General principles for accessible approach to 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 entrance(s) and, where provided, a staff entrance, should be level. However where a difference in level is unavoidable due to site constraints, the approach may have a gentle gradient over a long distance (for all or part/s of the approach), or it may incorporate a number of shorter parts at a steeper gradient, with level areas at intervals as rest points. Generally, gradients within the approach should be as gentle as possible. An approach that contains one or all of these features is called a level approach. It is recognised that a level approach is not attainable in all situations and therefore, an access route containing a ramp, may be an appropriate solution to suit the site topography. It is also important that routes between buildings within a complex are also accessible. To reduce the danger of inadvertently walking into a vehicular access route the approach to a building should be separate from any vehicular route and where possible, not sharing the same surface. All access routes to principal, or alternative accessible, entrances should be surfaced so that people are able to travel along them easily, without excessive effort and without the risk of tripping or falling. Potential hazards e.g. from open windows, on or over access routes should also be avoided.