Technical Standards - Scottish Government

Technical Standards 

For compliance with the Building Standards 

(Scotland) Regulations 1990, as amended by 

the Building Standards (Scotland) Amendment 

Regulations 1993, the Building Standards 

(Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1994, the 

Building Standards (Scotland) Amendment 

Regulations 1996, the Building (Scotland) 

Amendment Regulations 1997, the Building 

Standards and Procedure Amendment 

(Scotland) Regulations 1999, and the Building 

Standards Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 

2001. 

This publication presents the Technical Standards which are the ‘relevant 

standards’ for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 

1990, as amended. The Technical Standards have full Statutory force by virtue 

of Regulation 9. 

Although presented in separate Parts to relate to particular regulations, the 

Technical Standards and the Regulations must be considered and applied as a 

whole; more than one standard or regulation may bear on a particular building 

element or design decision. Where this is relevant the most onerous standard 

applies [see for example Regulation 6 (4)or Regulation 7 (3)]. 

i 

Amdt: September 2001

Amdt: September 2001 

© Text: Crown Copyright 2001 

© Typographic Design: The Stationery Office Limited 2001 

First Published 2001 

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data 

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library 

ISBN 0 11 497294 X (Book Bound) 

0 11 497295 8 (Looseleaf) 

ii

Contents 

Introduction: The building control system in Scotland 

Part A: General including: 

Definitions 

References to published standards 

Regulations 3 to 9 

Schedules 1 to 5 

Part B: Fitness of materials and workmanship (Regulation 10) 

Part C: Structure (Regulation 11) 

Part D: Structural fire precautions (Regulation 12) 

Part E: Means of escape from fire, facilities for fire-fighting and means of 

warning of fire (Regulation 13) 

Part F: Combustion appliance installations and Storage of liquid and 

gaseous fuels (Regulations 14 and 15) 

Part G: Preparation of sites, Resistance to moisture and Resistance to 

condensation (Regulations 16, 17 and 18) 

Part H: Resistance to transmission of sound (Regulations 19 to 21) 

Part J: Conservation of fuel and power (Regulation 22) 

Part K: Ventilation of buildings (Regulation 23) 

Part M: Drainage and Sanitary facilities (Regulations 24 and 25) 

Part N: Electrical installations and Aids to assist the hard of hearing 

(Regulations 26 and 26A) 

Part P: Miscellaneous hazards (Regulations 27 to 28) 

Part Q: Access and Facilities for dwellings (Regulation 29) 

Part R: Storage of waste (Regulations 30 to 31) 

Part S: Access to and movement within buildings, and protective barriers 

(Regulation 32) 

Appendix: Publications referred to in the Technical Standards 

Index Index to Technical Standards as revised September 2001 

ASTERISKS 

Throughout the Technical Standards an asterisk against a standard denotes that a provision deemed to satisfy the standard 

or some aspect of the standard is specified at the end of the relevant Part. 

ITALICS 

Throughout the Technical Standards a term in italics is a defined term. The definition is listed in Part A, General. 

iii 

vii 


INTRODUCTION: TITLE? 

THE BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM 

IN SCOTLAND

Amdt: December 1999 

vi

vii 

Introduction: 

The Building Control System 

in Scotland 

BACKGROUND 

Local authorities administer building control in Scotland, 

enforcing regulations made by the Scottish Ministers subject 

to approval by the Scottish Parliament. 

Building control applies to the construction, alteration, 

extension or demolition of a building or part of a building, or 

to any change of use which attracts additional or more 

onerous requirements under the regulations. 

The essential purpose is to safeguard people in and around 

buildings. To this has been added the conservation of fuel 

and power used in buildings, and the provision of facilities 

for the disabled in and around buildings. It is a pre-emptive 

system, ensuring as far as practically possible that the 

proposed buildings will not contravene the regulations and 

that on completion the buildings do in fact comply. 

The Scottish Ministers hope that users of the regulations and 

those affected by them, including members of the public, 

will not hesitate to make their views known where they feel 

the regulations are either inadequate or are too wide in their 

scope or too onerous in any respect. Suggestions for 

improving any aspect of building control will always be 

given careful consideration. 

BUILDING STANDARDS (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 

The building standards regulations are made by the Scottish 

Ministers under powers in section 3 of the Building 

(Scotland) Act 1959 as amended, (in particular by the 

Scotland Act 1998, which transferred the powers from the 

Secretary of State for Scotland). The regulations do not 

Amdt: December 1999

apply retrospectively to existing buildings unless there are 

exceptional circumstances (such as danger to the public), but 

do apply to parts of existing buildings that are altered or 

extended. 

A number of separate supporting regulations set out the 

procedures, forms and related matters which regulate the 

operation of the building control system. Local authorities 

can advise on what is applicable in relation to any particular 

project. 

Scottish Ministers, in framing building standards 

regulations, are required to consult the Building Standards 

Advisory Committee (see below) and such other bodies as 

appear to them to be representative of the interests 

concerned. Regulations are published in the form of 

Statutory Instruments, which are subject to the approval of 

the Scottish Parliament. 

BUILDING STANDARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

This committee, established by statute, keeps a watching eye 

on the building control system and reports to Scottish 

Ministers on aspects that need attention because of 

developments in the industry or changes in the expectations 

of society. The committee must also be consulted on all 

proposed amendments to the legislation. The secretariat to 

the committee is provided by the Scottish Executive, which 

can be approached to put matters before the committee. 

COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS 

Regulation 9 stipulates that the requirements of the 

regulations can be satisfied only by compliance with the 

relevant standards. The relevant standards are set out in this 

document, the Technical Standards for compliance with the 

Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as 

amended. 

Without prejudice to any other way of meeting the standards, 

complying with the provisions that are deemed to satisfy the 

requirements of the regulations, as given in this document, 

constitutes compliance. 

To satisfy the regulations therefore the design, materials and 

methods of construction must be at least to the standards set 

in this publication. The provisions deemed to satisfy the 

standards are provided for the convenience of designers only 

if they choose to adopt them. There is no obligation to do so, 

but if used properly deemed to satisfy solutions must be 

accepted by the local authority. 

An important point to recognise is the full acceptance of 

solutions based on standards and technical specifications 

recognised in other Member States of the European 

Economic Area (EEA), or to the growing number of 

European standards, where these provide equivalent 

standards of protection or performance. (See Part A: 

Reference to published standards, and Part B: Fitness of 

Materials and Workmanship). These regulations must not 

contravene the Construction Products Directive by causing 

barriers to trade within the EEA. 


viii

ix 

BUILDING WARRANTS 

All building work must comply with the standards 

prescribed by the regulations except the classes of building 

exempted by the definition of building or listed in schedule 

1 (see Part A). It is an offence for anyone to carry out 

building works, other than those specifically exempted, 

without a warrant from the local authority. It is the 

responsibility of the building owner to apply for and obtain 

the warrant. Apart from the exempted classes of building 

described above certain fixtures, listed in schedule 2, may 

not require a warrant, although compliance with the 

standards is still required. The building control officers of 

the local authority will advise on what drawings, 

specifications and other information are required to enable 

them to check for compliance with the regulations. For very 

minor work only limited plans may be needed, but large 

projects require extensive information. A fee is payable at 

the time of application for a warrant based on the estimated 

cost of the building works. 

The local authority is responsible for the enforcement of the 

regulations and in most cases difficulties or disagreements 

over interpretation are resolved by discussion with the local 

authority. There is, however, a right of appeal to the Sheriff 

Court in the event of refusal to grant warrant and certain 

other actions of the local authority. 

The time required for checking may depend on the size or 

complexity of the project, and any adjustments required, so 

no time limit is set in Statute. Most authorities however 

operate to targets for responding, and report performance to 

the Accounts Commission which publishes annual reports. 

A warrant is valid for three years from issue, but this period 

can be extended if a request is made within that period. 

A warrant is required for the demolition of a building 

(sections 6 and 16 of the Act refer). 

INSPECTION 

During construction building control staff may inspect the 

works, and the local authority must be notified when 

building work begins and subsequently at specified stages. 

Tests (e.g. of drains) may be required to establish 

compliance with the regulations (section 18 of the Act 

refers). 

COMPLETION 

Before the building may be occupied it is necessary to obtain 

from the local authority a certificate of completion. This 

provides formal confirmation that the building work has 

been carried out in accordance with the warrant and with the 

building standards regulations, so far as the local authority 

can ascertain from their inspection (section 9 of the Act 

refers). 

Quite apart from the legal implications, failure to obtain 

warrants and completion certificates can have serious 

practical consequences, e.g. for householders seeking to sell 

Amdt: December 1999

their homes. Buyers’ solicitors and lending institutions often 

wish to see these documents in connection with property 

sales, mortgages etc. Where work has been carried out that 

does not comply with the regulations the local authority can 

require changes to be made to bring it up to standard. This 

can impose considerable additional expense on the owner. 

ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 

The summary above outlines the arrangements and legal 

obligations that apply in most cases. There are additional 

arrangements that may be appropriate in particular 

circumstances. 

Relaxations: Any set of rules for such a complex and 

evolving subject as building must incorporate a degree of 

elasticity to cope with exceptional circumstances. In such 

cases there are arrangements to permit relaxation from or 

dispensation of requirements in the regulations. The power 

to decide these cases has been devolved fully to local 

authorities, which can advise on how to apply for a 

relaxation (and on how to appeal if an applicant feels 

particularly aggrieved by a refusal or the conditions attached 

to a decision to relax). In the case of relaxations only, appeal 

is to the Scottish Executive, not the Sheriff Court. 

Reasons for relaxation can include, for example, difficulties 

posed in alteration work. The key consideration is whether, 

in a particular case, it is unreasonable for specific 

requirements to apply. If a relaxation application concerns a 

departure from regulation 13 on means of escape from fire 

the local authority must consult the fire authority before 

issuing a decision (section 4 of the Act refers). 

Class relaxations: Exceptionally, Scottish Ministers can 

issue class relaxation directions permitting the use of 

products or elements of buildings that do not comply with 

the published standards. Class relaxations characteristically 

relate to products or building elements or forms that 

incorporate new technical features not envisaged when the 

regulations were made, but which nevertheless embody 

adequate safeguards for public health and safety (section 4 of 

the Act refers). 

Class warrants: The Act sets out a procedure for giving a 

class of building a warrant, which would apply in subsequent 

applications. This procedure has never been implemented as 

local authorities in Scotland have set up the Scottish 

Building Control Organisation to issue type approvals. 

Information is available from the Convention of Scottish 

Local Authorities. 

Staged warrants: Local authorities are empowered to issue a 

warrant subject to agreement on later phases of work. This 

procedure, often known as a staged warrant, allows 

construction to begin before design is complete. The 

applicant choosing to build in this way will be required to 

show that any work to be commenced does comply, and that 

later phases comply before being permitted to proceed with 

them. 


x

xi 

Limited warrants: There is provision for gaining a warrant 

for buildings to have a stated limited life not exceeding five 

years. The warrant is issued on condition that the building 

will be demolished before the end of the stated period unless 

the local authority grants an extension of the period. It will 

be apparent that this provision has significance only where 

the regulations accept lesser standards for a short life 

building (section 6(4) and (5) of the Act refers). Such 

standards might be resistance to moisture, say, which can be 

relaxed without increasing risks to the building users for the 

limited time involved. 

Self-certification: This procedure has been adopted to allow 

chartered engineers to certify structural design work rather 

than submit detailed calculations (section 6AA of the Act 

refers). There are no plans at present to extend the use of 

self-certification. 

ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS 

The application of the building standards regulations to 

alterations and extensions sometimes presents difficulties. 

The basic principle is that the regulations apply to the 

alteration or extension but not to the existing unaffected parts 

of the building even where these do not comply with present 

regulations. However the alteration or extension must not 

directly cause the existing part of the building to fail to 

conform, or to fail to conform to a greater degree (for 

example if an extension is built over a window needed to 

provide light, ventilation or escape). In those instances a 

warrant may be refused unless the existing building is 

brought up to the standard previously attained (sections 

6(2)(a), 6(8)(c) and 29(2) of the Act refer). 

CHANGE OF USE 

Change of use of a building or part of a building can bring 

into force all relevant regulations in the case of a building 

previously exempted, or additional or more onerous 

requirements in the case of a building already subject to the 

regulations. For example, a house changed into a nursing 

home would attract more onerous means of escape 

requirements. Such changes of use require a warrant even if 

no building work is proposed. Or again, if a house is split 

into flats the floor will become a separating floor and more 

fire resistance is required. 

The key is whether a more onerous requirement applies to 

the new use of the building or any part or component of the 

building. It may relate to only one regulation or many, or 

one part of a building and nothing else (for example the use 

of a gas flue for a solid fuel appliance). 

A building does not necessarily need to change from one 

purpose group to another to attract more onerous 

requirements. The local authority can advise on particular 

cases (section 6(2)(b) of the Act refers). 

Change of use for building control purposes must be 

carefully distinguished from change of use for planning 

purposes. 

Amdt: December 1999

ENFORCEMENT 

Local authorities have powers to enforce the regulations 

where buildings have been constructed without a warrant or 

in contravention of the regulations or conditions of a 

warrant. Regardless of whether or not work requiring 

warrant is proposed, they can also require an existing 

building to conform to certain regulations if this should be 

necessary to safeguard the occupants or the public generally. 

In such cases a notice is served on the owner of the building 

stating the operations required. If the owner fails to react 

within a defined period the authority may order him to carry 

out the work. In the event of failure to comply with the order 

within a specified period the owner is guilty of an offence 

and the local authority may then carry out the work and 

recover the cost from the owner as a debt (sections 10 and 11 

of the Act refer). 

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS 

If the local authority considers that a building is dangerous it 

can require immediate evacuation and require, or itself take, 

any action (including demolition) necessary to protect the 

public and adjacent property. The authority can then serve 

on the owner a notice requiring remedial action or 

demolition within a stated period and, if no action is taken, 

serve an enforcement order. If this is not complied with the 

authority can itself carry out the repair or demolition and 

then recover its expenses from the owner (sections 13, 14 

and 15 of the Act refer). 

THE BUILDING CONTROL FORUM 

The Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local 

Authorities (COSLA) meet regularly to promote common 

interpretation and administration of the building standards 

regulations. This Forum brings together senior local 

authority and central government officials about 3 times a 

year to resolve difficulties in the operation of the building 

control system, so far as is possible without changing 

legislation. It also provides an opportunity for consideration 

of representations from industry, commerce and the building 

professions on problems of general concern. Anyone 

wishing to make such representations should approach either 

the Scottish Executive or COSLA. 

The minutes of the meetings and occasional information 

papers agreed by the Forum are distributed to all local 

authorities, providing a direct channel of communication to 

deal with problems arising on the operation of the system. 


xii

GENERAL INCLUDING: 

DEFINITIONS, REFERENCES, 

REGULATIONS 3-9, AND SCHEDULES 1-5A

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

DEFINITIONS 

REFERENCES TO PUBLISHED STANDARDS 

REGULATIONS 3 TO 9 

3 Exempted classes of buildings 

4 Fixtures not requiring a warrant 

5 Limited life buildings 

6 Classification of buildings by purpose 

7 Occupancy capacity 

8 Measurements 

9 Compliance with building standards 

SCHEDULES 1 TO 5 

1 Exempted classes of buildings 

2 Fixtures not requiring a warrant 

3 Classification of buildings by purpose 

4 Occupancy load factors 

5 Rules of measurement 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3A 


A

5A 

Introduction 

1 The intention of this Part of the Technical Standards is to 

give information on the general application of the Building 

Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 as amended. (These 

regulations are made under the powers given by The Building 

(Scotland) Act 1959). 

2 Part A contains: 

a. a full list of the defined terms used both in the Regulations 

and in these Technical Standards; 

b. instructions on the interpretation of references to other 

published documents; 

c. a complete extract of Regulations 3-9, which deal with 

the general way in which the Regulations are applied and 

which cover: exempted buildings; fixtures not requiring 

a warrant; limited life buildings; classification of buildings 

by purpose; occupancy capacity; rules of measurement; 

and means of compliance; and 

d. a set of the Schedules to the Regulations which are 

essential to interpret and apply the Regulations, i.e. 

Schedules 1-5. 

3 The material in Part A is included to enable the reader to 

interpret the provisions in the Technical Standards without 

the constant need to cross-refer to the Regulations. For the 

same reason, all other Parts of the Technical Standards are 

prefaced by verbatim copies of the Regulations for which 

they provide the relevant standards. 

4 Applications for warrants for the construction or change 

of use* of a building made before the date of coming into 

force of these Regulations or any relevant amending Regulations 

and applications for extension of the period of validity 

or amendment of warrant remain subject to the Building 

Standards (Scotland) Regulations in operation at the time the 

application for warrant was made. 

*Change of use is defined in the Building (Scotland) Act and 

‘in relation to a building means such change in the use or 

occupation of the building as will bring it within a class of 

building to which the building standards regulations apply, 

or, if it is already within such a class, within a class to which 

additional or more onerous provisions of the building standards 

regulations apply, and "change the use" shall be construed 

accordingly’. It applies to any part or component of a 

building as well as whole buildings, and is different in 

concept from a change of use in common parlance or in 

terms of planning legislation. 


A

A 

Definitions 

Note: 

This is a list of terms used in the Technical Standards that have a specific meaning. The list also includes all 

the terms defined in Regulation 2, ‘Interpretation’, of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 as 

amended (indicated by an asterisk). The definitions of ‘building’ and ‘construct’ derive from the Act. All the 

terms listed below are in italics throughout the Technical Standards. 

ACCESS DECK means a structure having a surface in the open air suitable for ingress and egress of persons to a 

building. 

*the ACT means the Building (Scotland) Act 1959. 

*AGRICULTURE has the same meaning as in the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948 (a), and AGRICULTURAL shall 

be construed accordingly. 

*AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURE means a structure which has a space-enclosing single-skin membrane anchored 

to the ground and kept in tension by internal air pressure so that it can support applied loading. 

ALTERNATIVE EXIT means an exit from a dwelling which is through a door other than its main entrance door and 

is available for use at all times. 

APARTMENT means a room in a dwelling not used solely as a kitchen, store or utility room. 

APPLIANCE COMPARTMENT means a space constructed or adapted specifically for the housing of a combustion 

appliance. 

BASEMENT STOREY means any storey which is below the level of the ground storey. 

*BOUNDARY means a boundary between land on which the building is situated and land in different occupation, 

so however that - 

a. in relation to any external side of a building it shall exclude any part of the boundary which 

makes an angle with that side of more than 80°; 

b. in relation to any road, whether public or private, public access way or public right of way, river, 

stream, canal, loch, pond, common land or public open space it shall be taken to mean the centre 

line thereof; and 

c. the sea and its foreshore shall not be regarded as land in different occupation. 

*BUILDING means any structure or erection of what kind or nature soever, whether temporary or permanent, and 

every part thereof, including any fixture affixed thereto, not being a structure or erection or part thereof consisting 

of, or ancillary to - 

a. any road, whether public or private, including in the case of a public road (but not in the case of a 

private road) any bridge on which the road is carried; 

b. any sewer or water main which is, or is to be, vested in a public authority; 

c. any aerodrome runway; 

d. any railway line; 

e. any large raised reservoir within the meaning of the Reservoirs Act 1975(b); or 

f. wires and cables, their supports above ground and other apparatus used for telephonic or telegraphic 

communication; 

and includes any prospective building; and in relation to the extension, alteration or change of use of a building 

any reference to the building shall be construed as a reference only to so much of the building as is comprised 

in the extension or is subject to alteration or change of use as the case may be. 

(a) 1948 c.45 

(b) 1975 c.23 


6A

*CARPORT means a roofed building for vehicle storage which is open on at least two sides except for roof 

supports. 

CAVITY in Part D means a concealed space enclosed by elements of a building (including a suspended ceiling) 

or contained within an element, but not a room, cupboard, circulation space, stair enclosure, lift well, flue or a 

space within a chute, duct, pipe or conduit. 

CAVITY BARRIER means any construction provided to seal a cavity against the penetration of fire and smoke, or 

to restrict its movement within the cavity. 

*CHIMNEY means a structure enclosing one or more flues, not being a flue-pipe, but including a factory-made 

chimney, and including any opening for the accommodation of a combustion appliance, but does not include a 

chimney-can. 

CHIMNEY-STACK means that part of a chimney which rises above the roof of the building of which it forms part 

and includes any cope but not a chimney-can. 

CIRCULATION AREA in Parts D and E means an area mainly used as a means of access between an apartment 

and an exit; or an area forming an unprotected zone or part of an unprotected zone; or an area in a room or a 

space, which provides access to an exit and is permanently demarcated from any space intended for human 

occupation. 

*COMPARTMENT means a part of a building (which may contain one or more rooms, spaces or storeys and 

includes, where relevant, the space above the top storey of the compartment) constructed so as to prevent the 

spread of fire to or from another part of the same building; and COMPARTMENTED and COMPARTMENTATION 

shall be construed accordingly. 

*COMPARTMENT FLOOR and COMPARTMENT WALL mean respectively a floor or a wall with the level of fire 

safety performance required to ensure compartmentation. 

*CONSERVATORY means a building attached to a dwelling and having a door separating it from that dwelling 

and having not less than three-quarters of the area of its roof and not less than one-half of the area of its external 

walls made of translucent material. 

*CONSTRUCT includes alter, erect, extend and fit, and CONSTRUCTION shall be construed accordingly. 

*COVERED AREA means a roofed building which is open on at least two sides except for roof supports. 

CURTILAGE means land area within the same occupation. 

DEAD LOAD means the load due to the weight of all walls, permanent partitions, floors, roofs and finishes, 

including services and other permanent construction. 

DECORATIVE FUEL-EFFECT GAS APPLIANCE means an open flued appliance designed to simulate a solid fuel 

open fire primarily for decorative purposes and intended to be installed so that the products of combustion pass 

unrestricted from the firebed to the flue. 

*DIFFERENT OCCUPATION, in relation to two adjoining buildings or parts of one building, means occupation or 

intended occupation of those buildings or parts by different persons. 

DISABLED PEOPLE means persons with a physical, hearing or sight impairment which affects their mobility or 

their use of buildings. 

*DRAINAGE SYSTEM means the system of pipes and drains used for the drainage of a building, including all 

other fittings, appliances and equipment so used. 

DRY FIRE MAIN means a pipe installed in a building for fire-fighting purposes which is normally dry but is 

capable of being charged with water by pumping from a fire service appliance. 

DUCT means the structure, trunking, or casing, with any apertures, enclosing a passage, other than a flue, used 

solely for conveying air, gases, or services including refuse. 

*DWELLING means a unit of residential accommodation occupied (whether or not as a sole or main residence)a. 

by a single person or by people living together as a family; or 

b. by not more than six residents living together as a single household (including a household where 

care is provided for residents). 

ELECTRO-MAGNETIC OR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEVICE SUSCEPTIBLE TO SMOKE means a device which allows 

a door held open by it to be operated manually at all times and to close automatically upona. 

the operation of an automatic smoke detector; or 

7A 


A

A 

b. the manual operation of a switch fitted in a suitable position; or 

c. the failure of electrical supply to the device, apparatus or switch; or 

d. if a fire alarm system is installed in the building, operation of that system. 

ELEMENT OF STRUCTURE means a part of a building which is part of the structural frame (beams and columns), 

loadbearing (other than a part which is only self-loadbearing), a floor, or supports a floor. 

EMERGENCY DOOR means a door which may be a fire door and which is intended to be used only during an 

emergency. 

EMERGENCY LIGHTING means lighting, designed to come into, or remain in, operation automatically in the event 

of either a local or general power failure. 

ESCAPE ROUTE means a route by which a person may reach a place of safety, and in relation toa. 

a storey, a space or an access deck, means a route from an exit from that storey, space or access 

deck; 

b. a room, means a route from an exit of that room; 

c. an inner room, other than an inner room in a dwelling, means a route from an exit of the room 

which provides access to the inner room; 

d. a flat or maisonette, means a route from the main entrance door of that flat or maisonette; 

e. a gallery, catwalk or openwork floor, means a route from any doorway of, or from the head of 

any unenclosed escape stair from, that gallery, catwalk or openwork floor; 

f. a place of special fire risk, means a route from an exit of that room or from an exit of the protected 

lobby serving that room, or from an exit of the room or lobby separating the place of 

special fire risk from any other accommodation, as the case may be. 

ESCAPE STAIR means a stair or ramp forming part of an escape route. In shared residential accommodation the 

escape stair for the purpose of Part S (maximum permissible pitch) is considered to be a private stair. 

EXIT means a point of egress from a room, storey, protected zone, space, gallery, catwalk or openwork floor 

which forms part of, or gives access to, an escape route or place of safety. 

EXPOSED in Part J in relation to a building element means an element directly exposed to the outside air or 

directly in contact with the ground or a ground floor directly in contact with a ventilated underfloor space. 

*EXTERNAL WALL includes a part of a roof pitched at an angle of 70° or more to the horizontal. 

FIRE DOOR means a door which, together with its frame and furniture as installed in a building, is intended, 

when closed, to resist the passage of fire and, where prescribed, smoke and is capable of meeting specified 

performance criteria in Part D. 

FIRE-FIGHTING LIFT means a lift with additional protection, and with controls to enable it to be used under the 

direct control of the fire service when fighting a fire. 

FIRE-FIGHTING LOBBY means a lobby within a fire-fighting shaft providing access from the escape stair to the 

accommodation and to any associated fire-fighting lift. 

FIRE-FIGHTING SHAFT means an enclosure protected from fire in adjoining accommodation and containing, an 

escape stair, a fire-fighting lobby at every storey at which the fire-fighting shaft can be entered from the accommodation 

and, if provided, a fire-fighting lift together with its machine room. 

FIRE-STOP means a seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or design tolerance between elements, components 

or construction so as to restrict the passage of fire and smoke through that imperfection. FIRE-STOPPING 

and FIRE-STOPPED shall be construed accordingly. 

*FLAT means a dwelling on one storey, forming part of a building from some other part of which it is divided 

horizontally, and includes a dwelling of which the main entrance door and associated hall are on a different 

storey from the remainder of the dwelling. 

FLAT ROOF means a roof the slope of which does not exceed 10° from the horizontal. 

FLIGHT means part of a stair or ramp uninterrupted by a landing. 


8A

FLOOR in Part G means any construction between the surface of the ground, or the surface of any hardcore laid 

upon the ground, and the upper surface of the floor, together with any floor finishes which are laid as part of 

the permanent construction. 

*FLUE means a passage which conveys the products of combustion to the open air. 

*FLUE-PIPE means a pipe forming a flue, but not a pipe fitted as a lining in a chimney. 

*FOUNDATION means that part of the structure in direct contact with, and transmitting loads to, the ground. 

*GALLERY means a raised floor or platform, including a raised storage floor, which is open to the room or space 

into which it projects and whicha. 

has every part of its upper surface not less than 1.8 metres above the surface of the main floor of 

the said room or space; and 

b. occupies (or, in the case of there being more than one gallery, together occupy), not more than 

one-half of the floor area of the said room or space. 

GLAZING means any permanently secured sheet of glass or plastics, and GLAZED shall be construed accordingly. 

*GREENHOUSE, except in the expression agricultural greenhouse, means a building ancillary to a dwelling used 

mainly for growing plants which is eithera. 

detached from the dwelling; or 

b. attached to, but not entered from, the dwelling. 

GREYWATER means wastewater not containing faecal matter or urine. 

GROUND STOREY means the storey of a building in which there is situated an entrance to the building from the 

level of the adjoining ground or, if there is more than one such storey, the lower or lowest of these. 

HARMFUL OR DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES includes deposits of faecal or animal matter and any substance or 

mixture of substances which is or could become corrosive, explosive, flammable, radioactive or toxic or which 

produces or could produce any gas likely to have any such characteristic. 

HOSPITAL means a building in purpose sub-group 2A for the treatment of persons suffering from illness or 

mental or physical disability or handicap. 

HOSPITAL STREET means a protected zone in a hospital provided to assist in facilitating circulation and horizontal 

evacuation, and to provide a fire-fighting bridgehead. 

*HOUSE means a dwelling on one or more storeys, either detached or forming part of a building from all other 

parts of which it is divided only vertically. 

IMPOSED LOAD means the load assumed to be produced by the intended occupancy or use, including the weight 

of moveable partitions; distributed, concentrated, impact, inertia and snow loads, but excluding wind loads. 

INNER ROOM means a room, other than a kitchen in a dwelling, which does not have a direct access to an exit, 

or direct access to an enclosed circulation area having an exit. 

*KITCHEN means any room or part of a room used primarily for the preparation or cooking of food. 

*LAND IN DIFFERENT OCCUPATION, in relation to a building, means land occupied or to be occupied by a person 

other than the occupier of the land on which the building is or is to be situated. 

*LIMITED LIFE BUILDING means a building intended to have a life of the period specified in Regulation 5. [This 

is currently five years]. 

*MAISONETTE means a dwelling on more than one storey, forming part of a building from some other part of 

which it is divided horizontally. 

NET INPUT RATING of an appliance means the total energy input rate determined when the water produced by 

the combustion of the fuel is assumed to remain as a vapour. 

NON-COMBUSTIBLE means that a material is resistant to combustion as determined by an appropriate test procedure 

as specified in Part D. 

NOTIFIED BODY means an organisation appointed for the purpose of the relevant directive by a member state 

and whose name is notified to the European Commission to certify, inspect or test the production of goods. 

*OCCUPANCY CAPACITY shall be construed in accordance with Regulation 7. 

*OCCUPIER, in relation to a dwelling, means the person inhabiting the dwelling. 

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A 

OPEN-FLUED APPLIANCE means one that draws its air for combustion from the room or internal space within 

which it is installed and uses a flue system to discharge its products of combustion to the outside air. 

*PASSENGER CONVEYOR means a power-driven installation containing an endless moving walkway for the 

conveyance of persons between different levels or between different parts of the same level of a building. 

PERMANENT VENTILATOR means a ventilator which provides continuous ventilation. 

PLACE OF SAFETY means eithera. 

an unenclosed space in the open air at ground level; or 

b. an enclosed space in the open air at ground level leading to an unenclosed space, via an access 

not narrower than the total width of the exits leading from the building to that enclosed space. 

PLACE OF SPECIAL FIRE RISK means any place within, or attached to, or on the roof of, a building in which 

there are installed one or morea. 

solid fuel appliances, with a total installed output rating more than 50 kW, other than kitchen 

appliances; or 

b. oil or gas-fired appliances, with a total installed net input rating more than 70 kW, other than 

kitchen appliances, forced air convection or radiant heaters in buildings of purpose groups 3 to 7 

inclusive; or 

c. fixed internal combustion engines, including gas turbine engines, with a total output rating more 

than 45 kW; or 

d. oil-immersed electricity transformers or switch gear apparatus with an oil capacity more than 250 

litres and operating at a supply voltage more than 1000 volts; or 

e. fuel oil storage tanks having a capacity of more than 90 litres; or 

f. paint spray booths or rooms where a cellulose or other flammable liquid spray is used. 

*PORCH means a building attached to and providing a covered entrance to a dwelling. 

PRIVATE STAIR OR RAMP means a stair or rampa. 

wholly within a dwelling; or 

b. wholly within shared residential accommodation. 

PROTECTED CIRCUIT means a circuit originating at the main incoming switch or distribution board, the conductors 

of which are suitably protected against fire. 

PROTECTED DOOR means a fire door giving access toa. 

a protected zone, including a protected lobby; or 

b. a fire-fighting shaft; or 

c. another compartment; or 

d. a place of safety; or 

e. an unenclosed external escape stair; or 

f. an open access balcony; or 

g. an escape route across a flat roof or access deck. 

PROTECTED ENCLOSURE in a dwelling means a circulation area constructed to resist fire in adjoining accommodation. 

It includes a hall, landing or private stair or ramp but not a room. 

PROTECTED LOBBY means a lobby within a protected zone but separated from the remainder of the protected 

zone so as to resist the movement of smoke from the adjoining accommodation to the remainder of the protected 

zone. 


10A

PROTECTED ZONE means that part of an escape route which is within a building, but not within a room, and to 

which access is only by way of a protected door and from which there is an exit directly to a place of safety, 

and which is constructed as a compartment. 

*PUBLIC OPEN SPACE includes land used as a public park or for public recreation or as a burial ground. 

*PUBLIC ROAD has the same meaning as in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984(a) 

*PURPOSE GROUP and PURPOSE SUB-GROUP mean respectively a group or sub-group of buildings specified in 

Schedule 3. [to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (as amended).] 

*REASONABLY PRACTICABLE in relation to the carrying out of any operation, means reasonably practicable 

having regard to all the circumstances including the expense involved in carrying out the operation. 

*RELEVANT STANDARD means a standard set out in the Technical Standards which relates to the requirements of 

a particular provision of these regulations [i.e. the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 as 

amended]. 

ROOF in Part G means any roof, including eaves and junctions with other elements penetrating or connected to 

the roof. 

ROOF SPACE means any space in a building between a part of the roof and the ceiling below. 

*ROOM means any enclosed part of a storey intended for human occupation or, where no part of any such storey 

is so enclosed, the whole of that storey, but excepting in either case any part used solely as a bathroom, shower 

room, washroom, toilet, stair or circulation area. 

*ROOM-SEALED APPLIANCE means a combustion appliance which, when in operation, has its combustion 

chamber, air inlet and its flue outlet ways isolated from the room or space in which it is installed. 

SANDWICH PANEL means a factory made non-loadbearing component of a wall, ceiling or roof consisting of a 

panel having an insulated core filling the entire area between sheet metal outer facings, which may or may not 

have decorative and/or weatherproof coatings. 

SANITARY ACCOMMODATION includes bathrooms, shower rooms, washrooms and toilets. 

*SANITARY FACILITIES includes washbasins, baths, showers, sinks, urinals and waterclosets (and waterless 

closets in dwellings only). 

SELF-CLOSING FIRE DOOR means a fire door, fitted to close automatically from any angle of swing. 

SEPARATING FLOOR and SEPARATING WALL mean respectively a floor or wall constructed to prevent the spread 

of fire between buildings or parts of a building in accordance with Part D. 

SERVICE OPENING means any opening to accommodate a duct, pipe, conduit or cable (including fibre optics or 

similar tubing). 

SHARED RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION means a unit of accommodation of purpose sub-group 2B having an 

occupancy capacity not exceeding 10, entered from the open air at ground level and having no storey at a 

height exceeding 7.5 m. 

*SITE in relation to a building, means the area of ground covered or to be covered by the building, including its 

foundations. 

SMOKE ALARM means a device powered by mains electricity, with a secondary power source, containing within 

one housing all the components necessary for detecting fire and thereupon giving an audible alarm. 

*SOCKET OUTLET means a fixed device containing contacts for the purpose of connecting to a supply of electricity 

the corresponding contacts of a plug attached to any current-using appliance. 

*STOREY means that part of a building which is situated between the top of any floor being the lowest floor 

level within the storey and the top of the floor next above it being the highest floor level within the storey or, if 

there is no floor above it, between the top of the floor and the ceiling above it or, if there is no ceiling above it, 

the internal surface of the roof; and for this purpose a gallery or catwalk, or an openwork floor or storage 

racking, shall be considered to be part of the storey in which it is situated. 

SUB-COMPARTMENT means a part of a building (which may contain one or more rooms, and includes, where 

relevant, the space above the top storey of the sub-compartment) constructed so as to aid horizontal evacuation. 

SUB-COMPARTMENT WALL means a wall with the level of fire safety performance required to create a subcompartment. 

(a) 1984 c.54 

11A 


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A 

*SURFACE WATER means the run-off of rainwater from roofs and any paved ground surface within the curtilage 

of a building. 

TAPERED TREAD means a stair tread in which the nosing is not parallel to the nosing of the tread or landing next 

above. 

*TECHNICAL STANDARDS means the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) 

Regulations 1990 issued by the Scottish Office in October 1990, as amended by the substitute pages issued by 

the Scottish Executive in and dated December 1999 and September 2001. 

*TOILET means an enclosed part of a storey which contains a watercloset, a waterless closet or a urinal, which 

are properly installed for use. 

TRAVEL DISTANCE has the meaning assigned to that expression by the Technical Standards E2.16, E5.2, E5.3, 

E5.4 and E5.5. 

TRICKLE VENTILATOR means a closeable small ventilator which can provide minimum ventilation. 

UNPROTECTED ZONE means that part of an escape route, which is separated by walls, glazed screens or any 

other permanent form of demarcation from any space intended for human occupation, including a protected 

zone. 

UPPER STOREY means any storey which is above the level of the ground storey. 

U-VALUE (or thermal transmittance co-efficient) means the rate of heat transfer through one square metre of a 

structure when the temperature at each side of the structure differs by 1°C (expressed in W/m 2 K). 

VENTILATOR means a window, rooflight, grille or similar building component (and in the case of a dwelling 

includes a door) capable of being opened to provide ventilation. 

WALL in Part G means any wall including piers, chimneys, columns and parapets which form part of the wall. 

*WASTEWATER means water that is contaminated by use and normally discharged from a watercloset, shower, 

bath, bidet, washbasin, sink, washing machine, floor gully and similar facility and also includes rainwater when 

discharging in a wastewater drainage system. 

WET FIRE MAIN means a pipe installed in a building for fire-fighting purposes which is permanently charged 

with water from a pressurised supply. 

WIND LOAD means the load due to the effects of wind pressure or suction. 


12A

References to published standards 

1. The Construction Products Directive (CPD) (89/106/EEC), implemented in the UK through the Construction 

Products Regulations 1991, has permitted the introduction of a wide range of standards and specifications 

recognised throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) (see Note 1). They provide standards of safety, 

suitability and fitness measured against factors common throughout Europe and are intended to avoid unnecessary 

barriers to trade. The European Organisation for Standards (CEN) is expected to produce approximately 

2000 harmonised European Standards (EN) over the next 5 or 6 years to replace the variety of standards used 

throughout Member States (see Note 2). These EN will be published in the UK by the British Standards Institution 

(BSI) as a BS EN. Once a BS EN is published, BSI will declare the corresponding BS obsolescent and a 

transitional period (normally 1 year) will come into force whereby both BS and BS EN may be referenced. At 

the end of the transitional period the BS will be withdrawn and the BS EN should be adopted. 

2. The complex processes involved in the production of European Standards can create lengthy development 

times. European Standards in draft form are termed prEN and are released into the public domain when they 

are issued for consultation. It has been found necessary, occasionally, to reference prEN in the Technical 

Standards where no other suitable document exists. 

3. Any reference in the Technical Standards to a British Standard (BS), British Standard Code of Practice 

(CP), European Standard (BS EN or prEN) or International Standard (BS EN ISO) is to a BS or CP published 

by the British Standards Institution. Any reference in the Technical Standards to a particular requirement of 

recommendation of a BS or CP shall be taken, unless the context otherwise requires, as including reference to 

any relevant commentary and defined terminology contained in that BS or CP. Attention is also drawn to the 

status accorded to standards and specifications recognised elsewhere in the EEA which provide an equivalent 

standard – see Part B: Fitness of Materials and Workmanship: deemed to satisfy provisions. Compliance with 

the standards contained in publications in these categories represents compliance with the appropriate standards 

referred to elsewhere in the Technical Standards and is acceptable until a harmonised standard is introduced for 

any particular product. 

4. Harmonised test methods have been agreed collectively by Member States and CEN on the basis of the 

implications of health and safety of the product and on the particular nature and production process for the 

product itself. Certification, inspection and testing of construction products will be carried out by notified 

bodies who have been appointed for the purpose by a Member State and whose name has been notified to the 

European Commission. The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is a notified body for certain products. Any 

reference in the Technical Standards to a certificate issued by a notified body or to a BBA Certificate shall be 

construed as reference to a Certificate current as at 1 June 2001. 

5. Any reference in the Technical Standards to a publication shall be construed as a reference to that publication 

as detailed in Column 1 of the list of publications given in the Appendix, subject to such amendments, 

supplements or addenda as are detailed in column 3 of the Appendix. 

6. Where a publication referred to in the Technical Standards itself refers to another publication, the reference 

to such other publication shall be a reference to the latest edition thereof as at 1 June 2001 including any 

amendments, supplements or addenda thereto current at that date. 

Notes: 

1. The European Economic Area Agreement is given affect in the UK by the European Economic Area Act 

1993 and entered into force on 1 January 1994. 

2. A Member State is a state which is a member of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association 

and is a contracting party to the European Economic Area Agreement. 

13A 


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14A

Regulations 3 to 9 

The following is a complete extract of Regulations 

3 to 9 of the Building Standards (Scotland) 

Regulations 1990 as amended. The Regulations 

are reproduced for the convenience of readers to 

assist in considering the application and interpretation 

of the relevant standards as set out in the 

succeeding Parts of the Technical Standards. 

EXEMPTED CLASSES OF BUILDINGS 

3. Subject to the exceptions in column (3) of 

Schedule 1, these Regulations shall not 

apply to any building the whole of which 

falls into any one or more of the exempted 

classes specified in Part I of that Schedule 

or to any extension to a building the 

whole of which extension falls into any 

one or more of the exempted classes 

specified in Part II thereof. 

FIXTURES NOT REQUIRING A WARRANT 

4. For the purposes of the proviso to section 

6(1) of the Act, any operation for the 

alteration of a building which consists 

solely of the fitting of a fixture of a kind 

specified in Schedule 2 shall not, subject 

to the exceptions in column (3) of that 

Schedule, require a warrant. 

LIMITED LIFE BUILDINGS 

5. For the purposes of section 3(3)(b) of the 

Act which enables special provision to be 

made for buildings intended to have a 

limited life) a period of five years is 

specified. 

CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS BY PURPOSE 

6. (1) For the purposes of these Regulations, 

buildings or parts thereof 

shall be classified according to the 

numbered purpose group or groups 

and, where applicable, lettered 

purpose sub-group or sub-groups 

set out in Schedule 3. 

15A 

(2) In the determination of such classification, 

any use which is ancillary 

to another use or which is of a 

minor nature shall be disregarded 

and the classification shall be that 

of the principal use or uses. 

(3) Where a building is divided into 

compartments, nothing in this 

regulation shall prevent these 

compartments being independently 

classified, whether or not the 

division is required by any provision 

of these Regulations. 

(4) Where a building or part of a 

building does not fall into any 

purpose group or sub-group these 

Regulations shall have effect as if 

the more or most onerous standard 

applicable to any classification 

applied. 

OCCUPANCY CAPACITY 

7. (1) For the purposes of these Regulations, 

the occupancy capacity of a 

room or space shall be- 

(a) in the case of a room or space 

described in column (1) of 

Schedule 4 the number (or in 

the case of a fractional number 

the next lowest whole number) 

obtained by dividing the area of 

the room or space in square 

metres by the relevant occupancy 

load factor specified in 

column (2) of that Schedule; or 

(b) in any other case the number of 

persons the room or space is 

likely to accommodate in use. 

(2) The occupancy capacity of a 

building or storey which is divided 

into rooms or spaces shall be- 


A

A 

(a) in the case of a storey of a 

building of purpose group 2 

which is not open to the public 

and which contains both day 

rooms and sleeping rooms, the 

sum of the occupancy capacities 

of either the day rooms or 

the sleeping rooms, which ever 

is the greater; or 

(b) in any other case the sum of the 

occupancy capacities of the 

rooms or spaces. 

(3) Where a room or space is likely to 

be put to more than one use, the 

greater or greatest relevant occupancy 

capacity shall apply. 

(4) In this Regulation “space” includes 

a roof or other area open to the 

external air to which there is access 

for a purpose other than the maintenance 

of the building. 

MEASUREMENTS 

8. For the purposes of these Regulations, 

measurements shall be made or calculated 

in accordance with Schedule 5. 

COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING STANDARDS 

9. (1) The requirements of Regulations 

10 to 32 shall be satisfied only by 

compliance with the relevant 

standards. 

(2) Without prejudice to any other 

method of complying with a relevant 

standard, conformity with 

provisions which are stated in the 

Technical Standards to be deemed 

to satisfy that standard shall constitute 

such compliance. 


16A

Part A - Schedules 1 to 5 

The following extract from the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 as amended sets out Schedules 1 

to 5 for ease of reference when deciding the application of the relevant standards. 

SCHEDULE 1 REGULATION 3 

EXEMPTED CLASSES OF BUILDINGS 

(1) (2) (3) 

Class Description Exceptions 

PART 1 - DETACHED BUILDINGS 

Buildings controlled by other legislation 

1 A building the construction of which is subject 

to the Explosives Acts 1875 and 1923(a) 

2 A building erected on a site which is subject to A dwelling, office or canteen 

licensing under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965(b) 

3 A building included in the Schedule of monuments A building of purpose group 1 or 2 

maintained under section 1 of the Ancient Monuments 

and Archaeological Areas Act 1979(c) 

Buildings not frequented by people 

4 A building into which people cannot or do a. A building (other than a wall or fence) within 

not normally go 10 metres or the equivalent of its height 

(whichever is the less) of the boundary, and for 

the purpose of this exception, the boundary, in 

relation to any road, public access way or public 

right of way, river, stream, canal, loch, pond, 

common land or public open space, shall be 

taken to be the nearest edge thereof to the relevant 

land 

b. A wall or fence within the exceptions in Class 13 

of this Schedule 

c. A tank, cable, sewer, drain or other pipe above or 

below ground which falls within any of the 

exceptions in Class 16 of this Schedule 

5 Fixed plant or machinery or a building housing only A building within 1 metre of a boundary 

fixed plant or machinery, the only normal visits to 

which are intermittent visits to inspect or maintain the 

fixed plant or machinery 

(a) 1875 c.17 and 1923 c.17. 

(b) 1965 c.57. 

(c) 1979 c.46; section 1 was amended by the National Heritage Act 1983 (c.47), Schedule 4, paragraph 25 

17A 


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A 

(1) (2) (3) 


Agricultural greenhouses and other agricultural buildings 

6 An agricultural greenhouse or other building A buildingof 

mainly translucent material used mainly 

for commercial growing of plants i. used to any extent for retailing (including storage 

of goods for retailing) or exhibiting; or 

7 A building used for any other form of agriculture a. A building- 

Works of civil engineering 

ii. situated on land within the boundaries of which 

there are harmful or dangerous substances 

i. used to any extent for retailing (including 

storage of goods for retailing) or exhibiting; 

ii. exceeding 2000 cubic metres in capacity; 

iii within 10 metres or the equivalent of its height 

(whichever is the less) of a boundary of a building 

of purpose group 1 or 2; or 

iv A building situated on land within the boundaries 

of which there are harmful or dangerous 

substances 

b. A tank, cable, sewer, drain or other pipe above or 

below ground which falls within Class 16 of this 

Schedule 

c. A dungstead 

8 A work of civil engineering construction including A septic tank, or private sewage treatment plant, 

a dock, wharf, harbour, pier, quay, sea defence work, which is serving a building subject to regulation 24 

lighthouse, embankment, riverwork, dam, bridge, 

tunnel, filter station or bed, inland navigation, reservoir, 

water works, pipe line, sewage treatment works, gas 

holder or main, electricity supply line and supports. 

