Building Regulations

As the Building Regulations and Approved Documents have become more and more complex, they have become increasingly unfriendly for the majority of users. Compliance is often only possible by understanding a wide range of supporting documentation. Alternative approaches are implied, but not described or analysed.

Using the Building Regulation goes far beyond analysis of the Regulations and the individual Documents themselves, and is offers practical advice on using not just the traditional routes to compliance but also on the alternative approaches suggested but not explaining the Approved Documents. The advantages and disadvantages for each form of compliance are analysed in depth. 

Using the Building Regulations: Part M Access takes the practitioner through the requirements for Part M of the Building Regulations, explaining and expanding the guidance given in the Approved Document, and comparing the advice in BS8300 and other relevant publications. Access Statements are demystified, and the implications for the buildings in use under the Disability Discrimination Act are clarified. 

Access Auditing is the start to setting up a clearly defined solution ensuring everything within reason is carried out to improve accessibility for all. Fully trained staff members will provide a written report and make various recommendations carries it out. 

The package that is offered include the following to ensure you know what should be done and why 

1 Full inspection of the premises. 

2 A thorough written report (including some areas that are good) 

3 Recommended action. 

4 Working within a reasonable budget. 

5 Access Audit Certificate. 

6 Layouts, specs & drawings. 

The main aim of the report is to assess the compliance of the premises with the DDA, Building Regulations and British Standards. Some regulations have been amended or redrafted. E.g. Regulation 7 has been redrafted to make it a functional requirement, which is in line with the functional requirements in the rest of the Building Regulations. The detail that was formerly in regulation 7(2) has been removed, as it is felt that such detailed guidance should be in the Approved Document and not in the regulation itself. 

British Standards: There is a new section, headed British Standards, which deals with the way that 

British Standards are being transposed into European standards, and how they should be treated during the transition period. 

The accessibility for wheelchair dependant people is taken into account together with the needs of blind or partially sighted people. Whether there is a need for a ramp to be installed? Other considerations are door opening sizes, manoeuvrability for wheelchairs; would a wheel chair lift be needed for access? And, more importantly, safe evacuation in an emergency.

A full PEEP (Personal Emergency Egress Plan) should be undertaken to assess the risk of any part of the building in an emergency situation. 

Access for All