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Application of Part R to buildings
90(1) and 90(2)NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) this Part shall apply to any building or part of a building. This Part shall not apply to— (a) any garage or outbuilding associated with a dwelling; (b) any par
dwellingnon-domesticaccessaccessibilityExemptions from regulation 92
90(3)NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The requirements of regulation 92 shall not apply to— (a) a dwelling; and (b) any building that is being extended where reasonable provision for access to the extension is provided through the buildin
dwellingaccessaccessibilityExemptions from regulation 93
90(4)NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The requirements of regulation 93 shall not apply to— (a) a dwelling; and (b) an extension to a building where there is provision for suitable sanitary accommodation in the building being extended and
dwellingaccessaccessibilityDefinitions for Part R
Part R(5)NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
In this Part— "Dwelling" means a house or flat; "Entrance storey" in a dwelling means the storey which contains the principal entrance for the dwelling; "Independent access" to a part of or extension
dwellingaccessAccess and use of buildings
91NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Reasonable provision shall be made for people to have access to, into, within and to use a building and its facilities: Provided that in a dwelling this requirement shall be limited to the entrance st
dwellingnon-domesticaccessaccessibilityAccess to extensions
92NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Reasonable provision shall be made for independent access to an extension to a building.
dwellingnon-domesticaccessSanitary accommodation in extensions
93NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Where sanitary accommodation is provided in a building, reasonable provision shall be made for the provision of suitable sanitary accommodation in any extension to the building.
dwellingnon-domesticaccessSanitary conveniences in dwellings
94NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
In a dwelling a sanitary convenience shall be provided— (a) in the entrance storey; or (b) where the entrance storey contains no habitable rooms – in the principal storey.
dwellingaccessPerformance to satisfy Part R regulations 91-94
0.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
It is the view of the Department that the requirements of Part R will be met by making reasonable provision to ensure that buildings are accessible and usable. In buildings other than dwellings, peop
accessaccessibilitydwellingnon-domesticAccess routes and parking for non-domestic buildings
0.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The guidance in Section 2 is to ensure a suitable and convenient means of access to a building for people from the boundary and from car parking provided on site. Provisions are also given for uncont
accessnon-domesticexternal-spaceBuilding entrances for non-domestic buildings
0.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The guidance in Section 3 is to assist people to be able to identify the building entrance and use it to enter the building easily, conveniently and without the risk of injury.
accessnon-domesticCirculation within buildings
0.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The guidance in Section 4 is to facilitate the movement of people within a building both within a storey (horizontal circulation) and between storeys (vertical circulation).
accessnon-domesticAccess to and use of building facilities
0.5NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The guidance in Section 5 is to ensure that people have access to and use of all the facilities provided in a building.
accessaccessibilitynon-domesticSection 7: Access to dwellings from boundary or vehicle alighting point
0.7NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The guidance in Section 7 is to facilitate people with a range of abilities to approach and gain access into a dwelling and to a common entrance of a block of dwellings e.g. flats, from the boundary o
dwellingflatsaccessaccessibilitySection 8: Access to habitable rooms and sanitary convenience on entrance or principal storey
0.8NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The guidance in Section 8 is to facilitate access into habitable rooms and to a sanitary convenience in the entrance storey or the principal storey of the dwelling.
dwellingaccessaccessibilitySection 9: Access to all storeys in blocks of dwellings
0.9NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
In a block of dwellings e.g. flats, the guidance is to ensure reasonable provision for people with a disability to visit occupants who live on any storey.
flatsaccessaccessibilityDefinitions
1.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
In this Technical Booklet the following definitions apply – Access – approach or entry. Accessible – suitable access to and usable by all people, regardless of their ability. Dwelling – has the meanin
accessaccessibilitydwellingflatsDefined terms: Principal entrance, storey, and accessibility
NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Principal entrance (in relation to a dwelling) – has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 90 in Part R of the Building Regulations. Principal entrance storey – the storey or storeys where the pri
dwellingaccessDefined terms: Sanitary facilities and suitable design
NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Sanitary accommodation – has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 84 in Part P of the Building Regulations. Sanitary convenience – has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 90 in Part R of the
accessaccessibilityDefined terms: Dimensional and technical measurements
NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Surface width – the width of a stair or ramp, measured at the tread of a flight or the surface of a ramp, between any enclosing walls, strings, upstands, kerbs or guarding. Terminal fitting – a water
stairsrampsaccessibilityaccessPrinciples of inclusive design
1.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
An inclusive environment is one that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability. Buildings designed to be inclusive should be safe, convenient, sustainable and usable by all people.
accessaccessibilityScope of Technical Booklet R
1.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The scope of this Technical Booklet is to give provisions for generic solutions to the more common building scenarios to enable people to – (a) get access to a building; (b) get into a building; (c) m
accessaccessibilitydwellingnon-domesticScope of access provisions for buildings other than dwellings
1.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The provisions for access to and use of a building are for the benefit of people who are customers or visitors to the building or who work in it.
