The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has largely welcomed proposed revisions to Building Regulations Approved Document (AD) Part M relating to access and use of buildings, but said many questions remain unanswered.

BWF technical manager John Hedgecock said methods of measuring clear opening widths differ, with the proposals, which refer to non-domestic buildings, giving guidance only to doors opening to 90 degrees, whereas BS 8300 allows for doors to be opened through more than 90 degrees.

He also believes there is a conflict on the size of the opening width, with the AD referring to one dimension only – the larger preferred width. BS 8300 stipulates both minimum and preferred opening widths.

Mr Hedgecock said: “This, of course, can lead to the use of preferred door widths which would be outside basic sizes of leaf core. This would lead to buildings needing ‘specials’, with a corresponding increase in building costs.”

&#8220This could lead to the use of preferred door widths which would be outside basic sizes of leaf core. This would lead to buildings needing ‘specials’, with corresponding increases in building costs”

BWF technical manager John Hedgecock

BWF members have also drawn attention to the suggested lowering of door operational loading forces and expressed concern that preferred glazing panel heights may clash with the position of kicking plates and intrude on the location of handles and locks.

Mr Hedgecock said more attention should be paid to distinguishing between single and double doors.