Part M
The revised Part M now gives specific details for the provisions of platform lifts within sections 3.22: “Platform Lifts (New Build) should only be used in exceptional circumstances.” The platform lift industry has had meetings with the ODPM for clarification on this point.
The ODPM accepted that there would be many cases, outside the scope of the historic or listed buildings, in which a passenger lift may not represent an appropriate solution and where the use of a platform lift would be fully in keeping with the regulations to provide disabled access.
The ODPM accepts that a platform lift would be acceptable whenever a building control body was satisfied that an access statement justified it as the most appropriate solution.
Please note the importance of an disabled access statement when recommending a vertical platform lift.
Part M states that the platform size for an accompanied wheelchair user should be:-
- 1100mm X 1400mm
where adjacent entry is required
or the lift is enclosed and the user is accompanied.
To view a sample Disabled Access Statement click here.
