Requirement No.3 - Steps
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FOR INCLUSION IN REGULATIONS |
FOR ACCOMPANYING GUIDANCE |
EXPLANATION |
| 3. Steps
These requirements are at doorways used by disabled passengers. |
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| 3.1 Any steps, either fixed or retractable must be permanently secured at the point of entry. |
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All steps must be permanently secured to ensure that they are always available for safe use by disabled passengers. |
| 3.2 There must be no more than 3 steps into the vehicle. |
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This provides for safe and comfortable access for disabled passengers. |
| 3.3 The height of the first step from the ground at all entrance and exit doors must not exceed 250mm. |
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Step heights are crucial if disabled passengers are to be able to access the vehicle safely and easily. These measurements are drawn from research findings and practical experience. |
| 3.4 All other steps must be within the vehicle and be between 120mm and 200mm high, consistent to within 10mm. |
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| 3.5 All steps must be at least 400mm wide and 280mm deep and must not have open risers. |
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It is important that disabled people have a wide enough step to allow them to balance/rest. Open risers could allow disabled passengers’ feet to slip through the gap. |
| 3.6 The surface of all steps must be slip resistant. Step nosing must be designed to minimise risk of tripping and must be in a contrasting tone and colour(s). |
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For similar reasons the step surface should be slip resistant. This is particularly important in wet conditions. This requirement will assist visually impaired people. |