Buildings of a specialised nature 

9 A building essential for the operation of a railway a. A signalling and control centre for a railway 

including a locomotive or carriage shed, or for the or dock 

operation of a work of civil engineering contained in 

Class 8, and erected within the curtilage of such a b. A building, not being a building falling within Class 

railway or work 10 of this Schedule, of purpose group 4 or 5 erected 

within the curtilage of such a railway or work 

10 A road or rail passenger shelter or a telephone kiosk A building containing a combustion appliance 

having a floor area not exceeding 30 square metres, which is subject to regulation 14 

and which, insofar as it is glazed, complies with the 

requirements of regulation 27(1)(b) 


18A

(1) (2) (3) 


11 A caravan or mobile home within the meaning of the A septic tank, or private sewage treatment plant 

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act serving a building of this class 

1960(a), or a tent, van or shed within the meaning of 

section 73 of the Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897(b) 

Small buildings 

12 A single-storey building having an area not exceeding A building- 

30 square metres, and which, insofar as it is glazed, 

complies with the requirements of regulation 27(1)(b), i. of purpose group 1; 

other than a building falling within exempted classes 

10, 13, 18, 19 or 20 of this Schedule ii. ancillary to or within the curtilage of a building 

of purpose group 1; 

iii within 1 metre of a boundary; 

iv containing sleeping accommodation or a combustion 

appliance which is subject to 

regulation 14; 

v. containing sanitary accommodation; or 

vi situated on land within the boundaries of which 


13 A wall or fence A wall exceeding 1.2 metres or 

a fence exceeding 2 metres in height 

Construction and development buildings 

14 A building used only by people engaged in the A building containing sleeping accommodation 

construction, demolition or repair of any building or 

structure during the course of that work 

15 A building used in connection with the letting or sale A building containing sleeping accommodation 

of any building under construction until such time as 

the letting or sale of all related buildings is completed 

Tanks, cables, sewers, drains etc 

16 Any tank, cable, sewer, drain or other pipe above or a. A drainage system, septic tank or private 

below ground sewage treatment plant, which is serving a 

building subject to regulation 24 

b. A tank which is subject to regulations 15 or 31 

c. A cable, conductor or apparatus which is subject 

to regulation 26 

(a) 1960 c.62. 

(b) 1897 c.38; section 73 was amended by the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 (c.58), 

Schedule 6, paragraph 56. 

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A 

(1) (2) (3) 


Temporary buildings 

17 A building erected on a site for a period not exceeding 

28 consecutive days or 60 days in any period of 12 months 

Buildings ancillary to dwellings 

18 A single-storey building ancillary to and within the A building - 

curtilage of a dwelling of purpose sub-group 1B or 

1C, comprising a garage, garden hut or store or i. exceeding 30 square metres in area; 

building for keeping animals, birds or other livestock 

for domestic purposes. ii. within 1 metre of the dwelling, unless it is at 

least 500 millimetres from any boundary; 

iii. containing a combustion appliance which is 

subject to regulation 14; or 

iv. situated on land within the boundaries of which 


19 Any other single-storey building ancillary to and A building - 

within the curtilage of a dwelling of purpose 

sub-group 1B or 1C, including a carport, covered area, i. exceeding 30 square metres in area; 

greenhouse, summer house or swimming pool enclosure 

ii. containing a combustion appliance which is 

subject to regulation 14; or 

iii. situated on land within the boundaries of which 


iv. containing sleeping or sanitary accommodation 

20 An underground or substantially underground A building - 

building within the curtilage of a dwelling of purpose 

sub-group 1B or 1C, the purpose of which is solely i. exceeding 30 square metres in area; 

to afford shelter or protection from the effects of 

weapons of war (whether nuclear, chemical or ii. the excavation for which is nearer to any exposed 

conventional) part of another building than a distance equal to 

the depth of the excavation plus 1 metre; or 


20A 

iii. situated on land within the boundaries of which 

there are harmful or dangerous substances

(1) (2) (3) 


PART II - BUILDINGS ATTACHED TO DWELLINGS OF PURPOSE SUB-GROUP 1B OR 1C 

21 A single-storey extension to an existing dwelling of A building - 

purpose sub-group 1B or 1C which is ancillary to the 

dwelling and consists of a conservatory or porch i. exceeding 30 square metres in area or, in the case 

which, insofar as it is glazed, complies with the of a conservatory or porch, 8 square metres; 

requirements of regulation 27(1)(b) or a greenhouse, 

carport or covered area ii. containing a flue or a combustion appliance which 

is subject to regulation 14; 

NOTES: 

iii. containing sanitary accommodation; 

iv (except in the case of a greenhouse, carport or 

covered area) within 1 metre of a boundary; or 

v. situated on land within the boundaries of which 


1. In the application of Part 1 of this Schedule no account shall be taken of an office use which is ancillary 

to the main purpose of the building. 

2. For the purpose of Class 17, an air-supported or otherwise collapsible building shall not be exempt solely 

on account of deflation or other form of intermittent collapse. 

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A 

REGULATION 4 SCHEDULE 2 


(1) (2) (3) 


1 A fixture or notice for which there is no requirement 

provided in these regulations 

2 An outdoor sign which is subject to the Town and 

Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) 

(Scotland) Regulations 1984 (a) 

3 A combustion appliance which is subject i. A solid fuel appliance with an output rating 

to regulation 14 more than 50 kW, or an oil or gas-fired appliance 

with a net input rating more than 70 kW 

ii. A chimney, flue-pipe or hearth, except a balanced 

flue as referred to in Category 4 below 

4 A balanced flue serving a room-sealed appliance A balanced flue which passes through a 

combustible wall 

5 A flue liner 

6 Provision of thermal insulating material to or within Application of thermal insulating material to the 

a wall, ceiling, roof or floor outer surface of an external wall 

7 Replacement of a fixture or appliance, in whole or in 

part, by another of the same general type as it is 

replacing, including a sanitary appliance or sink 

(together with any relevant branch soil or waste pipe), 

rainwater gutter or downpipe, combustion appliance, 

electrical fixture, ventilation fan, chimney or flue outlet 

fitting or terminal, fire hydrant or main, lift, escalator, 

solid waste chute or container, door or window 

7A Replacement, in whole or part, by material of the same 

general type as that which it is replacing, of lining, 

cladding, covering or rendering of an internal or 

external wall, ceiling or roof 

8 Replacement of a window by another which is not of the 

same general type as that which it is replacing 

(a) S.I . 1984/467 


22A



(1) (2) (3) 


9 Provision of a single sanitary facility, other than a 

watercloset or shower, or relocation within the same 

room or space of sanitary facilities (together with any 

relevant branch soil or waste pipe) 

10 Provision of a stairlift within a dwelling 

11 Refillable liquefied petroleum gas storage cylinders 

supplying, via a fixed pipework installation, combustion 

appliances used principally for providing space or water 

heating, or cooking facilities. 

NOTE: 

Notwithstanding the fact that the fixtures listed in this Schedule do not require a warrant, they shall, except 

where replacing with the same general type, in all respects and in the manner of their fitting meet any relevant 

requirements of these Regulations (see section 6(1) of the Act). 

23A 


A

A 


CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS BY PURPOSE 

(1) (2) (3) 

Purpose Purpose Description of purpose or form of building 

group and sub-group, 

descriptive where 

title applicable 

1 Dwellings* 1A Flats and maisonettes 

1B Houses containing a habitable storey at a height exceeding 4.5 metres 

1C Houses not containing a habitable storey at a height exceeding 4.5 metres 

2 Institutional 2A Residential accommodation, other than dwellings, for old people or children 

and other or for the treatment, care or maintenance of persons suffering from illness or 

residential mental or physical disability or handicap 

2B Any other building, other than a dwelling, containing sleeping accommodation 

3 Offices Offices or premises used for office, administrative or clerical purposes 

(including writing, book-keeping, sorting papers, filing, typing, duplicating, 

machine calculating, police and fire service work, drawing and the editorial 

preparation of work for publication), financial transactions (including 

banking and building society work) and communications (including postal, 

telegraph and radio, television, film, audio or video recording or performance 

(not open to the public), communication or control) 

4 Shops and Shops or premises used for retail or wholesale trade or business, including 

Commercial sales by auction, self-selection and over-the-counter wholesale trading, 

hairdressing and beauty or body care and premises to which members of the 

public are invited to resort for the purpose of delivering or uplifting goods in 

connection with their cleaning, repair, hire or other treatment or (except in the 

case of the repair of motor vehicles) of themselves carrying out such cleaning, 

repair or other treatment. 

5 Assembly 5A Places of entertainment and recreation other than sports stadia, including bingo 

and halls, broadcasting, recording and film studios open to the public, casinos, 

recreational dance halls, entertainment, conference, exhibition and leisure centres (except 

where consisting predominantly of a swimming pool), funfairs and amusement 

arcades, licensed betting offices, non-residential clubs, public houses, 

restaurants, cafes, snack bars, theatres, cinemas and concert halls 

5B Any other places of assembly, including swimming pool buildings, churches 

and other places of worship, crematoria, dancing schools, educational 

establishments, gymnasia, law courts, libraries open to the public, 

non-residential day centres, clinics, health centres and surgeries, passenger 

stations and termini for air, rail, road or sea travel, public toilets, riding 

schools, ice rinks, sports pavilions, sports stadia, zoos and menageries, 

museums and art galleries 

* Includes any surgeries, consulting rooms, offices or other accommodation not exceeding in the aggregate 

50 square metres forming part of a dwelling and used by an occupant of the dwelling in a professional or 

business capacity. 


24A

(1) (2) (3) 





6 Industrial 6A Manufacturing, processing, repairing, cleaning, washing, breaking up or 

otherwise treating any substance comprising or used in association with - 

adhesives 

asphalt and bituminous products 

chemical and allied industries 

cleaners and solvents 

clothing and footwear (excluding laundering) 

coal and petroleum products 

cork products 

dry cleaning 

dye-stuffs and pigments 

fertilisers 

grains and cereals 

inks 

insulated wires and cables 

leather, sheepskin and fur 

linoleum 

magnetic tape 

oils and greases 

paints 

paper, printing and publishing (excluding paper manufacturing) 

pharmaceutical products 

photographic materials and products 

plastics 

polishes 

rubber and synthetic rubber 

soaps and detergents 

spirit distilling 

surgical bandages and plasters 

synthetic resins 

textiles 

timber, joinery, furniture, brushes and brooms 

toilet preparations 

upholstery 

weedkillers and pesticides 

6B Any other industrial building including buildings used for generating or supplying 

power or slaughtering livestock 

25A 


A

A 

(1) (2) (3) 





7 Storage and 7A Storage of hazardous goods or materials, and storage of vehicles containing 

warehousing** hazardous goods or materials, including – 

i. any compressed, liquefied or dissolved gas; 

ii. any substance which becomes dangerous by interaction with either 

water or air; 

iii. any liquid substance with a flash point below 65° Celsius including 

whisky or other spirituous liquor; 

iv. any corrosive substance 

v. any substance capable of emitting poisonous fumes; 

vi. any oxidising agent; 

vii. any substance liable to spontaneous combustion; 

viii. any substance that changes or decomposes readily giving out heat when 

doing so; 

ix. any combustible solid substance with a flash point less than 120° Celsius; 

x. any substance likely to spread fire by flowing from one part of a building 

to another 

7B Storage of any other goods or materials, and car parks and parking garages not 

coming within purpose sub-group 7A or 7C 

7C Open-sided*** car parks and parking garages, designed to admit or accommodate 

only passenger or light goods vehicles not exceeding 2500 kilograms 

gross mass 

** Warehousing excludes self-selection wholesale trading included in purpose group 4 

*** For the purpose of this description “open-sided” means naturally ventilated to provide an adequate supply 

of air in accordance with regulation 23. 


26A


OCCUPANCY LOAD FACTORS TO BE APPLIED TO ROOMS AND SPACES WITHOUT FIXED SEATING, 

OTHER THAN IN BUILDINGS OF PURPOSE GROUP 1 

(1) (2) 

Description of room or space Occupancy load factor 

Standing spectators’ area 0.3 

Amusement arcade, assembly hall (including a general-purpose place of assembly), 0.5 

bar (public area), bingo hall 

Concourse, dance hall or floor, queuing area, mall areas in enclosed shopping centres (Class A) 0.7 

Committee room, common room, conference room, dining room, licensed betting office 1.0 

(public area), lounge (other than a lounge bar), meeting room, reading room, restaurant, 

staff room, waiting room, food courts in enclosed shopping centres 

Exhibition hall 1.5 

Shop sales area (Class 1), mall areas in enclosed shopping centres (Class B) 2.0 

Shop sales area (Class 3) 4.0 

Art gallery, dormitory, factory production area, museum, workshop 5.0 

Office 6.0 

Kitchen, library, shop sales area (Class 2) 7.0 

Bedroom or study bedroom 8.0 

Bed-sitting room, billiards room 10.0 

Car park, storage and warehouse accommodation 30.0 

NOTES: 

1. For the purposes of this Schedule shop sales areas are classified thus – 

Class 1 – shop sales areas other than those listed below as Class 2, including supermarkets and department 

stores (all sales areas), shops for personal services such as hairdressing and shops for the delivery or 

uplift of goods for cleaning, repair or other treatment or for members of the public themselves carrying 

out such cleaning, repair or other treatment. 

Class 2 – shop sales areas in shops trading predominantly in furniture, floor coverings, cycles, perambulators, 

large domestic appliances or other bulky goods or trading on a wholesale self-selection basis. 

Class 3 – shop sales areas in shops within an enclosed shopping centre when calculating an aggregate 

occupancy for all shops in a centre - not to be used for individual shops. 

2. The descriptions arcade, hall, gallery and room used in the Schedule do not indicate a particular design or 

configuration of building. 

3. For the purposes of this Schedule mall areas in enclosed shopping areas are classified thus – 

Class A – up to 6 metres wide 

Class B – all areas beyond the 6 metres width in Class A. 

27A 


A

A 


RULES OF MEASUREMENT 

Area 

1 The area of - 

(a) a single-storey building for the purpose of regulation 3 shall be taken to be the total area, excluding 

any gallery or openwork floor; 

Cubic capacity 

(b) a storey shall be taken to be the total floor area of all floors within that storey, including the floor 

area of any gallery or openwork floor; 

(c) a room excludes any built-in fixture extending from the floor to the ceiling and in the case of a 

dwelling any part of the room where the height is less than 1.5 metres; 

(d) a compartment shall be taken to be the total floor area of all storeys within that compartment; 

(e) an enclosed shopping centre shall be taken to be the total floor area of all storeys. 

2 The cubic capacity of a building or compartment shall be taken to be the volume of the space contained 

by its enclosing walls, the upper surface of the floor of the lowest storey in the building or compartment, 

and the topmost ceiling in the building or compartment or, if the topmost storey has no ceiling, the internal 

surface of the roof. 

Height and depth 

3 The height of - 

(a) a building shall be taken to be the height from the surface of the ground to the underside of the 

ceiling of the topmost storey or, if the topmost storey has no ceiling, one half of the height of the 

roof above its lowest part; 

(b) a compartment shall be taken to be the height within the compartment from the upper surface of 

the floor of the lowest storey to the topmost ceiling or, if the topmost storey has no ceiling, the 

internal surface of the roof; 

3A The height of a storey above the ground or depth of a storey below the ground shall be taken to be the 

vertical height or depth as the case may be from the ground to the upper surface of the floor of the storey, 

and the expressions “a storey at a height” and “ a storey at a depth” shall be construed accordingly. 

4 In the measurement of height or depth from ground which is not level the height or depth shall be taken 

to be the mean height or depth, except that 

(a) for the purpose of Class 13 of Schedule 1; and 

General 

(b) for any other purpose where the difference in level is more than 2.5 metres, 

the height or depth shall be taken to be the greatest height or depth. 

5 Except where the context otherwise requires, measurements shall be horizontal or vertical. 

6 Measurements of area and cubic capacity shall be taken to the inner surfaces of enclosing walls or, on any 

side where there is no enclosing wall, to the outermost edge of the floor on that side. 

7 Any expression of gradient, slope or fall shall be taken to mean one unit of vertical measurement in a 

given number of such units of horizontal measurement. 

8 Except for the purpose of regulation 3, any measurements of parts of a building in different occupation 

shall be taken separately. 

28A

FITNESS OF MATERIALS 

AND WORKMANSHIPB

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 10 

Fitness of materials and workmanship 

THE STANDARDS 

B1 Application of Part B B1.1 - B1.2 

B2 Selection and use of materials, 

fittings, and components, 

and workmanship B2.1 - B2.2 

PROVISIONS DEEMED TO SATISFY THE STANDARDS 

(B2.1), (B2.2) Selection and use of materials, fittings 

and components, and workmanship 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3B 


B

Amdt: September 2001 4B

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that materials, fittings, and components 

used in the construction of buildings, to the extent that they are 

subject to the Regulations or where they are used to meet a requirement 

of the regulations, are suitable for their purpose, are correctly used 

or applied and are sufficiently durable, taking account of normal maintenance 

practices, to ensure the health and safety of people. 

2. The requirements of this Part are deemed to be satisfied by reference 

to the named standards specified in the Technical Standards or by reference, 

among other things, to any national or international standards, or to 

any specification, recognised by Member States within the European Economic 

Area (see Note below), which provides an equivalent standard of 

safety, suitability and fitness, or by reference to traditional procedures of 

manufacture of any such Member State which are supported by an adequate 

technical description. 

3. The intention is to provide for adequate flexibility to accommodate 

new techniques as well as proven traditional practices and to ensure the 

proper acceptance of products which satisfy the essential requirements of 

the Construction Products Directive (CPD) (89/106/EEC), as amended by 

the CE Marking Directive (93/68/EEC), and the Fixing and Use of CE 

Marks Directive (93/465/EEC); and to avoid barriers to trade. This means, 

for instance, that products bearing a CE (European Community mark of 

conformity) mark must be accepted as complying where they are correctly 

used. A building control officer may only reject products bearing a CE 

mark if he/she suspects non-compliance with a technical standard, or if the 

accompanying documentation is incomplete. If the building control officer 

does not accept the product he/she must notify the trading standards 

officer. This will enable the UK Government, where necessary, to notify 

the Commission that they are prohibiting the placing on the market of the 

product in question or making it subject to special conditions. 

The correct use of materials, deemed to satisfy the Part B standards, 

demonstrates compliance with appropriate standards throughout the Technical 

Standards. 

4. In relation to a specific purpose of a material, fitting, or component, 

compliance with the requirements of an EC Directive is recognised as 

compliance with the requirements of the regulation that relates to that 

purpose. This means for example that a self-contained smoke alarm, manufactured 

in accordance with Council Directive 89/336/EEC (Electro magnetic 

compatibility), shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of the 

appropriate regulation insofar as it relates to the prevention of electromagnetic 

disturbances by and protection against disturbances to such smoke 

alarms. Similarly a self-contained smoke alarm manufactured in accordance 

with Council Directive 73/23/EEC (Electric equipment designed for 

use with in certain voltage limits) (where it applies) shall be deemed to 

satisfy the requirements of the regulations insofar as it relates to the safety 

of persons on the use of such a smoke alarm. Furthermore, self-contained 

smoke alarms must in all cases be manufactured and placed on the market 

in accordance with Council Directive 73/23/EEC relating to the safety of 

electrical appliances, and according to which the conformity with standards-national, 

international or others is not mandatory unless the smoke 

alarm is being considered for use in a building where it is necessary to 

comply with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as 

amended. 

5B 


B

B 

5. The EC is introducing durability requirements into 

EN’s. Durability is not a term defined in the Technical 

Standards however it has been defined by the European 

Commission as: the ability of a building material, fitting, 

component, or part thereof to perform its required function 

over a period of time and under the influence of agents. 

Agents/factors that may affect the durability of a product 

include: exposure conditions, temperature, humidity, 

water, UV radiation, abrasion, chemical attack, biological 

attack, corrosion, weathering, frost, freeze-thaw, and 

fatigue. 

Subject to normal maintenance, a product should enable a 

properly designed and executed works to fulfil the Essential 

Requirements for an economically reasonable period 

of time (i.e. the working life of the product). 

Durability is thus dependent on the intended use of the 

product and its service conditions. The assessment of 

durability can relate to the product as a whole or to its performance 

characteristics, insofar as these play a significant 

part with respect to the fulfilment of the Essential 

Requirements. In either case, the underlying assumption is 

that the performance will meet or exceed minimum 

acceptable values (thresholds) throughout its working life. 

The assessment of durability of construction products may 

be assessed using performance-based methods, descriptive 

solutions or a combination of both. 

Levels of durability can in theory be set only by reference 

to criteria laid down in the harmonised test procedures. At 

present most harmonised standards are prescriptive, giving 

for example a minimum thickness of material rather than 

a level of performance, e.g. that the product must last say 

at least X number of years. The EC still have the issue 

under consideration and it is likely that in future there will 

be a move towards performance standards. 

In the mean time until the EU Commission have prepared 

and issued guidance on this subject, for building reference 

can be made to BS 7543: 1998, which covers the durability 

of building elements, products and components. 

6. The term ‘workmanship’ has been included so that 

references to methods of establishing workmanship (BS 

8000) can be included in the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) to 

assist building control officers, designers, and contractors. 

For example where suitability depends on the construction 

being carried out with adequate workmanship, say in the 

sound proofing of separating walls, it will prove useful to 

consider the aids to establishing workmanship listed in the 

DTS. It is not the intention that building control officers 

should take on the responsibility for aesthetic issues in 

buildings (such as rough plasterwork), but to provide 

assistance with issues of workmanship related solely to the 

matters covered by the Technical Standards which are 

already enforced by building control. 

Note: 

The European Economic Area Agreement is given effect 

in this country by the European Economic Area Act 1993 

and entered into force on 1 January 1994. 


6B 

Regulation 10 

FITNESS OF MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP 

10. Construction to meet a requirement of these 

regulations must be carried out in a technically 

proper and workmanlike manner, and the 

materials used must be durable, and fit for their 

intended purpose.

The standards 

B1 Application of Part B 

B1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 10. 

B1.2 The standards apply to all buildings, but only to those materials, fittings, and components, which are 

subject to a particular requirement of these Regulations. 

B2 Selection and use of materials, fittings, and components, and 

workmanship 

B2.1 * In a building, the materials, fittings, and components must be constructed in a technically proper and 

workmanlike manner. 

B2.2 * In a building, the materials, fittings and components used must be suitably durable and fit for their 

intended use and, where suitability depends on proper maintenance or periodic renewal, must be readily 

accessible so that replacement is reasonably practicable. 

7B 

B1.1 – B2.2 


B

Amdt: September 2001 8B

Provisions deemed to satisfy the standards 

SELECTION AND USE OF MATERIALS, FITTINGS, AND COMPONENTS, AND WORKMANSHIP 

(B2.1) 

Some methods of establishing workmanship are: 

(B2.2) 

a. Compliance with BS 8000: Workmanship on building sites, or 

b. Compliance with a equivalent technical specification which may include a national technical 

specification of other Member States, which are contracting parties to the European Economic 

Area, or 

c. The workmanship is specified for a material, fitting, or component, covered by a national or 

European certificate issued by a European Technical Approvals issuing body, and the conditions 

of use are in accordance with the terms of the certificate, or 

d. The workmanship may be covered by an equivalent technical approval (including a technical 

approval of another Member State of the European Organisation for Technical Approvals, 

EOTA), that provides an equivalent level of performance and the conditions of use are in accordance 

with the terms of the technical approval, or 

e. The workmanship is covered by a scheme, which complies with the relevant recommendations of 

BS EN ISO 9000: Quality management and quality assurance standards. There are also independent 

schemes for accreditation and registration of installers of materials and products that provide 

a means of ensuring that the work has been carried out by knowledgeable contractors to an 

appropriate standard e.g. Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI), or 

f. By use of past experience. Where it can be shown by experience, such as a building in use, that 

the method of workmanship is capable of performing the function for which it is intended, or 

g. By use of recognised test methods. 

1 Subject to paragraph 2 below the requirements of B2.2 will be met where materials, fittings, and components, 

or parts thereof comply with any of the following standards: 

a. the standard (whether British Standard or otherwise) specified in the Technical Standards, either 

in a relevant standard or a deemed to satisfy provision; 

b. a relevant standard or code of practice of a national standards institution or equivalent body of 

any Member State within the European Economic Area; 

c. a relevant international standard recognised in any Member State within the European Economic 

Area; 

d. a relevant specification acknowledged for use as a standard by a public authority of any Member 

State within the European Economic Area; 

e. traditional procedures of manufacture of a Member State within the European Economic Area 

where these are the subject of a written technical description sufficiently detailed to permit 

assessment of the materials, fittings, and components, or parts thereof for the use specified; or 

9B 

(B2.1) – (B2.2) 


B

B 

(B2.2) 


f. for materials, fittings, and components, or parts thereof, of an innovative nature or subject 

to an innovative process of manufacture and which fulfil the purpose provided for by the 

specified standard - 

i. a European Technical Approval issued in accordance with the Construction Products 

Directive (CPD) (89/106/EEC) as amended by (93/68/EEC) and (93/465/EEC); or 

ii. a specification sufficiently detailed to permit assessment. 

2 The standard, code of practice, specification, technical description or European Technical 

Approval referred to in paragraph 1b to f must provide in use levels of safety, suitability and 

fitness for purposes equivalent to those required by the specified standard referred to in paragraph 

1a insofar as such levels are not inconsistent with the Essential Requirements set out in terms of 

objectives in Annex 1 to the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC), as amended by the 

CE Marking Directive (93/68/EEC), and the Fitting and Use of CE Marks Directive 

(93/465/EEC). 

3 Where materials, fittings, and components, are used on the basis of a standard, code of practice, 

specification, technical description or European Technical Approval referred to in paragraph 1, 

testing and sampling may be carried out as specified in or applicable to such standard, code of 

practice, specification, technical description or European Technical Approval. 

4 Where testing is carried out in a Member State within the European Economic Area, such tests 

shall be carried out by an appropriate organisation offering suitable and satisfactory evidence of 

technical and professional competence and independence. The requirements shall be satisfied if 

the organisation is accredited in a State within the European Economic Area in accordance with 

BS 7501 and BS 7502: 1989, and/or BS EN’S: 17025, 45002, 45003, 45004, 45011, 45012, 

45013, and 45014. 

10B

STRUCTUREC

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 11 

Structure 

THE STANDARDS 

C1 Application of Part C C1.1-C1.3 

C2 Structure 

Stability C2.1 

C3 Disproportionate collapse C3.1 


(C2.1) Loadings, construction, and small buildings 

(C3.1) Disproportionate collapse 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 

Throughout the Technical Standards a term in italics is a defined term. The definition is listed in Part A General. 

3C 


C

5C 

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that the structure of 

a building is safe. The safety of a structure depends on 

several factors and the following criteria are relevant in all 

cases - 

a. loading; 

b. properties of materials; 

c. structural analysis; 

d. details of construction; 

e. safety factors; 

f. workmanship; and 

g. the nature of the ground. 

2. Where approaches to construction other than those given 

in the deemed-to-satisfy provisions are adopted then the criteria 

given above in paragraph 1 are particularly relevant, 

especially in relation to any numerical values of safety 

factors. A change in any one of these criteria may disturb the 

stability of the structure. 

3. Loads used in calculations must allow for possible 

dynamic, concentrated and peak load effects that may occur. 

EUROPEAN PRE-STANDARDS (ENV) 

4. The British Standards Institution has published, for trial 

use by designers, most of the ENV Structural Eurocodes prepared 

by the European Standards Organisation (CEN). Each 

of these pre-standards are prefaced with a National Application 

Document (NAD) which renders the standards suitable 

for use in the UK. The practical experience gained in these 

trials is providing valuable feed back to the CEN project 

teams responsible for the conversion of the ENV pre-standards 

into full EN standards. 

5. When the ENV Eurocodes are eventually published as 

EN’s they will be referenced in the deemed-to-satisfy provisions 

in Part C. In the mean time, the BSI pre-standards may 

be used as an alternative approach for satisfying the relevant 

standards in Part C. There will be a period of transition 

during which time Eurocodes and national standards will be 

allowed to co-exist. This period of co-existence has yet to be 

determined, but upon its expiry the corresponding national 

standards will be withdrawn by BSI. 


C

C 

Regulation 11 

STRUCTURE 

11 (1) Every building shall be so designed and constructed 

that the combined loads to which the 

building may be subject are sustained and 

transmitted to the ground without impairing 

the stability of the building. 

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), every building of 

five or more storeys shall be so designed and 

constructed that in the event of damage occurring 

to any part of the structure of the building 

the extent of any resultant collapse will not be 

disproportionate to the cause of the damage. 

(3) In calculating the number of storeys for the 

purpose of paragraph (2), no account shall 

be taken of any storey within a roof space 

where the slope of the roof does not exceed 

70 degrees to the horizontal. 


6C

The standards 

C1 Application of Part C 

C1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 11. 

C1.2 Standard C2.1 applies to all buildings. 

C1.3 Standard C3.1 applies to buildings of any purpose group, having five or more storeys, counting each 

basement storey as one storey but discounting a storey within a roof space where the slope of the roof 

is not more than 70 degrees to the horizontal. 

C2 Structure 

STABILITY 

C2.1* A building must be designed and constructed so that, taking into account the nature of the ground the 

combined dead loads, imposed loads, and wind loads are sustained, and transmitted to the ground, 

without impairing the safety of any part of the building or causing such movement of the ground as will 

impair the stability of any part of the building. 

C3 Disproportionate collapse 

DISPROPORTIONATE COLLAPSE 

C3.1* A building to which this standard applies must be designed and constructed so that in the event of 

damage occurring to any part of the building, the extent of any resulting collapse will not be disproportionate 

to the cause of the damage. 

7C 

C1.1 – C3.1 


C


STABILITY 

(C2.1) 

a. loadings: 

b. construction: 

The requirements of C2.1 as regards loading will be met where the loads to which the building 

will be subjected are calculated in accordance with - 

i. for dead loads and imposed loads (excluding roof loads), BS6399: Part 1: 1996; 

ii. for imposed roof loads, BS6399: Part 3: 1988; 

iii. for wind loads - 

A. BS6399: Part 2: 1997, or 

B CP 3: Chapter V :Part 2: 1972 (in no case shall S3 be taken as less than 1); 

iv. for loading of any building for agriculture, BS5502: Part 22: 1993; 

v. any greater load to which the building is likely to be subjected. 

The requirements of C2.1 as regards design and construction will be met where the work is 

carried out in accordance with - 

i. for foundations, BS 8004: 1986; 

ii. for structural work of reinforced, prestressed or plain concrete, BS 8110: Part 1: 1997, 

BS8110: Part 2 and Part 3: 1985; 

iii. for structural work of steel - 

A. BS449: Part 2: 1969, or 

B. BS 5950: Part 1: 1990, BS5950: Part 2: 1992, BS5950: Part 5: 1987, BS5950: 

Part 6: 1995, BS5950: Part 7: 1992, BS5950: Part 8: 1990; 

iv. for structural work of composite steel and concrete construction, Section 3.1 of 

BS5950: Part 3:1990, and BS 5950: Part 4: 1994; 

v. for structural work of aluminium, BS8118: Parts 1 and 2: 1991; for the purpose of 

section 7.2 of Part 1 of that code, the structure must be classified as a safe-life structure; 

vi. for structural work of masonry, BS5628: Part 1: 1992, BS 5628: Part 2: 1995, and 

BS5628: Part 3: 1985; 

vii. for structural work of timber, BS5268: Part 2: 1996, BS5268: Part 3: 1998, and section 

6:1 of BS5268: Part 6: 1996; 

viii. for structural design of low rise buildings, BS8103: Part 1: 1995, BS8103: Part 2: 1996, 

BS8103: Part 3: 1996, and BS8103: Part 4: 1995; or 

9C 

(C2.1) 


C

C 

(C2.1 – C3.1) 

c. small buildings: 

Where a building is - 

i. of purpose group 1 and not more than 3 storeys; or 

ii. an annex, of not more than 3 metres high, to a building of purpose group 1, including a garage or 

outbuilding; or 

iii. a single storey, non- residential building of any other purpose group, 

the requirements of C2.1 will be met by a structure constructed in accordance with the ‘Small Buildings 

Guide’ (1994 Edition) published by The Stationery Office. 

DISPROPORTIONATE COLLAPSE 

(C3.1) The requirements of C3.1 will be met where the structure of the building, having five or more 

storeys, is constructed, taking into account the recommendations on ties and on the effect of 

misuse or accident, in accordance with - 

Note: 

a. for structural work of reinforced, prestressed or plain concrete, BS8110: Part 1: 1997 

and BS8110: Part 2: 1985; or 

b. for structural work of steel, BS5950: Part 1: 1990 (the accidental loading referred to in 

clause 2.4.5.5 shall be chosen having particular regard to the importance of the key 

elements and the consequences of failure, and the key element shall always be capable 

of withstanding a load of at least 34 kn/m 2 applied from any direction); or 

c. for structural work of masonry, BS5628: Part 1: 1992, and BS5628 Part 2: 1995. 

When applying the recommendations given in the British Standards mentioned in C3.1 a, b, and c above the 

area of the structure at risk of collapse within the storey and within the immediate adjacent storeys must be 

restricted to the lesser of - 

i. 70 square metres of each of, the storey, the adjoining storey above and adjoining storey below, or 

ii. 15% of the area of each of, the storey, the adjoining storey above and adjoining storey below. 


10C

STRUCTURAL FIRE 

PRECAUTIONSD

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 12 

Structural fire precautions 

The Standards 1997+ 

Equivalent 

D1 Application of Part D D1.1-D1.3 D1.1, D1.2 

D2 Structural protection 

Principles D2.1-D2.2 D2.1 

Non-combustible materials D2.3 D2.2 

D3 Compartmentation 


Basements D3.3-D3.4 D3.2 

Buildings of purpose group 2 D3.5 No equivalent 

Buildings of purpose group 4 D3.6-D3.7 D3.2, D7.5 

Places of special fire risk D3.8-D3.9 D3.10, D3.11 

Fire-fighting shafts D3.10 D2.1 

Smoke venting shafts D3.11 D2.1 

Lifts D3.12-D3.13 D3.9 

Openings D3.14 D3.6 

Junctions D3.15-D3.17 D3.5 

D4 Sub-compartmentation 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A D4.1-D4.3 No equivalent 

Hospitals D4.4-D4.5 No equivalent 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2B D4.6 No equivalent 

Openings D4.7 No equivalent 

Junctions D4.8 No equivalent 

D5 Separating walls and separating floors 

Principles D5.1 D3.1 

Buildings of purpose group 1 D5.2 D3.8 

Hospitals D5.3-D5.4 No equivalent 

Enclosed shopping centres with malls D5.5 D7.3, D7.4 

Non-combustible materials D5.6-D5.7 D2.2 


Junctions D5.9-D5.11 D3.5, D5.3 

D6 Concealed Spaces 


Rainscreen cladding D6.5 D4.2 

Ceilings instead of cavity barriers D6.6 D4.1 


Junctions D6.8-D6.10 D4.1 

D7 Fire spread on internal linings 

Principles D7.1-D7.2 E6.1 

Sandwich panels D7.3-D7.4 No equivalent 

3D 


D

D 


D8 Fire spread to adjoining buildings 

Principles D8.1 D6.3 


Two or more buildings on land in 

the same occupation D8.3 D8.3 

D9 Fire spread from adjoining buildings D9.1 D6.7 

D10 Fire spread on the external wall 

Principles D10.1-D10.2 D4.2, D6.8 

Buildings of sub-purpose group 2A D10.3 No equivalent 

D11 Escape route protection 

Protected zones D11.1 No equivalent 

Protected lobbies D11.2 No equivalent 

Protected enclosures D11.3 D3.4 

Corridor divisions D11.4 D2.1 

Enclosing rooms in escape stairs D11.5 E4.7 

Galleries D11.6 E7.1 

External walls D11.7-D11.10 E4.6, E4.12 

Escape over flat roofs D11.11 E3.2 


Auditoria D11.13-D11.15 E8.20, E8.21 


(D1.3) Level of fire safety performance 

Resistance to fire 

Reaction to fire 

(D2.1)(D5.1)(D5.3)(D8.1) Fire control system 

(D3.6)(D3.7) Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems 

(D3.8) Paint spray booths 

(D3.14) 

(D3.14)(D4.7)(D5.8)(D6.7)(D11.1) 

Activation of shutters sealing compartment floors 

(D11.2)(D11.3)(D11.4)(D11.5) Self-closing fire doors 

(D3.14)(D4.7)(D5.8)(D6.7) Service openings 

(D3.14)(D4.7)(D5.8)(D6.7)(D6.9) Fire-stopping 

(D3.16)(D5.10) Junctions between compartment walls or separating 

walls and roofs 

(D7.1) and (D7.2) Fire spread on internal linings 

(D7.4) Sandwich panels 

(D8.1) Calculation of unprotected area 

(D9.1) Fire safety of roofs and rooflights 

(D10.1) Test for the fire safety performance of external 

cladding systems 

(D11.13) Safety curtains 

(D11.14) Ventilation system 

(D11.15) Smoke outlet 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


+ As amended December 1999. 

4D

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that the structure of a building, 

and the parts of a building, will remain stable in the event of fire, will 

restrict the spread of fire and smoke within the building and the spread of 

fire to other buildings. 

2. During a fire the elements of structure must continue to function, and 

remain capable of supporting and retaining any necessary protection of 

escape routes and fire access routes for an adequate period of time. 

3. To restrict the internal spread of fire, a building may have to be divided 

into compartments separated from each other by compartment walls or 

compartment floors intended to provide a complete barrier to fire between 

the compartments. In practice, the continuity of such walls and floors will 

have to be breached by openings for circulation or services and where this 

occurs special precautions are necessary to maintain the effectiveness of 

the barrier. The acceptable size of a compartment for this purpose is determined 

by its likely fire load which is, in turn, influenced by the purpose 

group of the building, or part of the building, in which it is situated and the 

provision, or otherwise, of active fire protection measures. 

4. To assist in the safe horizontal evacuation of residents in hospitals, residential 

care homes, and similar buildings there is a requirement for buildings 

in purpose sub-group 2A to be additionally divided into 

sub-compartments. By providing such a series of barriers it is intended 

that patients or residents will be able to remain longer in the building and 

avoid evacuation down stairs or to the outside. 

5. In order to limit the rapid spread of fire, standards are imposed on 

certain materials in terms of their reaction to fire. 

6. In order to reduce the danger to the occupants of other buildings, suitable 

separation must be provided between one building and another by 

either structure or distance. The acceptable distance between a building 

and its relevant boundary is dictated by the amount of heat that is likely to 

be radiated in the event of fire. This will be influenced by the extent of 

openings, or other unprotected areas, in the wall and the likely fire load of 

the building. Provision is also made to reduce the likelihood of fire spreading 

to roofs from an external source, and fire spreading up the elevations 

of a building. 

7. Standards are included which make specific provision for the fire 

safety of hospitals. However within the Technical Standards it is not possible 

to cover all aspects of fire safety relevant to hospitals. Fire safety is 

also dependent upon the way a building is furnished, staffed and managed. 

Designers of hospitals and other healthcare buildings will need to make 

reference to the full suite of documents that comprise “NHS in Scotland 

Firecode”. 

8. In order to permit the use of building materials tested either to British 

Standards or to European harmonised fire tests the “Deemed to Satisfy 

Provisions” provide alternative specifications which are equally acceptable. 

5D 


D

D 

Regulation 12 

STRUCTURAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS 

12.(1) Every building shall be so constructed that, for 

a reasonable period, in the event of fire - 

(a) its stability is maintained; 

(b) the spread of fire and smoke within the 

building is inhibited; and 

(c) the spread of fire to and from other 

buildings is inhibited. 

(2) This regulation shall not be subject to specification 

in a notice served under section 11 of 

the Act. 


6D

The Standards 

D1 Application of Part D 

D1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 12. 

D1.2 The Standards apply to all buildings, unless specified otherwise. 

7D 

D1.1 – D2.2 

D1.3* The level of fire safety performance of a building element or component is specified in terms of its - 

a. resistance to fire; and 

b. reaction to fire. 

Note: Alternative “Deemed to Satisfy Provisions” are provided for D1.3 setting out methods of 

establishing levels of fire safety performance in terms of either fire tests specified in British 

Standards or European harmonised fire tests. 

D2 Structural protection 

PRINCIPLES 

D2.1* In order to enable the occupants of a building to reach a place of safety and to ensure that fire-fighters 

engaged in rescue or fire-fighting operations are not placed at undue risk, the elements of structure in a 

building must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) which meets the requirements of Table 

1 or Table 2 to this standard, 

except - 

a. an element of structure in a single storey building which does not form part of, or support, a separating 

wall, compartment wall, or the enclosing structure of a protected zone; 

b. a floor consisting of removable panels situated directly above a floor which is an element of structure; 

c. a gallery floor; 

d. an openwork floor; 

e. a catwalk; 

f. the lowest floor of a building. 

Note: Table 1 to D2.1 must be used for a single storey building, or the single storey part of a multistorey 

building where the single storey part is a separate compartment or compartments. 

Table 2 to D2.1 must be used for all other buildings. 

D2.2 Where an element of structure provides support to another element of structure, a compartment wall, a 

compartment floor, a separating wall, a separating floor, the enclosing structure of a protected zone, a 

flat roof, an access deck or an external wall, to which a higher standard applies, the element of structure 

must meet that higher standard. 


D

D 

D2.3 

NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS 

D2.3 Where an element of structure provides support to a separating floor (see D5.6), a separating wall (see 

D5.7), an external wall (see D8.2), or an escape stair (including the floor of a protected lobby) (see 

D11.12) which is required to be of materials which are non-combustible, the element of structure must 

also be of materials which are non-combustible (see D1.3). 

Table 1 to D2.1: Minimum duration and maximum compartment area in a single storey building 

Purpose groups and purpose sub-groups Maximum area of a Minimum duration of Minimum 

compartment (m2 ) compartmentation, duration of 

[1] where required external walls 

(see D3.1) (see D8.1) 

1 Dwellings Unlimited Not required Medium [2, 3] 

2A Institutional 1,500 Medium Medium [3] 

2B Other residential 2,000 Medium Medium [3] 

3 Offices 4,000 Medium Medium [3] 

4 Shops and commercial 2,000 [4] Long Medium [5] 

5A Assembly and recreational (high risk) 2,000 Medium Medium [5] 

5B Assembly and recreational (low risk) 6,000 Long Medium [3] 

6A Industrial (high risk) 33,000 Long Medium [5] 

6B Industrial (low risk) 93,000 Long Medium [3] 

7A Storage (high risk) 1,000 Long [6] Medium [5] 

7B Storage (low risk) 14,000 Long Medium [5] 

7C Open-sided car park Unlimited Not required Not required 

Notes: 

1. In a building of purpose groups 3 and 5-7 areas can be doubled where there is an appropriate fire 

control system. 

2. Short duration for - 

a. a dwelling with an appropriate fire control system; 

b. a detached building ancillary to a dwelling comprising a garden hut or store, or a building for 

keeping animals, birds or other livestock for domestic purposes; 

c. a conservatory or porch attached to a dwelling; 

d. a garage wall. 

3. Short duration for a building more than 1 m from the boundary. 

4. Unlimited provided there is an appropriate fire control system. 

5. Short duration for a building more than 1 m from the boundary which has an appropriate fire 


6. A building comprising a single compartment of not more than 1000 m 2 is permitted. Where a 

building has a floor area more than this, it must be divided into a series of compartments so that no 

compartment is more than 200 m 2 if the compartment walls have a medium duration, or 500m 2 if 

the compartment walls have a long duration. 


8D

Table 2 to D2.1: Minimum duration and maximum compartment area in a building other than a single 

storey 

Purpose Maximum Maximum Duration of Duration of Duration of elements of structure, 

groups and area of a area of an external elements of and where appropriate 

purpose compart- individual walls structure, compartmentation (see D3.1) 

sub-groups ment storey (see D8.1) and where The The The 

(m2 ) [1] Within a appropriate topmost topmost topmost 

compart- compart- storey of a storey of a storey of 

ment (m2 ) mentation building is building is a building 

[1] (see D3.1) at a height at a height is at a 

in a of not more of not more height of 

basement than 7.5 m than 18 m more than 

above above 18m above 

ground ground ground 

1 Dwellings Unlimited Unlimited Medium [2] Medium Short Medium Long 

2A Institutional 1,500 1,500 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

2B Other 1,000 1,000 Medium [2] Medium Short Medium Long [3] 

residential 2,000 2,000 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

4,000 2,000 Medium Medium Long Long Long 

3 Offices 2,000 2,000 Medium [2] Medium Short Medium Long [3] 

4,000 4,000 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

8,000 4,000 Medium Medium Long Long Long 

4 Shops and 500 [4] 500 [4] Medium [3] Medium Short Medium Long [3] 

commercial 1,000 [5] 1,000 [5] Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

2,000 [6] 1,000 [6] Medium Medium Long Long Long 

5A Assembly & 1,000 1,000 Medium [2] Medium Short Medium Long [3] 

recreational 2,000 2,000 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

(high risk) 4,000 2,000 Medium Medium Long Long Long 

5B Assembly & 1,500 1,500 Medium [2] Medium Short Medium Long [3] 

recreational 3,000 3,000 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

(low risk) 6,000 3,000 Medium Medium Long Long Long 

6A Industrial 500 500 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

(high risk) 6,000 3,000 Medium Medium Long Long Long 

6B Industrial 2,000 2,000 Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium 


7A Storage 200 200 Medium Medium Medium Medium Long [3] 

(high risk) 1,000 500 Medium Medium Long Long Long 

7B Storage 500 500 Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium 


7C Open-sided 

car park 

Unlimited Unlimited Short Medium Short Short Short 

Notes: 

1. In a building of purpose groups 3 and 5-7, areas may be doubled where there is an appropriate fire 


2. Short duration for – 

a. external walls more than 1 m of the boundary; and 

b. external walls not more than 1 m from the boundary in the case of a building with an appropriate 

fire control system. 

