Approved Document Part K - Stairs, ramps and guards

Approved Document Part K 1998 with 2000 Amendments (PDF, 1.77MB) 

K1. Stairs and Ramps

The dimensions of stairways, ladders and ramps are not arrived at by accident but rather by accidents! They have been developed to enable safe and easy passage between different levels in and around buildings.  

K2. Protection From Falling

Any change in floor level in a building presents the risk that people may fall. The use of balustrades and handrails reduces this risk and gives a greater feeling of security when using the building. 

K3. Vehicle Barriers and Loading Bays

The design of barriers around multi-storey car parks and the like is controlled by this regulation. Danger for cars careering off car parks is thus avoided.  

K4. Protection from Collision with Open Windows, Skylights and Ventilators

Provision shall be made to prevent people moving in and around buildings from colliding with open windows, skylights or ventilators. 

K5. Protection against impact from and trapping by doors

Doors shall not be constructed so as to fall on or trap any person. 

Archived Copies

Approved Document K - 1998 edition
Valid: 1st January 1998 - 1st January 2001  
The requirement in this edition was:
K1 - Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 - Protection from falling 
K3 - Vehicle barriers and loading bays 
K4 - Protection from collision with open windows etc
K5 - Protection against impact from and trapping by doors 

 

Approved Document K - 1992 edition
Valid: 1st June 1992 - 1st January 1998  
The requirement in this edition was:
K1 - Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 - Protection from falling 
K3 - Vehicle barriers and loading bays 
K4 - Protection from collision with open windows etc
K5 - Protection against impact from and trapping by doors 
  
 
Approved Document K - 1988 amendments
Valid: February 1988 - 1st June 1992 
The requirement in this edition was:
K1 - Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 - Protection from falling 
K3 - Vehicle barriers and loading bays 
K4 - Protection from collision with open windows etc
K5 - Protection against impact from and trapping by doors 
  
 

Approved Document K - 1985 edition
Valid: 11th November - February 1988
The requirement in this edition was:
K1 - Stairs, ladders and ramps
K2 - Protection from falling 
K3 - Vehicle barriers and loading bays 
K4 - Protection from collision with open windows etc
K5 - Protection against impact from and trapping by doors