Wheelchair accessible door width standards in the UK were brought about with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995, which was then replaced by the Equality Act of 2010. The major purpose of these acts and the variations that can be found are the rights that they give to those who are disabled in any way, allowing for fair employment in the workplace, and the accessibility for wheelchairs to public buildings; click here for more details.
If you look down the high street you will see many features that have been altered for wheelchair use; these can include the introduction of wheelchair ramps where there used to only be stairs, lowered public phone boxes or ATM cash dispensers, and wheelchair access doors that can be operated by an easy to push button at a height that is comfortable for wheelchair users. All new stores and builds require wheelchair access, and one vital component of this is ensuring that the wheelchair accessible door width standards set down by the DDA are indeed complied to.
As well as all new buildings that are used for public access being required to have wheelchair access ramps in the UK, all existing business must make the necessary changes to ensure that their store is indeed accessible for users of wheelchairs. Making the necessary alterations to your store or public access building is not something that you should undertake yourself; there are strict regulations that must be abided by and these include the wheelchair accessible door width. To ensure that you make the correct alterations to your business premise, you should contact your local disabled access and mobility specialists. Working to strict standards set out by the DDA, they will ensure that the money that you are pouring into your reformations is indeed money well spend; there is possibly nothing worse than making alterations to your premise only to be told that they are not in line with the strict UK standards required.
What is the Standard Wheelchair Accessible Door Width in the UK?
This is a question that unfortunately cannot be answered as simply as you might first presume. Although by gathering information online you will often come up with the same figure, 800mm, the standard measurement is not always the correct one for your premise. The reason why this standardized measurement may not be correct for your premise or store is because the gap necessary for wheelchair width will depend on whether the door is accessed straight on, or if the wheelchair ramp that leads up to your door is indeed at an angle.
When a wheelchair user needs to turn his or her chair when reaching the top of the ramp before entering your premise, it is logical that a wider wheelchair accessible door width will be required. It is also interesting to note that what may be seen as standard in the UK is indeed not standard in other countries, and with so much conflicting information available it is always the best option to contact your mobility access experts to carry out the necessary work.
Other Services Available from Your Disability Access Experts
When you own a public access building, it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct measures are taken to provide suitable wheelchair access. This can mean the addition of wheelchair ramps, work being carried out to provide a disabled bathroom facility, and the lowering of your counter for wheelchair users. As the owner of a store or premise it will be your responsibility to carry out all the work necessary to bring your premise in line with DDA standards. To ensure that your store is indeed DDA compliant, you should rely on the services of your local mobility and disability experts.
Wheelchair accessible door width specifications in the UK are very stringent, as are the conditions for installing a wheelchair ramp. Your wheelchair access ramp must be of a certain gradient and it must also be made of a non-slip surface. Hand rails should also be installed on ramps and in disabled bathrooms; once again there are strict standards that need to be complied with. When you use the services of the professionals for the work you need carrying out, you can be assured a professional job and one that will indeed comply with the strict standards that are set out by UK laws. Your local mobility and disability experts can provide you with access ramps, handrails, half steps, disabled stairs, disabled bathrooms, disabled access doors, and everything else that you require ensuring that your premise is indeed access friendly for wheelchair users.