3. Medium duration for compartmentation. 

4. 1,000 m 2 , provided there is an appropriate fire control system. 

5. 2,000 m 2 , provided there is an appropriate fire control system. 

6. Unlimited, provided there is an appropriate fire control system. 

9D 

D2.1 


D

D 

D3.1 – D3.9 

D3 Compartmentation 

PRINCIPLES 

D3.1 In order to reduce the spread of fire and smoke, a building, or part of a building, with a total storey area 

more than the limits given in Tables 1 and 2 to D2.1 must be sub-divided by compartment walls and 

compartment floors with the level of fire safety performance in accordance with Tables 1 and 2 to D2.1. 

D3.2 Every storey at a height of more than 18 m above ground must form a separate compartment, or compartments 

where required by D3.1. 

BASEMENTS 

D3.3 Where a building has a basement storey, the floor of the ground storey must be a compartment floor, 

except - 

in a building, other than a building of purpose sub-group 2A, where the building comprises 1 basement 

storey and not more than 2 other storeys, and no storey has an area more than 280 m 2 . 

D3.4 Where a building has a basement storey at a depth of more than 10 m, every basement storey must form 

a separate compartment. 

BUILDINGS OF PURPOSE GROUP 2 

D3.5 In a building of purpose group 2, every upper storey and every basement storey must form a separate 

compartment, or compartments where required by D3.1. 


D3.6* In a building of purpose group 4, each compartment with an area more than 5,600 m 2 must be provided 

with an appropriate smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system. 

D3.7* In an enclosed shopping centre with a mall on 2 or more storeys or having a total floor area more than 

5,600 m 2 , the mall and every shop with a floor area more than 1,300 m 2 must be provided with an appropriate 

smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system. 

PLACES OF SPECIAL FIRE RISK 

D3.8* A place of special fire risk must be enclosed with the same level of fire safety performance as that 

required for a compartment with a medium duration, 

except - 

a suitably protected paint spray booth or room where a cellulose or other flammable liquid spray is used, 

having a floor area not more than 100 m 2 , and constructed of prefabricated factory made panels. 

D3.9 Where a place of special fire risk contains any appliance or equipment using hazardous liquid, any 

opening in a wall or floor separating it from the remainder of the building must be constructed in such a 

manner that, in the event of any liquid spillage, the room will contain all the liquid in the appliance or 

equipment, plus 10%. 


10D

FIRE-FIGHTING SHAFTS 

11D 

D3.10 – 3.14 

D3.10 A fire-fighting shaft must be enclosed with the same level of fire safety performance as that required for 

a compartment with a long duration, 

except - 

where the elements of structure of the building are only required to have a medium duration the firefighting 

shaft need only have a medium duration. 

SMOKE VENTING SHAFTS 

D3.11 A smoke venting shaft must be enclosed with the same level of fire safety performance as that required 

for a compartment with a medium duration, 

except - 

LIFTS 

at the smoke inlets and smoke outlets to the shaft. 

D3.12 Every lift well must be enclosed by compartment walls with a medium duration and, where the lift well 

is not the full height of the building, a compartment floor with a medium duration, 

except - 

a. a compartment wall is not required between a lift well and a protected zone; and 

b. the requirement for a lift well to be enclosed by compartment walls does not apply to - 

i. a lift well in a building of purpose sub-group 1C, or 

ii. a lift well within a protected enclosure of a building of purpose sub-group 1B. 

D3.13 Where a lift is installed, the landing controls and lift car controls must be of a type that do not operate 

because of conditions resulting from the effects of fire. 

OPENINGS 

D3.14*A compartment wall and a compartment floor must have no openings and must provide a barrier to fire 

between the parts of a building to be divided, including any roof space, 

except - 

a. for a chimney or flue-pipe which is of suitable construction, so that in the event of fire the level of 

fire safety performance required of the compartment wall or compartment floor is maintained; or 

b. where there is an opening in the compartment wall with a suitable self-closing fire door with the 

same duration as the compartment wall, 

except - 

a lockable door to a cupboard or service duct with a floor area not more than 3 m 2 need not be selfclosing, 

or 

c. where there is an opening in the compartment wall with a shutter with the same duration as that 

required of the compartment wall actuated by a fusible link or other heat sensitive device with a 

controlled movement mechanism and audible warning when operated; or 


D

D 

D3.14 – D4.2 

JUNCTIONS 

d. where there is a service opening - 


i. which is of suitable construction, or where the services are suitably protected, so that in the 

event of fire the level of fire safety performance required of the compartment wall or compartment 

floor is maintained, and 

ii. which is suitably fire-stopped; or 

e. where there is an opening in the compartment floor, which contains a stair only, other than an 

escape stair, and/or not more than 2 escalators, and is provided either - 

i. at compartment floor level with a suitably activated shutter in the plane of the floor which 

when closed maintains the level of fire safety performance of the compartment floor, or 

ii. at each floor level, other than the top floor level, with a suitably activated shutter in the vertical 

plane which moves to enclose the opening and provide a barrier with the fire safety performance 

equivalent to a compartment wall with the same duration as the compartment floor. 

D3.15 Where a compartment wall or compartment floor meets an external wall, a separating wall or a compartment 

wall, the junction must maintain the required level of fire safety performance of the compartment 

wall or compartment floor. 

D3.16*Where a compartment wall forms a junction with a roof, a suitable form of roof construction must be 

adopted. 

D3.17 In a hospital where a compartment wall meets an external wall there must be a 1 m wide strip of the 

external wall which has the same level of fire safety performance as the compartment wall to prevent 

lateral fire spread. 

D4 Sub-compartmentation 

BUILDINGS OF PURPOSE SUB-GROUP 2A 

D4.1 In order to aid progressive horizontal evacuation and to limit fire spread in a building of purpose subgroup 

2A, every compartment must be divided into sub-compartments by sub-compartment walls with a 

level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration so that no sub-compartment is greater 

than 750 m 2 . 

D4.2 In a building of purpose sub-group 2A the following rooms must be enclosed with the same level of fire 

safety performance as that required for a sub-compartment - 

a. chemical stores; 

b. cleaners’ rooms; 

c. clothes storage; 

d. dayrooms with a floor area greater than 20 m 2 ; 

e. smoking rooms; 

f. disposal rooms; 

12D

g. laboratories; 

h. lift motor rooms; 

i. linen stores; 

j. bedrooms in a building other than a hospital; 

k. bedrooms in a hospital where they are used by - 

i. elderly people, or 

ii. those suffering with mental illness, or 

iii. people with learning difficulties; 

l. kitchens (other than separate hospital departments); 

m. laundry rooms; 

n. staff changing and locker rooms; 

o. store rooms; 

p. X-ray film and record stores; and 

13D 

D4.2 – D4.6 

q. all rooms within a main laundry in which delivery, sorting, processing packing and storing are 

carried out. 

D4.3 In a building of purpose sub-group 2A no room containing sleeping accommodation shall be intended 

for use by more than 4 people, 

except - 

HOSPITALS 

in a hospital. 

D4.4 In a hospital every intensive therapy unit must be divided into at least 2 sub-compartments by subcompartment 

walls with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration. 

D4.5 In a hospital every entrance to an intensive therapy unit must be either - 

a. from a hospital street (see E8.9); or 

b. through a lobby, enclosed with the same level of fire safety performance as that required for a subcompartment. 

BUILDINGS OF PURPOSE SUB-GROUP 2B 

D4.6 In order to aid evacuation and to limit fire spread, in a building of purpose sub-group 2B, each room 

containing sleeping accommodation (including any en-suite sanitary accommodation where provided) 

must be enclosed with the same level of fire safety performance as that required for a sub-compartment, 

except - 

a. for a wall between such rooms. and 

b. in the case of a place of lawful detention. 


D

D 

D4.7 – 5.1 

OPENINGS 

D4.7* A sub-compartment wall must have no openings and must provide a barrier to fire between the parts of a 

building to be divided, including any roof space, 

except - 

JUNCTIONS 

a. for a chimney or flue-pipe which is of suitable construction, so that in the event of fire the level of 

fire safety performance required of the sub-compartment wall is maintained; or 

b. where there is an opening with a suitable self-closing fire door with the same duration as the subcompartment 

wall, 

except - 


a lockable door to a cupboard or service duct with a floor area not more than 3 m 2 need not be selfclosing, 

or 

c. where there is a service opening - 


event of fire the level of fire safety performance required of the sub-compartment wall is 

maintained, and 

ii. which is suitably fire-stopped. 

D4.8 In a hospital where a sub-compartment wall meets an external wall there must be a 1 m wide strip of the 

external wall which has the same level of fire safety performance as the sub-compartment wall to 

prevent lateral fire spread. 

D5 Separating walls and separating floors 

PRINCIPLES 

D5.1* In order to limit the spread of fire and smoke, a separating wall or separating floor with a level of fire 

safety performance (see D1.3) with a medium duration must be provided between adjoining buildings or 

parts of a building where - 

a. they are in different occupation, 

except - 

between garages in a block of garages where each garage is not more than 40 m 2 and the block is considered 

to be a single building for the purposes of this Part; or 

b. one part of the building is in single occupation and the other is in communal occupation, 

except - 

i. between a part in single occupation and an external access balcony or access deck, 

ii. in the case of an enclosed shopping centre with a mall on not more than 2 storeys, between a 

shop and the mall (see D5.5); or 

14D

c. they are in the same occupation, but of different purpose groups, 

except - 

15D 

D5.1 – D5.3 

i. where the affected parts of the building comply throughout with whatever is the most onerous 

of any required standard contained in this Part, 

ii. short duration is sufficient where both the purpose groups concerned are of purpose groups or 

sub-purpose group 3, 4, 6b or 7b, and an appropriate fire control system is installed on both 

sides of the separating wall, or on the storeys above and below the separating floor; or 

d. in the case of a hospital - 

i. between different hospital departments, and 

ii. between a hospital department and a protected zone, and 

iii. between different storeys, 

except - 

short duration is sufficient in a single storey hospital. 


D5.2 In the case of a building of purpose group 1, a separating wall or separating floor with a level of fire 

safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration must be provided - 

HOSPITALS 

a. between solid waste storage accommodation and the rest of the building; and 

b. between a dwelling and any integral or attached garage, 

except - 

where the garage ceiling has a short duration, any roof space directly above the garage need not be 

separated from the dwelling, or any roof space above the dwelling, by a separating wall. 

D5.3* In a hospital the following hospital departments must - 

a. never be directly below, nor directly adjoin, the operating theatres, intensive therapy units or special 

care baby units; and 

b. be provided with an appropriate fire control system where they are directly below, or directly 

adjoin, any other hospital department to which patients have access - 

i. boiler house, 

ii. central stores, 

iii. commercial enterprises, 

iv. flammable stores, 

v. laundry, 

vi. main electrical switchgear, 

vii. main kitchens, 


D

D 

D5.3 – 5.6 


viii. refuse collection and incineration, 

ix. works department. 

D5.4* In a hospital the following hospital departments must be provided with an appropriate fire control 

system where they are directly below, or directly adjoin operating theatres, intensive therapy units, or 

special care baby units - 

a. central staff change; 

b. central sterile supplies; 

c. hospital sterilising and disinfecting unit; 

d. health records; 

e. pathology; 

f. manufacturing pharmacy. 

ENCLOSED SHOPPING CENTRES WITH MALLS 

D5.5 An enclosed shopping centre with a mall must be designed so that - 

a. the mall width must at no part be less than 6 m; and 

b. where 2 or more shops having mall-level storey areas more than 2000 m 2 are located opposite each 

other, then at least 1 must be separated from the mall by a separating wall. 

Note: 

In this standard opposing shop frontages are those which make an angle of less than 80 degrees with 

each other. 


D5.6 Every part of a separating floor must be of materials which are non-combustible (see D1.3), 

except - 

a. in a building of purpose sub-group 1A with no storey at a height of more than 18 m, other than 

over solid waste storage accommodation; 

b. between a shop or office and a dwelling above the shop or office in the same occupation and 

where - 

i. there is no other dwelling above the shop or office, 

ii. the building has no storey at a height of more than 18 m, and 

iii. the area of the shop or office is not more than 1 1 /2 times the area of the separating floor; 

c. above a pend in a building of purpose group 1, where the ceiling of the pend is constructed of noncombustible 

materials (see D1.3) and the floor immediately above has a level of fire safety performance 

with medium duration; 

d. between dwellings and shared residential accommodation. 

16D

D5.7 Every part of a separating wall must be of materials which are non-combustible (see D1.3), 

except - 

OPENINGS 

17D 

D5.7 – D5.9 

a wall may contain a structural frame of material which is low, medium, high or very high risk, provided 

any insulants exposed to a cavity are low risk materials or non-combustible, the internal linings are low 

risk materials or non-combustible, and the wall contains no pipes, wires or other services, and is 

between - 

a. houses; or 

b. a dwelling and any integral or attached garage; or 

c. garages; or 

d. flats or maisonettes, with no storey at a height of more than 18 m, where the wall does not form 

part of the enclosure of solid waste storage accommodation; or 

e. in a building with no storey at a height of more than 18 m, between flats or maisonettes and an 

escape stair enclosure; or 

f. between dwellings and shared residential accommodation. 

D5.8* A separating wall and a separating floor must have no openings and must provide a barrier to fire 

between the parts of a building to be separated, including any roof space, 

except - 

JUNCTIONS 

a. for a chimney or flue-pipe which is of suitable construction so that in the event of fire the level of 

fire safety performance required of the separating wall or separating floor is maintained; or 

b. where the separating wall is required by D5.1b and it is an opening with a suitable self-closing fire 

door with the same duration as the separating wall, 

except - 

a fire door in a separating wall between a flat or maisonette and a protected lobby or protected zone 

may be short duration; or 

c. where the separating wall is required by - 

i. D5.1c, D5.1d or D5.2b, and 

ii. it is an opening with a suitable self-closing fire door with the same duration as the separating 

wall; or 

d. where there is a service opening - 


event of fire the level of fire safety performance required of the separating wall or separating 

floor is maintained, and 

ii. which is suitably fire-stopped. 

D5.9 Where a separating wall or separating floor meets an external wall or a separating wall, the junction 

must maintain the required level of fire safety performance of the separating wall or separating floor. 


D

D 

D5.10 – D6.2 

D5.10* Where a separating wall forms a junction with a roof - 

a. low, medium, high and very high risk material (see D1.3) must not be built into, or carried through 

or across the ends of, or over the top of, the wall in such a way as to impair resistance to spread of 

fire between the relevant parts of the building; and 

b. a suitable form of roof construction must be adopted. 

D5.11 In a hospital where a separating wall meets an external wall there must be a 1 m wide strip of the 

external wall which has the same level of fire safety performance as the separating wall to prevent 

lateral fire spread. 

D6 Concealed spaces 

PRINCIPLES 

D6.1 In order to prevent the unseen spread of fire and smoke, every cavity and roof space within a building 

must be divided by cavity barriers with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration 

installed - 

a. around the edges of the cavity; and 

b. between the cavity and any other cavity, 

except - 


at a junction between 2 walls each comprising two leaves of masonry or concrete at least 75 mm 

thick; and 

c. between a roof space and any other roof space. 

D6.2 Every cavity must be divided up by cavity barriers with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) 

with a short duration so that the maximum distance between cavity barriers is not more than 20 metres 

where the cavity has surfaces which are non-combustible or low risk materials, or 10 m where the cavity 

has surfaces which are medium, high or very high risk materials, 

except - 

a. a cavity between a roof and a ceiling (see D6.3); or 

b. a cavity formed by 2 leaves of masonry or concrete at least 75 mm thick; or 

c. a cavity between a floor and a ceiling with a suitable fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a 

short duration; or 

d. a cavity below an imperforate floor next to the ground and the cavity is either inaccessible or is not 

more than 1 m high; or 

e. a cavity formed by overcladding, where both surfaces of the overcladding are low risk materials or 

non-combustible (see D1.3) attached to a masonry or concrete external wall or a concrete roof, and 

where the cavity contains only non-combustible material; or 

f. a cavity between a floor which is an element of structure, and a raised floor consisting of removable 

panels; or 

g. a cavity above an operating theatre and its ancillary rooms within a hospital. 

18D

19D 

D6.3 – D6.7 

D6.3 A cavity barrier with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration must be 

installed between a roof and a ceiling in a building of purpose groups 2-7 above an undivided space, as 

set out in the table to this standard, 

except - 

a. where the ceiling has a suitable level of fire safety performance with a short duration (see D1.3); or 

b. a cavity above an operating theatre and its ancillary rooms within a hospital. 

Table to D6.3: Maximum distance between cavity barriers (m) 

Above an undivided space : Where surfaces are non- Where surfaces are medium, high 

combustible or low risk materials or very high risk materials 

Intended for sleeping 20 15 

Not intended for sleeping 

Note: 

20 [1] 20 

1. No limit in purpose sub-group 2B and purpose groups 3-7. 

D6.4 Where a cavity is above a ceiling in a building of purpose sub-group 2B and continues over a wall 

between bedrooms or between a bedroom and any other part of the building, a cavity barrier with a 

level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration must be installed in the same plane as 

the wall, 

except - 

where the ceiling has a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration. 

RAINSCREEN CLADDING 

D6.5 In a building with a storey at a height of more than 18 m above the ground with ventilated rainscreen 

panels cavity barriers with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration must be 

installed within the ventilated void horizontally at every floor level and vertically on the line of every 

compartment wall, sub-compartment wall or separating wall abutting the external wall. 

CEILINGS INSTEAD OF CAVITY BARRIERS 

D6.6 Where a ceiling is provided, instead of a cavity barrier as required by D6.2, D6.3 or D6.4, it must be - 

OPENINGS 

a. not easily demountable; and 

b. non-combustible (see D1.3), or where there is any thermal insulation which is supported by the 

ceiling, that insulation must be non-combustible. 

D6.7* A cavity barrier, and a ceiling provided instead of a cavity barrier, must be imperforate, 

except - 

a. a cavity barrier may contain a suitable self-closing fire door; 

b. a ceiling may contain a hatch which, when closed, will maintain the level of fire safety performance 

of the ceiling; 


D

D 

D6.7 – 7.1 

JUNCTIONS 

c. for a service opening - 



event of fire, the level of fire safety performance required is maintained, and 

ii. where it is suitably fire-stopped. 

D6.8 Where a wall, floor or other part of a building which is required to have a level of fire safety performance, 

abuts a structure containing a cavity, a cavity barrier with a level of fire safety performance (see 

D1.3) with a short duration must be installed so as to extend the line of the structure with the level of 

fire safety performance, 

except - 

a. a cavity formed by two leaves of masonry or concrete at least 75 mm thick; or 

b. a cavity formed by overcladding, both surfaces of which are non-combustible or low risk materials, 

attached to a masonry or concrete external wall or a concrete roof and the cavity contains only noncombustible 

materials; or 

c. in the case of a wall which is required to have a level of fire safety performance only because it is 

loadbearing. 

D6.9* A cavity barrier must be tightly fitted to rigid construction, or where this is not possible (for example, in 

the case of a junction with slates, tiles, corrugated sheeting or similar materials) the junction must be 

suitably fire-stopped. 

D6.10 A cavity barrier must be fixed so that its performance is not affected by - 

a. movement of the building due to subsidence, shrinkage or thermal change; 

b. collapse in a fire of any services penetrating it; 

c. failure in a fire of its fixings; 

d. failure in a fire of any material or element of structure which it abuts, 

except - 

where a cavity barrier is installed between a roof and a ceiling, there is no requirement to protect 

roof members supporting the cavity barrier. 

D7 Fire spread on internal linings 

PRINCIPLES 

D7.1* In order to resist the spread of fire and smoke, every room, fire-fighting shaft, protected zone or unprotected 

zone, must have wall and ceiling surfaces with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) which 

meet the requirements of the table to this standard, 

except- 

a. in a room any part of the wall may be of one risk category higher than that required (but not very 

high risk) where the total area of those parts in any 1 room is not more than either half the floor 

20D

area of the room; or in the case of a building of - 

i. purpose group 1 or 2, 20 m 2 , or 

ii. any other purpose group, 60 m 2 , 

whichever is the lesser; and 

21D 

D7.1 – D7.3 

b. in a building solely housing livestock, the surfaces of unprotected zones may have any level of fire 

safety performance, other than very high risk; and 

c. thermoplastic materials in ceilings, rooflights and light fittings with diffusers (see D7.2); and 

d. external windows and internal glazing to rooms (but not protected zones or unprotected zones) may 

be fitted with suitable plastics glazing materials. 

Notes: 

1. A wall includes the surface of glazing and any ceiling or soffit at an angle to the horizontal of more 

than 70 degrees but excludes doors, skirtings and other facings. 

2. A ceiling includes the underside of rooflights, but excludes ceiling hatches and facings. 

3. Wall and ceiling surfaces means the substrate or lining material including any treatment thereof to 

restrict flame spread, but excludes any wallpaper or paints applied on site for decorative purposes only. 

Table to D7.1: Fire spread on wall and ceiling surfaces 

Purpose group or Highest permitted level of risk 

purpose sub-group Room not Room more Room more UnprotectedProtected 

more than than 4 m2 than 30 m2 zone and zone and 

4 m2 and not more protected fire-fighting 

than 30 m2 enclosure shaft [1] 

1 Dwellings Medium [2] Medium Medium Medium Low 

2A Institutional High Medium Low [3] Low Low 

2B Other residential High Medium Medium Medium Low 

3 Offices High High Medium Medium Low 

4 Shops and commercial High High Medium Low [4] Low 

5 Assembly & recreational High High Medium Medium Low 

6 Industrial High High Medium Medium Low 

7A Storage (high risk) High High Low Medium Low 

7B & C 

Notes: 

Storage (low risk) and 

open-sided car parks 

High High Medium Medium Low 

1. Including any sanitary accommodation within the enclosures of a protected zone 

2. A room other than a kitchen may be high risk. 

3. A ceilings may be medium risk. 

4. In an enclosed shopping centre with a mall, structural timbers supporting glazing that forms part of 

a shop front unit signs (except very high risk), and stallboard risers, are permitted provided they are 

not in total more than 20% of the area of the shop front. 

D7.2* Thermoplastic materials in ceilings, rooflights and light fittings with diffusers must be suitably designed 

and installed. 

SANDWICH PANELS 

D7.3 A sandwich panel used for internal walls or linings in a building of purpose groups 1 or 2 must be fully 

filled with a core which consist of non-combustible material (see D1.3). 


D

D 

D7.4 – D8.2 

D7.4* A sandwich panel used for internal walls or linings in a building of purpose groups 3 to 7 must be 

suitably designed and installed. 

D8 Fire spread to adjoining buildings 

PRINCIPLES 

D8.1* In order to minimises the risk of spread of fire between buildings, an external wall of a building must 

meet the requirements of Tables 1 and 2 to D2.1, 

except - 

a. for a level of unprotected area as indicated in the table to this standard; or 

b. in the case of a building ancillary to a dwelling and comprising a carport, covered area, 

greenhouse, summerhouse, or swimming pool enclosure. 

Table to D8.1: Permitted level of unprotected area 

Purpose group or purpose sub-group permitted level of unprotected area 

not more than 1 m more than 1 m from the boundary 

from the boundary no appropriate fire appropriate fire 

control system control system 

1 Dwellings Level C Level A Unlimited 

2 Institutional and other residential Level C Level A Unlimited 

3 Offices Level C Level A Unlimited 

4 Shops and commercial Level C Level B Level A 

5A Assembly & recreational (high risk) Level C Level B Level A 

5B Assembly & recreational (low risk) Level C Level A Unlimited 

6A Industrial (high risk) Level C Level B Level A 

6B Industrial (low risk) Level C Level A Unlimited 

7A, 7B Storage Level C Level B Level A 

7C 

Note: 

Open-sided car parks Level C Unlimited Unlimited 

UNPROTECTED AREAS are: 

a. any part of an external wall which has a level of fire safety performance less than that required by 

the Tables to D2.1; and 

b. any opening, including a door or window, but not an unopenable window containing only glazing 

which reacts to heat to provide the required level of fire safety performance for an external wall; 

and 

c. any part of an external wall which has a material, more than 1 mm thick attached or applied to its 

external face, whether for cladding or any other purpose, which is low, medium, high or very high 

risk (see D1.3). 


D8.2 Every part of an external wall not more than 1 m from a boundary must be of non-combustible materials 

(see D1.3), 

except - 

a. a wall in a building of purpose group 1, or in shared residential accommodation, with no storey at a 

height of more than 18 m above ground containing a structural frame of a material other than one 

which is non-combustible and with an external cladding of a material which is non-combustible; 


22D

23D 

D8.2 – D9.1 

b. any thermal insulation in a wall in a building with no storey at a height of more than 18 m above 

ground. 

Note: See also D10.1. 

TWO OR MORE BUILDINGS ON LAND IN THE SAME OCCUPATION 

D8.3 Where the combined areas of any storey of each of 2 or more buildings is more than that allowed by 

D3.1, and the buildings are to be on land in the same occupation, or in the case of a single building 

having opposing compartments externally, then - 

a. the buildings must be separated by a distance not less than the sum of the distances calculated in 

respect of each building relative to a notional boundary between them in accordance with this 

standard, as if the notional boundary were a boundary (see diagram to D8.3); and 

b. the roofs of the buildings must be separated by a distance not less than the sum of the distances 

provided in relation to the notional boundary in accordance with the requirements of D9 in respect 

of each roof. 

Note: 

Where a notional boundary described above is to be established between 2 buildings, one of which is an 

existing building, for the purposes of this standard the existing building must be regarded as if it were a 

new building. 

Diagram to D8.3: Notional boundaries 

Boundary 

Compliance with the provisions 

for separation in respect of Building A 

D9 Fire spread from an adjoining building 

Notional boundary 

Building A Building B 

Compliance with the provisions 

for separation in respect of Building B 

D9.1* In order to resist penetration or ignition by fire from an external source and limit the spread of flame on 

its external surface, the roof of a building, including any rooflights, but excluding any wallhead fascia, 

soffit or barge board, must meet the requirements of the table to this standard, 

except - 

the roof of a detached garage, greenhouse, garden hut or store, summerhouse or building for keeping 

animals, birds or other livestock for domestic purposes ancillary to a dwelling, that are located at least 

1 m from the dwelling and 1 m from the boundary. 


D

D 

D9.1 – D10.2 

Table to D9.1: Acceptable roof coverings 

Maximum distance to the Highest permitted vulnerability of roof covering 

boundary Building of purpose sub-group 2A All other buildings 

not more than 6m low low 

more than 6 m low medium [1] 

more than 12 m low medium [2] 

more than 24 m 

Notes: 

high high 

1. High vulnerability is permitted in a detached house, in a part of the roof not more than 3 m2 in area 

and at least 1.5 m from any similar part, the remainder of the roof being of a medium vulnerability. 

2. High vulnerability is acceptable in a detached house. 

Note: 

A roof covering or rooflight which is exposed within the building will be subject also to the requirements 

of D7.2. 

D10 Fire spread on an external wall 

D10.1* In order to limit the fire spread on an external wall, any cladding to the external wall must either - 

a. be of materials with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) to meet the requirements of the 

table to this standard; or 

b. meet the requirements of a suitable test for the fire safety performance of external cladding 

systems. 

Note: See also D8.2. 

Table to D10.1: Required level of fire safety performance of the cladding to an external wall 

A building at a Purpose group or Location Highest permitted 

height of sub-purpose group level of risk 

Not more than 5 Not more than 10 m above the Low 

18 m above the ground (or above a roof or any 

ground part of the building to which 

the public have access) 


5 More than 10 m above the ground Very high 

2A Any Low 

All others Any Very high 

More than 18 m 

above the ground Any Any Low 

D10.2 In a building with a storey at a height of more than 18 m above the ground, insulation material situated 

or exposed within a cavity in the external wall construction must be non-combustible (see D1.3), 

except - 

for a cavity which is between 2 leaves of masonry or concrete at least 75 mm thick, and which has a 

cavity barrier around all openings in the wall and at the top of the wall. 

24D

BUILDINGS OF SUB-PURPOSE GROUP 2A 

25D 

D10.3 – D11.5 

D10.3 In a building of sub-purpose group 2A where a lower roof abuts an external wall the roof must provide a 

level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a medium duration for a distance of at least 3 m from 

the wall. 

D11 Escape route protection 

PROTECTED ZONES 

D11.1*The enclosing structure of a protected zone, not being a roof or an external wall but including the floor 

other than that of the lowest storey, must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a 

medium duration, unless a more onerous standard is required (see D2 and D3), and any door in the 

enclosing structure of a protected zone must be a suitable self-closing fire door, 

except- 

in the case of a protected zone in shared residential accommodation, short duration. 

PROTECTED LOBBIES 

D11.2*Where a protected lobby is required within a protected zone, the wall dividing the protected lobby from 

the rest of the protected zone must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration 

and any door in the wall must be a suitable self-closing fire door. 

PROTECTED ENCLOSURE 

D11.3*Where a protected enclosure is required within a dwelling, the walls must have a level of fire safety 

performance (see D1.3) with a short duration, and any door in the wall must be a suitable self-closing 

fire door, 

except - 

where a wall between sanitary accommodation and an adjacent room has a level of fire safety performance 

with a short duration, a wall or door between the sanitary accommodation and the protected 

enclosure need not have a level of fire safety performance. 

CORRIDOR DIVISIONS 

D11.4*Where a wall is required to divide a corridor for smoke control (see E5.23) it must have a level of fire 

safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration and any door in the wall must be a suitable selfclosing 

fire door. 

Note: 

A cavity barrier may also be required see D6.7. 

ENCLOSING ROOMS IN ESCAPE STAIRS 

D11.5*Every wall or screen separating a reception room, an office, a cleaner’s room, or a store from an escape 

stair (see E6.8c) must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration and every 

door in the wall or screen structure must be a suitable self-closing fire door, 

except - 

a lockable door to a cleaner’s room or a store with a floor area not more than 3 m 2 need not be selfclosing. 


D

D 

D11.6 – D11.12 

GALLERIES 

D11.6 Where it is permitted to enclose below a gallery (see E5.24), the floor of the gallery must have a level of 

fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration. 

EXTERNAL WALLS 

D11.7 Every part of an external wall, including a door, below an external escape stair, or not more than 2 m 

from the stair, must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration. 

D11.8 Every door from a building to an external escape stair, including a landing, access gallery or access 

deck served by the escape stair, past which door there is an escape route must have a level of fire safety 

performance (see D1.3) with a short duration, 

except - 

the door at the top of the external escape stair. 

D11.9 In a building of purpose sub-group 1A, every part of an external wall, including a door, past which there 

is an escape route, including a landing, access gallery or access deck served by an escape stair, must 

have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a short duration up to a height of at least 1.1 m 

measured from the level of the escape route. 

D11.10Where any part of an external wall of an escape stair enclosure is not more than 2 m from, and makes 

an angle of not more than 135 degrees with, any part of an external wall of another part of the building, 

it must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with a medium duration. 

ESCAPE OVER FLAT ROOFS 

D11.11Where a flat roof or access deck forms part of an escape route - 

a. it must have a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) with medium duration for the width of the 

escape route and for a further 3 m on either side of the escape route; and 

b. every wall not more than 2 m from either side of the escape route must comply with D11.9. 


D11.12 Every part of an escape stair including the floor of a protected lobby must be non-combustible (see 

D1.3), 

except - 

a. in shared residential accommodation; or 

b. any handrail on an escape stair; or 

c. an escape stair which complies with E6.6a or E6.6b; or 

d. a floor finish, wall or ceiling lining, or an external cladding, which does not contribute to the level 

of fire safety performance required for the part it covers. 


26D

AUDITORIA 

27D 

D11.13 – D11.15 

D11.13*In a building containing an auditorium having an occupancy capacity of more than 500, any separated 

stage and stage area must be separated from the remainder of the building by a wall with the same level 

of fire safety performance as a compartment wall with a medium duration, 

except - 

at the proscenium opening, provided there is a suitable safety curtain. 

D11.14*In a building containing an auditorium, the ventilation system must be suitably designed to ensure that 

the direction of air movement in the event of fire is from the auditorium towards the stage. 

D11.15*In a building containing an auditorium having an occupancy capacity of more than 500, any separated 

stage and stage area must have a suitable high level outlet over the stage of sufficient area to allow the 

escape of smoke and hot gases in the event of fire on the stage. 

Note: 

A separated stage means a stage which is separated from the auditorium except at the proscenium 

opening. For this purpose the stage area includes any scenery dock, workshop, under-stage area and 

staff or orchestra room, and any other part ancillary to the stage. 


D

D 


28D


LEVEL OF FIRE SAFETY PERFORMANCE 

RESISTANCE TO FIRE 

29D 

(D1.3) 

(D1.3) The requirements of D1.3a in terms of resistance to fire are satisfied by the alternative “Deemed to 

Satisfy Provisions” which set out methods of establishing levels of fire safety performance in terms of 

either fire tests specified in British Standards or European harmonised fire tests. There are also additional 

notes on single storey steel portal frame buildings, suspended ceilings, and steel framed opensided 

carparks after the section on Harmonised European Standards. 

a. British Standards and Associated Specifications 

The duration required will be satisfied where the construction is capable of meeting the time criteria 

set out in the Columns 3, 4 and 5 of Table 1 to (D1.3). The tests and specifications being in either - 

i. Clause 10 of BS 476: Part 20: 1987, when read in conjunction with - 

for loadbearing elements - BS 476: Part 21: 1987, 

for non-loadbearing elements - BS 476: Part 22: 1987, 

for components - BS 476: Part 23: 1987, 

for ventilation ducts - BS 476: Part 24: 1987, 

for fire door assemblies with non-metallic leaves - BS 8214: 1990: Sections 1 and 2, or 

ii. in the case of structural steelwork, BS 5950: Part 8: 1990; or 

iii. in the case of structural use of timber, BS 5268: Part 4: Sections 4.1 and 4.2: 1990, or 

iv. in the case of structural use of concrete, BS 8110: Part 2: 1985: Section 4.3 “Tabulated data 

(method 1)”; or 

v. an appropriate specification given in the Building Research Establishment Report BR 128 

“Guidelines for the Construction of Fire Resisting Structural Elements” (BRE 1988); 

b. Harmonised European Standards 

The duration required will be satisfied where the construction is capable of meeting the time criteria 

set out in the Column 6 of Table 1 to (D1.3) and specified in Commission Decision 

2000/367/EC of 3/5/2000 implementing Council Directive 89/106/EEC as regards the classification 

of the resistance to fire safety performance of construction products, construction works and parts 

thereof. The tests being specified as follows - 

prEN 13501-2: 1999, Fire classification of construction products and building elements-Part 2: 

Classification using data from fire resistance tests (excluding products for use in ventilation 

systems). 

BS EN 1363-1: 1999, Fire resistance tests, Part 1-General requirements 

BS EN 1363-2: 1999, Fire resistance tests, Part 2-Alternative and additional procedures 

DD EN 1363-3: 1999, Fire resistance tests, Part 3-Verification of furnace performance 

BS EN 1364-1: 1999, Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements-Part 1: Walls 

BS EN 1364-2: 1999, Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements-Part 2: Ceilings 


D

D 

(D1.3) 

Table 1 to (D1.3): Minimum periods of resistance to fire 

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6 Column 7 

Construction Duration British Standards European Test 

Standards exposure 

Loadbear- Integrity Insulation 

ing capacity (mins) 

(mins) 

(mins) 

1. Structural frame, column Short 30 None None R 30 Faces 

or beam Medium 60 None None R 60 exposed on 

Long 120 None None R 120 the inside 

2. Compartment floor, Short 30 30 30 REI 30 From the 

separating floor, floor of a Medium 60 60 60 REI 60 underside 

gallery (where enclosure 

below is permitted), floor 

of a protected zone, and 

flat roof or access deck 

used as an escape route 

Long 120 120 120 REI 120 

3. Floor, other than a Short 30 None None R 30 From the 

floor in 2. Medium 60 None None R 60 underside 

Long 120 None None R 120 

4. Shutter in a compart- Short None 30 None E 30 From the 

ment floor (see D3.14) Medium None 60 None E 60 underside 

Long None 120 None E 120 when fitted 

in frame 

5. Compartment wall, sub- Short 30 [4] 30 30 [5] REI 30 [4,5] Each side 

compartment wall, Medium 60 [4] 60 60 REI 60 [4] separately 

separating wall, or a 

wall or screen required 

for escape route protection 

Long 120 [4] 120 120 REI 120 [4] 

6. Loadbearing wall, other Short 30 None None R 30 Each side 

than a wall in 5 Medium 60 None None R 60 separately 

Long 120 None None R 120 

7. Fire door in a wall in 5 Short None 30 [6] None E 30 Sa [6] Each side 

Medium None 60 [6] None E 60 Sa [6] separately, 

Long None 120 [6] None E 120 Sa [6] when fitted 

in frame [7] 

8. Shutter in a compartment Short None 30 30 [8] EI 30 [8] Each side 

wall (see D3.14), or in a Medium None 60 60 [8] EI 60 [8] separately, 

wall or screen required Long None 120 120 [8] EI 120 [8] when fitted 

for escape route protection. in frame [7] 

9. External wall [1] more than Short 30 [4] 30 None RE 30 [4] From the 

1 m from a boundary [2] Medium 60 [4] 60 30 RE 60 & I 30 [4] inside only 

10. External wall [1] not more Short 30 [4] 30 30 REI 30 [4] Each side 

than 1 m from a boundary [2] Medium 60 [4] 60 60 REI 60 [4] separately 

11. Horizontal cavity barrier [3] Short None 30 None E 30 From the 

underside 

12. Vertical cavity barrier [3] Short None 30 None E 30 Each side 

separately 

13. Ceiling dispensing with a Short None 30 30 EI 30 From the 

cavity barrier (D6.2,6.3,6.4) underside 

14. Roof against an external Medium None 60 60 EI 60 From the 

wall (see D10.3) inside 


30D

31D 

(D1.3) 

Notes: 

1. Except for an unprotected area, unless required fire resistance is needed for escape route protection. 

2. Any shutter or door in an external wall, which is not included in the calculation of unprotected area, 

should have the same period of fire resistance and the same test exposure as the external wall. 

3. In a timber stud wall or partition the following will also be deemed to have a short duration - 

a. polythene sleeved mineral wool, or mineral wool slab, in either case under compression when 

installed; or 

b. calcium silicate, cement based or gypsum based board at least 12 mm thick; or 

c. steel at least 0.5 mm thick; or 

d. timber at least 38 mm thick. 

4. None in the case of column 4, and no loadbearing (R) in the case of column 6, if it is not a loadbearing 

construction. 

5. None in the case of column 5, and E 30 in the case of column 6, for a single window not more than 1 m 2 

in a room required to be enclosed by D4.2 or D11.5. 

6. Unless pressurisation techniques complying with BS 5588: Part 4: 1998 are used, the fire door should 

also either - 

a. in the case of column 4, have a leakage rate not exceeding 3m 3 /m/hour, head and jambs only, when 

tested at 25Pa according to Section 31.1 of BS 476: 1983 with AMD 8366/ November 1994, or 

b. in the case of column 6, meet the additional classification requirement of Sa when tested to 

BS EN 1634-3 2001, except, where the fire door is in an external wall. 

7. Other than a lift door which is tested from the outside only, and 

other than a fire door in an external wall which is tested from the inside only. 

8. None in the case of column 5, and no insulation (I) requirement in the case of column 6, where - 

a. the width of the shutter or the aggregate width of any shutters in the wall or part of the wall is not 

more than one-quarter of the length of the relevant part of the wall; or 

b. people or vehicle circulation routes are clearly marked and will prevent any fire load adjacent to the 

shutter (e.g. position of stairs, escalators, lifts and corridors). 


D

D 

(D1.3) 


BS EN 1365-1: 1999, Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements-Part 1: Walls 

BS EN 1365-2: 1999, Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements-Part 2: Floors and roofs 

BS EN 1365-3: 1999, Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements-Part 3: Beams 

BS EN 1365-4: 1999, Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements-Part 4: Columns 

BSEN 1366-1: 1999, Fire resistance tests for service installations-Part 1: Ducts 

BSEN 1366-2: 1999, Fire resistance tests for service installations-Part 2: Fire dampers 

BS EN 1634-1: 2000, Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies-Part 1: Fire doors and 

shutters 

BS EN 1634-3: 2001, Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies-Part 3: Smoke control doors 

c. Single storey steel portal frame buildings 

In the case of a single storey steel portal frame building the requirements of D2.1 for protection to 

the elements of structure may be met by a steel portal frame having fixed column base connections 

or designed in accordance with the guide ‘The Behaviour of Steel Portal Frames in Boundary 

Conditions’ second edition published in 1990 by The Steel Construction Institute (SCI), instead of 

the level of fire safety performance set out in Table 1 to (D1.3). 

Where level of fire safety performance is required for a steel portal frame member because it supports 

a compartment wall or a separating wall or an external wall related to its distance from a 

boundary (D2.2) such a level of fire safety performance shall apply only to that part of the member 

built into or directly supporting the wall up to the underside of the haunch or the underside of the 

rafter where there is no haunch, and shall not apply to any other part notwithstanding that it is part 

of the same portal frame. 

In the case of a gable steel portal frame member which is required to have a level of fire safety 

performance because of the distance of the gable wall from a boundary (D2.2), the entire portal 

frame shall have the level of fire safety performance. 

d. Suspended ceilings 

The level of fire safety performance of a floor may include that of an associated suspended ceiling 

with a level of fire safety performance where the ceiling - 

i. complies with Table 2 to (D1.3) with no openings other than those permitted in the 

standard concerned, and 

ii. any access hatch, door or panel to the cavity formed by the ceiling maintains the level 

of fire safety performance of the ceiling when closed. 

The level of fire safety performance of the floor shall be the level of fire safety performance of the 

floor/ceiling assembly. 

Table 2 to (D1.3): Suspended ceilings 

Where the desired level of Height of topmost Then the construction and level of fire safety 

fire safety performance of storey of building performance of the ceiling should be - 

the floor/ceiling assembly is - (m) 

Short or Medium Not more than 7.5 Ceiling of low risk material or non-combustible 

More than 7.5 Ceiling of low risk material or non-combustible; and 

Ceiling imperforate; and 

Supports and fixings for the ceiling non-combustible. 

Long Any Ceiling non-combustible; and 

Ceiling imperforate; and 

Supports and fixings for the ceiling of 

non-combustible; and 

No access hatch, door or panel is permitted. 

32D

e. steel framed open-sided car parks (purpose sub-group 7c) 

33D 

(D1.3) 

In the case of steel framed open sided car parks (purpose sub-group 7c), where the topmost storey 

of the building is at a height of not more than 18m above ground, the requirements of D2.1 for the 

structural frame, columns and beams may be met by - 

REACTION TO FIRE 

i. beams supporting concrete floors, each beam having a maximum 

Hp/A = 230 -1 m, and 

ii. free standing columns, each having a maximum Hp/A = 180 -1 m, and 

iii. wind bracing and struts, each having a maximum Hp/A = 210 -1 m. 

Where Hp = heated perimeter of the section in m 

and A = gross cross-sectional area of the section in m 2 . 

(D1.3) The requirements of D1.3b. in terms of reaction to fire are satisfied by the alternative “Deemed to 

Satisfy Provisions” which are provided setting out methods of establishing levels of fire safety performance 

in terms of either fire tests specified in British Standards or European harmonised fire tests for 

the reaction to fire of elements of structure, separating walls, separating floors, cavity barriers, linings, 

external walls, ceilings, external claddings and escape stairs. In addition, some materials are deemed 

intrinsically to be non-combustible and therefore do not require testing. 

a. British Standards 

Column 2 of Table 3 to (D1.3) sets out the reaction to fire standards to BS 476 which are deemed 

to satisfy. 

b. Harmonised European Standards 

Column 3 of Table 3 to (D1.3) sets out the reaction to fire test standards which are deemed to 

satisfy in accordance with Commission Decision 2000/147/EC of 8/2/2000 implementing Council 

Directive 89/106/EEC as regards the classification of the reaction to fire safety performance of 

construction products defines the classes of the essential requirement “Safety in case of fire”. 

prEN 13501-1 2000 provides the reaction to fire classification procedure for all construction products 

within the scope of the Construction Products Directive. 


D

D 

(D1.3) 

Table 3 to (D1.3): Reaction to Fire 

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 

Risk British Standards European Standards 

Non-combustible The material is certified non- The material has achieved a classification of A1 

combustible according to the test when tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 1182 

specified in BS 476: Part 4: 1970 

(1984) throughout; or 

and BS EN ISO 1716; or 

The material has achieved a classification 

The material does not flame or cause of A2 when tested in accordance with 

any rise in temperature on either the BS EN 13823 and BS EN ISO 1182 

centre (specimen) or furnace 

thermocouples according to the test 

or BS EN ISO 1716; or 

specified in BS 476 Part 11: 1982 Products made from only 1 or more of the 

(1988). materials considered as Class A1 without the 

need for testing, as defined in Commission 

Decision 96/603/EC of 4/10/1996 (amended 

26/9/2000) establishing the list of products 

belonging to Class A1 “No contribution to fire” 

provided for in the Decision 94/611/EC 

implementing Article 20 of the Council 

Directive 89/106/EEC on the construction 

products. None of the materials contain 

more than 1.0% by weight or volume 

(whichever is the lower) of homogeneously 

distributed organic material. 

Low risk The surface material (or where it is The material has achieved a classification of B or 

bonded throughout to a substrate, the better when tested in accordance with 

surface material combined with the BS EN 13823 and BS EN ISO 11925-2 

substrate) has a surface of Class 1 

and, when tested in accordance with 

BS 476: Part 6: 1981 or BS 476: 

Part 6: 1989 has an index of 

performance (I) not more than 12 

and a sub-index (i 1) not more than 6. 

Medium risk The material of the wall or ceiling The material has achieved a classification of C or 

complies with the tests for surface better when tested in accordance with 

spread of flame in relation to Class 1 BS EN 13823 and BS EN ISO 11925-2 

in BS 476: Part 7: 1987 (1993). 

High risk The material of the wall or ceiling The material has achieved a classification of D 

complies with the tests for surface or better when tested in accordance with 

spread of flame in relation to Class 2 BS EN 13823 and BS EN ISO 11925-2 

or Class 3 in BS 476: Part 7: 1987 

(1993). 

