The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has launched a call for evidence on Part K of the building regulations and its associated statutory guidance, Approved Document K.
Part K covers protection from falling, collision and impact in and around buildings. Its scope includes stairs, ladders, ramps, handrails, guarding, windows, doors, gates, glazing and vehicle barriers.
The call is relevant to people who design, construct, manage and use buildings. That includes small builders, building owners, professionals, occupants and members of the public who have practical experience to share.
What the review means
The BSR says it is reviewing Part K and Approved Document K as part of its duties under the Building Safety Act 2022. It wants to understand whether the current requirements and guidance remain effective, where greater clarity may be needed, and whether further research or development should be considered.
The BSR also says it has been more than 20 years since a substantial review of Part K and Approved Document K. Research published by the BSR, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Health and Safety Executive includes work on stair safety and whether guidance for stairs in dwellings and other buildings may need strengthening.
This is an evidence-gathering exercise, not a change to the rules. The current requirements and guidance remain in place while the review is undertaken. If the review leads to proposals for changes to building regulations or statutory guidance, those proposals will be subject to further consultation.
What evidence is wanted
The BSR is interested in evidence, research and experience across all areas of Part K, including:
- stairs and ladders;
- ramps and handrails;
- guarding and protection from falls;
- windows, doors and gates;
- glazing; and
- vehicle barriers.
It is also seeking views on whether guidance reflects current practice, whether it is consistent across the Approved Documents, and how well it works in different building types. Experiences from people who live in, work in or visit buildings may help show how design and safety measures perform in everyday use.
A practical step for builders and owners
If you have encountered uncertainty, a recurring design issue, a useful solution or a safety concern involving Part K, gather the relevant information now. This might include photographs, drawings, research, project records or a clear description of how a building is used in practice.
Then check the official BSR call for evidence and decide whether to respond through its online survey. The call runs for 10 weeks, and the official documentation explains alternative ways to respond.
Do not treat the review as permission to delay compliance. For a live project, continue to follow the current building regulations and Approved Document K, and check the latest official guidance before making decisions. If you are unsure how the existing requirements apply, obtain appropriate project-specific advice.
The BSR will analyse responses alongside other research and evidence after the evidence-gathering stage. The findings will help it prioritise future work as part of its wider review of building standards and guidance.
If you need a practical sense-check on Part K paperwork or how the current guidance affects a project, contact Pravise for a straight-talking conversation; the first call is free.
Sources and further reading
This article draws on reputable published sources and public enforcement reporting. It has not been fully verified case by case, so no individuals, companies or addresses are identified.
This article is general guidance, not advice about your particular site or premises. If you want it applied to your own job, the first call is free.