Specifying Wall Protection
INTRODUCTION
Over the next couple of months we will be delivering a series of articles looking at the legislation and guidance relating to the specification of wall protection in building interiors.
As an Architect or building specifier, you need to be aware of the legislation and government guidelines affecting the materials used in the built environment.
As manufacturers of wall protection products, we (CS) also have to be knowledgeable about the legislation relating to our products to ensure they are compliant.
The legislation, Building Regulations, Health Building Notes, and British Standards, run to hundreds of pages of documentation, which is a lot to take in.
Our aim with this guide is to make that content more accessible. We will be sharing our understanding of the legislation and guidance to help you design a scheme.
MEETING & EXCEEDING LEGISLATION FOR WALL PROTECTION
Below are the articles that make up this series. We will be adding to this regularly, so keep checking back for new advice and guidance.
Or, if you would like to receive the articles straight to your inbox, just sign up by clicking the button below.
- All
- Accessibility of Buildings
- Approved Document M
- BS 8300
- Equality Act
- Handrails
- HBN 00-04
- Light Reflectance
- Visual Impairment
RELEVANT LEGISLATION & GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
There is a large amount of legislation that applies to Wall Protection. Below is a comprehensive list of that
legislation and a brief summary of each. All of this legislation is covered in the articles above in some way,
so we recommend reading the articles first.
The Equality Act 2010 (incorporating the Disability Discrimination Act 1995): covers a swathe of requirements to counter discrimination of any person for any reason. Within the built environment the Act states that there must be “equal access to premises for all” regardless of disability, age or gender.
Health Building Note (HBN) 00-04: This building note provides guidance on the design of circulation and communication spaces in hospitals and other healthcare buildings, including corridors, internal lobbies, stairs and lifts. It also provides information on designing and fitting doors and handrails.
Building Regulations Approved Document B lays down guidance regarding fire safety. Since we’re talking about Wall Protection, we’ll be focusing on the guidance for wall coverings.
BS 8300:-2:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment Part 2: Building Code of Practice gives detailed guidance on different aspects of building design, including handrails, horizontal circulation, and surface finishes. All of these items can assist disabled people to find their way around the building safely.
Health Building Note (HBN) 00-09 This building note details each stage of a project, from initial concept through to post-project evaluation, in relation to infection control. A building’s design can help infection prevention and control by providing an environment that is easy to clean and maintain. It is important that these features are designed into a project from the beginning.
Building Regulations Approved Document M draws on BS 8300 for guidance to ensure buildings are accessible and user friendly. The main objective of these regulations is to enable everyone regardless of disability, age or gender, to travel around the building without discomfort or risk.,
Health Building Note (HBN) 00-10 Part B: Walls & Ceilings This document outlines the policy and performance requirements for walls & ceilings in healthcare facilities.
WALL PROTECTION FOR SPECIFIC BUILDING TYPES
The fabric of busy environments is often subjected to extensive wear and tear, resulting in unsightly impact damage. Incorporating wall and door protection products is a key design factor, ensuring the longevity of a building’s interior while helping to reduce maintenance costs and the need for repairs and redecoration.
Typical Damage Sources:
- Bumps and scuffs from shopping trolleys, wheelchairs & pushchairs
- Doors being opened by trolleys and/or feet
- Bags/rucksacks causing surface scuffing
- Chair backs and beds impacting walls
Commonly Affected Areas:
- Trolley routes around buildings
- Likely congestion areas
- Circulation spaces, including lift lobbies and main corridor routes
Considerations for Effective Damage Protection:
- The optimum height for corner guards
- The position of crashrails and their duty rating in relation to trolley sizes, as well as frequency and severity of impact
- Whether mobility support is required in pedestrian access areas
- Whether there is sufficient corridor width to fix the wall protection on brackets to keep the traffic away from the wall surface
- Whether impact sheet protection is required for doors or walls
- Which material is appropriate for the location, e.g. stainless steel in kitchens, rubber in delivery areas, Acrovyn in general circulation spaces