Very high risk A material which does not meet the criteria for high risk 


34D

FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM 

(D2.1)(D5.1)(D5.3)(D5.4)(D8.1) 

35D 

(D2.1, D5.1, D5.4, D8.1, D3.6 – D3.7) 

The requirements of D2.1, D5.1, D5.3, D5.4 and D8.1 for an appropriate fire control system will be met 

by adopting, in the case of - 

a. a sprinkler system, BS5306: Part 2: 1990; 

b. a carbon dioxide system, BS 5306: Part 4: 1986; 

c. a low expansion foam system, BS 5306: Part 6: Section 6.1: 1988; 

d. a medium and high expansion foam system, BS 5306: Part 6: Section 6.2: 1989; 

e. a powder system, BS 5306: Part 7: 1988. 

Note: 

Selection of system is discussed in BS 5306: Part 0: 1986. 

In an enclosed shopping centre, the fire control system should cover the entire shopping centre, 

except - 

i. a mall or part of a mall with a ceiling height more than 10 m, 

ii. a stairway enclosure, 

iii. a car park, and 

iv. every area where sprinklers would prove a hazard (e.g. main electrical switchgear). 

In an enclosed shopping centre the level of fire control protection should be appropriate to the occupancies 

within the shopping centre and should be determined on the basis of risk assessment, with Quick 

Response Sprinklers (with a response time index of less than 50m 1 /2 s 1 /2); and comply with the Loss Prevention 

Council Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations (LPC, 1994) (including all additional life 

safety recommendations). 

SMOKE AND HEAT EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEMS 

(D3.6) The requirement of D3.6 and D3.7 for an appropriate Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation 

(D3.7) System will be one which - 

a. is designed in accordance with the principles set out in - 

i. the Building Research Establishment Report, BR 368, “Design methodologies for smoke and 

heat exhaust ventilation, (1999), and 

ii the CIBSE Technical Memorandum 19 (1995); and 

b. is designed as follows - 

i. by dividing the underside of the roof into smoke reservoirs each of which should be not more 

than 2000 m 2 in area and at least 1.5 m deep measured to the underside of the roof or any 

high level plant or ducts within the smoke reservoir or the underside of an imperforate suspended 

ceiling, 


D

D 

(D3.6, 3.7) 


ii. by separating the smoke reservoirs by fixed or automatically descending smoke curtains 

which are no greater than 60 m apart, measured at right angles to the curtains, and comply 

with BS 7346: Part 1:1990, 

iii. smoke should not be allowed to descend to a height of less than 3 m above any floor level, 

iv. each smoke reservoir should be provided with the necessary number of smoke ventilators or 

extract fans to extract the calculated volume of smoke produced, spaced evenly throughout 

the reservoir, 

v. where mechanical extraction is used, there should be spare fan capacity equivalent to the 

largest single fan in the reservoir which will operate automatically on the failure of any one 

of the fans, or which runs concurrently with the fans, 

vi. any fans, ducts and reservoir screens provided should be designed to operate at the calculated 

maximum temperature of the smoke within the reservoir in which they are located but rated 

to a minimum of 300º C for 30 minutes, in accordance with BS 7346: 1990, 

vii. structures supporting any fans, ducts or reservoir screens should have the same level of fire 

safety performance as the element it supports, 

viii. the fans or ventilators within a smoke reservoir should operate on the actuation of the fire 

control system or smoke detection system within the reservoir or on the operation of the fire 

control system or more than one smoke detector or, following a delay not exceeding 4 

minutes, one smoke detector, in any adjoining area not being another smoke reservoir, 

ix. replacement air should be provided automatically on the operation of the ventilation or exhaust 

system at a level at least 0.5 m below the calculated level of the base of the smoke layer, 

x. any power source provided to any elements of the smoke and heat ventilation system should be 

connected by mineral insulated cables or by cables which meet the requirements of code A 

category specified in BS 6387: 1994 or by cables protected from damage to an equal standard, 

xi. an automatically switched standby power supply provided by a generator should be connected 

to any fans provided as part of the smoke and heat ventilation system capable of simultaneously 

operating the fans in the reservoir affected and the two adjacent reservoirs, 

xii. simple manual overriding controls for all smoke exhaust, ventilation and air input systems 

should be provided at all fire brigade access points and any fire control room provided, 

xiii. where outlets are provided with weather protection they should open on the activation of the 

fan(s) or ventilators, 

xiv. smoke from areas adjoining the smoke reservoirs should only be able to enter one reservoir, 

xv. where there is an openwork ceiling the free area of the ceiling should not be less than 25% of 

the area of the smoke reservoir, or, for natural ventilation, 1.4 times the free area of the roof 

mounted fire ventilator above (3 times where the height from floor to roof ventilator is more 

than 12 m), whichever free area is the greater, and be evenly distributed to prevent an unbalanced 

air flow into the reservoir, and 

xvi. when a natural ventilation system is used and the smoke reservoir includes a suspended 

ceiling, other than an openwork ceiling, the free area of the ventilator opening in the suspended 

ceiling, or any ventilator grille in the ceiling, should not be less than 1.4 times (3 

times where the height from floor to roof ventilator is more than 12 m) that of the roof 

mounted fire ventilator above in the case of a ventilator opening, or 2 times (3.5 times where 

the height from floor to roof ventilator is more than 12 m) for any ventilator grille. 

36D

PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS 

(D3.8), (D3.14, D4.7, D5.8, D6.7, D11.1, D11.2, D11.3, D11.4, D11.5) 

(D3.8) The requirements of D3.8 for a suitably protected paint spray booth or room where a cellulose or other 

flammable liquid spray is used, will be met where it is formed in accordance with the Health and Safety 

Executive Guidance Note PM25 “Vehicle finishing units fire and explosion hazards”. 

ACTIVATION OF SHUTTERS SEALING COMPARTMENT FLOORS 

(D3.14)The requirements of D3.14e.i. for suitable activation of a shutter in the plane of the floor will be met by 

a fusible link or other heat-sensitive device positioned to detect fire in the lower compartment which, 

when activated - 

a. will cause any escalator within the opening to come to a halt and then cause the shutter to close or; 

b. where there is no escalator, cause the shutter to close immediately. 

There should also be appropriate audible and visual warning devices which operate on detection. 

The requirements of D3.14e.ii. for suitable activation of a shutter in the vertical plane will be met by a 

smoke detection in every floor served by the escalator or staircase which, when activated, will cause - 

a. any escalator within the opening to come to a halt and then cause the shutter to close on the floor 

where detection has occurred or; 

b. where there is no escalator, cause the shutter to close immediately on the floor where detection has 

occurred. 

There should also be appropriate signage on the side of the shutter facing the stairway or escalator to 

indicate the appropriate direction of escape from each floor. There should also be appropriate audible 

and visual warning devices which operate on detection. 

SELF-CLOSING FIRE DOORS 

(D3.14)(D4.7)(D5.8)(D6.7)(D11.1)(D11.2)(D11.3)(D11.4)(D11.5) 

The requirements of D3.14, D4.7, D5.8, D6.7, D11.1, D11.2, D11.3, D11.4 and D11.5 for a suitable 

self-closing fire door will be met by one which - 

a. is installed accord with the guidance in the Builders Hardware Industry Federation, Code of Practice, 

“Hardware for Timber Fire and Escape Doors”, and 

b. is only held in the open position by an automatic door release mechanism, if it complies with 

BS 5839: Part 3: 1988 and is not - 

i. an emergency door, or 

ii. a protected door serving the only escape stair in the building or the only escape stair serving 

a part of the building, or 

iii. a door to a fire-fighting shaft. 

Note: An automatic door release mechanism should be - 

A. activated by smoke detectors provided to the L2 standard complying with BS 5839: Part 1: 

1988, or located on each side of the door and positioned not less than 500 mm and not more 

than 3 m from the door; and 

B. provided with a ready means of manual operation from a position at the door; and 

37D 


D

D 

(D3.14, D4.7, D5.8, D6.7) 

SERVICE OPENINGS 


C. activated by any loss of power in the device, apparatus or switch; and 

D. activated on the operation of any fire alarm system and any loss of power or occurrence of a 

fault in that system. 

(D3.14)(D4.7)(D5.8)(D6.7) 

The requirements of D3.14, D4.7, D5.8 and D6.7 for a service opening other than for a ventilating duct 

will be met where the building service - 

a. has at least the level of fire safety performance required for the wall or floor; or 

b. is protected by a construction which has at least the level of fire safety performance required for the 

wall or floor provided by - 

i. a casing which has the required level of fire safety performance from the outside, or 

ii. where the level of fire safety performance required is medium duration, a casing which has 

short duration from each side, or 

iii. where the level of fire safety performance required is long duration, a casing which has 

medium duration from each side; or 

c. is provided with an automatic heat activated sealing device which, in the event of fire, will maintain 

the level of fire safety performance in respect of integrity required for the wall or floor regardless of 

the diameter; or 

d. is a pipe, or in the case of i. below is a cable, which - 

i. has a bore, or diameter, of not more than 40 mm and, where there are not more than 4 such 

pipes or cables, they are at least 40 mm apart and at least 100 mm from any other pipe or 

cable, or, where there are more than 4 such pipes or cables they are at least 100 mm apart, or 

ii. has a bore of not more than 160 mm and is of iron, steel or copper, or of a material capable of 

with-standing 800º C without allowing flames or hot material to pass through the wall of the 

pipe, or 

iii. is a branch pipe of a bore of not more than 110 mm to a vertical drainage or water service 

pipe, is of aluminium or aluminium alloy, or of uPVC to BS 4514: 1983 (1998), passes 

through a wall and the vertical pipe is enclosed throughout in a construction which has a level 

of fire safety performance as specified in sub-paragraph b. above or is protected in accordance 

with sub-paragraph c. above. 

Note: 

Where a pipe passing through a service opening is connected not more than 1 m from a wall or floor 

required to have a level of fire safety performance to another pipe to which a more onerous provision 

applies the pipe has to meet that more onerous provision. 

The requirements of D3.14, D4.7, D5.8 and D6.7 for a service opening which is a ventilating duct will 

be met where it complies with the provisions of BS 5588: Part 9: 1999. 

Note: 

A duct passing through sub-compartment walls need not be provided with automatic shutters provided 

that the duct serves only 1 sub-compartment and the duct and its supports have a level of fire safety 

performance equivalent to that of the sub-compartmentation. 

38D

FIRE-STOPPING 

(D3.14)(D4.7)(D5.8)(D6.7)(D6.9) 

(D3.14, D4.7, D5.8, D6.7, D6.9), (D3.16, D5.10) 

The requirements of D3.14, D4.7, D5.8 and D6.7 for fire-stopping of service openings and D6.9 for firestopping 

will be met in the case when - 

a. a minimal differential movement is anticipated by the use of - 

i. cement mortar; 

ii. gypsum based plaster; 

iii. cement or gypsum based vermiculite/perlite mixes; 

iv. glass fibre, crushed rock, blast furnace slag or ceramic based products (with or without resin 

binders); or 

b. when differential movement is anticipated, either in normal use or during fire exposure, by the use 

of a proprietary sealant or sealing system which has shown by test its ability to maintain the 

required level of fire safety performance under the conditions appropriate to its end use. 

Note: 

To prevent displacement, materials used for fire-stopping should be reinforced with, or supported by, 

non-combustible materials - 

i. where the unsupported span is more than 100 mm, and 

ii. where non-rigid materials are used, unless they have been shown by test within their field of application 

to be satisfactory. 

JUNCTION BETWEEN A COMPARTMENT WALL OR A SEPARATING WALL AND A ROOF 

(D3.16)The requirements of D3.16 and D5.10 for a suitable form of roof construction will be met where a 

(D5.10)compartment wall or separating wall projects through the roof to a distance of at least 375 mm above 

the top surface of the roof, 

except - 

a compartment wall or separating wall may be taken to the underside of the roof substrate - 

a. in the case of a non-combustible substrate, where the junction is fire-stopped and the roof covering 

is low vulnerability (see D9) for a distance of at least 1.7 m to each side of the centreline of the 

wall; or 

b. in the case of a pitched roof covered by slates nailed directly to sarking and underlay, where the 

junction between sarking and wall-head is fire-stopped; or 

c. in the case of a pitched roof covered by slates or tiles fixed to tiling battens and any counterbattens, 

where only the tiling battens and underlay are carried over the wall and are fully bedded in 

mortar (or no less suitable material) at the wall-head. 

Note: 

BRE Housing Defects Prevention Unit “Defect Action Sheet (Design)” February 1985 (DAS 8) should 

be referred to in the case of c. above. 

39D 


D

D 

(D7.1), (D7.2) 

FIRE SPREAD ON INTERNAL LININGS 

(D7.1) The requirements of D7.1 for suitable plastics glazing materials will be met by - 

a. rigid solid PVC (uPVC); or 

b. polycarbonate rigid solid sheet at least 3 mm thick; or 

c. multiskin polycarbonate sheet at least 10 mm thick overall which has a level of fire safety performance 

(see D1.3) of low risk or medium risk. 

(D7.2) The requirements of D7.2 will be met by - 

a. a ceiling constructed from panels of thermoplastic materials, either as a suspended or stretched skin 

membrane, - 


i. with a TP(a) flexible classification, and 

ii with an area not more than 5 m 2 , and 

iii which is supported on all its sides, and 

iv. which is not in a protected zone or fire-fighting shaft; 

b. a rooflight constructed of thermoplastic materials with a size and disposition as indicated in the 

table and diagram to this standard; 

c. a light fitting with a diffuser constructed of thermoplastic materials which, - 

i. does not form part of the ceiling and is so designed that the diffuser will fall out of its mounting 

when softened by heat, or 

ii is a pendant fitting suspended beneath the ceiling, or 

iii has a size and disposition as indicated in the table and diagram to this standard, or 

iv. is part of a fire-resisting ceiling which has been satisfactorily tested as part of a ceiling 

system to provide appropriate fire protection. 

40D

Diagram to (D7.2)b and c: Layout restrictions on thermoplastic rooflights and light fittings with 

diffusers 

not more 

than 5m 

at least 3m between 

groups of panels 

not more than 5m for 

group of panels at least 3m 

not more than 5m 

Note: 

1. Upper and lower surface of suspended ceiling, between plastic panels, to comply with D7.1. 

41D 

Key 

5m 2 is max. area of diffuser 

or rooflight in any one 5m x 5m 

group 

panels of diffusers 

or rooflights 

separate groups of 

panels or rooflights 

(D7.2) 


D

D 

(D7.2) 

Table to (D7.2)b and c: Limitations applied to thermoplastic rooflights and light fittings with diffusers 

Use of Minimum Maximum area Maximum total area of Minimum separation 

space classification of each diffuser diffuser panels and distance between 

below the of lower panel or rooflights as percentage diffuser panels or 

diffusers or surface rooflight (m2 ) of floor area of the space rooflights (m) [1] 

rooflights [1] in which the ceiling is 

located (%) 

Protected 

zone or firefighting 

shaft 

Any Not permitted Not permitted Not permitted 

Unprotected TP(a)rigid No limit No limit No limit 

zone or 

protected TP(a)flexible [3] 5 15 [2] 3 

enclosure and TP(b) 

Room TP(a)rigid No limit No limit No limit 

TP(a)flexible [3] 

and TP(b) 

5 50 [2] 3 

Notes: 

1. Smaller panels can be grouped together provided that the overall size of the group and the space 

between any others satisfies the dimensions shown in the diagram to (D7.2). 

2. The minimum 3 m separation in the diagram to (D7.2) between each 5 m2 should be maintained, 

therefore, in some cases it may not also be possible to use the maximum percentage quoted. 

3. TP(a) flexible is not permitted in rooflights.. 

Notes: 

1. A thermoplastic material means any synthetic material that has a softening point below 200º C if 

tested in accordance with Method 120A in BS 2782: Part 1: 1990. They may be classified TP(a) 

rigid, TP(a) flexible or TP(b) as follows - 


a. TP(a) rigid - 

i. rigid solid, 

ii. solid (as distinct from double- or multiple-skin) polycarbonate sheet at least 3 mm 

thick, 

iii. multi-skinned rigid sheet made from unplasticised pvc or polycarbonate which has a 

level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) of low risk or medium risk. 

iv. any other rigid thermoplastic product, a specimen of which (at the thickness of the 

product as put on the market), when tested in accordance with Method 508A in 

BS 2782: 1970 (1974) performs so that the test flame extinguishes before the first mark, 

and the duration of flaming or afterglow does not exceed 5 seconds following removal 

of the burner. 

b. TP(a) flexible - 

flexible products not more than 1mm thick which comply with the Type C requirements 

of BS 5867: Part 2: 1980 (1993) when tested in accordance with Test 2 in BS 5438: 

1989 (1995) with the flame applied to the surface of the specimens for 5, 15, 20 and 30 

seconds respectively, but excluding cleansing procedure. 

42D

c. TP(b) - 

43D 

(D7.4, D8.1) 

i. rigid solid polycarbonate sheet products not more than 3mm thick, or multiple-skin 

polycarbonate sheet products which do not qualify as TP(a) by test, 

ii. other products which, when a specimen of the material more than 1.5 mm and not more 

than 3 mm thick is tested in accordance with Method 508A in BS 2782: 1970 (1974), 

has a rate of burning which is not more than 50 mm/minute. 

2. Thermoplastic rooflights may be subject also to D8.1, depending on their boundary distance, which 

may affect in particular the minimum separation between rooflights. 

SANDWICH PANELS 

(D7.4) The requirements of D7.4 for a suitably designed and installed sandwich panel will be met when it is in 

accord with chapter 8 of “Design, Construction, Specification and Fire Management of Insulated 

Envelopes for Temperature Controlled Environments”, International Association of Cold Storage Contractors 

(European Division), 1999. 

CALCULATION OF UNPROTECTED AREA 

(D8.1) Level A unprotected area is calculated in relation to the distance between the external wall or side of the 

building and the boundary in accordance with either - 

a. Method 1 or Method 2 below; or 

b. the Building Research Establishment Report “External fire spread: building separation and boundary 

distances: 1991: BR 187”. 

Level B unprotected area is calculated in relation to the distance between the external wall or side of the 

building and the boundary in accordance with either - 

a. Method 2 below; or 

b. the Building Research Establishment Report “External fire spread: building separation and boundary 

distances: 1991: BR 187”. 

Level C unprotected area is limited to - 

a. ventilators serving the wall, only because the wall is built as an external wall, which do not project 

beyond the boundary, and 

b. in a wall more than 500 mm from the boundary - 

i. the external wall of a protected zone, and 

ii. any area which is not more than 0.1 m 2 , and is at least 1.5 m from any other unprotected area 

in the same wall and in the same compartment, and 

iii. any area, or areas, which add up to not more than 1 m 2 , and are at least 4 m from any other 

unprotected area or areas in the same wall and in the same compartment. 


D

D 

(D8.1) 

METHOD 1 - SIMPLE GEOMETRY 

This method applies only where the building is not more than 9 m in height and the maximum length of 

any side of the building facing the boundary is 24 m. The method is simple but restrictive and where 

failure is indicated Method 2 or the BRE Report methods should be applied. The boundary distance 

will be acceptable where the extent of the unprotected area and the minimum distance of any unprotected 

area from the boundary are within the limits shown in the Table to Method 1 - 

Table to Method 1: Permitted unprotected area in relationship to boundary distance 

Maximum total unprotected area of Minimum distance between side of building and 

compartment (m2 ) boundary (m) 

5.6 1.0 

12.0 2.0 

18.0 3.0 

24.0 4.0 

30.0 5.0 

No limit 6.0 

METHOD 2 - ENCLOSING RECTANGLES (GEOMETRIC METHOD) 

This method applies to a building or compartment more than 1 m from any point on the relevant boundary. 

The method is based on the concept of enclosing rectangles (see below) and the use of Tables A and B 

to this method, in which the distances given relate to different levels of unprotected area permitted. 

Diagram 1 to Method 2: Establishing length of baseline of enclosing rectangle 


allowable distance 

(step 10) 

Notes: 

1. Project on to the plane of reference the unprotected areas on all floors to find the dimension of the 

base side of the rectangle. 

2. The relevant boundary could be a notional boundary depending on the use of the building and the 

circumstances. 

Step 1 Establish a plane of reference which is the most favourable for the side of the building under 

consideration and which - 

a. touches all or part of the side; 

dimension of base side of 

enclosing rectangle (step 4) 

dimension of base side 

of rectangle (step 3) 

44D 

90 0 

relevant boundary 

plane of reference 

touching some part of 

building (step 1) 

more than 80 0 

this window and 

those parallel to 

it are not 

included as they 

are more than 

80 0 to the plane 

of reference 

(step 2)

45D 

(D8.1) 

b. however far extended, does not pass within the building (but may pass through projections 

such as a balcony or coping); and 

c. does not cross the relevant boundary. 

Normally it will be best for the plane of reference to be roughly parallel to the relevant boundary. 

(Where the boundary distance has not been set, an assumed relationship with the relevant boundary 

should be made.) 

Step 2 On the plane of reference, and at right angles to it, project lines marking those proposed 

unprotected areas which are 80º or less to the plane of reference. 

Step 3 Construct a rectangle which encloses all the unprotected areas projected on to the plane of 

reference and which complies with Diagrams 2 and 3 to Method 2: 

Diagram 2 to Method 2: Establishing enclosing rectangle 

Diagram 2A shows the essentials in constructing the 

rectangle (shown by diagonal lines) enclosing the 

unprotected areas. 

verticle 

side 

90 0 

90 0 

top side 

base side 

width 

horizontal distance 

between outermost lines 

of unprotected areas as 

projected on to the plane 

of reference on plan 

2A Setting rectangle 

verticle 

side 

highest point of the 

highest unprotected area 

90 0 

90 0 

height 

lowest point of the 

lowest unprotected area 

Diagrams 2B-2D show how the wall construction 

determines the size of the rectangle. 

In the diagrams the relevant boundary is assumed 

as parallel with the wall face and the plane of 

reference to coincide with the wall face. But this 

will not always be so. 

2B 

2C 

2D 

The whole of the 

solid wall area 

has the required 

duration. 

Combustible cladding 

on wall which 

does not have the 

required duration. 

Unclad wall area 

has required 

duartion. 

Whole of the 

wall area behind 

and below the 

combustible 

cladding does 

not have the 

required 

duration. 

Note: 

1. In diagrams 2C and 2D “combustible cladding” refers to a material, more than 1 mm 

thick attached or applied to the wall, whether for cladding or any other purpose, which 

is low, medium, high or very high risk (see D1.3). 

Step 4 From Tables A or B to Method B, according to the use of the building or compartment, select 

an enclosing rectangle which is equal to, or next greater in both height and width to, the 

rectangle constructed under step 3. (The tables provide for enclosing rectangles of 3, 6, 9, 12, 

or 15 m high, with widths in steps from 3 m to no limit.) 


D

D 

(D8.1) 

Diagram 3 to Method 2: Effects of compartmentation 

Compartmentation of a building has a considerable effect on the distance which its sides (or external 

walls) may be from the relevant boundary. This is shown and explained in the following diagrams 

which assume a level A unprotected area. 

12m 11.5m 

6m 

5.5m 

compartment 

floor 

6m 


3A Uncompartmented 

5.5m 

compartment 

floor 

18m 

enclosing rectangle 

16m 

3B Compartmented 

(assume compartmentation as shown) 

A 

6m 

5.5m 

12m 

11m 

C D 

compartment wall 

B 

3C Compartmented 

(assume compartmentation as shown) 

protecting 

structure 

protected 

zone 

protecting 

structure 

protected 

zone 

46D 

1. Assume rectangle (enclosing unprotected areas) = 

11.5m x 16m 

2. From Table A enclosing rectangle = 12m x 18m = 

216m 2 . 

3. Assume unprotected areas (shaded) = 105m 2 . 

4. Unprotected percentage (unprotected areas as 

percentage of enclosing rectangle) = 105m 2 as 

percentage of 216m 2 = 48.6%; use 50% column in 

Table A. 

5. From Table A distance from boundary = 6m 

(minimum). 

(a) As the entrance and the stairways are now isolated 

the area becomes a protected zone and the glazed 

area does not count as part of the unprotected 

area. 

(b) The remainder of the building is divided by the 

compartment floor into compartments A and B. In 

this example the compartments have the same 

unprotected area. But where there are 2 (or more) 

compartments with different unprotected areas take 

the compartment with the greatest unprotected 

area. 

1. Assume rectangle = 5.5m x 11m. 


72m 2 . 

3. Assume unprotected areas = 26m 2 . 

4. Unprotected percentage = 26m 2 as percentage of 

72m 2 = 36%; use 40% column in Table A. 


(minimum). 

With the inclusion of a compartment wall the building is 

now divided into compartments A, B, C and D each 

having the same unprotected area for the purpose of 

this example. 

1. Assume rectangle = 5.5m x 5.5m. 


36m 2 . 

3. Assume unprotected areas = 13m 2 . 

4. Percentage of unprotected area = 36%; use 40% 

column in Table A. 


(minimum). 

Note: 

1. In the above diagrams the relevant boundary is assumed as parallel with the wall face and the plane 

of reference to coincide with the wall face, but this will not always be so.

Step 5 From the unprotected areas projected under step 2 - 

47D 

(D8.1) 

a. calculate their total area (excluding any areas permitted under the allowance for Level 

C); and 

b. express this total area as a percentage of the enclosing rectangle. This gives the unprotected 

percentage. 

Step 6 Proceed to steps 7 to 9 where the boundary distance has been set, or steps 10 to 12 where it 

has not. 

To find the maximum unprotected area for a given boundary position - 

Step 7 From Table A or B find the unprotected percentage allowed for the distance from the relevant 

boundary. (This distance relates to the plane of reference and not the side of the building, 

unless they coincide.) 

Step 8 Where the proposed total unprotected area relative to the size of the enclosing rectangle 

exceeds the allowable unprotected percentage for that distance the design should be modified 

until an allowable unprotected percentage is established. 

Step 9 Repeat the process for all sides of the building situated more than 1 m from any point on the 

relevant boundary. 

To find the nearest position of the boundary for a given building - 

Step 10 From Table A or B, find the minimum allowable distance for the unprotected percentage. 

(This distance relates to the plane of reference and not the side of the building, unless they 

coincide) 

Step 11 Repeat the process for all sides of the building. 

Step 12 Where these minimum distances are superimposed upon a plan of the building, a zone around 

the building is established upon which a boundary should not encroach. 


D

D 

(D8.1) 

Table A to Method 2: Permitted unprotected percentages in relation to enclosing rectangles 

where a Level A amount of unprotected area is permitted. 

Height of Width of Minimum distance from relevant boundary (m) for unprotected 

enclosing enclosing percentage not more than - 

rectangle rectangle 

(m) (m) 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

3 3 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 

6 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 

9 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 


12 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 

15 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 

18 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 

21 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 

24 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 

27 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 

30 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 

no limit 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 5.0 

6 3 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 

6 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 

9 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.0 

12 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.5 

15 1.5 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 

18 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 

21 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 

24 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.0 

27 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 

30 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.0 

40 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 

50 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 

60 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 

80 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 

no limit 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 10.0 

9 3 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 

6 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.0 

9 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 

12 1.5 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 

15 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 

18 2.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 

21 2.0 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 

24 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.5 

27 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.0 

30 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.5 

40 2.0 3.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 

50 2.0 4.0 5.5 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.5 12.5 

60 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.0 9.5 11.0 11.5 13.0 

80 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5 

100 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 14.5 

120 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 14.5 

no limit 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.5 12.0 12.5 15.0 

Note: The minimum distance from the boundary may be arrived at by interpolation between the percentages 

shown. 

48D

Table A to Method 2: Continued 

49D 

(D8.1) 




(m) (m) 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

12 3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 

6 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.5 

9 1.5 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 

12 1.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 

15 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.0 

18 2.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 10.0 

21 2.5 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.0 10.0 10.5 

24 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 

27 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.5 11.0 12.0 

30 2.5 4.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 

40 2.5 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.5 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 

50 2.5 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 

60 2.5 5.0 7.0 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 

80 2.5 5.0 7.0 9.0 11.0 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.0 

100 2.5 5.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 

120 2.5 5.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 17.0 18.5 

no limit 2.5 5.0 7.5 9.5 12.0 14.0 15.5 17.0 19.0 

15 3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 

6 1.5 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 

9 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 

12 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.0 

15 2.0 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.0 

18 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 

21 2.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 12.0 

24 3.0 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 

27 3.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 

30 3.0 5.5 7.5 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.5 14.0 

40 3.0 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.5 13.5 15.0 16.0 

50 3.5 6.0 8.5 10.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5 17.5 

60 3.5 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.0 15.5 17.0 18.0 

80 3.5 6.5 9.0 11.0 13.5 15.0 17.0 18.5 20.0 

100 3.5 6.5 9.0 11.5 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.5 21.5 

120 3.5 6.5 9.0 11.5 14.0 16.5 18.5 20.5 22.5 

no limit 3.5 6.5 9.0 12.0 14.5 17.0 19.0 21.0 23.0 


shown. 


D

D 

(D8.1) 

Table B to Method 2: Permitted unprotected percentages in relation to enclosing rectangles 

where a Level B amount of unprotected area is permitted 




(m) (m) 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

3 3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 

6 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 

9 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 

12 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 

15 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.0 

18 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 6.5 

21 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 

24 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.5 

27 2.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 

30 2.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 

40 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 

50 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 

60 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 

80 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 

no limit 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 

6 3 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 

6 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 

9 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.0 7.0 7.0 

12 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 

15 3.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.0 

18 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.0 

21 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 

24 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 

27 3.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 12.0 

30 3.5 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.5 

40 3.5 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 

50 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.0 10.5 11.5 13.0 14.0 15.0 

60 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.0 

80 3.5 6.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.5 

100 3.5 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 

120 3.5 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 15.5 17.0 19.0 

no limit 3.5 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.0 

9 3 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 

6 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.0 

9 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 

12 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.5 

15 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 11.5 

18 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.5 

21 4.5 6.5 7.5 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 

24 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 14.5 

27 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.0 

30 5.0 7.0 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 

40 5.5 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.5 15.5 17.0 17.5 

50 5.5 8.0 10.0 12.5 14.0 15.5 17.0 18.5 19.5 

60 5.5 8.0 11.0 13.0 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.5 21.0 

80 5.5 8.5 11.5 13.5 16.0 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.0 

100 5.5 8.5 11.5 14.5 16.5 18.5 21.0 22.5 24.5 

120 5.5 8.5 11.5 14.5 17.0 19.5 21.5 23.5 26.0 

no limit 5.5 8.5 11.5 15.0 17.5 20.0 22.5 24.5 27.0 


shown. 


50D

Table B to Method 2: Continued 

51D 

(D8.1) 




(m) (m) 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

12 3 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 

6 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 

9 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.5 

12 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 11.0 11.5 12.0 

15 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 

18 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 14.5 

21 5.5 7.5 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 

24 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.5 12.5 14.0 15.0 16.0 16.5 

27 6.0 8.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 17.0 17.5 

30 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.0 15.0 16.5 17.5 18.5 

40 6.5 9.5 12.0 14.0 15.5 17.5 18.5 20.0 21.0 

50 7.0 10.0 13.0 15.0 17.0 19.0 20.5 23.0 23.0 

60 7.0 10.5 13.5 16.0 18.0 20.0 21.5 23.5 25.0 

80 7.0 11.0 14.5 17.0 19.5 21.5 23.5 26.0 27.5 

100 7.5 11.5 15.0 18.0 21.0 23.0 25.5 28.0 30.0 

120 7.5 11.5 15.0 18.5 22.0 24.0 27.0 29.5 31.5 

no limit 7.5 12.0 15.5 19.0 22.5 25.0 28.0 30.5 34.0 

15 3 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.0 

6 3.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.0 

9 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 11.5 

12 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 

15 5.5 7.0 9.0 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.0 

18 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 

21 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 16.5 17.5 

24 6.5 9.0 11.0 13.0 14.5 15.5 17.0 18.0 19.0 

27 7.0 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.0 20.0 

30 7.5 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 17.0 18.5 20.0 21.0 

40 8.0 11.0 13.5 16.0 18.0 19.5 21.0 22.5 23.5 

50 8.5 12.0 15.0 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.0 25.0 26.0 

60 8.5 12.5 15.5 18.0 21.0 23.5 25.0 27.0 28.0 

80 9.0 13.5 17.0 20.0 23.0 25.5 28.0 30.0 31.5 

100 9.0 14.0 18.0 21.5 24.5 27.5 30.0 32.5 34.5 

120 9.0 14.0 18.5 22.5 25.5 28.5 31.5 34.5 37.0 

no limit 9.0 14.5 19.0 23.0 27.0 30.0 34.0 36.0 39.0 


shown. 


D

D 

(D9.1) 

FIRE SAFETY OF ROOFS AND ROOFLIGHTS 

(D9.1) The requirement of D9.1 for roofs and rooflights will be met by the following classification - 

Low vulnerability - 

a. designation AA, AB or AC when tested along with the substrate in accordance with BS 476: Part 3: 

1958; or 

b. glass at least 4mm thick; or 

c. a roof covering or rooflight of plastics materials which is in an open canopy or over a substantially 

open area such as a loading bay or in the roof of a detached swimming pool enclosure which is - 


i. a single-skin polycarbonate sheet not more than 3 mm thick or multi-skin polycarbonate 

sheet, or 

ii. a thermoplastic material (see Note): a specimen of which when tested in accordance with 

Method 508A in BS2782: 1970 (1974), performs so that the test flame does not reach the 

second mark within 2 minutes, the specimen thickness to be more than 1.5 mm and not more 

than 3.0 mm; or 

d. thermoplastic sheet with a level of fire safety performance (see D1.3) of low or medium risk which 

is - 

i. a plastics material, or 

ii. a rigid solid PVC (uPVC), or 

iii. a polycarbonate rigid solid sheet at least 3 mm thick, or 

iv. a multiskin polycarbonate sheet at least 10 mm thick overall. 

Medium vulnerability - 

a. designation BA, BB, BC, CA, CB or CC when tested along with the substrate in accordance with 

BS 476: Part 3: 1958; or 

b. a roof covering or rooflight of plastics materials which is - 

i. a single-skin polycarbonate sheet not more than 3 mm thick or multi-skin polycarbonate 

sheet, or 

ii. thermoplastic material (see Note): a specimen of which when tested in accordance with 

Method 508A in BS2782: 1970 (1974), performs so that the test flame does not reach the 

second mark within 2 minutes, the specimen thickness to more than 1.5 mm and not more 

than 3.0 mm. 

High vulnerability - 

A roof or rooflight which does not meet the criteria for medium or low vulnerability. 

Note: 

A thermoplastic material means any synthetic material that has a softening point below 200º C when 

tested in accordance with Method 120A in BS 2782: Part1: 1990. 

52D

TEST FOR THE FIRE SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF EXTERNAL CLADDING SYSTEMS 

(D10.1) The requirements of D10.1b. for a suitable test for the fire safety performance of external cladding 

systems will be met by one complying with BRE Fire Note 9 Assessing the fire performance of 

external cladding systems (BRE, 1999). 

SAFETY CURTAINS 

(D11.13) The requirements of D11.13 for a suitable safety curtain is one which conforms with Clause 13 of 

Section 5 of BS 5588: Part 6: 1991. 

VENTILATION SYSTEM 

(D11.14) The requirements of D11.14 for a suitably designed ventilation system will be met by a ventilation 

system which conforms to Clause 20 of Section 6 of BS 5588: Part 6: 1991. 

SMOKE OUTLET 

(D11.15) The requirements of D11.15 for a suitable high level outlet over the stage will be met by conforming 

to the provisions of Clause 30.2.4 of Section 7 of BS 5588: Part 6: 1991. 

53D 

(D10.1, D11.13, D11.14, D11.15) 


D

D 


54D

E 

MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM FIRE, 

FACILITIES FOR FIRE-FIGHTING 

AND MEANS OF WARNING OF FIRE

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 13 

Means of escape from fire, facilities for fire-fighting and means of warning of fire 

THE STANDARDS 1997 + 

Equivalent 

E1 Application of Part E E1.1-E1.4 E1.1-E1.3 

E2 Means of escape from fire in a building 

of purpose sub-group 1A 

Escape routes E2.1-E2.7 E2.1, E3.1-E3.5 

Escape stairs E2.8-E2.14 E4.6, E8.8-E8.11 

Travel distance E2.15 E8.6 

Inner rooms E2.16 E8.2 

Escape windows E2.17 E8.3 

Basements 

Flats or maisonettes at a storey 

E2.18-E2.19 E8.12 

height of more than 4.5 m E2.20-E2.24 E8.1, E8.13-E8.16 

E3 Means of escape in a building of 

purpose sub-group 1B and 1C 

Inner rooms E3.1 E8.2 

Escape windows E3.2 E8.3 

Basements E3.3 E8.18 

Houses of purpose sub-group 1B E3.4-E3.7 E3.2, E8.18 


of purpose groups 2-7: 

(Exits and escape routes) 

Principles E4.1 E2.3, E2.4 

Independence of escape routes E4.2-E4.5 E3.10-E3.12, E8.22 



(Design for horizontal escape) 

Travel distance E5.1-E5.8 E2.6-E2.11 

Escape routes E5.9-E5.11 E3.1, E3.4 

Height of escape routes E5.12 E3.5 

Width of escape routes E5.13-E5.18 E3.3, E3.6, E5.2 

Doors across escape routes E5.19-E5.20 E5.4 

Circulation in confined spaces E5.21-E5.22 E3.9 

Smoke control in corridors E5.23 E5.1 

Galleries E5.24 E7.1 

Escape past openings in the floor E5.25 E7.2 

Places of special fire risk E5.26 E7.5 

Air supported structures E5.27 E8.23 

3E 


E

E 


The Standards 1997 + 

Equivalent 



(Design for vertical escape) 

Width of escape stairs E6.1-E6.5 E4.1-E4.5 

Protected zones E6.6-E6.14 E4.6-E4.11, 

E4.13, E4.14 

E7 Special means of escape requirements 

for enclosed shopping centres with malls 

Direction of travel E7.1 E8.24 

Escape route width E7.2-E7.7 E3.6,E8.24 

Crèches E7.8 E8.25 

E8 Special means of escape requirements 

for hospitals 

Storeys at a height of more than 7.5 m E8.1 No equivalent 

Storeys at a height of more than 18 m E8.2 No equivalent 

Compartment exits E8.3 No equivalent 

Escape routes E8.4-E8.5 No equivalent 

Escape stairs E8.6-E8.8 No equivalent 

Hospital street E8.9-E8.10 No equivalent 

E9 Lighting E9.1-E9.2 E3.13, E7.7 

E10 Facilities for fire-fighting 

Access E10.1 E9.1 

Ground hydrants E10.2-E10.3 E9.2, E9.3 

Provision of fire-fighting facilities E10.4-E10.12 E9.4, E9.8, E9.9 

Smoke ventilation of escape routes E10.13-E10.14 E4.8, E8.9 

Smoke ventilation of basement storeys E10.15 E9.18 

Rolling shutters E10.16 No equivalent 

E11 Means of warning of fire E11.1-E11.3 E10.1, E10.2 

+ As amended December 1999. 

4E


(E2.4)(E5.11) Revolving door, sliding door or automatic door 

(E2.11)(E2.12) Automatic opening ventilators 

(E2.14) Fire detection and alarm system 

(E2.17)(E3.2) Emergency escape windows 

(E5.11) Fixed ladders 

(E5.19)(E5.20) Doors across escape routes 

(E5.23) Pressurisation 

(E8.6) Mattress evacuation stairs 

(E9.2) Emergency lighting 

(E10.1) Access 

(E10.2) Ground hydrants 

(E10.4)(E10.9) Fire-fighting shafts 

(E10.7)(E10.8) Fire mains 

(E10.9)(E10.11) Fire-fighting lobbies 

(E10.11) Fire-fighting lifts 

(E10.15) Venting of heat and smoke from basement storeys 

(E11.1) Automatic fire detection in dwellings 

(E11.2) Automatic fire detection in buildings of purpose group 2 

(E11.3) Automatic fire detection in enclosed shopping centres with malls 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


5E 


E

E 


6E

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to provide all users of a building with adequate 

means of escape from fire. It also requires the provision of certain 

fixed fire-fighting equipment, means of access for fire-fighting, and means 

of warning of fire in a dwelling, residential accommodation and enclosed 

shopping centres. 

2. The intention of the requirements for means of escape is that everyone 

within a building may reach either a place of safety or, in certain circumstances, 

a protected zone within a reasonable travel distance. The requirements 

for the number and width of exits assume a unit width of 530 mm 

per person and a rate of discharge of 40 persons per minute. The number 

of escape routes is determined by - 

a. the purpose group of the building; 

b. the occupancy capacity served; 

c. the height of a storey above ground or its depth below ground; and 

d. the travel distance involved. 

3. A building must be planned so that - 

a. every escape route leads to a place of safety; 

b. every escape stair which forms part of an escape route, except an 

escape stair from a gallery, is protected from fire, from smoke 

and hot gases which might obscure or obstruct the escape route 

and, in higher buildings, from the effects of weather; 

c. provision is made within a protected zone for a refuge for wheelchair 

users; and 

d. within those parts of a building where people are at greatest risk 

the layout of the building is such as to limit that risk to the utmost 

practical extent. 

4. Suitable provision must be made for access to the outside of a building 

for fire-fighting and rescue vehicles from a public road. A water supply 

installation must be available and, in the case of high buildings, suitable 

provision must be made for fire-fighting within the building. 

5. The requirements to provide early means of warning of fire in a 

dwelling, residential accommodation and enclosed shopping centres 

increase significantly the level of safety of the occupants. 

6. Standards are included which make specific provision for the fire 

safety of hospitals. However within the Technical Standards it is not possible 

to cover all aspects of fire safety relevant to hospitals. Fire safety is 

also dependent upon the way a building is furnished, staffed and managed. 

Designers of hospitals and other healthcare buildings will need to make 

reference to the full suite of documents that comprise “NHS in Scotland 

Firecode”. 

7. There are requirements to provide fire exit signs and directional signs 

in various other regulations, in particular the Fire Precautions (Workplace) 

Regulations 1997 (as amended) and the Health and Safety (Safety signs 

and signals) Regulations 1996. Advice on fire safety signs is given in an 

HSE publication: “Safety Signs and Signals: Guidance on Regulations.” 

7E 


E

E 

Regulation 13 

Means of escape from fire, facilities for fire-fighting and 

means of warning of fire 

13. (1) Every building shall be provided with - 


(a) adequate means of escape in the 

event of fire; and 

(b) adequate fire-fighting facilities. 

(1A) Every dwelling, all residential accommodation, 

and all enclosed shopping centres 

shall be provided with means of warning 

the occupants of an outbreak of fire. 

(2) This regulation shall not be subject to 

specification in a notice served under 

section 11 of the Act in respect of - 

(a) buildings of purpose sub-groups 1B 

and 1C; and 

(b) buildings to which the Fire Certificates 

(Special Premises) Regulations 

1976(a) apply. 

(a) SI 1976/2003, amended by SI 1985/1333 

and 1987/37. 

8E


E1 Application of Part E 

E1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 13. 

E1.2 The standards apply to all buildings as follows - 

Purpose sub-group 1A: E2, E9, E10 & E11 

Purpose sub-groups 1B and 1C: E3, E10 and E11 

Purpose groups 2 to 7: E4 to E11. 

9E 

E1.1 – E2.2 

E1.3 For the purposes of this Part a flat or maisonette entered only from the open air at ground level and with 

no storey at a height of more than 4.5 m shall be regarded as a building of purpose sub-group 1C; where 

a maisonette entered only from the open air at ground level has a storey at a height of more than 4.5 m it 

shall be regarded as a building of purpose sub-group 1B. 

E1.4 For the purposes of this Part a roof, an external balcony, or an enclosed courtyard open to the external air to 

which there is access for a purpose other than the maintenance of the building, shall be regarded as a room. 

except - 

where the area of the roof, the external balcony or the enclosed courtyard is not more than 8m 2 . 

E2 Means of escape from fire in a building of purpose sub-group 1a 

(flats and maisonettes) 

ESCAPE ROUTES 

E2.1 There must be at least one escape route from - 

a. the main entrance door of every flat or maisonette; and 

b. the door of every communal room; and 

c. from every plant room. 

E2.2 An escape route must lead to a place of safety or an access deck - 

a. directly; or 

b. by way of a protected zone; or 

c. by way of an access deck or access balcony; or 

d. by way of an exit to an external escape stair (see E2.8); or 

e. by way of a flat roof , but only where - 

i. there is more than 1 escape route from the storey, and 

ii. there are no exhausts of any kind less than 2 m from the escape route, and 


E

E 

E2.2 – E2.9 


iii. there is a wall or protective barrier at least 1.1 m high on each side of the escape route. 

E2.3 An escape route must have a clear headroom of at least 2 m, 

except - 

in a doorway it may be reduced to not less than 1.9 m. 

E2.4* An escape route must not be by way of - 

a. a lift; or 

b. a passenger conveyor; or 

c. a turnstile; or 

d. a shutter; or 

e. a revolving door, an automatic sliding door or an automatic door, other than one of suitable 

design and construction; or 

f. a sliding door, other than one to which the public does not have access; or 

g. a fixed ladder, other than a suitable fixed ladder providing access to a plant room other than a 

place of special fire risk which is normally unoccupied except for maintenance purposes. 

E2.5 Where a door across an escape route has to be secured against entry when the building is occupied it 

must be fitted only with a lock or fastening which is readily operated, without a key, from the side 

approached by people making an escape, and have a notice, on the inside, explaining the operation of 

the opening device. 

E2.6 Solid waste storage accommodation must not communicate directly with any escape route. 

E2.7 A communal room with an occupancy capacity of more than 60 must have - 

a. exits in accordance with E4.1 to E4.4; and 

b. escape routes with a width in accordance with E5.13 to E5.18 and E6.1. 

ESCAPE STAIRS 

E2.8 An escape stair must be within a protected zone (see D11.1) which encloses no other room, 

except - 

an external escape stair which has a total rise of not more than 6 m and leads directly to a place of 

safety. 

E2.9 A protected zone enclosing an escape stair must be provided with an unobstructed clear wheelchair 

space measuring not less than 700 mm x 1200 mm on every escape stair landing to which there is 

access from a storey, 

except - 

a. a storey which has level or ramped access to a place of safety; or 

b. a storey which is inaccessible to wheelchair users. 

