Help & Resources

Protection from falling, collision and impact

Approved Document K covers the requirements for staircases, ladders, and ramps to ensure safety. For a standard private domestic staircase, the maximum pitch is 42 degrees. The rise for each step must be between 150mm and 220mm, and the going (the step depth) must be between 220mm and 300mm. Handrails should be between 900mm and 1000mm high. These rules are crucial for preventing falls and ensuring your staircase is comfortable to use.

• K1 Stairs, ladders and ramps
• K2 Protection from falling
• K3 Vehicle barriers and loading bays
• K4 Protection against impact with glazing
• K5 Additional provisions for glazing in buildings other than dwellings
• K6 Protection against impact from and trapping by doors

Access to and use of buildings

Volume 1: Dwellings

Approved Document M focuses on accessibility. For new dwellings, it specifies that if a staircase is the main route for access, it should be designed to accommodate people with disabilities as much as possible. This may affect the maximum rise and minimum going of the steps, as well as the width of the staircase (often requiring a minimum clear width of 850mm or 900mm depending on the category). It ensures that homes are visitable and adaptable for future needs.

• M4(1) Category 1: Visitable dwellings
• M4(2) Category 2: Accessible and adaptable dwellings
• M4(3) Category 3: Wheelchair user dwellings