Protection from falling, collision and impact are covered within this document. This includes designing staircases, ladders, ramps, guarding and vehicle barriers in and around all types of buildings. There is also a requirement for protection from collision with opening windows by guarding and warning surfaces.
Approved Document K
2013 edition: Valid from 6 April 2013
PDF file: 4.30 MB, 68 pages
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document K are as follows:
K1 – Stairs, ladders and ramps
Stairs, ladders and ramps shall be so designed, constructed and installed as to be safe for people moving between different levels in or about the building.
Limits on application
Requirement K1 applies only to stairs, ladders and ramps which form part of the building.
K2 – Protection from falling
(a) Any stairs, ramps, floors and balconies and any roof to which people have access, and
(b) any light well, basement area or similar sunken area connected to a building,
shall be provided with barriers where it is necessary to protect people in or about the building from falling.
Limits on application
Requirement K2(a) applies only to stairs and ramps which form part of the building.
K3 – Vehicle barriers and loading bays
(1) Vehicle ramps and any levels in a building to which vehicles have access, shall be provided with barriers where it is necessary to protect people in or about the building.
(2) Vehicle loading bays shall be constructed in such a way, or be provided with such features, as may be necessary to protect people in them from collision with vehicles.
Limits on application
None
K4 – Protection against impact with glazing
Glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact whilst moving in or about the building shall:
(a) if broken on impact, break in a way which is unlikely to cause injury; or
(b) resist impact without breaking; or
(c) be shielded or protected from impact.
Limits on application
None
K5 – Additional provisions for glazing in buildings other than dwellings
Protection from collision with open windows etc.
K5.1 (1) Provision shall be made to prevent people moving in or about the building from colliding with open windows, skylights or ventilators.
Manifestation of glazing
K5.2 Transparent glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact while moving in or about the building, shall incorporate features which make it apparent.
Safe opening and closing of windows etc.
K5.3 Windows, skylights and ventilators which can be opened by people in or about the building shall be so constructed or equipped that they may be opened, closed or adjusted safely.
Safe access for cleaning windows etc.
K5.4 Provision shall be made for any windows, skylights, or any transparent or translucent walls, ceilings or roofs to be sfaely accessible for cleaning.
Limits on application
Requirements K5.1 – K5.3 do not apply to:
(a) dwellings
Requirement K5.4 does not apply to:
(a) dwellings; or
(b) any transparent or transucent elements whose surfaces are not intended to be cleaned.
K6 – Protection against impact from and trapping by doors
(1) Provision shall be made to prevent any door or gate:
(a) which slides or opens upwards, from falling onto any person: and
(b) which is powered, from trapping any person.
(2) Provision shall be made for powered doors and gates to be opened in the event of a power failure.
(3) Provision shall be made to ensure a clear view of the space on either side of a swing door or gate.
Limits on application
Requirement K6 does not apply to:
(a) dwellings, or
(b) any door or gate which is part of a lift.
Archived copies of Approved Document K
Approved Document K – 1998 edition incorporating 2000 and 2010 amendments
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
The requirements in this edition were:
K1 – Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 – Protection from falling
K3 – Vehicle barriers and loading bays
K4 – Protection from collision with open windows, skylights and ventilators
K5 – Protection against impact from and trapping by doors
PDF file: 1.43 MB, 20 pages
October 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 K – 1998 edition incorporating 2000 amendments
Valid from 1 January 2001 until 1 October 2010
The requirements in this edition were:
K1 – Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 – Protection from falling
K3 – Vehicle barriers and loading bays
K4 – Protection from collision with open windows, skylights and ventilators
K5 – Protection against impact from and trapping by doors
PDF file: 1.43 MB, 20 pages
Approved Document K – 1998 edition
Valid from 1 January 1998 until 1 January 2001
The requirements in this edition were:
K1 – Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 – Protection from falling
K3 – Vehicle barriers and loading bays
K4 – Protection from collision with open windows, skylights and ventilators
K5 – Protection against impact from and trapping by doors
No download currently available
Approved Document K – 1992 edition
Valid from 1 June 1992 until 1 January 1998
The requirements in this edition were:
K1 – Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 – Protection from falling
K3 – Vehicle barriers
No download currently available
1988 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from February 1988 until 1 June 1992
Amendments to the 1985 edition of Approved Document K
PDF file: 2.51 MB, 15 pages
Approved Document K – 1985 edition
Valid from 11 November 1985 until February 1988
The requirements in this edition were:
K1 – Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 – Protection and vehicle barriers
No download currently available