How to ensure compliance with Doc M Pack Regulations

Reading time: 5 minutes / Updated: May 26, 2023

You are likely reading this article because you are planning to install a Doc M pack in your building and are not sure how to determine whether the accessible washroom products you want to purchase are compliant. If you want to avoid the consequences of installing non-compliant products, it is crucial to ensure that you comply with Doc M pack regulations and equip your building with the necessary accessibility features to prevent any legal action or safety hazards.

Dolphin Solutions supplies compliant Doc M packs and a wide range of accessible washroom products that are specifically designed to meet the necessary accessibility requirements. We take pride in our collaboration with David Spooner, a well-known and trusted Access Consultant in the industry, who has directly contributed to our product development.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to ensure compliance with Doc M pack regulations, which products are included in a compliant Doc M pack, and the consequences of non-compliance with the Approved Document M Volume 2.

1. Design requirements

Check that the Doc M pack has been designed to meet the requirements of Building Regulations Document M, which relates to accessibility in public buildings.

2. Compliance with British Standards

Look for products that comply with the relevant British Standards, such as BS8300-2:2018, which sets out the design requirements for buildings to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

3. Suitability of products

Ensure that the products in the accessible Doc M pack are appropriate for the intended use and occupancy of the building, such as a wheelchair-accessible WC or an ambulant toilet in a workplace, public building, shopping mall etc.

4. Qualified installation

Make sure that the Doc M pack has been installed by a competent installer who is familiar with the relevant standards and regulations.

5. Inspection

Consider having the Doc M pack inspected by a qualified access consultant to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Approved Document M of the building regulations.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are equipped with the necessary accessibility features to make your washroom accessible to all users and ensure compliance with Doc M pack regulations.

Legal action and failing building inspection

Failure to comply with Doc M pack regulations may result in legal consequences, such as being fined or facing legal action. In the UK, if an accessible washroom is not compliant, it is unlikely that the building will be signed off as meeting the Approved Document M requirements.

Building inspectors are responsible for ensuring that buildings meet the accessibility requirements of the regulations, and if the Doc M packs are found to be non-compliant, the building may fail inspection.

Costs implications

The cost of rectifying a non-compliant accessible washroom can vary based on the degree to which the Doc M pack regulations are not met and the extent of modifications needed to bring it up to the required standard.

If the modifications are minor, such as a missing grab rail or tall mirror, the cost to rectify this may be relatively low. However, if there are major issues with the layout or design of the washroom, or if significant structural modifications are required, the cost can be much higher.

In addition to the cost of materials and labour to make the necessary modifications, there may be additional costs associated with hiring an access consultant, building inspector, or other professionals to assess and provide recommendations to remedy any problems.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your building is equipped with compliant Doc M packs that meet the relevant standards, guidelines, and building regulations.