Part M is a source of guidance for architects and the construction industry as a whole. These standards are in place to ensure that buildings provide the maximum access to visitors and occupants, irrespective of their possible disabilities.

Across Europe, human diversity in age, culture and ability is greater than ever. We now survive illness and injury and live with disability as never before. Although today’s world is a complex place, it is one of our own making, one in which we therefore have the possibility – and the responsibility – to base our designs on the principle of inclusion.

Design for All is design for human diversity, social inclusion and equality. This holistic and innovative approach constitutes a creative and ethical challenge for all planners, designers, entrepreneurs, administrators and political leaders.

- European Institute of Design and Disability, Stockholm Declaration 2004

Disability is a reality for most people at some stage of life – according to the 2002 Census almost 40% of people over 70, and almost 60% of people over 80 have a disability. Negotiating and using the built environment can be a major challenge for people with disabilities. Accessibility of the built environment is a key factor in people with disabilities achieving greater independence, participation and social inclusion.

While the wheelchair symbol is widely used to denote accessibility, the issue of accessibility extends beyond the requirements of wheelchair users. A fully accessible environment would also accommodate the needs of people who are deaf and those who are hard of hearing, people who are blind and those with low vision, people with reduced mobility, people with restricted strength or stamina, and people with intellectual disabilities. The 2002 census recorded over 300,000 people with disabilities; of these, there were 176,000 people with disabilities that restricted physical actions or movement; 78,000 people with vision or hearing problems; and 190,000 with multiple kinds of disability. (source nda.ie)

Part M applies to the construction of new, or alterations and extensions to, non-domestic buildings. It also applies to some changes of use to non-domestic buildings. This includes buildings of historic interest and listed buildings.

Part M now stipulates that if the platform lift is not enclosed and the wheelchair user not accompanied, then the platform must be at least 800mm wide by 1250mm deep. Enclose the platform lift and the platform must be at least 900mm wide x 1400mm deep. If the wheelchair user will be accompanied then the platform must be at least 1100mm wide and 1400mm deep. These last dimensions also apply if the entry and exit doors are at ninety degree to each other.

Door widths are also stipulated, for the largest platform size they must have a 900mm clear width, for the other platform sizes 800mm clear width will suffice. Whatever the size of the doors, Part M now insists that they are visually distinguishable from the walls and that any glass areas are identifiable by the visually impaired.

Premier Platform Lifts has the largest range of Part M compliant lifting solutions available. Combined with our knowledge of legislation we guarantee that you will find the exact solution for you needs, with minimum outlay of time and effort on your part, and in conjunction with the most competitive pricing. For no obligation advice and input please feel free to contact us at anytime – we are genuinely dedicated to making this a fully accessible world.