Criterion 5

a) Communal stairs should provide easy access and
b) where homes are reached by a lift, it should be fully accessible.

Specification and dimensions which meet the Lifetime Home standards**
Minimum dimensions for communal stairs
Uniform rise not more than 170mm
Uniform going not less than 250mm
Handrails extend 300mm beyond top and bottom step
Handrail height 900mm from each nosing

Minimum dimensions for lifts
Clear landing entrances 1500mm x 1500mm
Min. internal dimensions 1100mm x 1400mm
Lift controls between 900 and 1200 mm from the floor and 400mm from the lift’s internal front wall.

Comparison and comments in relation to relevant paragraphs of Approved Document M, 2004 (Part M)
Approved Document M requirements for Common Stairs and Passenger Lifts to dwellings are covered in Section 9 of the Document, paragraphs 9.1 – 9.7.

The LTH specification for communal stairs matches the Part M requirements for Common Stairs where no lift is provided. However, LTH require communal stairs to meet this specification regardless of whether or not a lift is provided. LTH also require all communal stairs within a block to achieve this specification.

The LTH lift requirements are included within the Part M requirements with the exception that LTH requires the minimum internal lift car size to be 1100mm x 1400mm which exceed the minimum dimensions required by Part M. All other LTH requirements for lifts are covered within Part M. Note: As with Part M, LTH do not require a lift to be installed..


** See 16 LTH Criteria for more technical guidance and specific questions and answers on each Criterion.