10E

11E 

E2.10 – E2.11 

E2.10 Where an escape stair also serves a basement storey the protected zone enclosing the escape stair in the 

basement storey must be separated from the protected zone containing the escape stair serving the rest 

of the building by a wall or screen, with or without a door, at ground storey floor level having at least 

the level of fire safety performance of the protected zone (see D11.1). 

E2.11*There must be a protected lobby (see D11.2) with suitable automatic opening ventilators, at each storey 

within the protected zone between the escape stair and the accommodation, including a parking garage 

and any other accommodation ancillary to the dwellings (see Diagram 1 to E2.11), 

except - 

a. in relation to flats and maisonettes entered from an open access balcony or access deck having an 

opening or openings to the external air extending over at least four-fifths of its length and at least 

one-third of its height; or 

b. where no storey is at a height of more than 7.5 m and there are not more than 4 dwellings on each 

storey and not more than 8 dwellings in total served by the escape stair and each dwelling has 

within it a protected enclosure (see D11.3) (see Diagram 2 to E2.11); or 

c. at the topmost storey; or 

d. where there are more than one escape stairs serving each dwelling. 

Diagram 1 to E2.11: Single stair access to flats and maisonettes (any height) 

Storey at any height 

escape stair 

automatically 

opening 

ventilator 

for construction of 

separating wall 

see D5.1 

7.5m max. 

7.5m max. 

flat or maisonette 

protected lobby and 

escape stair enclosure 

within protected zone 

see D11.2 

possible fire 

fighting lift 


E

E 

E2.11 – E2.14 

Diagram 2 to E2.11: Single stair access to flats and maisonettes not more than 7.5 m above ground 


for construction of 

separating wall 

see D5.1 

escape stair 

Storey at a height of not more than 7.5 m with not more than 4 dwellings per storey and not more than 8 

dwellings in total: no protected lobby required. 

E2.12*Where a building has more than one escape stair and where a corridor or part of a corridor provides 

escape in only one direction, suitable automatic opening ventilators must be provided in that part of the 

corridor which provides single direction escape. 

E2.13 Where an open access balcony or access deck is more than 2 m wide, any soffit above it must have a 

downstand on the line of separation between each dwelling extending the full width of the access 

balcony or access deck at 90 degrees to the face of the building and extending at least 300 mm below 

any beam or downstand parallel to the face of the building. 

Note: 

For this purpose an access balcony is to be regarded as open where it has an opening or openings to the 

external air extending over at least four-fifths of its length and at least one-third of its height. 

E2.14*An escape stair must not communicate with any accommodation which is of a different purpose group, 

except - 

a. in a building with no storey at a height of more than 7.5 m and with not more than 1 escape stair, 

or in a building with more than 1 escape stair, 1 escape stair may serve both flats or maisonettes 

and other accommodation provided that the escape stair is separated from each occupancy in a 

different purpose group by a protected lobby (see D11.2); or 

b. any escape stair which serves a flat or maisonette which is ancillary to the main use of the building 

may communicate with the other accommodation provided that - 

i. the escape stair is separated from the other accommodation by a protected lobby (see 

D11.2), and 

ii. an alternative exit is available from the flat or maisonette, and 

iii. the building has a suitably installed automatic fire detection and alarm system protecting 

the flat or maisonette. 

Note: 

In this context ‘ancillary’ includes caretakers’, directors’, supervisors’ and similar flats or maisonettes. 

12E 

protected enclosure: 

see D11.3

TRAVEL DISTANCE 

13E 

E2.15 – E2.20 

E2.15 Travel distance from a flat or maisonette, a communal room, or a plant room is the distance, measured 

along the shortest route of escape from the main entrance door to the nearest protected door or place of 

safety, and must comply with the table to this standard - 

Table to E2.15: Maximum travel distance in a building of purpose sub-group 1A related to available 

directions of travel 

Situation Maximum travel distance (m) 

One direction of travel More than one direction of travel 

a storey at a height of not more than 7.5 m 7.5 [1] 32 [1] 

a storey at a height of more than 7.5 m 7.5 [2] 32 [1] 

a storey at any height with an access deck or 

open access balcony serving the dwellings 

Notes: 

40 [1] Unlimited 

1. Unlimited where a dwelling on the storey has an alternative exit. 

2. 32 m where a dwelling on the storey has an alternative exit. 

INNER ROOMS 

E2.16 An apartment in a storey at a height of more than 4.5 m, or in a basement storey, must not be an inner 

room, 

except - 

an apartment in a basement storey with an emergency escape window (see E2.17) providing access to 

the external air, from which there is access to a place of safety at ground level. 

ESCAPE WINDOWS 

E2.17*A suitably designed and located emergency escape window must be provided in every apartment - 

BASEMENTS 

a. in an upper storey at a height of not more than 4.5 m; or 

b. which is an inner room, 

except - 

where there are alternative routes from the apartment to circulation areas or other rooms. 

E2.18 A basement storey which contains an apartment must be provided with either – 

a. an alternative exit from the basement storey, which may provide access to the external air (below 

the adjoining ground) from which there is access to a place of safety at ground level, or 

b. a suitably designed and located escape window in every basement apartment. 

E2.19 Where a private stair serves a basement storey, the private stair must be in a protected enclosure (see D11.3). 

FLATS OR MAISONETTES AT A STOREY HEIGHT OF MORE THAN 4.5 m 

E2.20 A flat at a storey height of more than 4.5 m which is entered at the same level as the accommodation 

must be planned so that - 

a. an alternative exit is provided; or 


E

E 

E2.20 – E2.24 

b. all apartments are entered directly from a protected enclosure (see D11.3) and the distance to be 

travelled from any door of an apartment to the exit is not more than 9 m; or 

c. the distance to be travelled from any point within the flat to the exit is not more than 9 m and the 

direction of travel is away from cooking facilities; or 

d. sleeping accommodation, and that part of the circulation area which serves the sleeping accommodation 

and the exit to the flat, is separated from any other apartment and kitchen by a construction 

with a level of fire safety performance equivalent to that of a protected enclosure (see 

D11.3); and where that flat has a storey at a height of more than 7.5 m and the distance to be 

travelled within the flat from any point to the exit is more than 15 m, there is an alternative exit 

from the living accommodation. 

E2.21 A flat at a storey height of more than 4.5 m which is entered from a storey below the level of the accommodation 

must be planned so that - 

a. an alternative exit is provided; or 

b. all apartments are entered directly from a protected enclosure (see D11.3) and the distance to be 

travelled from any door of an apartment to the head of the private stair is not more than 9 m; or 

c. the distance to be travelled from any point within the flat to the head of the private stair is not 

more than 9 m, and the direction of travel is away from cooking facilities. 

E2.22 A flat at a storey height of more than 4.5 m which is entered from a storey above the level of the accommodation 

must be planned so that an alternative exit is provided from the lower storey. 

E2.23 A maisonette with 1 or more storeys at a height of more than 4.5 m must be planned that - 

a. all apartments are entered directly from a protected enclosure (see D11.3); and 

b. where any storey is at a height of more than 7.5 m there is - 


i. an alternative exit from each storey other than the entrance storey, or 

ii. an alternative exit from each room intended for sleeping accommodation. 

Note: 

For basement accommodation see E2.16 and E2.18. 

E2.24 Where a flat or maisonette has a storey at a height of more than 4.5 m or has a basement storey and is 

provided with a system of ducted warm air heating - 

a. transfer grilles must not be fitted between any room and the entrance hall or stair; and 

b. supply and return grilles must be not more than 450 mm above floor level; and 

c. where warm air is ducted to an entrance hall or stair, the return air must be ducted back to the 

heater; and 

d. where a duct passes through any wall, floor, or ceiling of an entrance hall or stair, all joints 

between the duct and the surrounding construction must be sealed; and 

14E

15E 

E2.24 – E3.6 

e. there must be a room thermostat in the living room, at a height more than 1370 mm and not more 

than 1830 mm, with an automatic control which will turn off the heater, and any circulation fan 

should the ambient temperature rise to more than 35º C; and 

f. where the system recirculates air, smoke detectors must be provided in every extract duct to cause 

the recirculation of air to stop and direct all extract air to the outside of the building in the event 

of fire. 

E3 Means of escape in a building of purpose sub-group 1b and 1c 

(houses) 

INNER ROOMS 

E3.1 An apartment in a storey at a height of more than 4.5 m, or in a basement storey, must not be an inner 

room, 

except - 

an apartment in a basement storey with an emergency escape window (see E3.2) providing access to the 

external air, from which there is access to a place of safety at ground level. 

ESCAPE WINDOWS 

E3.2* A suitably designed and located emergency escape window must be provided in every apartment - 

BASEMENTS 

a. in an upper storey at a height of not more than 4.5 m; or 

b. which is an inner room, 

except - 

where there are alternative routes from the apartment to circulation areas or other rooms. 

E3.3 A basement storey which contains an apartment must be provided with either - 

a. an alternative exit from the basement storey, which may provide access to the external air (below 

the adjoining ground) from which there is access to a place of safety at ground level, or 

b. a suitably designed and located escape window in every basement apartment. 

HOUSES OF PURPOSE SUB-GROUP 1B 

E3.4 In a house of purpose sub-group 1B, every stair must be in a protected enclosure (see D11.3), 

except - 

a stair in a house with a storey at a height exceeding 4.5 m by 1 storey which does not contain an apartment 

or kitchen. 

E3.5 In a house of purpose sub-group 1B, every storey at a height of more than 7.5 m must have an alternative 

exit. 

E3.6 In a house of purpose sub-group 1B, where the private stair also serves a basement storey, the protected 

enclosure (see D11.3) serving the basement storey must be separated from the protected enclosure 

serving the remainder of the house. 


E

E 

E3.7 – E4.3 

E3.7 Where the alternative exit provided in accordance with E3.5 is by way of a flat roof, there must be - 

a. no exhausts of any kind less than 2 m from the route across the roof; and 

b. a wall or protective barrier at least 1.1 m high on each side of the route across the roof. 

E4 Means of escape from fire in a building of purpose groups 2-7 

(exits and escape routes) 

PRINCIPLES 

E4.1 The minimum number of exits from a room, storey, gallery, catwalk or openwork floor in relation to 

occupancy capacity must be in accordance with the table to this standard; and 

a. the minimum number of exits from a room not being a whole storey, shall be determined in 

relation to the occupancy capacity of the room; and 

b. the minimum number of exits from a storey shall be determined in relation to the occupancy 

capacity of the storey. 

Table to E4.1: Minimum number of exits in relation to occupancy capacity 

Occupancy capacity of room, storey, Minimum number of exits from a room, Minimum number of 

gallery, catwalk or openwork floor gallery, catwalk or openwork floor exits from a storey 

Not more than 60 1 2 [1,2] 

61-600 2 2 [3] 

More than 600 

Notes: 

3 3 [4,5] 

1. Only one exit is required from the ground storey or an upper storey at a height of not more than 

7.5 m, in a building of purpose sub-group 2B or purpose groups 3-7. 

2. Only 1 exit is required from a basement storey at a depth of not more than 4.5 m which is not 

intended for use by members of the public other than for access to sanitary accommodation. 

3. In a hospital any storey with more than 100 patient beds must have at least 3 exits. 

4. In a hospital any storey with more than 200 patient beds must have at least of 4 exits. 

5. In a hospital any storey with more than 300 patient beds must have at least of 5 exits. 

INDEPENDENCE OF ESCAPE ROUTES 

E4.2 Every escape route from a room or storey must be independent of any other escape route from that room 

or storey, and where more than 1 escape route is required they must provide alternative directions of 

escape in accordance with E5.7. 

E4.3 Where more than 1 exit is required from a storey or room, access from any point within the storey or 

room must be provided to not less than 2 exits from the storey or room, 

except - 

a. from a room on the ground storey of a building which room is required to have only 1 exit and 

from which room the travel distance to the nearest exit giving direct access to a place of safety 

complies with E5.1 as to the maximum travel distance related to 1 direction of travel from any 

point within the storey; 

b. exits from a room with an occupancy capacity of not more than 100 may be to an unprotected 

zone which provides escape in 2 directions as required by E5.7; 

c. from a room permitted inside the protected zone enclosing an escape stair (see E6.8). 


16E

E4.4 Where 2 or more escape stairs in protected zones are required from a storey or room, it must be possible 

to reach at least 2 such protected zones without passing through either of them, or any such protected 

zone or any place of special fire risk. 

E4.5 Where a separated stage and stage area in a building containing an auditorium is equipped with a safety 

curtain any escape route from that part of the stage behind the curtain must be independent of that from 

the auditorium (see D11.13, D11.14, D11.15). 


(design for horizontal escape) 

TRAVEL DISTANCE 

E5.1 The maximum travel distances for a building or part of a building related to available directions of 

travel, measured in accordance with E5.2, are given in the table to this standard - 

Table to E5.1: Maximum travel distance related to available directions of travel 

Purpose group or Situation Maximum travel distance (m) 

purpose sub-group One direction More than one 

of travel direction of travel 

2A (institutional) a. generally (including hospitals) 15 32 

b. residential care buildings (e.g. nursing 

homes, and residential schools for 

disabled children) 

9 18 

2B (other residential, including shared residential accommodation) 15 32 

3 (offices) 18 45 

4 (shops and commercial) a. generally 15 32 

b. from any part of the mall of an enclosed 

shopping centre (except those with a 

mall on three or more storeys) 

9 45 

5 (assembly) a. generally 15 32 

b buildings primarily for disabled people or 

people with learning difficulties, and 

swimming pools in air supported 

structures 

9 18 

6 (industrial) 18 45 

7A (high hazard storage) a. generally 15 32 

b. bonded warehouses containing 

spirituous liquor 

18 45 

7B (low hazard storage) a. generally 18 45 

b. silage and grain stores on farms where 

the material is handled primarily 

by mechanical plant. 

30 45 

7C (open sided car parks) 18 45 

Any a. from a room or auditorium with provision 15 

for fixed seating 

32 

b. from a rooftop plant room 60 100 

c. within a roof top plant room 18 45 

d. within a place of special fire risk 18 

e. within a protected zone to a place of safety 100 Unlimited 

17E 

E4.4 – E5.1 


E

E 

E5.2 – E5.6 

E5.2 Travel distance is the distance measured along the actual route of escape from any point within a storey - 

a. to the nearest protected door giving direct access to an escape stair or a place of safety, 

except - 


in the case of building or part of a building where there are at least 2 available directions of 

travel, when the travel distance may be measured to any protected door; or 

b. to a door in a compartment wall, as described in E5.3; or 

c. to a door in a sub-compartment wall, as described in E5.4, 

except – 

in the case of an enclosed shopping centre provided with appropriate smoke and heat exhaust ventilation 

system (see D3.7) the travel distance from a mall level storey of a shop may be measured to the mall. 

E5.3 Where the travel distance is measured to a protected door in a compartment wall - 

a. there must be no fire shutter in the compartment wall; and 

b. the compartment must also have at least 1 other escape route which is not through another compartment,except- 

a compartment in a hospital; and 

c. in a building of purpose sub-group 2A used for bed-patient care, the escape route must not pass 

through any of the rooms listed in D4.2 as requiring to be enclosed with the same level of fire 

safety performance as a sub-compartment; and 

d. in a part of a building of purpose sub-group 2A used for bed-patient care each compartment must 

be capable of holding the occupancy capacity of that compartment and the occupancy capacity of 

the largest adjoining compartment; and 

e. in a building, or part of a building, other than one specified in E5.3d, either - 

i. the area of the adjoining compartment is at least the sum, in m 2 , of the occupancy capacities 

of both compartments multiplied by 0.3, or 

ii. the escape route width available from the adjoining compartment is adequate for the sum 

of the occupancy capacities of both compartments. 

E5.4 Where the travel distance is measured to a protected door in a sub-compartment wall - 

a. there must be no fire shutter in the sub-compartment wall; and 

b. the escape route must not be through any of the rooms listed in D4.2 as requiring to be enclosed 

with the same level of fire safety performance as a sub-compartment. 

E5.5 Where a floor is divided by fixed seating or other fixed obstructions the travel distance must be measured 

by way of the shortest route along open seatways, gangways or circulation areas. 

E5.6 Where a measurement of travel distance includes an escape stair not in a protected zone within the 

building, as permitted by E6.6a. and b., the travel distance must be measured along the pitch line from 

the centre of the nosing of the topmost tread to the lower landing, including the length of any intermediate 

landings, measured throughout along the centre line of travel. 

18E

19E 

E5.7 – E5.9 

E5.7 Where more than 1 exit is required, the directions of travel from any point within the storey or a room 

must - 

a. diverge at an angle of at least 45º; or 

b. be combined for a distance not exceeding that allowed for single direction of travel (see Table to 

E5.1) and then diverge to 2 exits at an angle of at least 45º plus 2 1 /2º for every metre in the combined 

distance, provided the distance between the exits is also more than twice the combined 

distance. 

E5.8 In a building in purpose sub-group 2A, the maximum travel distance from any point within a compartment 

must be not more than 64 m to - 

a. each of 2 adjoining compartments; or 

b. an adjoining compartment and an escape stair or a final exit; or 

c. an adjoining compartment and a final exit; or 

d. an escape stair and a final exit. 

ESCAPE ROUTES 

E5.9 An escape route must give access to a place of safety or to another compartment (see E5.3) - 

a. directly; or 

b. by way of a protected zone or unprotected zone; or 

c. by way of an unprotected zone to a protected zone; or 

d. by way of an access deck, or 

e. by way of an exit to an external escape stair (see E6.6); or 

f. in the case of escape from an inner room not intended to be used as sleeping accommodation, by 

way of one other room, other than a place of special fire risk; the escape route from that other 

room must comply with a, b, c, d or e above; or 

g. by way of a flat roof, but only where - 

i. there is more than 1 escape route from the storey; unless the storey consists of a roof top 

plant room which is not a place of special fire risk, and 

ii. it serves a building of purpose group 3, 6 or 7 or part of a building of purpose group 2, 4 

or 5 to which the public has no access, and 

iii. there are no exhausts of any kind less than 2 m from the escape route, and 

iv. there is a wall or protective barrier at least 1.1 m high on each side of the escape route, 

except - 

an escape route from a hospital department to which patients have access, complying with E8.4. 


E

E 

E5.10 – E5.14 

E5.10 In a building of purpose sub-group 2A, where a compartment is divided into sub- compartments, each 

sub-compartment must be provided with at least 2 exits by way of protected zones and unprotected zones 

to adjoining but separate compartments or sub-compartments, 

except - 

in the case of an escape route from a ward bedroom it may be to another ward bedroom in a different 

compartment or sub-compartment. 

E5.11*An escape route must not be by way of - 

a. a lift; or 

b. a passenger conveyor; or 

c. a turnstile, other than a suitably designed and installed turnstile unit with an emergency pressure 

operated facility enabling the entire unit to open in the direction of escape; or 

d. a shutter, other than a shutter which is installed for security purposes across a shop front and 

which does not close automatically in the event of fire, but not a shutter across an opening 

between a protected zone and a place of safety; or 

e. a revolving door, an automatic sliding door or an automatic door, other than one of suitable 

design and construction; or 

f. a sliding door, other than one to which the public does not have access; or 

g. a fixed ladder, other than a suitable fixed ladder providing access to a plant room other than a 

place of special fire risk which is normally unoccupied except for maintenance purposes. 

HEIGHT OF ESCAPE ROUTES 

E5.12 An escape route or circulation area must have a clear headroom of at least 2 m, 

except - 

in a doorway it may be reduced to not less than 1.9 m. 

WIDTH OF ESCAPE ROUTES 

E5.13 The aggregate unobstructed width in mm of all escape routes from a room, or storey must be at least 

5.3 x the occupancy capacity of the room or storey, 

except- 

in an enclosed shopping centre with a mall on not more than 2 storeys complying with E7.2, E7.3 and 

E7.4. 

E5.14 The unobstructed width of each individual escape route from a room or storey must be at least 1200 mm, 

except - 

a. where the room or storey is inaccessible to wheelchair users the width may be reduced to not less 

than 1100 mm; and 

b. where the occupancy capacity of the room or storey is not more than 100 and it is inaccessible to 

wheelchair users the width may be reduced to not less than 1000 mm. 


20E

21E 

E5.15 – E5.19 

E5.15 An escape route must be free of any obstruction or barrier, other than a doorway which has a clear 

opening width in accordance with the diagram to this standard, not more than 150 mm less than the 

minimum width of the escape route, 

except- 

a. where the number of people using the escape route is not more than 225, the clear opening width 

of the doorway may be reduced to 850 mm; and 

b. where the number of people using the escape route is not more than 100, the clear opening width 

of the doorway may be reduced to 750 mm. 

Diagram to E5.15: Measurement of clear opening width 

E5.16 An escape route must not narrow in the direction of escape, 

except- 

a. an escape route may pass through a wider circulation area leading to a narrower circulation area 

provided the latter is of a width at least that required for the escape route; and 

b. where permitted by E6.1a. 

E5.17 A door opening into an escape route must not when being opened and when fully open, reduce the 

width of the escape route to less than that required by E5.14. 

E5.18 An emergency door, and a door across an escape route, must open in the direction of escape, 

except - 

a. a door other than an emergency door which is a revolving door, an automatic sliding door or an 

automatic door, as permitted by E5.11e, and a sliding door across an escape route to which the 

public does not have access; and 

b. a door other than an emergency door across an escape route where the escape route is from a 

room or storey, other than a place of special fire risk, having an occupancy capacity not more 

than - 

i. in a building of purpose groups 2 to 5 or purpose sub-group 7C, 60, or 

ii. in a building of purpose group 6 or purpose sub-group 7A or 7B, 10. 

DOORS ACROSS ESCAPE ROUTES 

E5.19*Where a door across an escape route has to be secured against entry when the building is occupied it 

must be fitted only with a suitable lock or fastening which is readily operated, without a key, from the 

side approached by people making an escape, 

except - 

in the case of a place of lawful detention. 

clear opening width 


E

E 

E5.20 – E5.22 

E5.20*In a building of purpose group 2 to 5 with an occupancy capacity more than 60, where a door across an 

escape route has to be secured against entry when the building is occupied, every lock or fastening must 

be suitable, and be capable of being over-ridden when depressed by hand or body pressure, 

except - 

in the case of a place of lawful detention. 

CIRCULATION IN CONFINED SPACES 

E5.21 In any building the width of any gangways and stairways within a storage area containing fixed obstructions 

(including fixed racking or shelving and high-bay storage) must be not less than 530 mm, 

except - 

in a store for the bulk storage of spirituous liquor, gangways may be reduced to not less than 400 mm. 

E5.22 In a building, or part of a building with fixed seating or fixed seating and fixed tables or other floor 

fixtures, there must be access to an exit by way of a gangway or a seatway, or a circulation area in 

accordance with the table and diagram to this standard, and - 

a. escape from any point shall be by way of a gangway or from a seatway by way of a gangway to 

an exit or from a seatway directly to an exit; and 

b. in the case of a room in an auditorium that requires more than 1 exit - 


i. at least 1 exit must be provided not less than two-thirds of the distance from any stage, 

screen or performing area to the back of the room, and 

ii. a gangway must be provided at each end of a row of more than 12 fixed seats; and 

c. in the case of a building of purpose group 4 where the room or part of the room has an occupancy 

capacity of more than 100, the minimum width of a circulation area must comply with 

E5.13 as if the circulation area were an escape route. 

Table to E5.22: Minimum width of gangways and seatways in a room with fixed seating 

Situation Number of seats in row Minimum width or 

Gangway one side Gangway on both sides effective width (mm) 

Gangway Not applicable Not applicable 1200 [1] 

Gangway and seatway 

combined 

Not applicable Not applicable 1350 

Seatway 2 2-4 Not applicable 

3-7 5-14 300 

8 15, 16 325 

9 17, 18 350 

10 19, 20 375 

11 21, 22 400 

12 23, 24 425 

- 25, 26 450 

- 27, 28 475 

- More than 28 (limited by 

travel distance) 

500 

Note: 

1. May be reduced to 900 mm where the occupancy capacity of the room is not more than 60. 

22E

Diagram to E5.22: Minimum width of gangways and seatways in a room or space with fixed seating 

gangway and 

seatway 

combined 

at least 

1350mm 

23E 

E5.22, E5.23 

Plan of room with provision for 

Method of measuring seatway widths 

fixed seating 

Note: 

1. 900 mm where the room or the space has an occupancy capacity of not more than 60 persons. 

SMOKE CONTROL IN CORRIDORS 

E5.23*For purposes of smoke control a corridor must be subdivided with a wall or screen with fire doors (see 

D11.4) as follows - 

a. where the corridor provides at least 2 directions of escape and is more than 12 m in length 

between the exits it serves, it must be divided in the middle third of the corridor; and 

b. where the corridor is a dead end more than 4.5 m long and provides access to a point from which 

more than 1 direction of escape is possible, it must be divided at that point or points, as shown in 

the diagram to this standard, 

except - 

seatways 

at least 

1200mm [1] 

at least 

1200mm [1] 

effective width 

of seatway 

a. fixed seating 


of seatway 

b. automatic tip-up fixed seating 


of seatway 

c. fixed seating 

and fixed table 

in a building of purpose sub-group 2B or purpose groups 3 to 7 where the corridor has a suitable system 

of pressurisation. 


E

E 

E5.23 – 5.25 

Diagram to E5.23b: Doors across escape routes 

GALLERIES 

to 

exit 

E5.24 A gallery must be open above and below to the room into which it projects and must not give access to 

any other room other than a room with a means of escape independent of the gallery, 

except - 

it may be wholly or partly enclosed below where - 

a. the floor of the gallery has the level of fire safety performance as set out in D11.6; and 

b. at least 1 escape route is by way of a protected zone. 

ESCAPE PAST OPENINGS IN THE FLOOR 

E5.25 In a building where there is an opening in any floor, not being a separating floor or compartment floor 

(for these see D3 and D5) - 

a. escape from any point on the floor not more than 4.5 m from the opening must be directly away 

from the opening; and 


no max. length 

but controlled 

by max. for 

single direction 

travel distance. 

single direction 

travel to EXIT 

A 

2 - direction travel 

B 

A 

EXIT 

A 

24E 

to 

exit 

this door must be provided 

at junction shown 

single direction travel 

max. travel distance 

from any point in a 

room to centre line 

of corridor B = max. for single 

direction travel 

2 - direction travel 

to EXITS A and 

fire door at point where 2-direction 

travel is possible 

B 

EXIT 

B

25E 

E5.25 – 5.27 

b. the escape route from any point on the storey more than 4.5 m from the opening must pass no 

closer to the opening than 4.5 m (see Diagram to this standard), 

except - 

where more than one escape route is provided and at least 1 escape route is at least 4.5 m from the 

opening. 

Diagram to E5.25: Openings between floors 

PLACES OF SPECIAL FIRE RISK 

E5.26 A place of special fire risk must be separated from an escape route by a protected lobby (see D11.2) 

where the escape route is in a protected zone serving another part of the building. 

AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURES 

at least 4.5m 

at least 4.5m 

E5.27 An air supported structure must be designed and constructed so that - 

a. travel distance in one direction is not more than 9 m; and 

b. every exit is at least 3 m, or one quarter of the smallest plan dimension, whichever is less, from 

any corner of the structure; and 

c. every exit has a rigid supporting framework and be clearly marked ‘EXIT’ by means of an illuminated 

sign; and 

d. inflation equipment includes a standby power system which - 

i. will start up automatically on any failure of the main power supply, and 

ii. is independent of the main power supply, and 

B 

A 

opening 

iii. includes weather protected, non-return dampers in the ducts, outside the structure; and 

e. where the occupancy capacity exceeds 100, or in the case of a swimming pool 50, an emergency 

support system is provided which will - 

i. support the membrane in a deflated state under short term loading conditions, and 

ii. give escape routes a headroom of at least 2.5 m for at least 10 m adjacent to every exit; 

and 

f. where it covers a swimming pool, egress steps from the water are adjacent to an exit from the 

building. 

A 

B 

Storey Exit 

See E5.25a 

See E5.25b 


E

E 

E6.1, E6.2 


(design for vertical escape) 

WIDTH OF ESCAPE STAIRS 

E6.1 The width of an escape stair must be at least the width required for any escape route giving access to it, 

except - 

a. where the number of people using the escape route is not more than 225, it may be reduced to 

not less than 1100 mm; and 

b. where the number of people using the escape route is not more than 100, it may be reduced to 

not less than 1000 mm. 

Note: 

See S3.4 for method of measurement. 

E6.2 Where the escape routes from a storey consist solely of escape stairs, and the storey requires 2 or more 

escape stairs, the width of every escape stair in mm from that storey must be at least 5.3 x the appropriate 

capacity (see E6.4) divided by the number of such stairs, less one, 

except - 

a. where there is a protected lobby (see D11.2) between each escape stair in a protected zone and 

any part of the building at any storey from which there is access to the escape stair, other than 

the topmost storey, the provision as to less one escape stair does not apply; 

b. where the topmost storey contains plant and it is not accessible for a purpose other than the 

maintenance of the plant the width of any escape stair from this storey to the storey immediately 

below needs to comply only with the requirements of Part S for industrial stairs and fixed 

ladders; 

c. where escape routes from a storey consist of a combination of escape stairs and other escape 

routes (see Diagram to this standard) the width of any escape stair from that storey may be 

designed to take into account that proportion of the number of occupants on that storey who may 

escape by way of the other escape routes. 


26E

Diagram to E6.2: Width of escape stairs 

escape to place of 

safety or to 

escape stair 

place of safety 

access to 

escape stair 

ground storey 

27E 

escape stair 

E6.2 – E6.4 

storey which has escape by 

way of an escape stair and 

another escape route. 

[see E4.2] 

place of safety 

E6.3 Where the escape route from an escape stair is also the escape route from the ground and/or basement 

storey its width shall be increased to take account of that proportion of the occupancy capacity of the 

ground and/or basement storey served by the escape route, and unless access to the escape route on the 

ground storey is by way of a protected lobby (see D11.2) 1 escape route from the ground storey into a 

protected zone containing an escape stair must be discounted. 

E6.4 The appropriate capacity in relation to a suitable escape stair at any storey above or below the place of 

safety is - 

a. the occupancy capacity of the part of the storey or room served by the escape stair, provided the 

escape stair does not also serve the next storey or room above or in the case of a basement storey, 

the next storey below; or 

b. where the escape stair serves 2 or more storeys including any rooms, or part of a building, which 

is not divided by compartment floors, the occupancy capacity of the part of each storey, including 

any room, served at and above or below as the case may be, by the escape stair less 20% (20% 

represents standing capacity within the protected zone containing the escape stair). At each 

storey level the appropriate capacities must be accumulated in respect of those storeys which at 

that level have been served by the escape stair. The total appropriate capacity for all the storeys 

served by the escape stair must be taken into account at the storey level where the escape route 

leads to a place of safety; or 

c. in a building, or part of a building, which is divided by 1 or more compartment floors, the total 

occupancy capacity, less 20%, of - 

i. each of the 2 adjacent upper storeys, 1 or both of which may be a room, served by the 

escape stair, or in the case of an escape stair serving a basement storey the 2 adjacent 

basement storeys served by that escape stair, having in either case the greatest combined 

occupancy capacity, or 


E

E 

E6.4, E6.5 


ii. the compartment either above or below ground level served by the escape stair having the 

greatest occupancy capacity, discounting the occupancy capacity of any storey within the 

compartment which is not served by the escape stair, whichever is the greater of either 

sub-clause c.i. or c.ii. 

Diagram to E6.4: Calculation of appropriate capacity 

1 

G 

B b. L = OC of storeys 1, 2, 3 

a. L 1 = OC of storey 1 

L 2 = OC of storey B 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

G 

100 

200 

400 

200 

200 

c.ii. L = OC of compartment ll (700) 

3 

2 

1 

G 

compartment ll 

compartment l 

Notes: 

1. L = Appropriate capacity. 

2. OC = Occupancy capacity of storey. 

3. G = Ground storey. 

4. B = Basement storey. 

5. Numbers 100, 150 etc. relate to occupancy capacity of each storey. 

6. Figure numbers refer to paragraph numbers in E6.4. 

7. For simplicity, the 20% reduction factor has not been applied to above examples. 

E6.5 Where the escape routes from a storey consist of a combination of escape stairs and other escape routes, 

the appropriate capacity of the storey is that proportion of the occupancy capacity of the storey which 

the aggregate width of escape routes discharging to the stairs bears to the aggregate width of all escape 

routes from the storey. 

28E 

compartment lll 

compartment ll 

compartment l 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

G 

3 

2 

1 

G 

150 

200 

100 

c.i. L = OC of storeys 2, 3 (350) 

105 

200 

200 

600 

300 

c.ii. L = OC of compartment l (900)

PROTECTED ZONES 

E6.6 An escape stair must be within a protected zone (see D11.1), 

except - 

a. an escape stair which connects 2 or more levels within a single storey where the difference in 

height between the highest and lowest level is not more than 1.8 m; or 

b. an escape stair which leads from a gallery, catwalk or openwork floor to a room in which the 

gallery, catwalk or openwork floor is situated and the gallery, catwalk or openwork floor - 

i. has an occupancy capacity of not more than 60, or 

ii. has an occupancy capacity of 61 to 100, and at least 1 escape stair from the gallery, 

catwalk or openwork floor is within a protected zone, or 

iii. has an occupancy capacity of 61 to 100, and at least 1 external escape stair which complies 

with sub-clauses d. or e. below, and 

29E 

E6.6 

iv. where there is a gallery, catwalk or openwork floor complying with sub-clauses b.ii. or iii. 

above at more than 1 level within the room an unenclosed escape stair may be provided 

only between the floor of the room and the lowest gallery, catwalk or openwork floor; or 

c. a fixed ladder as permitted by E5.11g; or 

d. an external escape stair which has a total rise of not more than 1.6 m and leads directly to a 

place of safety; or 

e. an external escape stair which has a total rise more than 1.6 m but not more than 6 m and - 

i. the escape stair leads directly to a place of safety, and 

ii. in the case of a building of purpose sub-group 2A the escape stair is intended to serve 

accommodation occupied only by staff, and 

iii. in the case of a building of purpose group 4 and 5 the escape stair is not intended for use 

by members of the public. 


E

E 

E6.6 – E6.9 

Diagram to E6.6: Escape stair enclosure and external escape stairs 


at least 2m escape route height 

in room with fixed seating 

MAIN FLOOR 

OF ROOM 

E6.7 A protected zone enclosing an escape stair must be provided with an unobstructed clear wheelchair 

space measuring not less than 700 mm x 1200 mm on every escape stair landing to which there is 

access from a storey, 

except - 

a. a storey which has level or ramped access to a place of safety; or 

b. a storey in a hospital; or 

c. a storey which is inaccessible to wheelchair users. 

E6.8 A protected zone enclosing an escape stair must enclose no other rooms, 

except- 

a. a toilet or toilets; 

b. a washroom or washrooms; 

c. where the escape stair serves part of a building which has at least one other escape route, 

i. a reception room, but not a waiting area, 

ii. an office, 

iii. a cleaner’s room of not more than 3 m 2 , 

iv. a store which has a floor area of not more than 10 m 2 . 

E6.9 Every escape stair must give access directly to - 

a. a place of safety; or 

b. an escape route across a flat roof (see E5.9g); or 

c. an access deck; or 

30E 

GALLERY 

at least 2m escape route 

height in room with 

fixed seating 

RAISED FLOOR 

un-enclosed escape stair 

not more than 1.8m 

at least 1.8m 

for gallery

d. a hospital street; or 

31E 

E6.9 – E6.13 

e. in the case of an enclosed shopping centre provided with appropriate smoke and heat exhaust 

ventilation system (see D3.7), the mall, provided alternative escape not via the mall is also provided 

from each shop or other unit having a frontage to the mall. 

E6.10 Where 2 protected zones enclosing escape stairs share a common wall, any access between them must 

be by way of a protected lobby (see D11.2). 

E6.11 A building with more than 1 escape route contained in a central core must be planned so that the exits 

from the storey are remote from one another, and so that no 2 exits are approached from the same lift 

hall, common lobby or undivided corridor or linked by any of these except through fire doors as shown 

in the diagram to this standard - 

Diagram to E6.11: Protected zone: escape stairs in a central core 

Notes: 

1. Possible alternative position of fire doors shown dotted. 

2. If escape stair serves a storey at a height of more than 18 m, a lobby is 

required (see E6.14). 

E6.12 Where an escape stair also serves a basement storey the protected zone enclosing the escape stair in the 

basement storey must be separated from the protected zone containing the escape stair serving the rest 

of the building by a wall or screen, with or without a door, at ground storey floor level having at least 

the level of fire safety performance of the protected zone (see D11.1). 

E6.13 Where a building has not more than 1 escape stair, access to it must be by way of a protected lobby (see 

D11.2), 

except - 

a. in shared residential accommodation; or 

lift 

lift 

lift lobby 

(may also 

serve 

washrooms, 

services etc) 

lift 

lift 

doors to accomodation (not shown) may 

be placed anywhere in this wall 


E

E 

E6.13 – E7.5 

b. at the topmost storey not being the escape stair exit storey; or 

c. where the escape stair serves not more than 1 basement storey. 

E6.14 Where an escape stair serves a storey at a height of more than 18 m access to the protected zone containing 

the escape stair must be by way of a protected lobby (see D11.2). 

E7 Special requirements for means of escape for enclosed 

shopping centres with malls 

DIRECTION OF TRAVEL 

E7.1 An enclosed shopping centre with a mall must be designed so that from every part of the mall and from 

every mall-level shop there must be at least 2 directions of travel leading to a place of safety without 

passing through any space in single occupation, 

except - 

a kiosk not more than 25 m 2 and in which either the public are not admitted, or the depth from the mall 

is not greater than 5 m. 

ESCAPE ROUTE WIDTH 

E7.2 The aggregate unobstructed width in mm of all escape routes from the mall in an enclosed shopping 

centre with a mall, must be at least 2.65 x the occupancy capacity of the entire shopping centre, (i.e. the 

mall and all shops), 

except - 

a shop, or shops, with a floor area more than 1300 m 2 and where the means of escape has been designed 

independently of the mall need not be included in the calculation. 

E7.3 The aggregate unobstructed exit width in mm from each shop in an enclosed shopping centre with a 

mall, to the mall must be at least 5.3 x the occupancy capacity of the shop. 

except - 

a shop, or shops, with a floor area more than 1300 m 2 and where the means of escape has been designed 

independently of the mall. 

E7.4 The aggregate unobstructed exit width in mm from each shop in an enclosed shopping centre with a 

mall, to a route which does not enter the mall must be at least 5.3 x the occupancy capacity of the shop. 

except - 

a. a shop, or shops, with a floor area more than 1300 m 2 and where the means of escape has been 

designed independently of the mall, and 

b. a kiosk not exceeding 25 m 2 and in which either the public are not admitted, or the depth from 

the mall is not more than 5 m. 

E7.5 The unobstructed width of each individual exit from the mall in an enclosed shopping centre with a mall 

must be at least 1.8 m wide. 


32E

33E 

E7.6 – E8.3 

E7.6 In an enclosed shopping centre with a mall, where a service corridor is used for means of escape directly 

from a shop or shops, the unobstructed width must be based on the total number of occupants of the largest 

shop that evacuates into the corridor, plus, other than at column positions, an additional width of 1 m. 

E7.7 In an enclosed shopping centre with a mall, where a service corridor is used for means of escape directly 

from a shop or shops, such service corridor must not be used for any form of storage. 

CRÈCHES 

E7.8 Every crèche provided within an enclosed shopping centre with a mall must be designed so that it is - 

a. at ground level or exit level; and 

b. not sited on a storey higher than those where parents or guardians may be located, unless escape 

is via the upper storey itself; and 

c. located adjacent to an external wall and has at least 2 exits, one of which must be directly to a 

place of safety. 

E8 Special requirements for means of escape for hospitals 

STOREYS AT A HEIGHT OF MORE THAN 7.5 m 

E8.1 In a hospital every storey at a height of more than 7.5 m containing departments to which patients have 

access, must either: 

a. comprise at least 4 compartments, each of which must have an area of at least 500 m 2 ; or 

b. have a hospital street (see E8.9) and at least 3 other compartments. 

STOREYS AT A HEIGHT OF MORE THAN 18 m 

E8.2 In a hospital every storey at a height of more than 18 m containing departments to which patients have 

access, must either - 

a. comprise at least 4 compartments, each of which must have an area of at least 500 m 2 ; or 

b. have a hospital street (see E8.9) and at least 3 other compartments each of which must have an 

area of at least 500 m 2 . 

COMPARTMENT EXITS 

E8.3 In a hospital where a storey is divided into three or more compartments, each compartment must have 

exits to - 

a. a compartment and a hospital street; or 

b. a compartment and an escape stair; or 

c. a compartment and a final exit. 


E

E 

E8.4 – E8.9 

ESCAPE ROUTES 

E8.4 An escape route from a hospital department to which patients have access, must be (see E5.3 and E5.4) 

to - 

a. a place of safety; or 

b. a protected zone; or 

c. an unprotected zone in another compartment or sub-compartment, 

except - 

in the case of an escape route from a ward bedroom it may be to another ward bedroom in a different 

compartment or sub-compartment. 

E8.5 In a hospital the unobstructed width of every escape route intended to be used by patients who require 

bed evacuation must be at least 1500 mm. 

ESCAPE STAIRS 

E8.6* In areas of hospitals providing patient sleeping accommodation, an escape stair must be not less than 

1300 mm and designed to facilitate mattress evacuation. 

E8.7 In a hospital where an escape stair in a protected zone serves an upper storey containing a department 

to which patients have access, access to the protected zone must be by way of a protected lobby (see 

D11.2), 

except - 

in the case of a storey at a height of not more than 18m, where access can be from the hospital street 

(see E8.9). 

E8.8 Every escape stair opening into the hospital street must be located so that the travel distance from an 

escape stair exit to a door leading directly to a place of safety is not more than 64 m. 

HOSPITAL STREET 

E8.9 A hospital street must - 

a. be a protected zone; and 

b. have an unobstructed width of at least 3 m; and 

c. be divided into at least 3 sub-compartments; and 

d. at ground storey have at least 2 final exits; and 

e. at upper storeys, have access to at least 2 escape stairs accessed from separate subcompartments, 

which are located so that - 


i. the distance between escape stairs is not more than 64 m, and 

ii. the distance of single direction of travel within the hospital street is not more than 15 m, 

and 

iii. the distance from a compartment exit to an escape stair is not more than 32 m; and 

f. not contain a shop or other commercial enterprise. 

34E

E8.10 A door from a hospital street to an adjoining compartment must - 

35E 

E8.10 – E9.1 

a. be located so that an alternative independent means of escape from each compartment is always 

available; and 

b. not be located in the same sub-compartment as a door to a protected zone containing a stairway 

or lift. 

E9 Lighting 

E9.1 Every part of an escape route must have artificial lighting providing a level of illumination not less than 

that provided by suitable emergency lighting supplied with electric current - 

a. by a protected circuit; and 

b. where it serves a protected zone, by a separate circuit from that supplying any other part of the 

escape route, 

except - 

except - 

a protected circuit is not required where emergency lighting is installed in accordance with E9.2, 

in a building to which Part 1 of the Cinematographic (Safety) (Scotland) Regulations 1955 apply. 


E

E 

E9.2 

E9.2* Suitable emergency lighting must be provided in accordance with the table to this standard - 

Table to E9.2: Emergency lighting 

Purpose group or Part of building requiring emergency lighting 

sub-group 

1A (other than 1. A protected zone or unprotected zone in a building with a storey at a 

a dwelling), 2-7 height of more than 18 m. 

2. A room with an occupancy capacity of more than 60 or any room containing 

an inner room with an occupancy capacity of more than 60, and 

any protected zone or unprotected zone serving such a room. 

3. An underground car park including any protected zone or unprotected 

zone serving it where less than 30% of the perimeter of the car park is 

open to the external air. 

4. A protected zone or unprotected zone serving a basement storey. 

5. A place of special fire risk (other than one requiring access only for the 

purposes of maintenance) and any protected zone or unprotected zone 

serving it. 

6. Any part of an air supported structure, other than one ancillary to a 

dwelling. 

Purpose group or Requirements additional to 1-6 above 

sub-group 

2 (other than a hospital) 7. A room with an occupancy capacity of more than 10 and any protected 

zone or unprotected zone serving such a room. 

8. A protected zone or unprotected zone serving a storey required to have 2 

or more escape routes other than, subject to 1. above, a storey in a building 

not more than 2 storeys high with a floor area of not more than 

300 m2 . 

9. A protected zone or unprotected zone in a single stair building of 

2 storeys or more with an occupancy capacity of 10 or more. 

2A hospital 10. Essential lighting circuits must be provided throughout and designed to 

provide not less than 30 percent of the normal lighting level. [1, 2] 

4 11. In shop premises, a protected zone or unprotected zone serving a storey 

required to have 2 or more escape routes. 

12. In an enclosed shopping centre with a mall on 2 or more storeys or 

having a total floor area more than 5,600 m2 , the mall and any protected 

zones or unprotected zones required to have at least 2 escape routes. 

5 13. A protected zone or unprotected zone serving - 

a. a storey required to have at least 2 escape routes; or 

b. any storey in a non-residential school of more than one storey. 

6 14. A protected zone or unprotected zone serving a storey required to have at 

least 2 escape routes. 

7A 15. A protected zone or unprotected zone serving a storey required to have at 

least 2 escape routes, other than in a single-storey building with a floor 

area of not more than 500 m2 . 

7C 16. A protected zone or unprotected zone serving any storey. 

Notes: 

1 In an area where a 15 second response time would be considered hazardous, (e.g. a stairway), 

emergency lighting must be provided by battery back-up giving a response time of not more than 

0.5 seconds. 

2. The distribution boards for essential and non-essential circuits may be in the same location but 

must be in separate cabinets. 


36E

E10 Facilities for fire-fighting 

ACCESS 

E10.1*Every building must be provided with suitable access for fire-fighting purposes. 

GROUND HYDRANTS 

37E 

E10.1 – E10.4 

E10.2*A building having a floor area more than 280 m 2 must be provided with suitably positioned and constructed 

ground hydrants, 

except - 

where no piped water supply is available and a suitable and adequate alternative source of supply is 

provided. 

