adjacent to the WC so as to facilitate sideways transfer from the chair to the WC.

In general, the size and layout of the bathroom or WC compartment, and the positioning of the door, should be such that a wheelchair can be fully contained within the compartment and the door closed with the wheelchair inside. Diagram 15 shows two examples of alternative layouts for WC compartments which illustrate the level of provision which is considered generally acceptable.

However, in the case of certain smaller dwellings, WC compartments which, while providing for the necessary clear space to facilitate for sideways transfer, cannot fully accommodate a wheelchair or do not facilitate the compartment door to be closed with the wheelchair inside, may be acceptable. This level of provision should only be considered where the area of the storey where the WC is located is less than 45 m2. Diagram 16 shows two examples of possible layouts for such compartments.

Guidance regarding the clear opening width of internal doors (see par. 1.28) applies to the door of the WC compartment. Use of a door opening wider than the minimum, an outward opening door, a folding door or a sliding door will generally assist in facilitating wheelchair access. However, where an outward opening door is used the layout should be such that the door does not open directly across a circulation route or be otherwise dangerous in use.

Diagram 15 : Examples of WC Cubicles for visitable housing (Par. 2.9 )

Diagram 16 : Examples of WC cubicle for small dwellings (Par. 2.9 )

Section 3 Audience or Spectator Facilities

Audience or spectator facilities : M3
If a building contains fixed seating for audience or spectators, adequate provision shall be made for people with disabilities.

3.1 - It is a functional characteristic of certain types of buildings, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, lecture theatres, sports stadia and the like, that audience or spectator accommodation is provided at several levels and frequently this necessitates the use of tiered or sloping floors. While ambulant disabled people should have access to all levels of such premises the requirement for access for wheelchair users may be regarded as being met, notwithstanding par. 1.12, if independent access is available to sufficient wheelchair spaces in selected areas which afford good viewing conditions and provided there are available and accessible to people in those areas facilities such as bars, WCs, etc. similar to those available to other users of the premises.

3.2 - Areas where wheelchair spaces are located should be integrated with areas provided for the general public and wheelchair users should be able to sit with their companions. A wheelchair space may be one which is kept clear or one which can be readily be provided for the occasion by removing a seat.

3.3 - A wheelchair space can be provided by a clear space with a width of at least 900 mm and a depth of at least 1.4 m.

3.4 - The minimum number of wheelchair spaces should be 6 or 1/50th (whichever is the greater) of the seating capacity where the seating capacity is not more than 1,000 and 20 or 1/100th (whichever is the greater) of the seating capacity where the seating capacity is more than 1,000. Where a building contains several auditoria, e.g. a multi-screen cinema or a block of lecture theatres and the like, the minimum requirement applies to each auditorium.

3.5 - In certain types of buildings, such as theatres, cinemas, concert halls, meeting and conference rooms, places of religious worship and the like, the provision of aids to communication is essential to the satisfactory use by people who have a hearing impairment. Suitable aids would include loop induction or infra-red based systems.

3.6 - The above guidelines relate specifically to the provision to be made for people with disabilities attending as spectators or members of an audience. As with other buildings provision should also be made so that people with disabilities can have access to other parts of these buildings and use the facilities there e.g. stages, changing rooms, etc.

Standards and Other References

Title: Access to the Historic Environment - Meeting the Needs of Disabled People
Year Published: 1997
Author(s): Lisa Foster
Publisher(s): Donhead Publishing Ltd.
Available from: Lower Coombe, Donhead St. Mary, Shafresbury, Dorset, SP7 9LY, England.

Title: Building for Everyone - Access and Use for all Citizens
Year Published: 1998 edition
Author(s): National Disability Authority
Available from: 25 Clyde Road and Access Service, Comhairle, 44 Nth.Great George's Street, Dublin 1.

Title: European Institute for Design and Disability Annual
Year Published: 1999
Available from: Available from National College of Art and Design, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8.

Title: Designing for Accessibility - an introductory guide
Year Published: 1993
Author(s): Tess Palfreyman, Stephen Thorpe

Title: Designing for People with Sensory Impairments
Year Published: 1986
Author(s): Stephen Thorpe, Access Committee for England

Title: Accessible Thresholds in New Housing, Guidance for House Builders and Designers
Year Published: 1999
Publisher(s): Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions
Available from: The Stationery Office, The Publications Centre, PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT.

Title: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations
Year Published: 1993 (S.I. No. 44 of 1993)

Title: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts Part 1 : Electric Lifts
Standard Initials: IS EN 81 - 1:
Year Published: 1999

Title: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts Part 2 : Hydraulic lifts
Standard Initials: IS EN 81 - 2:
Year Published: 1999

Title: Specifications for dimensions for standard lift arrangements
Standard Initials: BS 5655 Lifts and service lifts: Part 1:
Year Published: 1989

Title: Specifications for manual control devices, indicators and additional fittings AMD 4912
Standard Initials: BS 5655 Lifts and service lifts: Part 7 :
Year Published: 1983

Title: Specifications for powered stairlifts
Standard Initials: BS 5776:
Year Published: 1996

Title: Code of practice for powered lifting platforms for use by disabled persons
Standard Initials: BS 6440:
Year Published: 1983