Part K - Protection from falling and impact

Stairs, ladders, ramps, guards

Information can be viewed in Building Regulations 2000 - Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact (1920 KB) or is available from the Communities and Local Government website (external link).

There are five main aspects to this part:

1. To avoid accidents on stairs ladders and ramps, the physical dimensions need to be suitable for the use of the building, (see also Part B1 and M2 where other aspects have greater control);
2. To avoid persons falling, stairwells, balconies, floors, some roofs and (from 1 January 1998) light wells, basement areas or similar sunken areas connected to a building need to have suitable guarding of adequate design, height and strength for their location and building use;
3. To avoid vehicles falling off buildings, car park floors, ramps and other raised areas need to have adequate vehicle barriers provided and (from 1 January 1998) vehicle loading bays to have people refuges or escape stairs;
4. (From 1 January 1998) To avoid danger to people from colliding with an open window, skylight, or ventilator adequate provisions such as guarding may need to be made;
5. (From 1 January 1998) To avoid the opening and closing of powered sliding or open-upwards doors and gates falling onto any person or trapping them certain safety measures are required to be provided.
   
   

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