E10.3 A ground hydrant must be connected to a water service pipe capable of delivering water at a flow rate of 

at least 1500 litres per minute, provided by - 

a. a water main vested in a public water authority; or 

b. a supply provided under the Fire Services Act 1947. 

PROVISION OF FIRE-FIGHTING FACILITIES 

E10.4*In a building of purpose sub-group 1A and purpose groups 2–7, at least 2 escape stairs must be provided 

with fire fighting facilities in accordance with the table to this standard and located so that they 

are, 

a. at least 20 m apart; and 

b. so that no point on any storey is further from a fire-fighting outlet than - 

i. 1 storey height, and 

ii. 60 m measured along an unobstructed route for fire hose. 


E

E 

E10.4 

Table to E10.4: Provision of fire-fighting facilities 

Storey height Purpose groups and Purpose groups and Purpose sub-group Purpose subpurpose 

sub-groups purpose sub-groups 2A with a hospital group 7C 

1A, 2A (except those 4, 7A and 7B where street 

with a hospital the storey has an 

street), 2B, 3, 5 and 6 area of more than 

and 4, 7A and 7B 900 m2 where the storey has 

an area not more 

than 900 m2 Basements at a Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting lift; Dry fire main 

depth more Fire-fighting lift; Fire-fighting lift; Suitable pressure (outlet located in 

than 10 m Suitable pressure Suitable pressure differential control; protected zone 

differential control; differential control; Dry fire main (outlet enclosing escape 

Dry fire main (outlet Dry fire main (outlet located at every stair). 

located in fire-fighting located in fire-fighting departmental 

lobby). lobby). entrance). 

Basements at a No provision Fire-fighting shaft; Dry fire main (outlet Dry fire main 

depth not more Dry fire main (outlet located at every (outlet located in 

than 10 m located in fire-fighting departmental protected zone 

lobby). entrance). enclosing escape 

stair). 

Upper storey No provision Protected lobby; Dry fire main (outlet No provision 

not more Dry fire main (outlet located at every 

than 7.5 m located in protected departmental 

lobby) [1]. entrance). 

Storey more Protected lobby; Protected lobby; Dry fire main (outlet Dry fire main 

than 7.5 m and Dry fire main (outlet Dry fire main (outlet located at every (outlet located in 

not more than located in protected located in protected departmental protected zone 

18 m lobby) [1]. lobby) [1]. entrance). enclosing 

escape stair). 

Storey more Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting lift[2]; 

than 18 m and Fire-fighting lift [2]; Fire-fighting lift [2]; Fire-fighting lift [2]; Dry fire main 

not more than Dry fire main (outlet Dry fire main (outlet Dry fire main (outlet (outlet located in 

60 m located in fire-fighting located in fire-fighting located at every protected zone 

lobby). lobby). departmental enclosing 

entrance). escape stair). 

Storey more Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting shaft; Fire-fighting lift [2]; 

than 60 m Fire-fighting lift [2]; Fire-fighting lift [2]; Fire-fighting lift [2]; Wet fire main 

Wet fire main (outlet Wet fire main (outlet Wet fire main (outlet (outlet located in 

located in fire-fighting located in fire-fighting located at every protected zone 

lobby). lobby). departmental enclosing escape 

entrance). stair). 

Notes: 

1 The protected lobby provided must have an area of at least 5 m 2 . 

2 A fire-fighting lift need not serve the top storey of a building where the top storey is for service 

plant use only and is equipped with a wet or dry fire main and a fire-fighting outlet wherea. 

there is access to an escape stair from the storey below, and 

b. the foot of the escape stair is not more than 4.5 m from a fire-fighting lift. 


38E

39E 

E10.5 – E10.11 

E10.5 Every single storey hospital with a hospital street must be provided with a dry fire main with an outlet 

located in the hospital street at every hospital departmental entrance, 

except - 

a dry fire main need not be provided where no part of the storey is more than 60 m measured along an 

unobstructed route, not being a protected zone, for the fire hose from the access point or points. 

E10.6 Every single storey shopping mall must be provided with a dry fire main with an outlet located not more 

than 5 m from a Fire Brigade access point, 

except- 

a dry fire main need not be provided where no part of the storey is more than 60 m measured along an 

unobstructed route, not being a protected zone, for the fire hose from the access point or points. 

E10.7*A wet fire main must be of suitable construction and, where an inlet is provided for the emergency 

replenishment of the suction tank, provided with a parking space for a pumping appliance located - 

a. i. when one such inlet is provided, not more than 18 m from the inlet, or 

ii. when more than 1 such inlet is provided, not more than 18 m from the inlet nearest an 

appropriately located entrance, and sited not more than 60 m from all other inlets; and 

b. sited so that there is a clear route for the hose between the pumping appliance access and the wet 

riser inlet. 

E10.8*A dry fire main must be of suitable construction, and where there is - 

a. i. 1 such fire main, the inlet must be located not more than 18 m from a parking space for a 

pumping appliance, or 

ii. more than 1 such fire main, the inlet must be located not more than 18 m from a parking 

space for a pumping appliance to the inlet at an appropriately located entrance, and sited 

not more than 60 m from all other inlets; and 

b. sited so that there is a clear route for the hose between the pumping appliance access and the dry 

riser inlet. 

E10.9*A fire-fighting shaft must be provided with - 

a. a suitably constructed and ventilated fire-fighting lobby, having not more than 1 door to the room 

or storey it serves; and 

b. suitable provision for the control of smoke. 

E10.10 A fire-fighting shaft must serve all storeys in a building, 

except - 

a. a fire-fighting shaft serving an upper storey need not serve a basement storey unless it is required 

by the Table to E10.4; and 

b. a fire-fighting shaft serving a basement storey need not serve an upper story unless it is required 

by the Table to E10.4. 

E10.11*A fire-fighting lift must be of a suitable construction and entered only from - 

a. a fire-fighting lobby having not more than 1 door to the room or storey it serves; or 

b. an open access balcony or an access deck. 


E

E 

E10.12 – E10.16 

E10.12An enclosed shopping centre with a mall on 2 or more storeys or having a total floor area more than 

5600 m 2 must have a fire control room - 

a. constructed as a separate compartment (see D3); and 

b. with access points away from the discharge points for the public and with an alternative means of 

escape; and 

c. located adjacent to a fire service access point and accessible from open air. 

SMOKE VENTILATION OF ESCAPE ROUTES 

E10.13 An escape stair within a protected zone must have - 

a. a ventilator of not less than 1 m 2 at the top of the stair; or 

b. an opening window at each storey. 

E10.14 Every access corridor or part of an access corridor, in a building of purpose sub-group 1A, must be 

provided with openable ventilators, with an aggregate opening area to the external air of at least 1.5 m 2 

and providing for exhaust at or near ceiling level and for supply at or near floor level, 

except - 

an open access balcony or an access deck having an opening or openings to the external air extending 

over at least four-fifths of its length and at least one third of its height. 

SMOKE VENTILATION OF BASEMENT STOREYS 

E10.15*Suitable smoke outlets, communicating directly with the external air, must be provided from every 

basement storey, and where the basement storey is divided into compartments from every compartment 

of the basement storey, 

except - 

a. in a building of purpose sub-groups 1B, 1C or 7C; or 

b. where the floor area of the basement storey is not more than 200 m 2 ; or 

c. where the basement storey is at a depth of not more than 4.5 m; or 

d. where a window or windows opening direct to the external air have a total area not less than 1% 

of the floor area; or 

e. where the basement storey or part of the basement storey is used as a strong room; or 

f. where the basement storey has an appropriate fire control system and is ventilated by a suitable 

mechanical smoke and heat extraction system. 

ROLLING SHUTTERS 

E10.16 All rolling shutters in compartment walls (see D3.14) must be capable of being opened and closed 

manually by the Fire Brigade. 


40E

E11 Means of warning of fire 

E11.1*A dwelling must be provided with - 

41E 

E11.1 – E11.3 

a. where any storey is not more than 200 m 2 , at least 1 smoke alarm suitably located on each storey; 

or 

b. where any storey is more than 200 m 2 , a suitable fire detection and alarm system. 

E11.2*A building in purpose group 2 must be provided with a suitable fire detection and alarm system. 

E11.3*An enclosed shopping centre with a mall on 2 or more storeys or having a total floor area more than 

5600 m 2 , must be provided with a suitable fire detection and alarm system. 


E

E 

(E2.4, E5.11, E2.11, E2.12) 


REVOLVING DOOR, SLIDING DOOR OR AUTOMATIC DOOR 

(E2.4)(E5.11) 

The requirements of E2.4e and E5.11e for a revolving door, sliding door or automatic door will be met 

by a door which complies with BS 7036: 1996; and 

a. is arranged to fail safely to outward opening from any position of opening; or 

b. i. is provided with a monitored fail-safe system for opening the door from any position in 

the event of mains supply failure and also in the event of a failure of the opening sensing 

device, and 


ii opens automatically from any position in the event of the actuation of any fire alarm in the 

fire alarm zone within which the door is situated, and 

iii. permits easy manual opening from any position. 

AUTOMATIC OPENING VENTILATORS 

(E2.11)(E2.12) 

Where suitable automatic opening ventilators are required under E2.11 and E2.12, they should - 

a. have an aggregate opening area of at least 1.5 m 2 ; and 

b. provide for exhaust at or near ceiling level and for supply at or near floor level; and 

c. be activated by automatic smoke detection fixed to the ceiling of - 

i. the protected lobby in the case of E2.11, or 

ii. located in the corridor in the case of E2.12 and fitted with a manual override for fire 

service use. 

Note: 

Detectors should be evenly spaced and - 

A. with the distance between the detectors not more than 20 m; and 

B. at least 500 mm from any side of the lobby or corridor; and 

C. with the detector-sensing element more than 35 mm and not more than 300 mm from the 

soffit of the ceiling; and 

D. with a detector situated not more than 5 m from any change of direction in the lobby or 

corridor exceeding 45º; and 

E. with any part of a lobby or corridor divided from any other part by a beam or other 

obstruction projecting more than 600 mm below the soffit of the ceiling shall be deemed 

to be a separate lobby or corridor. 

42E

FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM 

43E 

(E2.14 – E8.6) 

(E2.14)The requirements of E2.14b.iii will be met when smoke alarms are provided in each dwelling as specified 

in E11.1, and an alarm and detection system complying with BS 5839: Part 1: 1988 Type L2 is 

installed in the common areas. 

EMERGENCY ESCAPE WINDOWS 

(E2.17)(E3.2) 

The requirements of E2.17 and E3.2 will be met by a window, or a door (french window) - 

a. situated in an external wall or roof; and 

b. having an unobstructed openable area that is at least 0.33 m 2 and at least 450 mm high and 

450 mm wide (the route through the window maybe at an angle rather than straight through); and 

c. where the bottom of the openable area is not more than 1100 mm above the floor. 

FIXED LADDERS 

(E5.11)The requirements of E5.11g will be met by a fixed ladder which complies with the recommendations of 

BS 5395: Part 3: 1985. 

DOORS ACROSS ESCAPE ROUTES 

(E5.19)(E5.20) 

The requirements of E5.19 and E5.20 for a suitable lock or fastening will be met when it is in accord 

with the guidance in the Builders Hardware Industry Federation, Code of Practice, “Hardware for 

Timber Fire and Escape Doors”. 

PRESSURISATION 

(E5.23) The requirements of E5.23 for pressurisation will be met by a smoke control system employing pressure 

differentials in accordance with BS 5588: Part 4: 1998, but assuming a minimum pressure of 25 Pa 

based on a wind speed of 22 m/sec. 

MATTRESS EVACUATION STAIRS 

(E8.6) The requirement of E8.6 will be met by a stair having the landing configuration appropriate to its width 

as specified in the table to this specification - 

Table to (E8.6): Stair and landing configuration for mattress evacuation 

Stair width (mm) Minimum landing width (mm) Minimum landing depth (mm) 

1300 2800 1850 

1400 3000 1750 

1500 3200 1550 

1600 3400 1600 

1700 3600 1700 

1800 3800 1800 


E

E 

(E9.2, E10.1) 

EMERGENCY LIGHTING 

(E9.2) The requirements of E9.2 will be met where emergency lighting is installed in - 

ACCESS 

a. cinemas, bingo halls, ballrooms, dance halls and bowling alleys, in accordance with CP1007: 

1955; and 

b. any other building, in accordance with BS 5266: Part 1: 1999. 

In the case of a building with a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system the emergency lighting 

should be installed so that it is not rendered ineffective by smoke filled reservoirs. 

(E10.1) The requirements of E10.1 will be met in the case of a house where an access route is provided from a 

public road, in accordance with the table to this specification, to not more than 45 m from a door giving 

direct access to the interior of the house. 

The requirements of E10.1 will be met in the case of a building, other than a house, where - 

a. an access route is provided, or in the case of a hospital more than 1 access route, from a public 

road, in accordance with the table to this specification, as prescribed in E10.2, E10.7 and E10.8 

and to the rear of the building when - 


i. the building has any storey more than 900 m 2 , or 

ii. the building has a perimeter more than 150 m, or 

iii. pedestrian access is not possible around the building; and 

b. in consultation with the Fire Authority, it is determined that an operating space or spaces for a 

high reach appliance is required, the operating space(s) - 

i. is at least 6 m wide and 20 m long, with the nearer edge at least 2.2 m from the face of the 

building, and 

ii. has an unobstructed air space of at least 2.2 m beyond the further edge of the operating 

space (see diagram below), and 

iii. has a ground loading capacity of the operating space not less than 8.3 kg/cm 2 , and 

iv. is level or does not have a gradient more than 1 in 12; and 

c. every perimeter wall (elevation) to which vehicle access is required has a door giving access to 

the interior of the building. 

The requirements of E10.1 will be met, in the case of every building where a turning facility is provided 

in any dead-end route that is more than 20 m long. This may be a hammerhead or turning circle, 

designed on the basis of the table to this standard as appropriate. 

44E

45E 

(E10.1, E10.2) 

Table to (E10.1): Access route requirements for fire-fighting vehicles 

Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Surface capable 

width of width of clearance turning turning of supporting a 

road gateways height (m) circle circle minimum axle 

between etc (m) between between loading (tonnes) 

kerbs (m) kerbs (m) walls (m) 

House 3.7 3.5 3.7 16.8 19.2 14 

Building other 

than a house [1] 

Note: 

3.7 3.5 4.0 26.0 29.0 14 

1. Where, in consultation with the Fire Authority, access is provided for pumping appliances only, 

the dimensions for a house may be used. 

Diagram to (E10.1): Dimensions of operating space for high reach fire appliances 

GROUND HYDRANTS 

building 

OPERATING 

SPACE at least 6 m wide 

not more than 2.2 m from the building 

at least 20 m long 

at least 2.2 m clear space for platform swing 

(E10.2)The requirement of E10.2 for suitably positioned and constructed ground hydrants will be met where the 

hydrants are - 

a. positioned externally, for each building or common to more than 1 building - 

i. not more than 60 m from an entrance to the building, and 

ii. distributed around the building so that no external elevation of the building is more than 

60 m from a hydrant, and 

iii. so that hydrants are at least 6 m from the building, and 

iv. located adjacent to a parking space for a pumping appliance, and 

v. where a parking space is required in E10.7 or E10.8 for a fire appliance, adjacent to the 

parking space, and 

vi so as to be accessible for use at all times, and 

vii. so that there is a clear route for the fire hose between the hydrant and the building; and 

b. constructed in accordance with BS 750: 1984. 


E

E 

(E10.2 – E10.11) 

The requirements of E10.2 for an alternative source of water will be met by - 

a. a charged static water tank of at least 45,000 litre capacity; or 

b. a spring, river, canal, loch or pond, to which access and space are available for a pumping appliance, 

capable of providing or storing at least 45,000 litres of water for fire-fighting purposes. 

Note: 

Consultation with the Fire Authority is advised on all matters concerning ground hydrants and water 

supplies. 

FIRE-FIGHTING SHAFTS 

(E10.4)(E10.9) 

FIRE MAINS 

The requirement of E10.4 for suitable stair pressure differential control, of E10.9 for ventilation and of 

E10.9 for smoke control will be met where pressurisation and ventilation is provided in accordance with 

Clause 8 of BS 5588: Part 5: 1991. 

(E10.7)The requirements of E10.7 will be met where - 

a. the wet fire main is in accordance with BS 5306: Part1: 1976 (1988); and 

b. the landing valves conform to BS 5041: Part 1: 1987. 

(E10.8) The requirements of E10.8 will be met where the main is in accordance with BS 5306: Part 1: 1976 

(1988); and where there are - 

a. landing valves for dry fire mains, they conform to BS 5041: Part 2: 1987; and 

b. inlet breechings for dry fire mains, they conform to BS 5041: Part 3: 1975 (1987); and 

c. boxes for landing valves for dry fire mains, they conform to BS 5041: Part 4: 1975 (1987); and 

d. boxes for dry fire mains, they conform to BS 5041: Part 5: 1974 (1987). 

The requirements of E10.7 and E10.8 for an appropriately located entrance will be met where it is 

established in consultation with the Fire Authority. 

FIRE-FIGHTING LOBBIES 

(E10.9)(E10.11) 

The requirements of E10.9 and E10.11 for a suitably constructed fire-fighting lobby will be met by a 

lobby constructed in accordance with Clause 6 of BS 5588: Part 5: 1991. 

FIRE-FIGHTING LIFTS 

(E10.11) The requirements of E10.11 for a lift of a suitable construction will be met where the fire-fighting lift 

complies with Section 3 and 4 of BS 5588: Part 5: 1991. 


46E

VENTING OF HEAT AND SMOKE FROM BASEMENT STOREYS 

(E10.15)The requirements of E10.15 will be met by smoke outlets that - 

a. are sited at ceiling level within the room they serve; and 

47E 

(E10.15, E11.1) 

b. have an aggregate cross-sectional area of at least 2.5% of the floor area of the room they serve; 

and 

c. are evenly distributed around the perimeter of the building; and 

d. discharge directly to the open air at a point at least 2 m, measured horizontally, from any part of 

an escape route or exit, and have a sign stating SMOKE OUTLET FROM BASEMENT, DO 

NOT OBSTRUCT fixed adjacent to each external outlet point; and 

e. where they serve a place of special fire risk are separate from the smoke outlets from other areas; 

and 

f. discharge by means of windows, panels or pavement lights which are readily accessible to the 

Fire Brigade and which can be opened or knocked out by the Fire Brigade; and 

g. where required are enclosed by a smoke venting shaft as specified in Part D3.11; and 

h. where there are smoke venting shafts from different parts of the same basement storey, or from 

different basement storeys, they are separated; and 

i. are covered with a metal grille or louvre. 

The requirements of E10.15f. for a suitable mechanical smoke and heat extraction system will be met by 

incorporating a powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilator which has a capacity of at least 10 air 

changes per hour and conforms to BS 7346: Part 2: 1990 with a class D level of performance. 

The requirements of E10.15f. for an appropriate fire control system will be met by a sprinkler system 

which conforms to BS 5306: Part 2: 1990. 

AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION IN DWELLINGS 

(E11.1) The requirements of E11.1a will be met by a smoke alarm with a standby supply, complying with 

BS 5446: Part 1: 1990 and installed in accordance with the provisions of a. to e. below - 

a. The standby power supply for the smoke alarm should take the form of a primary battery, a secondary 

battery or a capacitor. The capacity of the standby supply should be sufficient to power the 

smoke alarm when the mains power supply is off for at least 72 hours while giving an audible 

warning of mains power supply being off. There should remain sufficient capacity to provide a 

warning of smoke for a further 4 minutes. An audible warning should be given at least once every 

minute where the capacity of the standby power supply falls below that required to satisfy the 

recommended standby duration when the mains power supply is on; or persist for at least 15 days 

when the mains power supply is off. 

b. A smoke alarm should be located - 

i. in a circulation area which will be used as a route along which to escape, not more than 

7 m from the door to a living room or kitchen and not more than 3 m from the door to a 

room intended to be used as sleeping accommodation, the dimensions to be measured 

horizontally, 

ii. where the circulation area is more than 15 m long, not more than 15 m from another 

smoke alarm on the same storey, 


E

E 

(E11.1, E11.2) 


iii. where designed for ceiling mounting, at least 300 mm away from any wall or light fitting, 

or if designed for wall mounting, more than 150 mm and not more than 300 mm below 

the ceiling, 

iv. at least 300 mm away from, and not directly above, a heater or air conditioning outlet, and 

v. on a surface which is normally at the ambient temperature of the rest of the room or 

circulation area in which the smoke alarm is situated. 

Note: 

The above provisions are broadly in line with the recommendations of BS 5839: Part 6: 1995 for 

a Grade D Type LD3 system. 

c. Where more than 1 smoke alarm is installed in a dwelling they should be interconnected so that 

detection of a fire by any one of them operates the alarm signal in all of them. 

d. A smoke alarm should be permanently wired to a circuit. The mains supply to the smoke alarm 

should take the form of either - 

i. an independent circuit at the dwelling’s main distribution board, in which case no other 

electrical equipment should be connected to this circuit (other than a dedicated monitoring 

device installed to indicate failure of the mains supply to the smoke alarms), or 

ii. a separately electrically protected, regularly used local lighting circuit. 

Note: 

Where smoke alarms are of a type that may be interconnected, all smoke alarms should be connected 

on a single final circuit. 

e. Any smoke alarm in a dwelling which forms part of residential accommodation with a warden or 

supervisor, should have a connection to a central monitoring unit so that in the event of fire the 

warden or supervisor can identify the dwelling concerned, and the system should comply with the 

recommendations in BS 5839: Part 6: 1995 for a Grade C Type LD3 installation. 

The requirements of E11.1b will be met by an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying 

with BS 5839: Part 1: 1988: Type L3. 

AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION IN BUILDINGS OF PURPOSE GROUP 2 

(E11.2)The requirements of E11.2 for a suitable fire detection and alarm system in the case of a building of 

purpose sub-group 2A, will be met by an automatic detection and alarm system where - 

a. manual fire alarm call points are provided and sited as specified in BS 5839: Part 1: 1988; and 

b. automatic detection is provided to the L1 standard, complying with BS 5839: Part 1: 1988, 

except - 

detection need not be provided in - 

i. sanitary accommodation, and 

ii. a lockable cupboard with a plan area not more than 1 m 2 , and 

iii. a void and roof space which contain only mineral insulated wiring or wiring laid on metal 

trays or in metal conduits, metal pipes or plastic pipes used for water supply or drainage, 

and ventilating ducts; and 

48E

49E 

(E11.2, 11.3) 

c. the fire alarm is activated upon the operation of manual call points, automatic detection or the 

operation of any sprinkler system installed; and 

d. the building should be divided into detection zones not extending beyond a single compartment, 

except - 

in a hospital the detection zone should not extend beyond a single sub-compartment; and 

e. the audibility level of the fire alarm sounders complies with BS 5839: Part 1: 1988, 

except - 

i. in a hospital department to which patients have access, when the audibility need only be 

55dB(A) or 5 dB(A) above the level of background noise, whichever is greater, or 

ii. in a place of lawful detention, the alarm need not be sounded; and 

f. a main fire alarm control panel is provided at - 

i. the main entrance, or a suitably located entrance, to the building, and; 

ii. in hospitals, repeater panels should be provided at all other Fire Brigade access points; and 

g. on the actuation of the fire alarm a signal is transmitted automatically to the Fire Brigade, either 

directly or by way of a remote centre, designed and operated in accordance with BS 5979: 1993, 

except - 

in the case of a building in purpose sub-group 2A designed to accommodate not more than 10 residents, 

where the fire detection and alarm system complies with that for a building of purpose sub-group 2B. 

The requirements of E11.2 for a suitable fire detection and alarm system in the case of a building of 

purpose sub-group 2B, will be met by an automatic detection and alarm system where - 

a. manual fire alarm call points are provided and sited as specified in BS 5839 Part1 1988; and 

b. automatic detection is provided to the L2 standard, complying with BS5839: Part 1: 1988; and 

c. the fire alarm is activated upon the operation of manual call points, automatic detection or the 

operation of any sprinkler system installed; and 

d. the audibility level of the fire alarm sounders complies with BS 5839: Part 1: 1988, 

except - 

in the case of shared residential accommodation designed to provide sleeping accommodation for not 

more than 6 persons, and having no sleeping accommodation below ground level or above first floor 

level, a smoke alarm system as specified in E11.1a. may be provided. 

AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION IN ENCLOSED SHOPPING CENTRES WITH MALLS 

(E11.3)The requirements of E11.3 for a suitable fire detection and alarm system will be met by an automatic 

detection and alarm system where - 

a. automatic detection is provided to the L2 standard, complying with BS 5839: Part 1:1988; and 

b. the fire alarm is also activated upon the operation of the sprinklers, or manual call points (complying 

with BS 5839 Part 1: 1988); and 


E

E 

(E6.1) 

c. on the activation of the alarm in a shop, evacuation may be restricted to the shop concerned for a 

grace period not more than 4 minutes, unless during that time there is further detection in the 

mall, in which case the evacuation of the shopping centre should be commenced; and 

d. notwithstanding this grace period, immediately upon activation of the alarm a message should be 

sent to an appropriate fire station or manned agency; and 

e. in the case of the activation of the alarm anywhere other than in an individual shop, or on activation 

of sprinklers anywhere within the shopping centre, evacuation should be commenced immediately 

and there is no grace period; and 

f. all areas of the shopping centre, including shops, are alerted using a voice alarm system complying 

with BS 5839: Part 8: 1998, however individual shops may use conventional sounders for the 

internal fire alarm; and 

g. the fire alarm system is interfaced with other fire safety systems, to operate in the correct zones; 

and 

h. on the operation of the fire alarm - 


i. all escalators come to a controlled halt and lifts should return to the ground storey (or exit 

level), 

ii. all systems within the mall or shops which play amplified music are silenced, 

iii. any smoke dampers required to prevent the siphoning of smoke are activated, and 

iv. (subject to the grace period where appropriate) all air-moving systems, mains and pilot 

gas outlets, combustion air blowers and gas, electrical and other heating appliances in the 

reservoir are shutdown; and 

i. the main fire alarm system control panel is within the control room; and 

j. indicator panels are provided at each of the fire-fighting accesses. 

50E

COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS AND 

STORAGE OF LIQUID AND GASEOUS FUELSF

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 14 

Combustion appliance installations 

REGULATION 15 

Storage of liquid and gaseous fuels 

THE STANDARDS 

F1 Application of Part F F1.1-F1.2 

F2 Large combustion appliance installations F2.1 

F3 General standards for small combustion appliance installations 

Installations F3.1-F3.2 

Removal of products of combustion F3.3-F3.4 

Protection from products of combustion F3.5-F3.8 

Relationship to combustible materials F3.9 

Extract fans F3.10-F3.11 

Identification of combustion appliance installations F3.12 

Incinerators F3.13 

F4 Solid fuel combustion appliance installations with an output 

rating not more than 50 kW 

Installations F4.1 

Appliances F4.2 

Supply of air for combustion F4.3 



Relationship to combustible materials F4.14-F4.21 

F5 Oil-fired combustion appliance installations with a net input 





Supply of air for cooling F5.4 



F6 Gas-fired combustion appliance installations with a net input 





Supply of air for cooling F6.4 




F7 Storage of liquid and gaseous fuels 

Oil storage 

Liquefied petroleum gas storage more than 

F7.1-F7.3 

9000 litres capacity 

Liquefied petroleum gas storage not more than 

F7.4 

9000 litres capacity F7.5 

3F 


F

F 



(F2.1) Large combustion appliance installations 

(F3.1) Installations 

(F3.4) Removal of products of combustion 

(F3.5- Protection from products of combustion 

F3.8) 

(F3.9) Relationship to combustible materials 

(F3.11) Extract fans 

(F3.12) Identification of combustion appliance installations 

(F4.2) Appliances 

(F4.3) Supply of air for combustion 

(F4.5, Removal of products of combustion 

F4.8, 

F4.10) 

(F4.11, Protection from products of combustion 

F4.12) 

(F4.17- Relationship to combustible materials 

F4.19, 

F4.21) 



(F5.4) Supply of air for cooling 

(F5.7, Removal of products of combustion 

F5.8, 

F5.10) 

(F5.11- Relationship to combustible materials 

F5.13) 



(F6.4) Supply of air for cooling 

(F6.5- Removal of products of combustion 

F6.7, 

F6.9, 

F6.10) 

(F6.11, Protection from products of combustion 

F6.13) 

(F6.16, Relationship to combustible materials 

F6.17) 

(F7.1- Oil storage 

F7.3) 

(F7.4) Liquefied petroleum gas storage more than 9000 litres capacity 

(F7.5) Liquefied petroleum gas storage not more than 9000 litres capacity 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 

Throughout the Technical Standards a term in italics is a defined term. The definition is listed in 

Part A, General. 

4F

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that combustion appliance installations, 

liquefied petroleum gas tanks and fuel oil storage tanks are properly 

constructed and safely installed. 

2. The requirements do not apply to liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks 

with a capacity not more than 150 litres water equivalent as these have to 

satisfy the Health and Safety Executive requirements. Nor do they apply 

to oil storage containers less than 90 litres. 

3. Measures must be taken to ensure that - 

a. combustion appliance installations are safe and are of an acceptable 

standard; 

b. the installation does not create a fire risk; 

c. sufficient air for combustion and appliance cooling where necessary, 

is available; 

d. the products of combustion are conveyed safely to the outside air; 

and 

e. chimneys, flue-pipes and hearths are constructed of materials suitable 

for their purpose. 

4. For large combustion appliance installations generalised standards are 

given. Such installations will be dealt with by specialists, usually with reference 

to British Standards or other recognised codes, to meet Regulation 14. 

5. For small combustion appliance installations the standards cover in 

detail all the areas of concern listed in paragraph 3. However, the requirements 

are intended to reduce risk and do not attempt to cover such matters 

as the efficient functioning of flues, which may depend on pressure zones 

peculiar to a location and building. The appropriate British Standard or 

other recognised code may have to be consulted. 

6. The measures included in this Part are intended to address concerns 

about the risk from flue gases, that may contain carbon monoxide, escaping 

into the building. As buildings become more airtight and there is less 

fortuitous or adventitious ventilation, care should be taken to ensure there 

is sufficient air for combustion, the flue is functioning properly and there 

is no conflict with the operation of any air extract fan(s). 

7. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, enforced by the 

Health and Safety Executive, apply to all gas installations covered by this 

Part. Part F includes requirements with regard to such installations, but 

avoids duplication of information contained in the HSE regulations. 

8. There are other requirements that will have to be taken into account in 

certain cases. Part D (Structural Fire Precautions) for example, has 

requirements for large combustion appliance installations, other than 

kitchen appliances, to be located in a place of special fire risk. Part K 

(Ventilation of buildings) has requirements relating to the provision of air 

for human occupation. These requirements are in addition to, and must be 

kept separate from, any air supply required by this Part. Part K also has 

requirements relating to a flue in an open-flued combustion appliance 

being used as a passive stack ventilation system. 

5F 


F

F 

Regulations 14 & 15 

Combustion appliance installations 

14. Every fixed combustion appliance installation 

incorporating an appliance designed to burn 

solid fuel (namely, fuel in solid form including 

wood and peat) or gaseous or liquid fuel shall 

be so constructed and installed that - 

(a) it operates safely; 

(b) its operation does not cause damage by 

heat or fire to the building in which it is 

installed; 

(c) the products of combustion do not cause a 

risk to health; and 

(d) it receives sufficient air for its safe 

operation. 

Storage of liquid and gaseous fuels 

15. (1.) Every oil storage intallation with a tank 

capacity more than 90 litres, for the 

storage of fuel oil used principally to 

serve a combustion appliance providing 

space or water heating, or cooking facilities, 

shall be so constructed and installed 

as to minimise the risk of - 

(a) fire spreading to the tank; and 

(b) the contents of the tank contaminating 

any water supply, watercourse, drain 

or sewer. 

(2.) Every liquefied petroleum gas storage 

installation with a container capacity more 

than 150 litres (water equivalent), for the 

storage of liquified petroleum gas used 

principally to serve a combustion appliance 

providing space or water heating, or 

cooking facilities, shall be so constructed 

and installed as to minimise the risk of - 

(a) fire spreading to the container; and 

(b) the contents of the container forming 

explosive gas pockets in the vicinity 

of any liquefied petroleum gas storage 

container. 


6F

The standards 

F1 Application of Part F 

F1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 14 and 15. 

F1.2 The standards apply to all buildings in respect of their - 

a. combustion appliance installations; and 

b. oil storage systems where the tank capacity is more than 90 litres; and 

c. liquefied petroleum gas storage installations where the tank or cylinder capacity is more than 150 

litres water equivalent. 

F2 Large combustion appliance installations 

F2.1* A large combustion appliance installation (solid fuel with an output rating more than 50 kW and oilfired 

and gas-fired, with a net input rating more than 70 kW) must be suitably constructed and installed 

so that - 

a. it operates safely; and 

b. its operation does not cause damage by heat or fire to the building in which it is installed; and 

c. the products of combustion do not cause a risk to health; and 

d. it receives sufficient air for its safe operation; and 

e. any associated chimney or flue-pipe will prevent, as far as is reasonably practicable, the escape of 

smoke, grit, dust or gases into any building. 

F3 General standards for small combustion appliance installations 

INSTALLATIONS 

F3.1* A small combustion appliance installation (solid fuel with an output rating not more than 50 kW and oilfired 

and gas-fired, with a net input rating not more than 70 kW) must be suitably constructed and 

installed so that it operates safely. 

F3.2 Where a combustion appliance installation is intended to operate with more than one type of fuel, each 

component must be constructed and installed to meet the most onerous requirement for the relevant 

fuels. 

7F 

F1.1 – F3.2 


F

F 

F3.3 – F3.9 

REMOVAL OF PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION 

F3.3 A combustion appliance must be connected to a chimney or flue-pipe that discharges to the external air, 

except - 

where the combustion appliance is designed to operate without discharging the products of combustion 

to the outside air. 

F3.4* A flue terminal not more than 2m above ground level, or where people are likely to come into contact 

with it, must be - 

a. designed so as to resist the entry of any matter that may restrict the flue; and 

b. protected by a suitable terminal guard. 

PROTECTION FROM PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION 

F3.5* A chimney must be - 

a. suitably constructed of a masonry material with a flue liner; or 

b. suitably constructed of prefabricated block components; or 

c. a factory-made chimney. 

F3.6* A factory-made chimney must be suitable for its purpose. 

F3.7* A factory-made chimney must be suitably installed and must not - 

a. pass through a compartment wall, compartment floor, separating wall or separating floor, 

except - 

where the chimney, or a non-combustible casing totally enclosing the chimney, is constructed in 

such a way that, in the event of fire the level of fire safety performance required of the compartment 

wall, compartment floor, separating wall or separating floor is maintained (see D1.3); 

b. pass through any storage space, cupboard or roof space, 

except - 

where the chimney is suitably shielded by a removable casing; 

c. incorporate joints within any wall, floor, ceiling or roof. 

F3.8* A flue system must be essentially uniform, suitably gas-tight, free from obstructions and resistant to 

corrosion from combustion products. 

RELATIONSHIP TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS 

F3.9* A factory-made chimney must be placed at a safe distance from any combustible material. 


8F

EXTRACT FANS 

F3.10 An extract fan must not be fitted in the same room as an open-flued solid fuel appliance. 

F3.11*Where an open-flued combustion appliance draws air for combustion or cooling from a room or space in 

which a fan is fitted, the appliance and associated flue must be able to operate safely. 

IDENTIFICATION OF COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

F3.12*Every combustion appliance installation must have a suitably positioned label of durable material, 

indelibly marked to indicate its limitations of use. 

INCINERATORS 

F3.13 An incinerator, together with any associated chimney, flue-pipe and hearth must be constructed and 

installed, irrespective of the type of fuel used, in accordance with the requirements of F4.2 to F4.20 

(solid fuel). 

F4 Solid fuel combustion appliance installations with an output rating 

not more than 50 kW 

INSTALLATIONS 

F4.1 A solid fuel (namely, fuel in solid form including wood and peat) appliance with an output rating not 

more than 50 kW, and any associated chimney, flue-pipe and hearth, must be constructed and installed in 

accordance with the requirements of F3.1 to F3.12 (general) and F4.2 to F4.21. 

APPLIANCES 

F4.2* A solid fuel appliance must be suitable for its purpose and for the type of fuel that it will burn. 

SUPPLY OF AIR FOR COMBUSTION 

F4.3* A solid fuel appliance installed in a room or space must have an adequate supply of air for combustion 

by way of permanent ventilation either direct to the open air or to an adjoining space (including a subfloor 

space) that is itself permanently ventilated direct to the open air. (See also F3.10 and F3.11) 


F4.4 Each solid fuel appliance must be connected to a separate flue. 

F4.5* The area of a flue must be suitable for the type of solid fuel appliance served. 

F4.6 The angle of any change of direction in a flue must not be more than 45º from the vertical, 

except - 

where a back-entry appliance discharges into a flue, the horizontal length of flue-pipe at the point of 

discharge must not exceed 150mm. 

9F 

F3.10 – F4.6 


F

F 

F4.6 – F4.12 

Diagram to F4.6: Flue-pipe connection to back-entry solid fuel appliance 

F4.7 A flue must have no intermediate openings, 

except - 

a. a draught stabiliser or draught diverter that is in the same room or space as the solid fuel appliance 

being served; 

b. an explosion door; 

c. an opening for inspection or cleaning that is fitted with a non-combustible, rigid, gas-tight cover. 

F4.8* Suitable access must be provided for inspection and cleaning of a flue and appliance. 

F4.9 A flue-pipe must not be fixed externally to a building. 

F4.10*The outlet from a flue must be positioned at a safe distance from any obstructions or flammable or 

vulnerable materials. 


F4.11*A flue in a chimney must - 

a. be separated from every other flue; and 

chimney 

flue 

flue-pipe 

explosion door or not more than 45˚ 

inspection opening 

as F4.7b or c appliance 

150 mm maximum 

horizontal length 

Section through appliance and flue-pipe 

b. extend from the solid fuel appliance to the top of the chimney; and 

c. be surrounded by non-combustible material that is capable of withstanding the effects of a 

chimney fire, without any structural change that would impair the stability or performance of the 

chimney, 

except - 

the chimney may include damp proof course(s) of combustible material. 

F4.12*A flue-pipe must be non-combustible and of suitable materials and construction capable of withstanding 

the effects of a chimney fire, without any structural change that would impair the stability or performance 

of the flue-pipe. 


10F

F4.13 A flue-pipe may only be used to connect a solid fuel appliance to a chimney and must not pass through - 

a. a roof space; 

b. an internal wall, 

except - 

where the flue-pipe discharges into a flue in a chimney formed wholly or partly by a non-combustible 

wall; 

c. a ceiling or floor, 

except - 

where the ceiling or floor is non-combustible and the flue-pipe discharges into a chimney immediately 

above. 


F4.14 A flue-pipe must be separated from combustible material by a distance equivalent to at least 3 times the 

diameter of the flue-pipe, 

except - 

a. the distance may be reduced to 1.5 times the diameter of the flue-pipe where there is, between the 

flue-pipe and the combustible material, a non-combustible shield that - 

i. extends a distance equivalent to at least 1.5 times the diameter of the flue-pipe from any 

part of the flue-pipe, and 

ii. is separated by an air space of at least 12mm from the combustible material; or 

b. the distance may be reduced to 0.75 times the diameter of the flue-pipe where the flue-pipe is 

totally enclosed in non-combustible material at least 12mm thick and having a thermal conductivity 

of not more than 0.065 W/mK. 

Diagrams to F4.14a: Flue-pipe separation from combustible material 

at least air space of at least at least 

3 x D D at least 12 mm 3 x D D 1.5 x D 

at least flue-pipe 

3 x D 

combustible non-combustible 

material shield 

at least 

1.5 x D 

combustible at least 

material 1.5 x D 

at least 

1.5 x D 

air space of at least 12 mm 

at least 

1.5 x D Plan without shield Plan with shield 

Section without shield Section with shield 

11F 

F4.13 – F4.14 


F

F 

F4.15 – 4.19 

F4.15 All combustible materials must be at least 200mm from the surface surrounding a flue in a chimney or 

the inside surface of a fireplace recess, 

except - 

a. damp proof course(s) firmly bedded in mortar; 

b. small combustible fixings located at least 150mm from the surface surrounding the flue or the 

inside surface of the fireplace recess; 

c. combustible structural material, that may be located at least 40mm from the outer face of a 

masonry chimney; 

d. flooring, strapping, sarking or similar non-structural combustible material located on the outer 

face of a masonry chimney; 

e. under a constructional hearth as described in F4.20; 

f. where the flue is in a factory-made chimney. 

F4.16 Any metal fastening in contact with combustible material must be at least 50mm from the surface surrounding 

a flue or the inside surface of a fireplace recess. 

Diagram to F4.15 and F4.16: Minimum separation distances for combustible material relative to a 

masonry chimney 

combustible material on 

metal fastening or support 

combustible material 

e.g. dook metal fastening or support 

at least at least 

150 mm 50 mm 

combustible material combustible material 

built in e.g. strapping or flooring 

flue less than 

at least 200 mm liner 200 mm 

Plan view through masonry chimney 


200 mm 40 mm 

combustible structural material 

F4.17*A solid fuel appliance must be provided with a solid, non-combustible hearth of suitable dimensions. 

F4.18*A solid fuel appliance must be positioned on a hearth in such a way as to minimise the risk of ignition 

of any part of a floor by direct radiation, conduction or falling embers. 

F4.19*Any part of a building, other than a floor, that abuts or is adjacent to a hearth, must be constructed in 

such a way as to minimise the risk of ignition by direct radiation or conduction from a solid fuel appliance 

located upon the hearth. 


12F

F4.20 All combustible material under a constructional hearth must be separated from the hearth by an air space 

of at least 50mm, 

except - 

a. where the combustible material is separated from the top surface of the hearth by solid, noncombustible 

material of at least 250mm; or 

b. where the combustible material supports the front and side edges of the hearth. 

Diagram to F4.20: Combustible materials under a hearth 

F4.21*A fireplace recess must be suitably constructed of solid, non-combustible material. 

F5 Oil-fired combustion appliance installations with a net input rating 


INSTALLATIONS 

F5.1 An oil-fired appliance with a net input rating not more than 70 kW, and any associated chimney, fluepipe 

and hearth, must be constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of F3.1 to F3.12 

(general) and F5.2 to F5.13. 

APPLIANCES 

at least 

250 mm 

F5.2* An oil-fired appliance must be suitable for its purpose and the class of oil that it will burn. 


top surface of hearth 

Section through hearth 

at least 125 mm 

F5.3* An oil-fired appliance installed in a room or space must have an adequate supply of air for combustion 

by way of permanent ventilation either direct to the open air or to an adjoining space (including a subfloor 

space) which is itself permanently ventilated direct to the open air, (see also F3.11) 

except - 

where the appliance is a room-sealed appliance. 

air space of combustible material 

at least 50 mm supporting edge of hearth 


13F 

F4.20 – F5.3 


F

F 

F5.4 – F5.12 

SUPPLY OF AIR FOR COOLING 

F5.4* An oil-fired appliance installed in an appliance compartment must have an adequate supply of air for 

cooling by way of permanent ventilation, in addition to air for combustion, either direct to the open air 

or to an adjoining space (including a sub-floor space). 


F5.5 Each oil-fired appliance must be connected to a separate flue, 

except - 

where the appliance has a pressure jet burner and is connected into a suitable shared flue. 

F5.6 An oil-fired appliance installed in a bathroom, shower-room or room intended for use as sleeping 

accommodation must be a room-sealed appliance. 

F5.7* A chimney or flue-pipe serving an oil-fired appliance must be suitable for use with the type of appliance 

served. 

F5.8* A chimney or flue-pipe serving an oil-fired appliance must be constructed and installed in accordance 

with the requirements of F4.7 to F4.9, and F4.11 to F4.16 (solid fuel), 

except - 

a. where the flue gas temperature will be not more than 250º C under normal working conditions (as 

determined by an appropriate test procedure), the chimney or flue-pipe may be in accordance with 

the requirements of F6.8, F6.9 and F6.11 to F6.15 (gas); and 

b. where the oil-fired appliance burns Class D fuel, the inner surfaces of the chimney or flue-pipe 

must not be manufactured from aluminium. 

F5.9 The angle of any change of direction in a flue must not be more than 45º from the vertical, 

except - 

where the flue serves an appliance employing a pressure jet burner. 

F5.10*The outlet from a flue must be situated externally at a safe distance from any opening, obstruction or 

combustible material. 


F5.11*An oil-fired appliance must stand on a hearth constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements 

of F4.17 and F4.20 (solid fuel), 

except - 

a. where the appliance will not cause the temperature of the floor to be more than 100º C under 

normal working conditions (as determined by an appropriate test procedure), the appliance may 

stand on, or incorporate, a rigid, non-combustible, non-absorbent, imperforate base, of at least the 

plan dimensions of the appliance; or 

b. where the appliance is designed not to stand on a hearth it must incorporate a rigid, noncombustible, 

non-absorbent, imperforate base of at least the plan dimensions of the appliance. 

F5.12*Where an oil-fired appliance is installed on a hearth it must be positioned on the hearth in such a way as 

to minimise the risk of ignition of any part of the floor by direct radiation or conduction. 


14F

F5.13*An oil-fired appliance must be separated from any combustible material, where the temperature of the 

back, sides or top of the appliance will be more than 100º C under normal working conditions (as determined 

by an appropriate test procedure) by - 

a. a shield of non-combustible material at least 25mm thick; or 

b. an air space of at least 75mm. 

Diagram to F5.13: Appliance separation from combustible material 

F6 Gas-fired combustion appliance installations with a net input rating 


INSTALLATIONS 

F6.1 A gas-fired appliance with a net input rating not more than 70 kW, and any associated chimney, fluepipe 

and hearth, must be constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of F3.1 to F3.12 

(general) and F6.2 to F6.17. 

APPLIANCES 

F6.2* A gas-fired appliance must be suitable for its intended purpose. 


F6.3* A gas-fired appliance installed in a room or space must have an adequate supply of air for combustion. 

(See also F3.11) 


air space at shield at 

least 75 mm least 25 mm 

combustible combustible 

material material 

appliance non-combustible 

material 

Plan/section Plan/section 

without shield with shield 

F6.4* A gas-fired appliance installed in an appliance compartment must have an adequate supply of air for 

cooling. 

