8. DISABLED ACCESS

8.1 The ground floor of institutional buildings must be accessible to disabled people through at least one entrance.

8.2 Where ramps are necessary or desired for disabled access they shall not have a slope of greater than 1 in 12. A ramp shall have a handrail on at least one side and preferably two sides.

8.3 Ramps must have a non-slip surface and a level platform at the top, which are at least 1800x1800mm if a door swings out onto it. Platforms must extend at least 300mm beyond each side of a doorway. Each ramp must have at least 1800mm straight clearance at the bottom.

8.4 Ramps must have level platforms at 9.5m horizontal intervals and wherever they turn.

8.5 Where toilets are generally provided an appropriate number of facilities (in accordance with the use and capacity of the building) must be made accessible to and be usable by disabled people.

8.6 Disabled toilets for wheelchair access must be at least 1520x1520mm square, have a door of 1000mm wide opening inwards and have appropriately designed and mounted handrails to provide support. Disabled toilets should be designed to follow standard codes of good practice.