Leading edge

The building regulations set out legal requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction. A series of approved documents provide general guidance about how different aspects of building design and construction can comply with the building regulations.

Approved document M provides guidance for satisfying Part M of the building regulations: Access to and use of buildings, which requires the inclusive provision of ease of access to, and circulation within, buildings, together with requirements for facilities for people with disabilities.

Approved document M, Volume 1: Dwellings (2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments) defines the leading edge of a door as:

The surface of a door which leads into (or faces) the room or space into which the door is being opened – sometimes referred to as ‘the pull side’.

Certain doors and gates (or gateways) are required to have a minimum 300mm nib between the clear opening width of the leading edge and any return wall perpendicular to it, (to allow wheelchair users to properly access the handle) and in some circumstances, this width must be maintained for 1200 or 1800mm beyond it.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
• Access consultant.
• Accessibility in the built environment.
• Approved document M.
• Clear access route.
• Clear access zone.
• Doors.
• Door clear opening width.
• Following edge.
• Inclusive design.
• People with disabilities.