Dulux trade leads new approach to meeting Part M

Dulux Trade has launched a new CD Rom to help specifiers create aesthetic colour schemes that also meet the duties of the DDA Guidelines. Drawing on Project Rainbow research from ICI, the University of Reading, the RNIB and Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Dulux Trade Colour & Contrast Design Guide allows specifiers to address the visual contrast elements of Part M and BS8300, without compromising on good design.

Project Rainbow led to the development of Part M and BS8300, Key DDA guidance documents. Under Building Regulations Approved Document Part M specifiers are advised to contrast visually adjacent critical surfaces such as walls, ceilings, doors and floors by differentiating the colours used by a light reflectance value (LRV) of more than 30 points. BS8300 suggests minimum visual contrast as 20, preferably 30, points difference in LRV. However, this can lead to monochromatic, unappealing colour schemes and potentially little scope for colour choice.

The Dulux Trade Colour & Contrast Design Guide is designed to offer the specifier the widest colour choice possible within the required parameters. By using the Dulux Trade Colour Palette fandeck, the unique colour notation allows specifiers to identify the LRV of a colour. By utilising the Project Rainbow Research, the guide is able to offer specifiers additional flexibility when it comes to colour scheming.