15F 

F5.13 – F6.4 


F

F 

F6.5 – F6.14 


F6.5* Each gas-fired appliance that requires a flue, must connect into a separate flue, 

except - 

where it connects into a suitable shared flue. 

F6.6* A chimney or flue-pipe serving a gas-fired appliance must be suitable for use with the type of appliance 

served. 

F6.7* The area of a flue must be suitable for the type of gas-fired appliance(s) served. 

F6.8 A flue must have no intermediate openings, 

except - 

a. a draught stabiliser, draught diverter or relief air opening, that is in the same room or space as the 

gas-fired appliance being served; 

b. an opening for inspection or cleaning, that is fitted with a non-combustible, rigid, gas-tight cover. 

F6.9* A flue-pipe must not be fixed externally to a building, 

except - 

where the flue-pipe is a double-walled flue-pipe suitable for external use. 

F6.10*The outlet from a flue must be situated externally at a safe distance from any opening, obstruction or 



F6.11*A flue-pipe must be of suitable material. 

F6.12 A flue-pipe must not pass through a compartment wall, compartment floor, separating wall or separating 

floor, 

except - 

where the chimney is totally enclosed within a non-combustible casing in such a way that, in the event of 

fire, the level of fire safety performance required of the compartment wall, compartment floor, separating 

wall or separating floor is maintained. (see D1.3) 

F6.13*A flue-pipe must be adequately protected, to prevent damage to the pipe or danger to people, where it 

passes through a room or accessible space other than that containing the gas-fired appliance that it 

serves. 


F6.14 A flue-pipe must not pass through a wall, floor, roof, ceiling or partition constructed of combustible 

material, 

except - 

a. where the temperature of the flue gases in the flue-pipe will be not more than 100º C; or 

b. where the flue-pipe is enclosed in a sleeve of non-combustible material and separated from the 

sleeve by an air space of at least 25mm; or 

c. where flue-pipe is a double-walled flue-pipe. 


16F

Diagrams to F6.14b and c: Flue-pipes passing through combustible material 

at least 

25 mm 

F6.15 A flue-pipe must be placed - 

combustible 

material 

non-combustible flue-pipe 

sleeve 

Section through Section through 

single-walled flue-pipe double-walled flue-pipe 

a. where it is a single-walled flue-pipe, with its outer surface at least 25mm from any combustible 

material; 

b. where it is a double-walled flue-pipe, with the inner surface of its inner wall at least 25mm from 

any combustible material, 

except - 

where the temperature of the flue gases will be not more than 100º C. 

Diagram to F6.15: Flue-pipes in relationship to combustible material 


25 mm 25 mm 


Section through Section through 

single-walled flue-pipe double-walled flue-pipe 

F6.16* A gas-fired appliance must be provided with a suitable hearth, 

except - 

a. where every part of any flame or incandescent material in the appliance is at least 225mm above 

the floor; 

b. where the appliance is designed not to stand on a hearth. 

F6.17*A gas-fired appliance and any associated draught diverter must be placed at a safe distance from any 


17F 

F6.14 – F6.17 


F

F 

F7.1 – F7.5 

F7 Storage of liquid and gaseous fuels 

OIL STORAGE 

F7.1* An oil storage tank with a capacity more than 90 litres, including any pipework connecting the tank to a 

combustion appliance providing space or water heating, or cooking facilities must be suitably 

constructed and installed. 

F7.2* An oil storage tank with a capacity more than 90 litres must be - 

a. adequately separated from any building or part of a building in the same occupation; and 

b. adequately separated from any boundary; and 

c. provided, where necessary, with an adequate catchpit to retain its contents in the event of leakage. 

F7.3* A fire valve must be suitably installed in any pipework connecting an oil storage tank to the combustion 

appliance that it serves. 

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS STORAGE MORE THAN 9000 LITRES CAPACITY 

F7.4* A liquefied petroleum gas storage tank with a capacity more than 9000 litres (or tanks of a total capacity 

more than 27 500 litres) (water equivalent) and any associated pipework connecting the system to a 

combustion appliance providing space or water heating, or cooking facilities, must be suitably constructed 

and installed as to minimise the risk of fire spreading to the tank and the contents of the tank 

forming explosive gas pockets in the vicinity of any liquefied petroleum gas storage container. 

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS STORAGE NOT MORE THAN 9000 LITRES CAPACITY 

F7.5* A liquefied petroleum gas storage container, or containers, with a capacity more than 150 litres but not 

more than 27 500 litres (water equivalent) and any associated pipework connecting the system to a 

combustion appliance providing space or water heating, or cooking facilities, must be - 

a. suitably constructed and installed; and 

b. where the container is a tank, adequately separated from - 

i. a building, boundary, or fixed source of ignition, and 

ii. any other such tank; and 

c. where a group of tanks are sited together, limited in the number of such tanks. 


18F


LARGE COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

(F2.1) The requirements of F2.1 will be met where the large combustion appliance installation is constructed 

and installed in accordance with the guidance contained in the Chartered Institution of Building 

Service Engineers (CIBSE) Design Guide and the Practice Standards produced by the British Standards 

Institution (BSI) and the Institution of Gas Engineers (IGE). 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

INSTALLATIONS 

(F3.1) The requirements of F3.1 will be met where - 

a. the solid fuel appliance installation is in accordance with BS8303: Parts 1 to 3: 1994; 

b. the oil-fired appliance installation is in accordance with BS5410: Part 1: 1997 or BS5410: 

Part 2: 1978 as appropriate; 

c. the gas-fired appliance installation is in accordance with - 

i. the requirements of the Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995, and 

ii. the Gas Safety (Installations & Use) Regulations 1998. 


(F3.4) The requirements of F3.4b will be met by a terminal guard that will prevent a sphere more than 16mm 

from passing through and has no sharp edges. 


(F3.5) The requirements of F3.5a will be met where the chimney is constructed and installed in accordance 

with BS6461: Part 1: 1984. 

The requirements of F3.5b will be met where the chimney is constructed and installed in accordance 

with - 

a. for a precast concrete flue-block chimney, Clause 5.6 of BS6461: Part 1: 1984; 

b. for a precast concrete flue-block chimney serving a gas-fired appliance, BS1289: Part 1: 1986; 

c. for a clay flue-block chimney serving a gas-fired appliance, BS1289: Part 2: 1989. 

19F 

(F2.1) – (F3.5) 


F

F 

(F3.6) – (F3.9) 

(F3.6) The requirements of F3.6 will be met where the factory-made chimney is manufactured in accordance 

with - 

a. BS4543: Part 2: 1990; 

b. where it serves a decorative fuel-effect gas appliance, BS4543: Parts 2 or 3: 1990; 

c. where it serves an oil-fired appliance producing a flue gas temperature not more than 450º C or 

any other gas-fired appliance, BS4543: Part 3: 1990. 

(F3.7) The requirements of F3.7 will be met where the factory-made chimney is installed in accordance with 

BS7566: Parts 1 to 4: 1992. 

The requirements of F3.7b will be met where the casing is located at a distance Xmm (as declared by 

the chimney manufacturer when testing to the procedures specified in Section 3 of BS4543: Part 1: 

1990) from any part of a factory-made chimney; and 

a. where the chimney passes through the storage space or cupboard, by an imperforate casing; 

b. where the chimney passes through the roof space, by a casing of rigid mesh that will prevent a 

sphere more than 8mm diameter from passing through. 

(F3.8) The requirements of F3.8 will be met where the flue system is installed in accordance with - 

a. for masonry and flue block chimneys, BS6461: Part 1: 1984; 

b. for factory-made chimneys, BS7566: Part 4 1992; 

c. where serving an oil-fired appliance, BS5410 Part 1: 1997; 

d. where serving a gas-fired appliance, BS5440 Part 1: 2000. 

RELATIONSHIP TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL 

(F3.9) The requirements of F3.9 will be met by maintaining a distance Xmm (as declared by the chimney 

manufacturer when testing to the procedures specified in Section 3 of BS4543: Part 1: 1990) between 

the outer face of a factory-made chimney and combustible material. 

Diagram to (F3.9): Relationship of a factory-made chimney to combustible materials 


X mm (manufacturer’s specified clearance) 

factory-made chimney 

X mm (manufacturer’s specified clearance) 

casing to F3.7b 


Plan of casing round a factory-made chimney 

20F

EXTRACT FANS 

(F3.11) The requirements of F3.11 will be met, in a building containing an open-flued combustion appliance 

and a mechanical extract fan(s), by testing to the procedures set out in - 

a. for a solid fuel appliance, BRE Information Paper IP 7/94; 

b. for an oil-fired appliance, Clause 4.4.7 of BS5410: Part 1: 1997 and OFTEC Technical Information 

Note TI/112; 

c. for a gas-fired appliance, Clause 4.3.2.3 of BS5440: Part 1: 2000. 

IDENTIFICATION OF COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

(F3.12) The requirements of F3.12 will be met where the label is provided in accordance with the diagram to 

this specification - 

Diagram to (F3.12): Identification of combustion appliance installation 

The label should be fixed in a secure position, such as adjacent to the gas or electricity consumer unit, 

the water supply stopcock or next to the chimney or hearth described. 

SOLID FUEL COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

APPLIANCES 

(F4.2) The requirements of F4.2 will be met where the solid fuel appliance is included in ‘The official guide 

to approved solid fuel products and services’, published by HETAS Ltd. (Heating Equipment Testing 

and Approval Scheme). 


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 

This label must not be removed or covered 

Property address................................................. 20 Main Street 

New Town 

The hearth and chimney liner installed in the.... name of room 

are suitable for.................................................... dfe gas fire 

Suitable for condensing mode............................ yes/no 

Chimney liner..................................................... xx mm diameter 

Installed on......................................................... date 

Any other information (optional)....................... 

(F4.3) The requirements of F4.3 will be met where air is provided in accordance with the table to this specification 

- 

21F 

(F3.11) – (F4.3) 


F

F 

(F4.3), (F4.5) 

Table to (F4.3): Supply of air for combustion 

Type of appliance Minimum ventilation opening sizes [Note 2] 

Open appliance without A permanent air entry opening or openings with a total free area of 

a throat [Note 1] 50% of the cross-sectional area of the flue. 

Open appliance with a permanent air entry opening or openings with a total free area of 

a throat [Note 1] 50% of the throat opening area. 

Any other solid fuel appliance a permanent air entry opening or openings with a total free area of 

550mm 2 for each kW of combustion appliance rated output more 

than 5 kW. (A combustion appliance with an output rating of not 

more than 5 kW has no minimum requirement, unless stated by the 

appliance manufacturer) 

Notes: 

1. In the table - 

THROAT means the contracted part of the chimney flue lying between the fireplace opening and 

the main chimney flue. 

2. Where a draught stabiliser is fitted to a solid fuel appliance, or to a chimney or flue-pipe in the 

same room as a solid fuel appliance, additional ventilation opening must be provided with a free 

area of at least 300mm 2/kW of solid fuel appliance rated output. 

3. Nominal fire size is related to the free opening width at the front of the fireplace opening. 


(F4.5) The requirements of F4.5 will be met where the minimum area of the flue is the greater of either - 


a. the outlet to the solid fuel appliance; or 

b. that set out in the table and diagram to this specification - 

22F

Table to (F4.5): Minimum area of flues 

Appliance Position Minimum area [Note 2] 

Open fire a. within a fireplace recess a. 15% of the total face area 

capable of accepting an of the fireplace opening(s); or 

open fire more than b. in accordance with the 

500mm x 550mm; or Diagram to (F4.5). [Note 3] 

b. free standing 

Open fire within a fireplace recess capable 200mm diameter or square 

of accepting an open fire of not section of equivalent area. 

more than 500mm x 550mm 

Closed appliance with output free standing 175mm diameter or square 

capacity more than 30 kW but section of equivalent area. 


Closed appliance with output free standing 150mm diameter or square 

capacity not more than 30 kW section of equivalent area. 

Closed appliance burning free standing 125mm diameter or square 

smokeless fuel with output section of equivalent area. 

capacity not more than 20 kW 

Notes: 


SMOKELESS FUEL means solid mineral fuel that produces combustion products containing 

particulate matter that does not exceed a specified low amount. 

2. Any chimney pot or terminal must maintain the same cross-sectional area as the flue. 

3. Diagram 1 must only be used for the range of sizes shown within the shaded area. 

4. Fire size is related to the free opening area at the front of the fireplace opening. 

23F 

(F4.5) 


F

F 

(F4.5) 

Diagram 1 to (F4.5): Flue sizing for larger solid fuel open fires 

Diagram 2 to (F4.5): Fireplace opening areas 

L 

H 


L 

Fireplace opening area in square metres 

3.0 

2.0 

1.5 

1.0 

0.9 

0.8 

0.7 

0.6 

0.5 

0.4 

0.3 

0.2 

0.02 

Chimney height in metres 

(measured from the highest 

point of fireplace opening) 

Example 

0.03 

H 

Fireplace opening area = height (H) x total length (L) 

L 

H H 

L 

0.04 

0.05 

Flue area in square metres 

200 

225 

0.06 

0.07 

Recommended flue diameter in mm 

24F 

250 

300 

L 

0.10 

0.09 

0.08 

375 

400 

0.14 

0.12 

15 

12 

10 

8 

6 

5 

4 

3

(F4.8) The requirements of F4.8 will be met by providing access for cleaning in accordance with Clauses 5.4, 

9.5 and 10 of BS8303: Part 1: 1994. 

(F4.10) The requirements of F4.10 will be met where the outlet is positioned in accordance with the diagrams 

and table to this specification - 

Diagram 1 to (F4.10): Flue terminal positions 

B E 

A C D 

B 

more 

than 10˚ B C&E 

openable adjacent 

rooflight building 

or structure, 

whether 

connected 

or not 

Table to diagrams (F4.10): Minimum dimension to flue outlets 

A 2 300mm horizontally clear of the weather skin. 

B 1000mm provided A is satisfied; or 

600mm where above the ridge, 

except - 

where the roof is thatch or shingles, as Diagram 2 to (F4.10). 

C 1000mm above the top of any flat roof; and 

1000mm above any openable rooflight, dormer or ventilator, etc. within 2 300mm. 

D/E where D is not more than 2 300mm, E must be at least 600mm. 

Notes: 

1. Horizontal dimensions are to the surface surrounding the flue. 

2. Vertical dimensions are to the top of the chimney-stack. 

25F 

(F4.8), (F4.10) 

A 


F

F 

(F4.10) – (4.12) 

Diagram 2 to (F4.10): Flue terminal outlets relative to easily ignited roof coverings 


(F4.11) The requirements of F4.11c will be met where the chimney - 

a. is constructed of concrete chimney blocks capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 

1000º C and made of, or having inside walls made of, kiln burnt aggregate and high alumina 

cement jointed and pointed in cement mortar so that no joints, other than bedding joints, 

directly adjoin the flue; or 

b. has purpose made flue linings in accordance with Clause 5.1.5 of BS6461: Part 1: 1984 and any 

space between the lining and the chimney wall filled with weak mortar; or 

c. is a factory-made chimney meeting the requirements of BS4543: Part 2: 1990 and installed in 

accordance with BS7566: Parts 1 to 4: 1992; or 

d. has a lining accepted for the purpose after testing of the chimney under the relevant conditions 

by a notified body. 

(F4.12) The requirements of F4.12 will be met by a flue-pipe that is - 


1 800 mm A 

B 2 300 mm B 

a. manufactured from - 

600 mm 

i. cast-iron pipe to BS41: 1973 (1981), or 

ii. mild steel at least 3mm thick to Section 1.1 of BS1449: Part 1: 1991, or 

iii. vitreous enamelled steel to BS6999: 1989, or 

Location of flue terminal outlets 

iv. stainless steel numbers 1.4401, 1.4404 or 1.4406 at least 1mm thick to BS EN 10088-1: 

1995; and 

b. constructed in accordance with Clause 9 of BS8303: Part 1: 1994. 

26F 

Flue outlets must terminate outwith zones A & B 

Zone A at least 1 800 mm vertically above 

the weather skin; and 

at least 600 mm above the ridge. 

Zone B at least 1 800 mm vertically above 

the weather skin; and 

at least 2 300 mm horizontally from 

the weather skin.


(F4.17) The requirements of F4.17 will be met by - 

a. a constructional hearth at least 125mm thick and with plan dimensions in accordance with the 

diagrams to this specification; or 

b. where the appliance will not cause the temperature of the top surface of the hearth on which it 

stands to be more than 100º C, a free-standing, solid, non-combustible hearth at least 12mm 

thick. 

Diagrams to (F4.17a): Constructional hearth sizes 

at least 840 mm at least 

at least at least 840 mm 

500 mm 150 mm 

Plan of hearth in fireplace recess Plan of free-standing constructional hearth 

(F4.18) The requirements of F4.18 will be met where the appliance is positioned on a hearth in accordance 

with the diagrams to this specification - 

Diagram 1 to (F4.18): Locating a solid fuel appliance on a hearth 

at least 

150 mm 

[Note 1] 

front 

appliance 

Plan of appliance on a hearth 


for a closed appliance 

extent of solid, 

non-combustible material 

At least 300 mm for an open appliance and for 

a closed appliance that may properly be used 

with its front open. 

Notes: 

1. The 150mm does not apply where the appliance is located in a fireplace recess, nor does it 

apply where the back or sides of the hearth either abut or are carried into a solid, non-combustible 

wall complying with (F4.19b). 

2. A solid fuel appliance may be located on a superimposed hearth provided the superimposed 

hearth is positioned partly or wholly on a constructional hearth in accordance with Diagram 2 to 

(F4.18). 

27F 

(F4.17), (F4.18) 


F

F 

(F4.18), (4.19) 

Diagram 2 to (F4.18): Locating a solid fuel appliance on a superimposed hearth 

Notes: 

1. In this specification - 

SUPERIMPOSED HEARTH means a finish of solid, non-combustible material, usually decorative, 

at least 50mm thick and positioned on a constructional hearth. 




3. At least 225mm for a closed appliance. 

4. At least 300mm for an open appliance and for a closed appliance that may properly be used 

with its front open. 

5. No part of the appliance shall project over any edge of the constructional hearth. 

6. At least 150mm to combustible material measured horizontally. 

(F4.19) The requirements of F4.19 will be met where - 

a. the hearth is located in a fireplace recess in accordance with BS8303: Part 1: 1994; or 

b. any part of the building, other than the floor, not more than 150mm from the hearth, is constructed 

of solid, non-combustible material in accordance with the diagram and table to this 

specification - 

Diagram to (F4.19b): Solid fuel appliance or hearth adjacent to any part of a building 


front 

at least 

150 mm 

[Note 2] [Notes 3 & 4] 

superimposed hearth appliance 


constructional hearth 

solid, non-combustible 

material e.g. masonry 

or concrete 

at least 

150 mm 

H 


Section through superimposed hearth 

[Notes 5 & 6] 

see table (F4.19b) 

at least 150 mm (F4.18) 

appliance 

X [Note 1] 

X [Note 1] at least 150 mm where X 

hearth is not more than 150 mm 

28F 

T

Table to diagram (F4.19b): Hearth and appliance adjacent to any part of a building 

Location of hearth or appliance Thickness (T) of solid, Height (H) of solid 

non-combustible material non-combustible material. 

where the hearth abuts a wall and the 200mm at least 300mm above the 

appliance is not more than 50mm appliance or 1.2 m above the 

from the wall hearth whichever is the greater. 

where the hearth abuts a wall and the 75mm at least 300mm above the 

appliance is more than 50mm but appliance or 1.2 m above the 

not more than 300mm from the wall hearth whichever is the greater. 

where the hearth does not abut a wall 75mm at least 1.2 m above the hearth. 

and is not more than 150mm from 

the wall [Note 1] 

Note: 

1. There is no requirement for protection of the wall where X is more than 150mm. 

(F4.21) The requirements of F4.21 will be met by - 

a. a fireplace recess, incorporating a constructional hearth, constructed in accordance with Clauses 

7 and 8 of BS8303: Part 1: 1994, and to the minimum thickness shown in Figure 2 to BS8303: 

Part 3: 1994; or 

b. a prefabricated appliance chamber of solid concrete components which - 

i. is connected to a chimney or flue-pipe, and 

ii. is supplied by the same manufacturer, with pre-made jointing arrangements, assembled 

on site using a cement specified for the purpose by the manufacturer, and 

iii. is of insulating concrete with a density of between 1 200 and 1 700 kg/m 3, and 

iv. is installed on a constructional hearth, and 

v. has components of the minimum thickness shown in the table to this specification - 

Table to (F4.21b): Thickness of solid fuel appliance chamber components 

Component Minimum thickness (mm) 

Base 50 

Sides 75 

Back panel and top slab 100 

Hood and bar lintels 100 

29F 

(F4.19), (4.21) 


F

F 

(F5.2) – (F5.10) 

OIL-FIRED COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

APPLIANCES 

(F5.2) The requirements of F5.2 will be met by an appliance that complies with the OFTEC Standard appropriate 

for the class of the appliance. 


(F5.3) The requirements of F5.3 will be met where the oil-fired appliance is provided with an air supply in 

accordance with Section 4 of BS5410: Part 1: 1997. 


(F5.4) The requirements of F5.4 will be met where the oil-fired appliance, located in an appliance compartment, 

is provided with air for cooling in accordance with Clause 4.4.3 of BS5410: Part 1: 1997. 


(F5.7) The requirements of F5.7 will be met where the chimney or flue-pipe is constructed and installed in 

accordance with the requirements of BS5410: Part 1: 1997. 

(F5.8) The requirements of F5.8 will be met where the flue gas temperature is measured in accordance with 

OFTEC Appliance Standard OFS A100 for boilers or OFS A101 for cookers. 

(F5.10) The requirements of F5.10 will be met where the terminal is separated from openings, obstructions or 

combustible material by at least the distance shown in the diagrams and table to this specification - 

Diagram 1 to (F5.10): Flue terminal positions for oil-fired appliances 


J 

M 

H E 

P 

G 

30F 

C,D 

N 

O 

A B K 

F 

F L

Table to diagram (F5.10): Flue terminal positions for oil-fired appliances 

Location Minimum distance to 

terminal in mm 

Pressure Jet Vaporising 

A Directly below an opening, air brick, opening window etc 600 n/all 

B Horizontally to an opening, air brick, opening window etc 600 n/all 

C Below a plastic/painted gutter, drainage pipe or eaves, with protection 75 [5] n/all 

D Below a balcony or a plastic/painted gutter, drainage pipe or eaves 600 n/all 

E From vertical sanitary pipe work 300 n/all 

F From an internal or external corner 300 n/all 

G Above ground or balcony level 300 n/all 

H From a surface or boundary facing the terminal 600 [6] n/all 

J From a terminal facing the terminal 1200 n/all 

K Vertically from a terminal on the same wall 1500 n/all 

L Horizontally from a terminal on the same wall 750 n/all 

M Above the highest point of an intersection with the roof 600 [1] 1000 [7] 

N From a vertical structure to the side of the terminal 750 [1] 2300 

O Above a vertical structure not more than 750mm from the side of 600 [1] 1000 [7] 

the terminal 

P From a ridge terminal to a vertical structure on the roof 1500 n/all 

Notes: 

1. Terminating positions M, N, and O for vertical balanced flues should be in accordance with 

manufacturer’s instructions. 

2. Vertical structure in N, O and P includes tank or lift rooms, parapets, dormers etc. 

3. Terminating positions A to L are only permitted for appliances that have been approved for low 

level flue discharge when tested to OFTEC Standard OFS A100 for boilers or OFS A101 for 

cookers. 

4. Terminating positions must be at least 1 800mm from an oil storage tank unless a wall with at 

least 30 minutes fire resistance and more than 300mm higher and wider than the tank is provided 

between the tank and the terminating position. 

5. Where a flue terminates not more than 600mm below a projection and the projection is plastic 

or has a combustible finish, then a heat shield of at least 750mm wide must be fitted. 

6. The distance from an appliance terminal installed at right angles to a boundary may be reduced 

to 300mm in accordance with Diagram 2 to (F5.10). 

7. Where a terminal is used with a vaporising burner, a horizontal distance of at least 2 300mm is 

required between the terminal and the roof line. 

8. Notwithstanding the dimensions above, a terminal should be at least 300mm from combustible 

material. 

9. n/all = not allowed. 

31F 

(F5.10) 


F

F 

(F5.10) – (F5.13) 

Diagram 2 to (F5.10) Separation between a boundary and terminal at right angles 

Plan at party wall 


(F5.11) The requirements of F5.11 will be met where the temperature beneath the oil-fired appliance has been 

tested to, and is in accordance with, OFTEC Standard OFS A100 for boilers or OFS A101 for cookers. 

(F5.12) The requirements of F5.12 will be met where the appliance is located on a hearth in accordance with 

the diagram to this specification - 

Diagram to (F5.12): Locating an oil-fired appliance on a hearth 

at least 150 mm at least 150 mm 

[Note 1] for a closed appliance 

front 

appliance 

at least 

300 mm 

pressure boundary 

jet as party wall 

appliance 




at least 225 mm for an appliance with 

visible flames or radiating elements 

Note: 




(F5.13) The requirements of F5.13 will be met where the back, sides and top of the oil-fired appliance has been 

tested to and are in accordance with the OFTEC Standard OFS A100 for boilers or OFS A101 for 

cookers. 


32F

GAS-FIRED COMBUSTION APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS 

APPLIANCES 

(F6.2) The requirements of F6.2 will be met where the gas-fired appliance carries a CE mark under the Gas 

Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995. 


(F6.3) The requirements of F6.3 will be met where air for combustion is provided in accordance with - 

a. for a decorative fuel-effect gas appliance, BS5871: Part 3: 1991; 

b. for an inset live fuel-effect gas appliance, BS5871: Part 2: 1991; 

c. for any other gas-fired appliance, BS5440: Part 2: 2000. 


(F6.4) The requirements of F6.4 will be met where the gas-fired appliance, located in an appliance compartment, 

is provided with air for cooling in accordance with BS5440: Part 2: 2000. 


(F6.5) The requirements of F6.5 will be met where the shared flue is constructed and installed in accordance 

with BS 5440: Part 1: 2000. 

(F6.6) The requirements of F6.6 will be met where the chimney or flue-pipe is constructed and installed in 

accordance with - 

a. for a decorative fuel-effect gas appliance, Clause 8 of BS5871: Part 3: 1991; 

b. where the chimney or flue-pipe is in a timber frame building, Section 8 of publication 

‘IGE/UP/7: ‘Gas Installation in Timber Framed Buildings’; 

c. where the flue-pipe is supplied as an integral part of the combustion appliance, the appropriate 

recommendations of the combustion appliance manufacturer; 

d. for any other gas-fired appliance, BS5440: Part 1: 2000. 

(F6.7) The requirements of F6.7 will be met where the minimum area of the flue is provided in accordance with - 

a. for a decorative fuel-effect gas appliance, Clause 8 of BS5871: Part 3: 1991; 

b. for an inset live fuel-effect gas appliance, BS5871: Part 2: 1991; 

c. for any other gas-fired appliance, BS5440: Part 1: 2000. 

(F6.9) The requirements of F6.9 will be met where the outer wall of a double-walled flue-pipe is manufactured 

from - 

a. aluminium, designation EN AW-1200 conforming to BS EN 573: Part 1: 1995; 

b. aluminium alloy, designation EN AW-3103 or EN AW-5251 conforming to BS EN 573: Part 1: 

1995; 

c. stainless steel, number 1.4335 to BS EN 10088: 1995; 

d. aluminium/zinc alloy coated steel of grades DX51D, DX52D, DX53D or DX54D with coating 

AZ185 or AZ150 conforming to BS EN 10215: 1995. 

33F 

(F6.2) – (F6.9) 


F

F 

(F6.10) 

(F6.10) The requirements of F6.10 will be met where the outlet is separated from openings, obstructions or 

combustible material by at least the distances shown in the diagrams and tables to this specification - 

Diagram 1 to (F6.10): Flue terminal positions for gas-fired appliances 

S 

G S 

2000mm 

D,E 

F B 

Table 1 to diagram (F6.10): Flue terminal positions for gas-fired appliances 

Location Minimum distance to terminal in millimetres 

R 

600mm 

600mm 

C 

P A M 

J 

H A L 

J 

G 

no flue must penetrate 

area within dotted lines 

round roof light 

Balanced flue, room-sealed appliance Open flue 

Natural Fanned Natural Fanned 

draught draught draught draught 

A Directly below an opening, (0-7 kW) 300 300 n/all 300 

air brick, opening window, etc (>7-14 kW) 600 

(>14-32 kW) 1500 

(>32-70 kW) 2000 

B Above an opening, air brick, (0-32 kW) 300 300 n/all 300 

opening window, etc (>32-70 kW) 600 

C Horizontally to an opening, (0-7 kW) 300 300 n/all 300 

air brick, opening window, etc (>7-14 kW) 400 

(>14-70 kW) 600 

D Below a gutter, or sanitary 300 [2] 75 [1] n/all 75 [1] 

pipe work 

E Below the eaves 300 [2] 200 n/all 200 


34F 

K,N

Table 1 to diagram (F6.10): Flue terminal positions for gas-fired appliances 

Location Minimum distance to terminal in millimetres 

Balanced flue, room-sealed appliance Open flue 

Natural Fanned Natural Fanned 

draught draught draught draught 

F Below a balcony or carport roof 600 200 n/all 200 

G Above ground, roof or 300 300 n/all 300 

balcony level 

H From vertical drain/soil pipe work 75 [1] 75 [1] n/all 75 [1] 

J From an internal or external corner 600 300 n/all 200 [1] 

K From a surface or boundary facing 600 600 [3] n/all 600 

the terminal 

L Vertically from terminal on same wall 1500 1500 n/all 1500 

M Horizontally from terminal on same wall 300 300 n/all 300 

N From a terminal facing the terminal 600 1200 n/all 1200 

P From an opening in a carport 1200 1200 n/all 1200 

(e.g. door, window) into the building 

R From a vertical structure on the n/app n/app [Note 5] n/app 

roof [Note 4] 

S Above an intersection with the roof n/app n/app [Note 5] 150 [1] 

Notes: 

1. Notwithstanding the dimensions above, a terminal serving a natural draught and fanned draught 

appliance more than 5kW heat input should be at least 300mm and 150mm respectively from 


2. Where a natural draught flue terminates not more than 1m below a plastic projection or not more 

than 500mm below a projection with a painted surface, then a heat shield at least 1m long should 

be fitted. 

3. The distance from a fanned draught appliance terminal installed at right angles to a boundary 

may be reduced to 300mm in accordance with Diagram 2 to (F6.10). 

4. Vertical structure includes a chimney-stack, dormer window, tank room, lift motor room or 

parapet. 

5. See Table 2 to (F6.10). 

6. n/all = not allowed. n/app = not applicable. 

35F 

(F6.10) 


F

F 

(F6.10) – (F6.16) 

Diagram 2 to (F6.10) Separation between a boundary and terminal at right angles 

Table 2 to diagram (F6.10): Minimum height S to the base of the terminal for roof mounted individual 

natural draught open-flued systems 

Type of Roof Where R is more than 1.5 m Where R is not more than 1.5 m 

(a) where the flue system is internal All flue systems internal and external. 

Flat roof where the roof has a parapet - 600mm 

where the roof has no parapet - 250mm 

Pitched roof where the roof pitch is more than 45º 

from the horizontal - 1 m; 

where the roof pitch is not more than 45º 

from the horizontal - 600mm, 

except - 

where the terminal is a ridge terminal, 

situated on or above the roof ridge, no 

minimum dimension for S is required. 

(b) where the flue system is external 

All roofs 600mm above the level of the 600mm above the level of the vertical 

adjacent roof edge structure. 


(F6.11) The requirements of F6.11 will be met where the flue-pipe is manufactured from - 


Plan at party wall 

a. any material described in (F4.12a) (solid fuel); or 

b. sheet metal as listed in BS715: 1993; or 


fanned natural 

draught draught 

c. fibre cement as described in BS7435: Part 1: 1991, 

except - 

boundary 

when serving a gas-fired appliance that can operate in condensing mode; or 

d. any other suitable material approved and tested under the relevant conditions by a notified body. 

36F

(F6.13) The requirements of F6.13 will be met where the flue-pipe is protected in accordance with BS 5440: 

Part 1: 2000. 


(F6.16) The requirements of F6.16 will be met where the hearth is provided - 

a. for a gas fire, convector heater and fire/back boiler, in accordance with Clause 11 of BS5871: 

Part 1: 1991; 

b. for an inset live fuel-effect gas appliance, in accordance with Clause 11 of BS5871: Part 2: 1991; 

c. for a decorative fuel-effect gas appliance, in accordance with Clause 10 of BS5871: Part 3: 1991; 

d. for any other gas-fired appliance, by a solid, heat resistant, non-combustible, non-friable material 

at least 12mm thick and at least the plan dimension shown in the diagram to this specification - 

Diagram to (F6.16d): Hearth size suitable for any other gas-fired appliance 


[Note 1] beyond front 

front 

appliance 

hearth 


Note: 




(F6.17) The requirements of F6.17 will be met where the gas-fired appliance and any associated draught diverters - 

a. are separated from combustible material by a shield of non-combustible material at least 25mm 

thick or an air space of at least 75mm; or 

b. where the appliance is CE marked, is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Diagram to (F6.17a): Appliance separation from combustible material 

air space at shield at 

least 75 mm least 25 mm 

combustible combustible 

material material 

appliance non-combustible 

material 

Plan/section Plan/section 

without shield with shield 

37F 



(F6.16), (F6.17) 


F

F 

(F7.1), (F7.2) 

OIL STORAGE 

(F7.1) The requirements of F7.1 will be met where the tank is 

a. constructed in accordance with - 

i. for a steel tank, BS799: Part 5: 1987, 

ii. for a polyethylene tank with or without integral bunding, OFTEC Technical Standard 

OFS T100, 

iii. a European harmonised product standard and assessed by a notified body; and 

b. installed, together with the fuel feed system from the tank to the combustion appliance, in 

accordance with - 

i. for a tank with a capacity more than 3 500 litres, BS5410: Part 2: 1978, 

ii. for a tank with a capacity not more than 3 500 litres, BS5410: Part 1: 1997. 

(F7.2) The requirements of F7.2a and b will be met where the tank with a capacity - 


a. more than 3 500 litres, is located in accordance with Clauses 45.2 and 45.3 of BS5410: Part 2: 

1978; 

b. not more than 3 500 litres and located within a building, is installed within a place of special 

fire risk ventilated to the external air and having - 

i. an outward opening door that is readily openable, without a key, from the side 

approached by people making an escape, and 

ii. sufficient space for access to the tank and its mountings and fittings; 

c. not more than 3 500 litres and not located within a building, is installed in accordance with the 

table to this specification - 

38F

Table to (F7.2b): Location of an oil storage tank not more than 3 500 litres capacity 

Location of tank Protection required 

Building without openings Building with openings 

not more than 1.8 m from non-combustible base; and non-combustible base, and 

any part of any building 

any part of the eaves not more than any part of the eaves not more than 

1.8 m from the tank and extending 1.8 m from the tank and extending 

300 mm beyond each side of the 300 mm beyond each side of the 

tank must be non-combustible; and tank must be non-combustible; and 

either - a barrier between the tank and any 

a. any part of a building not more part of a building not more than 

than 1.8 m from the tank must 1.8 m from the tank that does not 

meet the fire safety performance meet the fire safety performance 

required of an external wall with a required of an external wall with a 

short duration within 1 m of the short duration within 1 m of the 

boundary, (see D1.3) or boundary. (see D1.3) 

b. a barrier. 

More than 1.8 m from non-combustible base. 

any building 

Not more than 760mm non-combustible base, and a barrier, or a wall meeting 

from a boundary the fire safety performance required of an external wall 

with a short duration within 1 m of the boundary (see D1.3). 

More than 760mm non-combustible base. 

from a boundary 

Externally and wholly no protection required. 

below ground 

Note: 


NON-COMBUSTIBLE BASE means a solid base of concrete or of paving slabs at least 42mm thick 

that extends at least 300mm beyond all sides of the tank, 

except - 

where the tank is not more than 300 mm from a barrier, or a wall meeting the fire safety performance 

required of an external wall with a short duration within 1 m of the boundary (see D1.3), 

the base need only extend as far as the wall; 

BARRIER means an imperforate, non-combustible wall or screen at least 300mm higher and wider 

than any part of the tank, constructed so as to prevent the passage of direct radiated heat to the tank; 

39F 

(F7.1), (F7.2) 


F

F 

(F7.2), (F7.5) 

The requirements of F7.2c will be met where the catchpit is provided in accordance with the requirements 

of Clause 6.5 of BS5410: Part 1: 1997 and the table to this specification - 

Table to (F7.2c): Provision of catchpits 

Location of tank Catchpit or integrally bunded tank [Note 1] 

Within a building required 

External, above ground (more than 2 500 litres) required 

External, above ground (not more than 2 500 litres) [Note 2] 

External, wholly below ground not required 

Notes: 


CATCHPIT means a pit, without a drain, which is capable of containing the contents of the 

tank, plus 10%; 

INTEGRALLY BUNDED TANK is a tank, together with a catchpit, manufactured as a selfcontained 

unit complete with a removable lid and designed to contain the escape of any liquid 

escaping from the tank in an overfill situation. 

2. Every tank located not more than 50 m from a spring or bore hole, 10 m from controlled waters or where it is 

likely to constitute a hazard as decided by a risk assessment described in OFTEC Technical Information Note 

TI/133 requires a catchpit or should be of the integrally bunded type. 

(F7.3) The requirements of F7.3 will be met where the fire valve is installed in accordance with - 

a. for tanks more than 3 500 litres, Clause 67 of BS5410: Part 2: 1978; 

b. for tanks not more than 3 500 litres, Clause 8.3 of BS 5410: Part 1: 1997. 

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS STORAGE 

(F7.4) The requirements of F7.4 will be met where the installation is constructed and installed in accordance 

with the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive. 

(F7.5) The requirements of F7.5a will be met by a container - 

a. constructed in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 3.1 of the LPGA Code of 

Practice 1: ‘Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations’: Part 1; and 

b. installed in accordance with - 

i. for fixed storage tank(s), the LPGA Code of Practice 1: ‘Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed 

Installations’: Part 1, 

ii. for cylinder(s), the LPGA Code of Practice 24: ‘Use of LPG cylinders’: Parts 1 and 2. 

The requirements of F7.5b will be met where the tank(s) is located in accordance with the table and 

Diagram 1 to this specification - 


40F

Table to (F7.5b): Separation distances for liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks 

Maximum capacity in litres (water equivalent) Minimum separation distance in metres 

of any single tank of any group of tanks for above ground tanks 

from building, boundary or fixed between tanks 

source of ignition to the tank - 

without a fire wall with a fire wall 

(A) (B) 

500 1 500 2.5 0.3 [2] 1.0 

2 500 7 500 3.0 1.5 [2] 1.0 

9 000 27 500 7.5 4.0 1.0 

Notes: 


FIRE WALL means a wall or screen meeting the fire safety performance required of an external 

wall with a short duration within 1 m of the boundary, (see D1.3) and located between 1 m and 

1.5 m from the tank and extending - 

a. longitudinally: so that the distance specified above without the fire wall is maintained 

when measured around the ends of the fire wall; and 

b. vertically: 2 m or the height to the top of the pressure relief valve, whichever is greater, 

except - 

where the tank capacity is not more than 2 500 litres, the fire wall need be no higher than 

the top of the pressure relief valve and may form part of the site boundary. 

2. Where a tank(s) not more than 2 500 litres total capacity is located closer to a building than the 

separation distance in column A, the fire wall should form part of the wall of the building in 

accordance with Diagram 2 to this specification. 

3. Motor vehicles under the control of the site occupier should be parked at least 6 m from LPG 

tanks or the separation distance in column A of Table to (F7.5b), whichever is the smaller. This 

does not apply to the loading/unloading of vehicles. Motor vehicles not under site control (eg 

those belonging to members of the public) should be parked no closer than the separation distance 

in column A to Table to (F7.5b). 

Diagram 1 to (F7.5b): Separation or shielding of a liquefied petroleum gas tank from a building, 

boundary or fixed source of ignition 

building, boundary or 

fixed source of ignition boundary 

table to (F7.5b) table to (F7.5b) table to (F7.5b) 

column A column A column B 

tank not more 

than 9 000 litres 

table to (F7.5b) table to (F7.5b) 

column B 1-1.5 m column A tank(s) not more than 

2 500 litres total capacity 

Plan view with and without a fire wall Fire wall as part of the boundary 

41F 

(F7.5) 


F

F 

(F7.5) 

Diagram 2 to (F7.5b): Small liquefied petroleum gas storage tank close to a building 


9 m or to the eaves 

To be 1 m either side 

of pressure relief valve 

the wall must meet the fire safety 

performance required of an 

external wall within 1m of the 

boundary (see D1.3) - 

for a building of purpose group 1 

and 2, medium duration; or 

for any other building, short 

duration. (see D1.3) LPG tank(s) not more than 

2 500 litres total capacity 

height to top of pressure relief valve 

The requirements of F7.5c will be met where the number of tanks in a group is not more than six. 

42F 

2 m 

0.3 m for a tank(s) not more than 500 litres 

1.5 m for a tank(s) not more than 2 500 litres 

Table to (F7.5b) Table to (F7.5b) 

column A LPG tank column A 

Plan of Diagram 2 to (F7.5)b

PREPARATION OF SITES, 

RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE AND 

RESISTANCE TO CONDENSATIONG

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 16 

Preparation of sites 

REGULATION 17 

Resistance to moisture 

REGULATION 18 

Resistance to condensation 

THE STANDARDS 

G1 Application of Part G G1.1-G1.5 

G2 Preparation of a site and resistance to 

moisture from the ground 

Preparation of a site G2.1-G2.4 

Resistance to moisture from the ground G2.5-G2.6 

G3 Resistance to precipitation 

Resistance to precipitation G3.1 

G4 Condensation 

Interstitial condensation G4.1 

Surface condensation G4.2 


(G2.2, Preparation of a site and resistance to moisture from the 

G2.3, ground 

G2.5, 

G2.6) 

(G3.1) Resistance to precipitation 

(G4.1) Interstitial condensation 

(G4.2) Surface condensation 

PART G APPENDIX 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 

Throughout the Technical Standards a term in italics is a defined term. The definition is listed in Part A (General). 

3G 


G

5G 

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that measures are 

taken to protect people, and the fabric of a building, from 

harm which could be caused by site conditions or the effects 

of moisture in various forms. 

2. In addition to surface soil and decaying or organic matter 

being removed from a site, thorough investigation is necessary 

to ensure that appropriate measures can be taken where 

there is evidence of any harmful or dangerous substances. 

An Appendix giving outline guidance is included at the end 

of this Part. 

3. Subsoil drainage of the site is required where necessary to 

help prevent the penetration of ground water and flood water 

to the interior of a building and damage to the building fabric. 

Any existing drains which will be affected by the construction 

of a building must also continue to function properly. 

4. A building must be constructed so that moisture in the 

ground and from the weather will not damage the fabric or 

penetrate to the inner surface of the building. 

5. For the control of condensation in roofs the 

deemed-to-satisfy specification quotes BS5250 which provides 

guidance on the principal forms of construction 

including cold deck roofs. There is evidence which suggests 

that condensation in this type of roof system is a problem. 

The Scottish Executive considers that in the climatic conditions 

of Scotland ventilation of the roof void in flat roofs 

should not be endorsed as many instances of failure in cold 

deck roof systems have been recorded. Both the warm deck 

and warm deck inverted roof constructions, where the insulation 

is placed above the roof deck, are considered preferable. 

While the Regulations do not prevent the use of cold 

deck roof constructions, it is considered that much more reliable 

forms of construction are likely to result from over-roof 

insulation whenever this is possible. 

6. A building of purpose group 1, a dwelling (ie a house, 

flat or maisonette) must be constructed to reduce the risk of 

both interstitial and surface condensation in order to prevent 

damage to the fabric and harmful effects on the health of 

people using the building. The requirements for both interstitial 

and surface condensation are deemed to be satisfied by 

the guidance given in BS5250: 1989 “British Standard Code 

of Practice for the Control of condensation in buildings”. 

However, the guidance in BS5250, which covers buildings 

generally, should be followed for other buildings where the 

internal climate is quite stable. 


G

G 

Regulations 16,17 & 18 

Preparation of sites 

16.(1) Subject to paragraph (3), a site and ground 

immediately adjoining a site shall be so prepared 

and treated as to protect the building 

and its users from harmful effects caused by - 

(a) harmful or dangerous substances; 

(b) matter in the surface soil; and 

(c) vegetable matter. 

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), a site and ground 

immediately adjoining a site shall be so 

drained or otherwise treated as to protect the 

building and its users, so far as may be reasonably 

practicable, from harmful effects 

caused by - 

(a) ground water; 

(b) flood water; and 

(c) existing drains. 

(3) Paragraphs (1)(b), (1)(c) and (2)(c) shall not 

apply to a limited-life building of purpose 

groups 2 to 7 inclusive. 

(4) In paragraph (1)(a) “harmful or dangerous 

substances” includes deposits of faecal or 

animal matter and any substance or mixture of 

substances which is or could become corrosive, 

explosive, flammable, radioactive or 

toxic or which produces or could produce any 

gas likely to have any such characteristic. 

Resistance to moisture 

17.(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a building shall be so 

constructed as to protect the building and its 

users from harmful effects caused by - 

(a) moisture rising from the ground; and 

(b) precipitation. 

(2) This regulation shall not apply to a building 

where penetration of moisture from outside 

will result in effects no more harmful than 

those likely to arise from use of the building. 

Resistance to condensation 

18. A building of purpose group 1 shall be so 

constructed as to protect the building and its 

users, so far as may be reasonably practicable, 

from harmful effects caused by condensation. 


6G

The standards 

G1 Application of Part G 

G1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 16 to 18. 

G1.2 The standards in G2 apply to all buildings, 

except - 

G2.3 and G2.4 do not apply to a limited-life building of purpose groups 2 to 7 inclusive. 

G1.3 The standards in G3 apply to a building of any purpose group, 

except - 

to a building where the penetration of moisture from outside would be no more harmful than that likely 

to arise from the use of the building. 

G1.4 The standards in G4 apply to a building of purpose group 1. 

G1.5 In this Part - 

FLOOR means any construction between the surface of the ground, or the surface of any hardcore 

laid upon the ground, and the upper surface of the floor, together with any floor finishes 

which are laid as part of the permanent construction; 

WALL means any wall, including piers, chimneys, columns and parapets which form part of the 

wall. 

