GENERAL SITUATION
Corridors connect spaces and in emergencies form part of your escape egress plan.
They must therefore be simple and safe to negotiate.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
- In determining the width of a corridor, consideration should be given to the need for two wheelchairs to pass one another: The existence of passing bays and the extent to which furniture and fittings encroach on the corridor will have an influence.
- In general, the clear width of a corridor should not be less than 1200mm, but there can be exceptions to this where doors open into corridors, or where there is a permanent obstruction over a short distance. A width of 1800mm will allow two wheelchair users to pass each other.
- Wherever possible, radiators, fire extinguishers and telephones should be recessed. Projections, as well as creating an obstruction for wheelchair users, can be extremely hazardous to people with sight impairments and should have a good contrast with surrounding walls.
- Lighting and colour can be used effectively to help visually impaired people identify their surroundings, to avoid glare or silhouettes, and to distinguish certain features such as access to lifts or stairs.
- Flooring should be slip-resistant and have contrasting edges or skirting. Deep pile carpets should be avoided and patterned flooring should be chosen with care to avoid any which might be mistaken for steps or some other three-dimensional object.
- Floors within a corridor should be level. Where this is not possible, any slope of more than 1:20 should be treated as a ramp. This ramp should have a good contrast with the remainder of the floor. (see Ramps factsheet)
CHECKLIST
- Could wheelchairs pass in corridors? ( )
- Are corridors free from projecting hazards? ( )
- Is good use made of lighting and colour? ( )
- Does flooring take account of the needs of wheelchair users and those who are visually impaired? ( )
DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.
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