Abbey Consultants - Code For Sustainable Homes Assessors: Was3 – Composting FAQ
Question:
The new Was 3 checklist asks for all doors on route to the composting facility to have handles that do not needed to be grasped- don’t all handles need to be grasped !
Answer:
This requirement comes directly from BS8300:2009 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people, which states the following:-
It should be possible to operate all door opening furniture one-handed, without the need to grasp or twist. Care should be taken in the selection of security and fire exit fittings, such as short lever turn buttons, bolts, latches or locks, with the aim of making them manageable for all users. Wherever possible, door opening furniture used in conjunction with locks and latches should have a lever action. Knobs with a spherical, circular or similar design, as well as small symmetrical turn buttons, are difficult to use by people with limited dexterity, arthritis or a weak grip. The torque force required to operate keys and cylinder turns should not exceed 0.5 Nm.
Lever door handles can be operated with a closed fist by people with limited dexterity, arthritis or a weak grip.
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Abbey Consultants (Southern) – Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors – visit www.abbeyconsultants.co.uk
