Effective Clear Widths

Effective clear widths.

Clear opening width is measured up to any projecting door item including furniture, weatherboards, etc., as shown below. A space of at least 300mm is generally required next to the leading edge of the door to enable wheelchair users to reach and grip the handle, unless the door is power operated. Door opening furniture should be operable with one hand (e.g. lever action).

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Approved Document M, Table 2 Minimum Effective Clear Widths

Direction & Width of approach	New Buildings (mm)	Existing Buildings (mm)
Straight-on (without a turn or oblique approach)	800	750
At right angles to an access route at least 1500mm wide	800	750
At right angles to an access route at least 120mm wide	825	775
External doors to buildings used by the gernal public	1000	775