Disabled access regulations

Part M

As of 1 May 2005, the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 came into force in Scotland at which time Building Control became known as Building Standards.  Part M and section 4.2 of the Technical Handbook (Scotland) of the building regulations was first introduced in 1985.

Part M was created an attempt to ensure that all commercial buildings were suitably equipped for the needs of persons with disabilities.  Therefore public buildings and the design and building stages were to have adequate access for all potential users of the service.  These requirements were then extended to the buildings of new homes, and both access for dwellings are now defined under Part Q Regulation 29. It is important to adhere to these regulations, as failure to will often result in planning permission not being granted.

From 2004, all commercial buildings and retail premises across the country have to ensure that access for people with disabilities is of a sufficient level.

Access to Work

Access to work is a Government scheme to assist employers in meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It applies to full or part time, permanent or temporary work, meaning that employers must be able to provide sufficient levels of access to all existing and potential employees.

Access to work can assist in a number of ways. For example, a disability service team member will be located in the local job centre to provide practical help and advice for disabled people seeking a job. Grants may also be given towards the cost of special equipment (or alterations to current equipment) to suit the particular work needs of the employee.

Grants may be up to the value of 100% of the approved costs for a new employee, or 80% for an existing employee.