All entrances should:
4a) be illuminated
4b) have level access over the threshold and
4c) main entrances should be covered.

Stated specifications and dimensions required to meet the criterion

The threshold up-stand should not exceed 15mm.

Frequently asked question - Criterion 4

Q Do balcony doors and secondary entrance doors come under criterion 4a/4b?

A Criteria 4a/4b covers ‘all entrances’ to dwellings, and all communal entrances to blocks of dwellings. This includes all balcony doors, terrace doors and doors to roof gardens (whether private or communal) where physical access for members of the household or residents is intended.

Q Do balconies with no external access intended come under this criterion?

A ‘Juliet balconies’, i.e. where no physical access onto the balcony is intended, are exempt.

Q What is meant by the threshold ‘up-stand’?

A The 15mm maximum ‘up-stand’ relates to the total height of the threshold detail (across the overall threshold profile) measured from the external ground level and / or the internal f.f.l. immediately adjacent to the outer / inner edge of the threshold detail. In practice the ‘up-stand’ will consist of a number of lesser up-stands and sloping infill connections (often a one piece proprietary product).
Accessible thresholds conforming to Part M of the Building Regulations should automatically achieve the Lifetime Home standard.

Q What are the minimum dimensions for the cover at the main entrance?

A There is no stated dimensional requirement for the cover at the main entrance – the aim of which is to provide some degree of weather protection for an individual (who may be using a wheelchair) who is either unlocking the door, or waiting to gain access into the block. The scale and form of the dwelling / block, exposure, and aesthetics may all have a bearing on the appropriate size of the cover. Given the aim, the minimum width of the canopy should cover the entire doorset and any associated ironmongery / access controls, the depth of the cover for an individual dwelling should exceed 600mm (min. 900mm preferred) and for a communal entrance should be in excess of 900mm (min. 1200mm preferred).

Additional good practice recommendations

(i) The lighting at the entrance should be fully diffused and achieve an illuminance in the range of 100 – 200 lux on the locks / access control points.

(ii) Any supports for the cover at the main entrance should be clear of the access route so they do not become an obstacle hazard to people with sight loss.

(iii) A level external landing should be provided at main entrance. The minimum dimension at a main communal entrance should be 1500mm x 1500mm. This can be reduced to 1200mm x 1200mm at an entrance to a individual dwelling.

(iv) Door entry systems and door bells should be set so that controls are in a zone 1000mm – 1200mm from the floor and within 200mm of the door frame on the latch side.

(v) Ensure that any matting provided within communal entrances has its surface level with adjacent floor finish or, if surface laid, has chamfered edges that are not a vertical up-stand barrier and will not fray to become a trip hazard.

(vi) Consider increasing the effective clear width of communal entrance doors from 800mm to 1000mm.

(vii) Consider providing a nib on the push side of entrance doors of min. 200mm on the latch side (in addition to the minimum 300mm nib on the pull side - see Criterion 6).