Do Platform Lifts Comply with Document M?

One of the most important documents referred to when applying platform lifts is Part M of the Building Regulations. This document deals specifically with access and facilities for disabled people and details specific requirements relating to the installation of such a machine. It applies to two types of premises, those classed as dwellings, and those to which public access is allowed. In the context of this newsletter, we will concentrate on the regulations as they apply to the latter.

Part M allows the use of platform lifts without any specific constraint on size, capacity, door type and control etc., for relatively small changes of level on the same floor of a building. However, when the building has multiple floors which exceed the areas detailed in the regulations then the lift must incorporate the specific design requirements of regulation M2:2.14.

One of the most important factors to consider when specifying any lift is its platform size. When used for disabled access, it is particularly important that there is plenty of room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre into and out of the lift easily, and that they are not restricted for space once they are inside. The Building Regulations state that Requirement M2 will be satisfied if a passenger lift "has a car whose width is at least 1100mm and whose length is at least 1400mm".

When designing a lift it is a good idea to make the control buttons tactile, with raised numbers or letters. This makes it easier for those with sensory impairments to summon and direct the lift.

According to Part M, lifts travelling through multiple floors should be "provided with suitable tactile indication on or adjacent to lift buttons within the car to confirm the floor selected", along with "visual indication and with voice indication of the floor reached". Measures such as these make it easier for people with sensory impairments to use and direct the lift.

The Building Regulations are national UK law and as such supersede any general directives issued by Europe. British Standards (BSs) or European Norms (ENs) represent best practice at the time they were written, but have no legal standing on their own.

The specifier or purchaser should make sure that the platform lift chosen is fully compliant with the requirements stipulated in Part M of the Building Regulations. Of course our Companion Prestige platform lift fully complies with the requirements of Document M. The pertinent section of Document M is reproduced in full below.