The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has initiated a call for evidence concerning Part K of the building regulations and its associated guidance, Approved Document K. This part of the regulations focuses on protecting individuals from falls, collisions, and impacts within and around buildings.
Part K includes requirements and guidance for features such as stairs, ramps, handrails, guarding, windows, doors, glazing, and vehicle barriers. The BSR is undertaking this review as part of its responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022, which mandates keeping building safety and standards under continuous review.
The call for evidence aims to gather views, experiences, and evidence from professionals, organisations, researchers, building owners, occupants, and the public. This will help the BSR assess the effectiveness of current requirements and identify areas that may need greater clarity, strengthening, or further development. The current requirements and guidance will remain in place throughout the review period.
The BSR has also published research examining whether guidance related to private stairs in dwellings may need to be strengthened, contributing to the evidence base for this review.