Horizontal circulation and level changes

Horizontal circulation within a storey should be level or contain a gradient in the direction of travel less steep than 1 in 20, or by means of a ramp or ramps and landings. Ramps are not necessarily suitable and convenient for all people. For example, some people who can walk but have restricted mobility find it more difficult to negotiate a ramp than a stair. It is therefore beneficial to have a stair as well as a ramp. Where it is impracticable to provide a ramp to move between levels within a storey, a lifting platform, complying with the provisions of paragraphs 4.25 to 4.33 and 4.39 to 4.45 should be provided to transfer wheelchair users or people with impaired mobility, vertically between levels. A stair should always be provided, in addition to a lifting platform.