Architects Questions Answered: Specification & Compliance
Are these pull handles compliant with BS 8300 and Approved Document M for accessibility?
When it comes to high-quality British-made door handles, we manufacture durable and stylish handles ranging from 19mm to 35mm, including the most common sizes: 19mm, 25mm, 32mm, and 35mm. Our handles are designed to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring compliance with Document M and relevant British Standards for door handles.
Handle Diameter: The standard specifies that pull handles should have a diameter between 19mm and 35mm, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip.
Clearance from Door Face: Handles must provide a minimum clearance of 45mm from the door surface to allow adequate space for gripping.
Fixing Centres: The recommended fixing centres should be at least 300mm apart, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Placement Considerations: Handles should be positioned at an appropriate height (generally between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor) to be accessible to wheelchair users and individuals with limited dexterity.
Visual Contrast for Accessibility: Handles should contrast visually with the door to assist individuals with visual impairments. A minimum of 30 points of Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference between the handle and door surface is recommended.
Warm-to-Touch External Handles: BS 8300 states that external handles should be warm to the touch, considering different material properties such as thermal conductivity and diffusivity.
What is the minimum projection or clearance needed for DDA compliance?
BS 8300-2:2018 and ADM both say that there should be a minimum clear hand clearance of at least 45–50mm between the back of the pull handle and the door face.
This ensures a user can easily get their fingers around the handle, even with limited dexterity. This means the minimum projection = handle diameter + 45–50mm clearance. For example: If your pull handle is 25mm diameter, the projection should be at least 70–75mm. If your handle is larger (say, 32mm diameter), projection should be 77–82mm.
Are your pull handles fire door rated?
All of our stainless-steel handles are made from 304 or 316 grade stainless steel, which has a melting point of 1400°C. Although not fire tested in house, these handles are suitable for fire rated applications.
Do you have test certificates for durability (e.g., EN 1906)?
This is only for level handles or doorknobs.
Are these suitable for high-traffic commercial use?
We regularly manufacture handles for high traffic commercial properties, such as Starbucks, Costa, Nando’s and many other stores. We prioritise high quality materials and manufacture our own unique fixing kits that are strong enough to withstand intense use. We also have a well-trained Sales team who are able to advice on whether an additional fixing point would be necessary to maintain the integrity of the handle.
