Access and Use (Leaving Cert Construction Studies): Revision Notes
Access and Use
Introduction to accessibility
Accessibility in building design focuses on creating easy access for all users throughout a building's lifetime use. This concept ensures buildings remain usable by everyone as they age or develop mobility challenges.
The concept of "lifetime use" recognises that people's mobility needs can change over time due to ageing, temporary injuries, or developing disabilities. By designing for accessibility from the start, buildings can serve their occupants throughout their entire lives without requiring major modifications.
Building regulations establish specific accessibility requirements for different parts of buildings. These regulations provide simple, inclusive design specifications that make buildings easy to navigate and use. They are particularly crucial for elderly people, people with disabilities, and young children.
All new dwellings and public buildings must comply with these accessibility regulations, which help create safe and navigable spaces for everyone.
Building regulations for access and use
New building regulations governing dwelling accessibility came into effect in 2010. These regulations require that dwellings be designed and constructed to allow people to independently access buildings and use facilities safely.
The design must avoid creating potential hazards for people with impaired vision, hearing, or mobility. This comprehensive approach ensures that accessibility is built into the fundamental structure rather than added as an afterthought.
Main entrance requirements
The main entrance represents the critical access point that determines whether a building is truly accessible. Several specific requirements ensure wheelchair users and others with mobility aids can enter safely.
Door opening specifications
The main entrance must have a minimum opening of 800mm to allow wheelchair passage. This width provides adequate clearance for standard wheelchairs while allowing some margin for safe navigation.
Manoeuvrability area
A clear, level area measuring 1200mm by 1200mm must be provided at the main entrance. This space allows wheelchair users room to manoeuvre, turn around if necessary, and position themselves properly to open the door.
This manoeuvrability area is essential for wheelchair users who may need to back up, turn around, or reposition themselves to operate door handles and navigate through the entrance effectively.
Threshold requirements
The threshold cannot exceed 15mm in height and must be rounded or chamfered. This design reduces tripping risks and makes the threshold easier to cross with wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Access route width
The approach route must maintain a minimum width of 900mm, providing adequate space for wheelchair navigation and allowing people with mobility aids to move comfortably.
Approach to the dwelling
The pathway leading to the main entrance requires careful consideration to ensure safe and practical access for all users.
Gradient specifications
The approach should ideally be completely level, meaning a maximum gradient of . This means for every 50 units of horizontal distance, the height can rise by only one unit.
Where level access isn't possible, a gentle gradient up to is acceptable. When gradients fall between and , the approach is considered a ramp requiring additional safety features.
Worked Example: Calculating Gradient Requirements
For a pathway that needs to rise 200mm over its length:
- Level access ( max): Minimum length = (10m)
- Gentle gradient ( max): Minimum length = (4m)
- Ramp required (steeper than ): Additional safety features needed
Pathway surface and edges
The pathway must have a firm, even surface to reduce slipping risks for people using mobility aids. Pathway edges require kerbs with a minimum height of 100mm to provide guidance and prevent accidents.
Headroom requirements
When the approach passes under features like archways, stairs, or balconies, minimum headroom of 2100mm must be provided. Lower openings must be boxed off to prevent injury risks.
Steps and handrails
Where steps are necessary, each step must have a rise between 100mm and 150mm. The total flight cannot exceed 1800mm in rise. Tapered steps are not recommended due to misjudgement risks.
Handrails must be provided on both sides of steps, positioned no more than 900mm apart. This ensures that users always have support within easy reach, regardless of which side they prefer to use.
Landings are required where necessary and must be at least 900mm long with no obstructions from door swings.
Ramp specifications
When gradients require ramps, landings must be provided every 7m and at each change of direction. Landings must have a minimum width of 1200mm to allow comfortable wheelchair manoeuvring.
Internal circulation
Once inside the dwelling, people with impaired mobility must be able to navigate through the building and use all facilities. Multi-storey dwellings must provide this freedom across entire floor levels.
Corridor requirements
Corridors must maintain a minimum width of 900mm to allow wheelchair passage. This width may be reduced to 800mm to accommodate permanent fixtures like radiators, provided they don't occur opposite doorways.
The reduction to 800mm is only acceptable for short sections where permanent fixtures are installed. The full 900mm width must be maintained at doorways and throughout the majority of the corridor length.
Door positioning and clearance
Walls on either side of doorways must remain clear for a minimum distance of 400mm. This clearance allows wheelchair users to approach doors at appropriate angles and operate handles effectively.
Door specifications
Doors accessed by wheelchairs require specific design considerations:
- Door saddles: Maximum height of 10mm with chamfered edges
- Handle height: Optimum position at 900mm, acceptable range 800mm-1200mm
- Handle type: Must be easily operable by people with limited dexterity
- Opening force: Should not require excessive strength to operate
Doors not requiring wheelchair access
Where doors lead to areas that don't require wheelchair access (such as upper floors accessed by stairs), a minimum opening of 775mm is acceptable since wheelchairs don't need to pass through.
Room layouts
Certain rooms receive additional accessibility attention due to their frequent use and importance for daily living.
Kitchen accessibility
Kitchens must incorporate several specific features to ensure wheelchair users can cook and prepare food independently:
Floor surfaces: Must be non-slip to prevent accidents, particularly important given the potential for spills and moisture in kitchen environments.
Turning space: A turning circle of at least 1500mm diameter must be provided, allowing wheelchair users to rotate completely and access different areas of the kitchen.
Work surface heights: Worktops and sinks cannot exceed 800mm height, ensuring they remain accessible to seated users.
Appliance placement: Dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens should be installed under work surfaces where possible, with adequate knee space underneath for wheelchair access.
Storage accessibility: Sockets and small appliances, including kettles, toasters, and microwaves, must be positioned at accessible heights that don't require reaching or stretching.
These kitchen requirements ensure that meal preparation and cooking remain possible for people using wheelchairs, maintaining independence in this crucial daily activity.
Key Accessibility Requirements:
- 2010 regulations mandate that all new dwellings must provide independent, safe access for people with mobility impairments
- Main entrance requirements include 800mm minimum opening, 1200mm × 1200mm level area, and maximum 15mm threshold height
- Approach gradients should be level ( max) or gentle ( max), with ramps requiring landings every 7m
- Internal circulation needs 900mm minimum corridor width and 400mm door clearance on each side
- Kitchen accessibility requires 1500mm turning circle, 800mm maximum worktop height, and non-slip flooring