This part covers the clearance or treatment of unsuitable material, resistance to contaminants and sub-soil drainage. Information on the resistance of moisture to floors, walls and roofs is included, with examples of damp proofing and ventilation provisions.
Approved Document C
2004 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments: Valid from 6 April 2013
PDF file: 5.33MB, 52 pages
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document C are as follows:
C1 – Preparation of site and resistance to contaminants
(1) The ground to be covered by the building shall be reasonably free from any material that might damage the building or affect its stability, including vegetable matter, topsoil and pre-existing foundations.
(2) Reasonable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by contaminants on or in the ground covered, or to be covered by the building and any land associated with the building.
(3) Adequate sub-soil drainage shall be provided if it is needed to avoid-
(a) the passage of ground moisture to the interior of the building;
(b) damage to the building, including damage through the transport of water-borne contaminants to the foundations of the building.
(4) For the purpose of this requirement, contaminant means any substance which is or may become harmful to persons or buildings including substances, which are corrosive, explosive, flammable, radioactive or toxic.
Limits on application
None
C2 – Resistance to moisture
The floors, walls and roof of the building shall adequately protect the building and people who use the building from harmful effects caused by:
(a) ground moisture;
(b) precipitation and wind-driven spray;
(c) interstitial and surface condensation; and
(d) spillage of water from or associated with sanitary fittings or fixed appliances.
Limits on application
None
Archived copies of Approved Document C
July 2013 Amendments to Approved Documents
Valid from 1 October 2013
PDF file: 1.87 MB, 36 pages
2013 Amendments to Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2013
PDF file: 478 KB, 54 pages
Approved Document C – 2004 edition incorporating 2010 amendments
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
The requirements in this edition were:
C1 – Preparation of site
C2 – Dangerous and offensive substances
C3 – Subsoil drainage
C4 – Resistance to weather and ground moisture
PDF file: 2.7 MB, 53 pages
2010 Amendments to the Approved Documents and Compliance Guides
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
PDF file: 124 KB, 4 pages
Approved Document C – 2004 edition
Valid from 1 December 2004 until 1 October 2010
The requirements in this edition were:
C1 – Preparation of site
C2 – Dangerous and offensive substances
C3 – Subsoil drainage
C4 – Resistance to weather and ground moisture
PDF file: 1.9MB, 51 pages
Approved Document C – 1992 edition
Valid from 1 June 1992 until 1 December 2004
The requirements in this edition were:
C1 – Preparation of site
C2 – Dangerous and offensive substances
C3 – Subsoil drainage
C4 – Resistance to weather and ground moisture
PDF file: 5.15MB, 26 pages
Approved Document C – 1985 edition
Valid from 11 November 1985 until 1 June 1992
The requirements in this edition were:
C1/2/3 – Site preparation and contaminants
C4 – Resistance to weather and ground moisture
PDF file: 1.65MB, 22 pages