non-domesticaccessExtensions - approach, entry and sanitary accommodation
1.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
An extension should be treated in the same manner as a new building. The extension should – (a) be independently approached and entered from the boundary and from car parking within this boundary; or
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityAlterations - maintenance of accessibility
1.5NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
When a building is altered the alterations must comply with the requirements of Regulation 91 in Part R. The building, including access to it from the boundary and from on site car parking, where prov
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityMaterial change of use - hotels, institutions, places of assembly, shops
1.6NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
When a building undergoes a material change of use so that it is used as a hotel or boarding house, an institution, a place of assembly or recreation, or a shop it should be treated in the same manner
non-domesticcommercialpublic-buildingaccessaccessibilityScope and relationship to fire safety and Part H
1.7NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Part R is limited to matters of access to, into, within, and use of a building. It does not extend to means of escape for a person with a disability in the event of fire, for which reference should be
non-domesticaccessfire-safetystairsrampsAccess provisions for dwellings
1.8NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The provisions for access and for facilities within dwellings are for the benefit of people who are disabled who may visit the dwelling. Where Part R applies, reasonable provision should be made – (a
dwellingaccessaccessibilityAccess statements and alternative design solutions
1.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Access statements are not a requirement of the Building Regulations. Applicants may wish to satisfy the requirements of Part R by adopting the guidance and provisions of Technical Booklet R. However,
accessaccessibilityAccess statements for extensions and material changes of use
1.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
In the case of extensions and material changes of use of buildings other than dwellings, and particularly in the case of protected buildings, such a statement will allow an applicant to identify any c
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityconservationSection heading for buildings other than dwellings
NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Buildings other than dwellings
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityGeneral principles for accessible approach to buildings
2.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
As far as possible, the means of access from the point of entrance at the boundary and from car parking designated for people with a disability which is provided within the boundary, to the principal
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityLevel approach requirement for buildings
2.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The means of access to a building should be by a level approach complying with paragraph 2.8 to 2.12. However, where site constraints necessitate that all or any part of the means of access to or betw
non-domesticaccessrampsaccessibilityProvision of complementary steps with ramps
2.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
As ramps are not necessarily suitable and convenient for all people it is beneficial to have steps as well as a ramp. For example, some people who can walk but have restricted mobility find it more di
non-domesticaccessrampsstairsaccessibilityAlternative means of access for high-rise ramped approaches
2.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
If the total rise of a ramped approach is too high, it can be unacceptably tiring for wheelchair users and some people with walking difficulties, even if a number of rest landings are provided. Theref
non-domesticaccessrampsaccessibilityGuarding on approaches
2.5NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Where the approach requires to be guarded, that guarding must comply with the relevant requirements of Part H.
accessLevel approaches between buildings in a complex
2.6NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Where there is a complex of buildings within the boundary, a level approach should be provided between buildings to which Part R applies.
accessSeparation of approach from vehicular route
2.7NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The approach to a building should be separate from any vehicular route.
accesssite-planningLevel approach dimensions and gradients
2.8NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
A level approach should have – (a) an unobstructed width of not less than 1500 mm. However, at a local obstruction the width may be reduced to 1000 mm, provided that the length of the reduced width is
accessaccessibilityLevel approach surface characteristics
2.9NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
The surface of a level approach should – (a) be firm; (b) reduce the risk of slipping; (c) have similar surface frictional characteristics along its length; and (d) have an even surface finish.
accessaccessibilitySurface finish tolerances for formless and paving materials
2.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.9(d) – (a) where formless materials are used as surfacing, any undulations should be not more than 3 mm measured from a point below a 1000 mm straight edg
accessaccessibilityPaving unit joint specifications
2.11NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Where paving units are used as surfacing material and have – (a) recessed filled joints, the joints should be not more than 10 mm wide and 5 mm deep; and (b) unfilled joints, the joints should be not
accessaccessibilityTactile warning paving at uncontrolled carriageway crossings
2.12NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Where a level approach crosses a carriageway at an uncontrolled crossing point, this should be identified by using buff coloured blister type tactile warning paving, having a length of not less than 1
accessaccessibilityFeatures obstructing access routes should not present hazards
2.13NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Features of a building that occasionally obstruct an access route, particularly if they are partially transparent and therefore indistinct, or cause a danger overhead, should not present a hazard to b
accessaccessibilityProtection from hazards on access routes
2.14NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
To reduce hazards on an access route for people including those who are visually impaired, any – (a) door (other than for emergency use only) which opens outwards; (b) part of a window, when open in n
accessaccessibilityprotection-from-fallingProtection from areas below stairs and ramps on access routes
2.15NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Any area below the soffit of a stair or a ramp and its landings that is less than 2100 mm above an access route should be protected by a distinguishable barrier rail which incorporates either a vertic
stairsrampsaccessprotection-from-fallingPrincipal and alternative entrances
3.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
A principal entrance(s) and where provided, one entrance which is specifically for members of staff, and any associated lobby, should be accessible. However, where the space outside the principal or s
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityAccessible entrance design and identification
3.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
Accessible entrances should be clearly sign-posted and easily recognisable. Any structural elements, for example supports for a canopy, are useful in identifying the entrance, but should not present a
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityWayfinding and signage for accessible entrances
3.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
An accessible entrance should be clearly indicated (e.g. by signs incorporating the International Symbol of Access), from – (a) the point of entrance at the boundary; (b) suitable car parking which is
non-domesticaccessaccessibilityAccess area requirements at entrances
3.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings
An accessible entrance should – (a) be readily apparent (e.g. distinguishable, through suitable visual contrast from that of the adjacent elements of the building); and (b) have an access area – (i) t
non-domesticaccessaccessibility