ROOF means any roof, including eaves and junctions with other elements penetrating, or connected 

to, the roof; and 

G2 Preparation of a site and resistance to moisture from the ground 

PREPARATION OF A SITE 

G2.1* A site, and ground immediately adjoining a site, must have harmful or dangerous substances removed or 

made safe. 

G2.2* A site, and ground immediately adjoining a site, which is liable to accumulate ground or flood water 

must be drained, or treated, to overcome the effects of any such water. 

G2.3* A site, and ground immediately adjoining a site, must be cleared of any surface soil and vegetable matter 

(including wood) to the extent necessary to prevent any harmful effect on a building and the solum (the 

prepared area within the containing walls of a building) treated to prevent vegetable growth. 

G2.4 Where a building is erected over an existing drain, including a field drain, which is to remain active, the 

drain must be re-routed if reasonably practicable or re-constructed in a manner appropriate to the conditions 

of the site. 

7G 

G1.1 – G2.4 


G

G 

G2.5 – G4.2 

RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE FROM THE GROUND 

G2.5* The solum (the prepared area within the containing walls of a building) must be treated to reduce the 

evaporation of moisture from the ground to the inner surface of any part of a building which it could 

damage. 

G2.6* A floor, wall or other building element adjoining the ground must prevent moisture from the ground 

reaching the inner surface of any part of a building which it could damage. 

G3 Resistance to precipitation 

RESISTANCE TO PRECIPITATION 

G3.1* A floor, wall, roof or other building element exposed to precipitation must prevent penetration of moisture 

to the inner surface of any part of a building which it could damage. 

G4 Condensation 

INTERSTITIAL CONDENSATION 

G4.1* A floor, wall, roof or other building element of a dwelling must minimise the risk of interstitial condensation 

in any part of a dwelling which it could damage. 

SURFACE CONDENSATION 

G4.2* A floor, wall, roof or other building element of a dwelling must minimise the risk of condensation on 

any inner surface where it could damage the health of people. 


8G


PREPARATION OF A SITE AND RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE FROM THE GROUND 

(G2.1) The requirements of G2.1 will be met where protection against the ingress of radon gas into dwellings 

is provided in accordance with the recommendations in ‘Radon: guidance on protection measures for 

new dwellings in Scotland’. 

(G2.2) The requirements of G2.2 will be met where sub-soil drains are provided and laid in accordance with 

the relevant clauses of BS8301: 1985. 

(G2.3, The requirements of G2.3, G2.5 and G2.6 will be met where the solum and building are constructed as 

G2.5, specified below (but note that the diagrams do not show all the structural bracing that might be required). 

G2.6) 

Specified constructions 

The thickness and other dimensions specified are the minimum required unless otherwise stated; 

greater figures are therefore permissible. 

Ground supported concrete floors 

A. The solum is brought to a level surface. 

Hardcore bed 100mm thick of clean broken 

brick or similar inert material free from fine 

material and water soluble sulphates in 

quantities which would damage the concrete; 

blinded with suitable fine material 

and consolidated to form a level crack-free 

surface. 

Concrete slab 100mm thick with insulation, 

if any, laid above or below the slab; with or 

without a screed or floor finish. 

Damp-proof membrane above or below the 

slab or as a sandwich; jointed and sealed to 

the damp-proof course or damp-proof 

structure in walls, columns and other 

adjacent elements in accordance with the 

relevant clauses in Section 3 of 

CP 102: 1973. 

9G 

insulation 

above or 

below 

(if required) 

(G2.1 – G2.6) 

;damp proof 

membrane 

concrete slab 

hardcore 

solum 

insulation 

above or 

concrete slab 

below 

(if required) ;damp proof 

membrane 

hardcore 

solum 

concrete slab 

insulation;damp 

proof 

above or 

membrane 

below 

concrete slab 

(if required) 

hardcore 

; 

solum 

A. Ground supported concrete floor 


G

G 

(G2.3 – G2.6) 

Suspended timber floors 


B. The solum is brought to an even surface; any 

upfilling to be of hard, dry material. 

Hardcore bed as for A. above; with either a 

damp-proof membrane in accordance with 

Section 3 of CP 102: 1973; or concrete 

;150 

50mm thick laid on 0.25mm (1000 gauge) 

polyethylene sheet; or concrete 100mm thick; 

so that in any case the top surface is not below 

100 

that of the adjacent ground. 

Suspended timber floor with or without insulation 

as required. Floor joists carried on 

wall-plates supported as necessary by sleeper 

walls with a damp-proof course under the 

wall-plates. 

Permanent ventilation of the underfloor space 

direct to the outside air by ventilators in 2 

external walls on opposite sides of the building 

to provide an open area in each wall of either 

1500mm 2 for at least every metre run of the 

wall, or 500mm 2 for at least every square metre 

of floor area, this open area also being provided 

in internal sleeper walls or similar 

obstructions to maintain the underfloor ventila- 

tion; the ventilated space to be 75mm in height 

;150 

from the site covering to the underside of any 

wall-plates and 150mm to the underside of the 

floor joists. 

100 

Suspended concrete floors 

C. The solum is brought to an even surface; any 

upfilling to be of hard, dry material. 

; 

; 

;150 

10G 

50 

B. Suspended timber floor 

insulation 

anywhere 

in this space 

damp proof 

membrane 

hardcore 

solum 

insulation 

anywhere 

in this space 

concrete 

polyethylene 

sheet 

solum 

insulation 

anywhere 

in this space 

concrete 

solum 

Suspended concrete floor of in-situ or precast 

concrete slabs or beams with concrete or clay 

infill units; with insulation, if any; with or 

without a screed or floor finish, or with boards. 

Permanent ventilation of the underfloor space 

direct to the outside air by ventilators in 2 

external walls on opposite sides of the building 

to provide an open area in each wall of 

1500mm2 for at least every metre run of the 

wall, or 500mm2 insulation 

;150 

for at least every square metre 

of floor area, this open area also being pro- 

solum 

vided in internal sleeper walls or similar 

obstructions to maintain the underfloor ventilation; 

the ventilated space to be 150mm to the 

underside of the floor slab or beams. 

C. Suspended concrete floor

Walls and floors at or near ground level 

D. Walls constructed in accordance with clause 10 of CP 102: 1973. 

Floors constructed in accordance with clause 11 of CP 102: 1973, 

except - 

ventilation of the sub-floor (clause 11. 8. 4) is to be as in B above. 

Structures below ground including basements 

E. Structures constructed in accordance with the relevant clauses in Section 2 of CP 102: 1973. 

RESISTANCE TO PRECIPITATION 

(G3.1) The requirements of G3.1 will be met where the exposed elements are constructed as specified in the 

relevant provisions below (but note that the diagrams do not show all the structural bracing that may be 

required). 


The thickness and other dimensions specified are the minimum required unless otherwise stated; 

greater figures are therefore permissible. 

General 

In using any of the constructions on the following pages under ‘Wall types’ and ‘Roof types’, the 

following general provisions apply for walls or roofs as appropriate. 

a. Masonry walls of bricks and/or blocks incorporating damp-proof courses, flashings and other 

materials and components constructed in accordance with the relevant recommendations of 

BS5628: Part 3: 1985, using a construction to suit the degree of exposure to wind and rain in 

accordance with clause 21 and as described in BS8104: 1992. 

b. Masonry walls incorporating external rendering which conforms to the relevant recommendations 

of BS5262: 1991, to suit the degree of exposure and the type of masonry. 

c. Masonry walls of natural stone or cast stone blocks constructed in accordance with the relevant 

recommendations of Section 3 of BS5390: 1976 (1984) and to suit the degree of exposure to wind 

and rain as described in BS8104: 1992. 

d. Masonry cavity walls incorporating insulation material, either as a complete or partial cavity fill, 

where the insulating material is the subject of a current certificate issued under the relevant conditions 

of an independent testing body, the walls are constructed in accordance with the terms of 

the certificate and to suit the degree of exposure to wind and rain as described in BS8104: 1992 

and the relevant recommendations of the following British Standards. 

Materials or conditions British Standards 

Urea formaldehyde (UF) foam BS5617: 1985 and BS5618: 1985 

Man-made mineral fibre (slabs) BS6676: Part 1: 1986 and Part 2: 1986 

Assessment of walls for filling BS8208: Part 1: 1985 

11G 

(G2.3 – G3.1) 


G

G 

(G3.1) 

e. Walls or roofs incorporating cladding materials constructed in accordance with the recommendations 

of the following British Standards or Codes of Practice - 


British Standards and 

Materials or conditions Element Codes of Practice 

Aluminium wall or roof CP 143: Part 15: 1973 (1986) 

Galvanised corrugated steel wall or roof CP 143: Part 10: 1973 

Lead wall or roof BS6915: 1988 

Copper wall or roof CP 143: Part 12: 1970 (1988) 

Slates and tiles wall or roof BS5534: Part 1: 1997 

Zinc wall or roof CP 143: Part 5: 1964 

Non-loadbearing walls wall or steep roof BS8200: 1985 

Precast concrete cladding wall BS8297: 1995 

Natural stone cladding wall BS8298: 1994 

Flat roofs roof BS6229: 1982 

Bitumen felt roof BS8217: 1994 

Mastic asphalt roof BS8218: 1998 

f. Roofs with copper, lead, zinc and other sheet metal roof coverings require provision for expansion 

and contraction of the sheet material. In ‘warm deck’ roofs, in order to reduce the risk of 

condensation and corrosion, it may be necessary to provide a ventilated air space on the cold 

side of the insulation and a high performance vapour control layer between the insulation and 

the roof structure. It may also be necessary to consult the relevant trade association. 

12G

Wall type 1: solid walls of masonry 

;25 

A. Solid wall, 200mm thick of bricks, blocks or 

slabs of clay, calcium silicate, concrete or cast 

stone. 

plasterboard 

Wall rendered or unrendered externally. 

insulation 

Insulation and plasterboard internally, with 

; 

a 

cavity 

cavity 25mm wide. 

A. Solid wall with internal insulation 

B. Solid wall as A. above. 

Insulation applied to the external surface of the 

wall; protected externally either by cladding 

(of sheets, tiles or boarding) with permanent 

ventilation, or by rendering. 

;insulation 

external protection 

Wall with or without an internal surface finish B. Solid wall with external insulation 

of plaster or plasterboard. 

Wall type 2: cavity walls of masonry 

A. Cavity wall of 2 leaves of masonry separated 

by a 50mm cavity; each leaf, 100mm thick, of 

either bricks or blocks of clay, calcium silicate 

or concrete. 


plasterboard 

;insulation 

Insulation applied as a lining to the internal 

cavity 

surface of the wall and plasterboard. 

A. Cavity wall with internal insulation 

B. Cavity wall as A. above. 


Insulation applied as a cavity fill. 

Wall with or without an internal surface finish 


C. Cavity wall as A. above. 


Insulation applied to either leaf as a partial 

cavity fill so as to preserve a residual space of 

50mm wide. 

Wall with or without an internal surface finish 


100 50 100 

100 50 100 

; 

13G 

insulation 

B. Cavity wall with cavity fill insulation 

(G3.1) 

;insulation 

50 

cavity 

C. Cavity wall with partial fill insulation 


G

G 

(G3.1) 

Wall type 3: framed walls 

A. Framed wall of timber standards and rails, with 

a vapour permeable sheathing to the framing 

covered with a breather membrane. 

Masonry external cladding of 100mm thick 

clay brick or block, concrete or calcium silicate 

brick or block, dense in-situ concrete, lightweight 

concrete or autoclaved aerated 

concrete, with an externally ventilated cavity 

of 50mm but not more than 100mm wide 

between the cladding and the framing, the 

cavity ventilated to the outside by means of one 

open perpend joint for at least every 1.2 

;A. Masonry cladding 

metre 

run at the top and bottom of the wall. 

Masonry cladding rendered or unrendered 

externally. 

Insulation applied as an infill to the framing. 

The framing lined internally with a vapour 

control layer and plasterboard. 

B. Framed wall of timber standards and rails with 

a breather membrane. 

Cladding material, on battens and counter 

battens as required, of timber weatherboarding, 

tile or slate. ;insulation 

;B. 

sheathing 

breather 

Insulation and internal lining as A. above. 

membrane 

Weatherboarding, tile or slate cladding 

C. Framed wall of timber or metal standards and 

rails. 

lining 

vapour control 

layer 

Sheet or panel cladding material of ;insulation 

fibre 

cement, plastic, metal, GRP or GRC. 

C. Sheet or panel cladding 


Insulation applied either to the internal face of 

the framing with permanent ventilation behind 

any impervious cladding, or as an infill to the 

framing; in either case the wall lined internally 

with a vapour control layer and a lining. 

14G 

50 to 100 


layer 

plasterboard 

insulation 

sheathing 

breather 

membrane 


layer 

plasterboard 

lining 


layer 

;insulation 

ventilated cavity 

C. Sheet or panel cladding (with ventilated cavity)

Roof type 1: flat roofs [Note 1] 

B. Flat roof structure as A. above. 

External protective covering; with low permeability 

insulation laid on a waterproof membrane 

between the roof structure and the 

external covering. 

C. Flat roof structure of timber or metal framed ;weatherproof covering 

construction with a board decking 19mm thick; 

insulation 

with or without a ceiling or soffit. 

vapour control layer 

External weatherproof covering, insulation and 

vapour control layer as A. above. [Note 1] 

Note: 

1. Roof types 1A. and 1C. are not suitable for 

sheet metal coverings that require joints to 

allow for thermal movement. See also 

‘General’, f. of the provision deemed to satisfy 

G3.1. 

15G 

(G3.1) 

A. Flat roof structure of in-situ or precast concrete 

with or without a screed; with or without ;weatherproof a 

covering 

ceiling or soffit. 

insulation 


External weatherproof covering; with insula- 

screed if required 

tion laid on a vapour control layer between the 

roof structure and the weatherproof covering. 

[Note 1] 

A. Concrete - warm roof 

;protective covering 

B. Concrete - inverted roof 

insulation 

waterproof membrane 

screed if required 

C. Timber or metal frame - warm roof 


G

G 

(G3.1) 

D. Flat roof structure as C. above. 

External protective covering, insulation and 

protective covering 

waterproof membrane as B. above. 

insulation 

waterproof membrane 

E. 

; 

D. Timber or metal frame - inverted roof 

; 

weatherproof 

covering 

Flat roof structure of timber or metal framed 

insulation 

construction with a troughed metal decking; 


with or without a ceiling or soffit. 

External weatherproof covering and insulation 

and vapour control layer as A. above. [Note 1] 

E. Troughed metal decking - warm roof 

F. ; 

protective covering 

Flat roof structure as E. above. 

insulation 

waterproof 

External protective covering, insulation and 

membrane 

waterproof membrane as B. above. 

Note: 

1. Roof type 1E. is not suitable for sheet metal 

coverings that require joints to allow for 

thermal movement. See also ‘General’, f. of the 

provision deemed to satisfy G3.1. 


16G 

F. Troughed metal decking - inverted roof

Roof type 2: pitched roofs [Note 1] 

A. Pitched roof structure of timber or metal 

framed construction. 

External weatherproof covering of slates or 

tiles on under stating felt with or without 

boards or battens. 

Insulation laid on a level ceiling with a ventilated 

space between the insulation and the roof 

structure. 

B. Pitched roof structure as A. above. 

External weatherproof covering as A. above. 

Insulation and vapour control layer laid on a 

sloping ceiling, with a ventilated air space 

50mm in depth between the insulation and the 

boards of the pitched roof covering. 

C. Pitched roof structure as A. above with a 

decking of low permeability insulation fitted to 

and between the roof framing. 

External weatherproof covering of slates or 

tiles, with tiling battens and counter battens 

(located over roof framing), and a breather 

membrane laid on the insulation decking; with 

a sloping ceiling. 

D. Pitched roof structure as A. above. 

External weatherproof covering of metal or 

fibre cement sheet sandwich construction laid 

on purlins; with insulation sandwiched 

between the external and soffit sheeting; and 

with or without a ceiling. [Note 1] 

Note: 

1. Roof type 2D. is not suitable for sheet metal 

coverings that require joints to allow for 

thermal movement. See also ‘General’ f. of the 

provisions deemed to satisfy G3.1. 

17G 

(G3.1) 

slates or tiles 

;underslating 

felt 

A. Slates or tiles - insulation on a level ceiling 

ventilated 

space 

insulation 

;underslating 

slates or tiles 

felt 

50mm 

ventilated 

space 

insulation 

vapour 

control layer 

B. Slates or tiles - insulation on a sloping ceiling 

; 

slates or 

tiles on 

battens 

counter battens 

breather 

membrane 

insulation 

C. Slates or tiles - insulation as decking 

(longitudinal section) 

; 

external 

sheet 

covering 

insulation 

sandwich 

D. Metal or fibre cement sheet - sandwich insulation 

; 


G

G 

(G4.1), (G4.2) 

INTERSTITIAL CONDENSATION 

(G4.1) The requirements of G4.1 will be met where the walls, roofs and floors are assessed and/or constructed 

in accordance with Appendix D and Clauses 9.1 to 9.5.5.2 of BS5250: 1989. 

SURFACE CONDENSATION 

(G4.2) The requirements of G4.2 will be met where openings and junctions in or between the specified elements 

are constructed in accordance with Clauses 9.6.1 to 9.6.3 of BS5250: 1989 to a thermal transmittance 

(U-value) which does not exceed 1.2 W/m 2 K at any point. 


18G

Appendix 

THIS APPENDIX IS NOT PART OF THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS OR THE DEEMED TO SATISFY PROVISIONS AND IS 

THEREFORE NON-MANDATORY. IT GIVES OUTLINE GUIDANCE ON THE PREPARATION OF A SITE WHERE HARMFUL 

OR DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES ARE SUSPECTED OR IDENTIFIED AND ON FLOOD DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS AND RADON 

PROTECTION MEASURES FOR NEW DWELLINGS. 

Preparation of a site 

1. Harmful or dangerous substances includes deposits of faecal or animal matter and any substance or 

mixture of substances which is, or could become, corrosive, explosive, flammable, radioactive or 

toxic or which produces, or could produce, any gas likely to have any such characteristic. 

2. Where records or local knowledge of previous use identifies land which may contain, or give rise to, 

harmful or dangerous substances, planning permission will normally be subject to conditions. These 

conditions will be imposed to ensure that the development proposed for the land will not expose 

future users or occupiers, or any building or services, to hazards associated with the contaminants. 

Examples of land likely to contain contaminants are given in Table 1. 

3. There may be occasions when land containing harmful or dangerous substances has not been identified 

at the planning stage, and the presence of contaminants is only suspected later. Some signs of 

the possible presence of contaminants are given in Table 2. 

4. If any signs of possible contaminants are present the Local Authority should be told at once. If the 

presence of any of the contaminants listed in Table 2 is confirmed, it is likely that some form of 

remedial action will be required. For guidance, the normal course of remedial action is listed against 

each contaminant noted in Table 2. In all cases these courses of action assume that the ground to be 

covered by the building will have at least 100mm of in-situ concrete cover. Expert advice may be 

required to provide an economical and safe solution to the hazards encountered, especially where 

contaminants are present in large amounts or where there is imminent danger to health or safety. 

5. With the increasing re-development of former industrial land in the UK, attention is also drawn to 

the British Standards Institution publication, first issued in April 1988 as a Draft for Development, 

DD 175: 1988 (1992), “Code of practice for the identification of potentially contaminated land and 

its investigation”. This is designed to provide guidance on the identification and investigation of land 

where contaminants may exist and where hazards from undesirable substances may occur. 

6. The subject is still relatively new and continues to develop, hence publication of DD 175 as a Draft 

for Development which is intended to complement both BS5930: 1981, “Code of practice for site 

investigations” and the guidance notes issued by the Department of the Environment’s Inter-Departmental 

Committee on the redevelopment of Contaminated Land. 

Flooding 

7. Serious river and coastal flooding which has occurred in a number of areas in Scotland is, unfortunately, 

not entirely preventable. Pressure for land development may mean that development proposals 

could be given planning approval on land subject to some risk of flooding. Paragraph 8 below refers 

to sources of information on measures to reduce the effects of flood damage to buildings. 

19G 


G

G 

8. Where development is to take place on land assessed by the planning authority as having a flood 

risk, advice should be sought from sources such as the local planning authority, the Scottish Environmental 

Protection Agency (SEPA) and those responsible for coastal defences. Further information is 

in “National Planning Policy Guideline 7: “Planning and Flooding”, 1995”. Detailed guidance on the 

likely effects of flooding on building materials and fabric and on the precautionary measures that can 

be taken in the design of dwellings to reduce the effects of flood damage can be obtained from 

“Design Guidance on Flood Damage to Dwellings, 1996”. Both publications are available from the 

Stationery Office. 

Radon 

9. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colourless and odourless gas that is formed where 

uranium and radium are present. It can move through cracks and fissures in the subsoil, and so into 

buildings. Where this gas occurs under buildings, the external walls contain it and the containment of 

radon can build up inside the buildings over the long term posing a risk to health and increasing the 

risk of developing cancer. 

The precise areas where measures will require to be taken to reduce radon penetration into dwellings 

are regularly reviewed by the Scottish Executive in light of advice from the National Radiological 

Protection Board. These are listed the the Building Research Establishment’s document “Radon: 

guidance on protection measures for new dwellings in Scotland”. 

Table 1 to Part G Appendix: Examples of land likely to contain contaminants 

Examples of land likely to contain contaminants is land on which there has been - 

asbestos works; 

chemical works; 

gas works, coal carbonisation plants and ancillary by-products works; 

industries making or using wood preservatives; 

landfill and other waste disposal sites; 

metal mines, smelters, foundries, steel works and metal finishing works; 

munitions production and testing sites; 

nuclear installations; 

oil storage and distribution sites; 

paper and printing works; 

railway land, especially the larger sidings and depots; 

scrap yards; 

sewage works, sewage farms and sludge disposal sites; and 

tanneries 


20G

Table 2 to Part G Appendix: Possible contaminants and actions 

Signs of possible Possible contaminant Probable remedial 

contamination action required 

a. Vegetation metals, metal compounds none 

(absence, poor or 

unnatural growth) organic compounds, gases removal 

b. Surface materials metals, metal compounds none 

(unusual colours and 

contours may indicate) oil and tarry wastes removal, filling or 

sealing 

asbestos (loose) removal, filling or 

sealing [Note 1] 

other fibres none 

organic compounds removal or filling 

including phenols 

potentially combustible removal or inert filling 

material including coal and 

coke dust 

refuse and waste removal 

c. Fumes and odours flammable, explosive, toxic removal 

(may indicate organic and asphyxiating gases 

chemicals at very low including methane and the construction is to 

concentrations) carbon dioxide be free from 

unventilated voids 

corrosive liquids removal, filling or 

sealing [Note 1] 

faecal, animal and vegetable removal or filling 

matter (biologically active) 

d. Drums and containers various removal with all 

(whether full or empty) contaminated ground 

[Note 1] 

Note: 

1. The local authority may require the removal to be done by specialists. 


REMOVAL means that the contaminant itself and any contaminated ground to be covered by the 

building should be taken out to a depth of 1m (or less if the Local Authority agrees) below the 

level of the lowest floor and taken away to a place to be named by the Local Authority; 

FILLING means that the ground to be covered by the building is to be covered to a depth of 1m 

(or less if the Local Authority agrees) with a material which will not react adversely with any 

contaminant remaining and will be suitable for making up levels. The type of filling and the 

design of the ground floor should be considered together; 

INERT FILLING means that the filling is wholly non-combustible and not easily changed by 

chemical reactions; and 

SEALING means that a suitable imperforate barrier is laid between the contaminant and the 

building and sealed at the joints, around the edges and at the service entries. Note that polyethylene 

may not be suitable if the contaminant is a liquid such as a tarry waste or organic solvent. 

21G 


G

22G

RESISTANCE TO THE 

TRANSMISSION OF SOUNDH

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATIONS 19, 20 & 21 

Resistance to transmission of sound 

THE STANDARDS 

H1 Application of Part H H1.1-H1.4 

H2 Walls and floors to resist sound transmission 

Airborne sound H2.1 

Impact sound H2.2-H2.3 


(H2.1) - 

(H2.3) Airborne sound and impact sound 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3H 


H

5H 

Introduction 

1 The intention of this Part is to protect occupants of a 

dwelling from excessive noise transmitted from other parts 

of a building as this can damage health, particularly when it 

recurs over a period of time. It does not apply to a wholly 

detached dwelling nor does it deal with external sources such 

as road traffic or aircraft noise. 

2 The requirements therefore apply to walls and floors 

separating a dwelling from other parts of the same building 

in different occupation and from other adjoining buildings. 

External walls are controlled only to the extent necessary to 

reduce flanking transmission around the ends of separating 

walls and separating floors. They also apply to balconies and 

roofs which are accessible, other than for maintenance, 

where they are above a dwelling. 

3 In addition it is envisaged that other ways of satisfying 

the regulations could be acceptable. For example; if an identical 

block of dwellings has been built elsewhere, tested, and 

been shown to meet the performance standards, a building 

warrant can be given on that evidence. Care is necessary to 

ensure that results are equally applicable since, for example, 

a construction giving acceptable results in a stepped or staggered 

situation may not perform adequately in a straight 

terrace block of dwellings. 

4 It should be understood that meeting the requirements of 

this Part will not guarantee freedom from the transmission of 

disturbing noise. The intention is to achieve reasonable standards 

of sound insulation by common, economically viable, 

forms of construction. It is important to bear in mind that 

standards of workmanship are as important as constructional 

details as air paths, bridging, or incorrectly placed resilient 

layers can destroy the effectiveness of measures used. 


H

H 

Regulations 19, 20 & 21 

Resistance to transmission of sound 

19 1. Subject to paragraph (2), every wall which 

separates a dwelling from another building 

and, in the case of a dwelling forming part of 

a building, every wall and floor which separates 

the dwelling from another part of the 

building shall provide adequate resistance to 

transmission of airborne sound. 

2. Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a wall 

between a dwelling and any area which is 

open to the external air. 

20 1. Every floor separating a dwelling from any 

other part of a building above the dwelling 

shall provide adequate resistance to transmission 

of sound caused by impact. 

2. Roofs or walkways which are situated directly 

above a dwelling and to which there is access 

other than for maintenance purposes shall 

provide adequate resistance to transmission of 

sound caused by impact. 

21 Regulations 19 and 20 shall not be subject to 

specification in a notice served under section 11 

of the Act. 


6H

The standards 

H1 Application of Part H 

H1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 19 to 21. 

H1.2 The standards apply to a dwelling other than a wholly detached dwelling. 

7H 

H1.1 – H2.3 

H1.3 The standards are for separating elements (walls and floors) in a new dwelling, in a dwelling created by 

conversion, and in a dwelling where the building warrant covers a change of use of an element invoking 

a more onerous requirement e.g. in a rehabilitated flat where an existing internal wall becomes a 

separating wall. 

H1.4 The term dwelling includes any part of a building, being a part intended for occupation as a separate 

dwelling, irrespective of the purpose group of the rest of the building. The elements separating such a 

dwelling from the rest of the building must comply. Roofs or walkways to which there is access for 

purposes other than for maintenance of the building, which lie directly above a dwelling, must also 

comply. Walls separating a dwelling from a common access corridor or stair, or waste chute, must also 

provide adequate sound insulation. 

H2 Walls and floors to resist sound transmission 

AIRBORNE SOUND 

H2.1* A wall or floor separating a dwelling from any part of a building must provide adequate resistance to 

airborne sound. 

IMPACT SOUND 

H2.2* A floor separating a dwelling from any part of a building above the dwelling must provide adequate 

resistance to impact sound. 

H2.3* A roof or walkway over a dwelling which is accessible for any purpose other than maintenance must 

provide adequate resistance to impact sound. 


H


AIRBORNE SOUND AND IMPACT SOUND 

(H2.1, The requirements of H2.1 for airborne sound and H2.2 and H2.3 for impact sound will be met where 

H2.2, walls, floors and roofs - 

H2.3) 

a. are constructed in accordance with the specified constructions given in points 1 to 17; 

or 

b. achieve the standards given in point 18 when tested in accordance with points 19 to 29. 


1 The requirements for sound insulation will be met where walls and floors are constructed as specified 

below (but note that the diagrams do not show all the structural bracing that may be required). 

2 The thicknesses, masses, and other dimensions specified are the minimum required unless otherwise 

stated; greater figures are therefore permissible. Timber sizes quoted are the minimum actual sizes 

required. 

3 Where a mass is specified for a wall it is expressed in kg/m 2 of wall face area. For a floor the mass is 

expressed in kg/m 2 on plan. 

4 To calculate the mass of a leaf of masonry the formulae in point 5 must be used. Densities of bricks or 

blocks (at 3% moisture content) may be taken from a current BBA Certificate or from the manufacturer’s 

literature, in which case the local authority may ask for confirmation e.g. that the measurement 

was done by an accredited test house. Note that the quoted density of bricks or blocks is normally the 

apparent density, i.e. the weight divided by the volume including perforations, voids or frogs. This is 

the density appropriate to the formulae. For co-ordinating course heights other than those given in 

point 5 use the formula for the nearest height. Include any finish of plaster, render or dry lining in 

calculating the mass unless otherwise stated. 

9H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

5 To calculate the mass of a masonry leaf use the following formulae. 

Co-ordinating height of Formulae to be used 

masonry course (mm) 

M-NP 

( –––– - 380) 

75 M = T (0.79D + 380) + NP or D = T 

––––––––––––– 

0.79 

M-NP 

( –––– - 255) 

100 M = T (0.86D + 255) + NP or D = T 

––––––––––––– 

0.86 

M-NP 

( –––– - 145) 

150 M = T (0.92D + 145) + NP or D = T 

––––––––––––– 

0.92 

M-NP 

( –––– - 125) 

200 M = T (0.93D + 125) + NP or D = T 

––––––––––––– 

0.93 

Where M = Mass of 1m 2 of leaf in kg/m 2 

T = Thickness of masonry in metres i.e unplastered thickness) 

D = Density of masonry units in kg/m 3 (at 3 % moisture content) 

N = Number of finished faces 

P = Mass of 1m 2 of wall finish in kg/m 2 (see below) 

Mass of plaster (assumed thickness 13 mm) 

Cement Render = 29 kg/m 2 

Gypsum = 17 kg/m 2 

Lightweight = 10 kg/m 2 

Plasterboard = 10 kg/m 2 

6 In point 5 a mortar joint of 10 mm and a dry, set mortar density of 1800 kg/m 3 are assumed. 

Values within 10% of these figures are acceptable. 

7 For in-situ concrete or screeds calculate the mass by multiplying the density (kg/m 3 ) by the thickness 

(in metres). For slabs or composite floor bases divide the total mass of the element (kg) by the plan 

area of the element (m 2 ). 

Conditions on the use of specified constructions 

8 In any separating wall being built to meet the specified construction standard, the following conditions 

must be met - 

a. no opening is permitted except a doorway between a dwelling and a stairway or passage where 

the doorway is protected by a fire door satisfying Part D; 

b. no service pipes or ducts may pass through except between a dwelling and a stairway, passage 

or duct where the pipes and ducts are protected to satisfy Part D; 


10H

c. chases for services are allowed in wall type 1 or 2 provided the depth of any horizontal chase 

does not exceed one-sixth of the thickness of the leaf, and the depth of any vertical chase does 

not exceed one-third of the thickness; chases back to back in a single leaf are not permitted; in 

wall type 3 services may pierce the free-standing panels provided any gaps are sealed with tape 

or caulking; no services are permitted in wall type 4; and 

d. flues are only permitted in walls where the flues are of masonry construction (including precast 

concrete flue blocks); no flues are permitted in wall type 4. 

9 In any separating floor being built to meet the specified construction standard no openings are permitted 

except openings for service ducts, pipes or flues protected to satisfy Part D or Part F and which are 

also enclosed above and below the floor to satisfy this Part. 

11H 

(H2.1), (2.3) 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

10 Wall type 1: solid masonry 

The resistance to airborne sound depends 

mainly on the mass of the wall. 

Points to watch 

Fill masonry joints with mortar (to achieve the 

mass and avoid air paths). 

Limit the pathways around the wall (to reduce 

flanking transmission). 

Construction 

Five wall constructions which give suitable 

resistance to direct transmission are specified. 

Details of how junctions must be made to limit 

flanking transmission follow. 

A. Brick, plastered both sides. 

Mass including plaster 375 kg/m2 . 

13 mm plaster each side. 

Lay bricks in a bond which includes 

headers. 

Example: 215 mm brick, lightweight 

plaster, 75 mm coursing; brick density of 

1610 kg/ m3 gives the required mass. 

B. Concrete block, plastered both sides. Mass 

including plaster 415 kg/m2 . 

13 mm plaster each side. 

Use blocks which extend to the full thickness 

of the wall. 

Example: 215 mm block, lightweight 

plaster, 110 mm coursing; block density of 

1840 kg/m3 gives the required mass. 

C. Brick, plasterboard both sides. 

Mass including plasterboard 375 kg/m2 . 

12.5 mm plasterboard each side, use any 

normal fixing method. 

Lay bricks in a bond which includes 

headers. 

Example: 215 mm brick, 75 mm coursing; 

brick density of 1610 kg/m3 gives the 

required mass. 

D. Concrete block, plasterboard both sides. 

Mass of masonry alone 415 kg/m2 . 

12.5 mm plasterboard each side, use any 


Use blocks which extend to the full thickness 

of the wall. 

Example: 215 mm block, 150 mm coursing; 

block density of 1840 kg/m3 gives the 


E. Concrete (minimum density 1500 kg/m3 ), 

in-situ or large panel. 

Plaster optional. 

Mass (including plaster if used) 415 kg/m2 . 

Fill joints between panels with mortar. 

Example: an unplastered wall of density 

2200 kg/m3 ; 190mm thickness gives the 



12H

10. Junctions for wall type 1 

(Cont’d) 

Roof 

Fire-stop the joint between wall and roof (see 

Part D). 

Ceiling and roof space 

Where there is a heavy ceiling with sealed joints 

(12.5 mm plasterboard or equivalent), the mass of 

the wall above the ceiling may be reduced to 150 

kg/m 2 . If lightweight aggregate blocks are used to 

reduce mass, seal one side with cement paint or 

plaster skim. 

Intermediate and ground floors 

With a timber floor do not build joists into the 

wall, use hangers. With a concrete floor either the 

wall or the floor may be carried through. 

External wall 

The outer leaf of a cavity wall may be of any construction. 

Where a cavity wall has an inner leaf of 

masonry; or where the external wall is of solid 

masonry - 

a. i. the masonry of the walls must be bonded 

together, or 

ii. the masonry of the external wall must 

abut the separating wall and be tied to it 

with ties at no more than 300 mm centres 

vertically, 

b. 

to create a homogeneous unit; and 

the masonry must have a mass of 120 kg/m2 unless the length of the external wall is 

limited by openings, 

i. of 1 metre high, 

ii. on both sides of the separating wall at 

every storey, and 

iii. not more than 700 mm from the face of 

the separating wall on both sides1 . 


timber construction it must - 

c. abut the separating wall; 

d. be tied to it with ties at no more than 300 mm 

centres vertically; and 

e. have the joints sealed with tape or caulking . 

1. a short length of wall will not vibrate excessively 

at low frequencies to give flanking 

transmissions. 

Partitions 

There are no restrictions on a partition wall 

meeting a type 1 separating wall. 

13H 

timber 

timber 

masonry 

;; Roof 

Section 

Plan 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

Ceiling 

Intermediate 

floor 

concrete 

Ground 

floor 

concrete 

External wall 

timber 

caulking 

or tape 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

11. Wall type 2: cavity masonry 

The resistance to airborne sound depends on 

the mass of the leaves and on the degree of isolation 

achieved. 



mass and to avoid air paths). 

Maintain the cavity up to the underside of the 

roof. 

Connect the leaves only where necessary for 

structural reasons. Use only butterfly pattern 

ties, spaced no more than 900 mm apart horizontally 

and 450 mm apart vertically. (BS 

5628: Part 3: 1985 limits this tie type and 

spacing to cavities of 50 mm to 75 mm with a 

minimum masonry leaf thickness of 90 mm). 

If external walls are to be filled with an insulating 

material other than loose fibre the insulating 

material must be prevented from 

entering the cavity in the separating wall. 

Constructions 

Two wall constructions (A and B) which give 

suitable resistance to direct transmission are 

specified. 

Two other wall constructions (C and D) will be 

suitable between houses provided a step in elevation 

and/or a stagger in plan is incorporated 

at the separating wall. 



A. Two leaves of brick with 50 mm cavity, 

plastered on both room faces. 

Mass including plaster 415 kg/m2 . 13 mm 

plaster each face. 

Example: 102 mm leaves, lightweight 

plaster, 75 mm coursing; brick density of 


B. Two leaves of concrete block with 50 mm 

cavity, plastered on both room faces. 







14H 

50

11. Additional constructions permitted only where a step and/or stagger of at least 300 mm is used 

(Cont’d) 

C. Two leaves of concrete block with 50 mm 

cavity, plasterboard on both room faces. 

Mass of masonry alone 415 kg/m2 . 

12.5 mm plasterboard each face, use any 


Example: 100 mm leaves, 225 mm coursing; 

block density of 1990 kg/m3 gives the 


D. Two leaves of lightweight aggregate concrete 

block (maximum density 1500 

kg/m3 ) with 75 mm cavity, plastered on 

both room faces. 



Seal the face of the blockwork, with 

cement paint or plaster, through the full 

width and depth of any intermediate floor. 




15H 

50 

75 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

11. Junctions for wall type 2 

(Cont’d) 

Roof 


Part D). 


Where there is a heavy ceiling with sealed 

joints (12.5 mm plasterboard or equivalent), 

the mass of the wall above the ceiling may be 

reduced to 150 kg/m 2 . The cavity must still be 

maintained. If lightweight aggregate blocks are 

used to reduce mass, one face of the wall must 

be sealed with cement paint or plaster skim. 


With a timber floor use joist hangers for any 

joists supported on the wall. 

With a concrete intermediate or suspended 

ground floor the floor may be carried through 

only to the cavity face of each leaf. 

A concrete slab on the ground may be 

continuous. 

External wall 

The outer leaf of a cavity wall may be of any 

construction. 


masonry - 

a. i. the masonry of the walls must be 

bonded together, or 

ii. the masonry of the external wall must 

abut the separating wall and be tied to 

it with ties at no more than 300 mm 

centres vertically, 

to create a homogeneous unit; and 

b. the masonry must have a mass of 

120 kg/m 2 except where separating wall 

type 2 is used when there is no minimum 


Where a cavity wall has an inner leaf of timber 

construction it must - 

c. abut the separating wall; 

d. be tied to it with ties at no more than 

300 mm centres vertically; and 

e. have the joints sealed with tape or 

caulking. 

The cavity in the separating wall must only be 

sealed in accordance with Part D. 

Partitions 

There are no restrictions on partition walls 

meeting a type 2 separating wall. 


16H 

;; Roof 

;; 

timber 

timber 

masonry 

Section 

Plan 

Ceiling 

Intermediate 

floor 

concrete 

Ground floor 

concrete 

External wall 

timber 

caulking 

or tape

12. Wall type 3: solid masonry between isolated panels 


the mass and type of core and on the isolation 

and mass of the panels. 



mass and to avoid air paths). 

Support the panels only from floor and ceiling 

- do not fix or tie them to the masonry core (to 

maintain isolation). 

Constructions 

Four masonry cores and two panels are specified 

which in any combination of core plus 

panels give suitable resistance to direct transmission. 



Basic construction 

A masonry core, with an isolated panel on each 

side. 

Minimum air space between panels and core 

25 mm. Keep framing clear of core (at least 

5 mm). 

Masonry cores 

A. Brick 

Mass 300 kg/m 2 . 

Example: 215 mm core, 75 mm coursing; 

brick density of 1290 kg/m 3 gives the 


B. Concrete block 

Mass 300 kg/m 2. 


block density of 2200 kg/m 3 gives the 


C. Lightweight aggregate concrete block 

(maximum density 1500 kg/m 3 ). 

Mass 200 kg/m 2 . 







D. Autoclaved aerated concrete block. Mass 

160 kg/m 2. 




17H 

25 25 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

Any framing 

must be kept 

clear of the 

masonry 

core 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

12. Panels 

(Cont’d) 

E. Two sheets of plasterboard joined by a cellular 

core. 

Mass (including plaster finish if used) 

18 kg/m 2 

Fix to ceiling and floor only. Tape joints 

between panels. 

F. Two sheets of plasterboard with joints 

staggered. 

Thickness of each sheet 12.5 mm if a supporting 

framework is used, or total thickness 

of 30 mm if no framework is used. 

Junctions for wall type 3 

Roof 

Fire-stop the joint between masonry core and 

roof (see Part D). 


Where there is a heavy ceiling with sealed 

joints (12.5 mm plasterboard or equivalent), 

the free-standing panels may be omitted in the 

roof space and mass of the core above the 

ceiling may be reduced to 150 kg/m 2 . If lightweight 

aggregate blocks are used to reduce 

mass, seal one side with cement paint or plaster 

skim. Seal the junction between ceiling and 

free-standing panels with tape or caulking. 


With a timber intermediate floor use joist 

hangers for any joists supported on the wall 

and seal the spaces between joists with full 

depth timber battens. 

With a concrete intermediate floor the floor 

base may only be carried through where it has 

a mass of 365 kg/m 2 . Seal the junction between 

ceiling and panel with tape or 

caulking. 

The ground floor must be a solid slab, laid on 

the ground to prevent air paths. 


18H 

Ceiling 

timber joists 

parallel 

Roof 

Ground floor 

; 

Section 

Caulking 

or tape 

concrete floor 

built in (only if 

greater than 

365kg/m 2 ) 

timber joists at 

right angles 

ground floor 

must be solid 

and may pass 

through wall

12. External wall 

(Cont’d) 

The outer leaf of a cavity wall may be of any 

construction. 

The inner leaf of a cavity wall must have an 

internal finish of isolated panels as specified 

for the separating wall except where the 

separating wall has core A or B when plaster 

or dry-lining with joints sealed with tape or 

caulking may be used. 

A layer of insulation may be added to such 

internal finish provided the 25 mm and 10 mm 

gaps shown in the diagram are maintained. 

The inner leaf may be of any construction if it 

is lined with isolated panels. 

If the inner leaf is dry-lined it must be masonry 

with a mass of 120 kg/m 2 , butt jointed to the 

separating wall core with ties at no more than 

300 mm centres, vertically. 

Partitions 

Partitions abutting a type 3 separating wall 

must not be of masonry construction. ;Loadbearing 

partition 

Other loadbearing partitions should be fixed to 

the masonry core through a continuous pad of 

mineral fibre quilt. 

Non-loadbearing partitions should be tight 

butted to the isolated panels. 

All joints between partitions and panels must 

be sealed with tape or caulking. 

19H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

25 10 

free-standing 

panel lining 

Nonloadbearing 

partition 

External wall 

25 25 

Plan 

Plan 

dry-lining 

alternative 

for core types 

A&B only 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

13. Wall type 4: timber frames with absorbent curtain 


the isolation of the frames plus absorption in 

the air space between. 

Limitations 

Part D places limits on the storey height at 

which this type may be used. The special walls 

specified in Part D for common stairs are suitable 

to resist sound transmission provided isolation 

of the leaves is maintained. 


Only connect frames if necessary for structural 

reasons, and then use as few ties as possible - 

not more than 14-16 gauge (40 mm x 3 mm) 

metal straps fixed at or just below ceiling level, 

1.2 m apart. 

Services must not be contained in the wall. 

This is a structural fire precaution (see Part D) 

but also prevents the creation of air paths 

through the lining. Where fire-stops are needed 

in the cavity between frames they must either 

be flexible or fixed to only one frame. 

Constructions 

Two constructions which, with appropriate 

cladding and absorbent curtain, give suitable 

resistance to direct transmission are specified. 



Basic construction 

A. Timber frames, 200 mm between 

claddings, plus absorbent curtain in cavity. 

Plywood sheathing may be used in the 

cavity as necessary for structural reasons. 

200 

between claddings 

plywood 

sheathing 

;absorbent 

if necessary 

curtain (position 

may vary - see 

specification E) 

200 

between claddings 

B. Timber frames, masonry core, plus 

absorbent curtain in a cavity. Claddings ;absorbent 

200 mm apart (ignore core). 

curtain 

Framing must be clear of core by 5 mm. 

(position may 

vary - see 

; 


5 5 


20H

13. Masonry core 

(Cont’d) 

C. This does not normally improve sound 

resistance but may be useful for support 

and in stepped or staggered situations. 

There are no restrictions on type but the 

core may be connected to only one frame. 

Cladding 

D. On each side: two or more layers of plasterboard, 

combined thickness 30 mm, 

joints staggered to avoid air paths. 

Absorbent curtain 

E. Unfaced mineral fibre quilt (which may be 

wire reinforced), density 12-36 kg/m 3 , 

thickness 25 mm if suspended in the 

cavity between frames, 50 mm if fixed to 

one frame, or 25 mm per quilt if one fixed 

to each frame. 

Junctions for wall type 4 

Roof 


Part D). 


Carry the complete construction through to the 

underside of the roof. Provision of a ceiling of 

any type is optional. 

Intermediate floor and ground floor 

Block the air path to the wall cavity either by 

carrying the cladding through the floor or by 

using a solid timber edge to the floor. Where 

the joists are at right angles to the wall, seal 

spaces between joists with full depth timber 

battens. 

External wall 

There are no restrictions on a traditional timber 

framed wall but if the wall is of cavity 

construction. the cavity must be sealed 

between the ends of the separating wall and the 

outer leaf to prevent air gaps. 

The internal finish must be 12.5 mm plasterboard 

or other equally heavy material (resilient 

layers for thermal insulation may be incorporated 

if desired). 

Partitions 

There are no restrictions on partitions meeting 

a type 4 separating wall. 

absorbent 

curtain 

(position may 

vary, see 


;;;; ;; ;; 

; 

; ;;; 

caulking 

or tape 

solid slab 

may extend 

into wall leaf 

Section 

External wall 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

Roof 

Ceiling 

Intermediate 

floor 

Ground 

floor 

H 

caulking 

or tape 

;; 

Plan 

21H 

Amdt: December 1999

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

14. Floor type 1: concrete base with soft covering 


the mass of the concrete base and on eliminating 

air paths. The soft covering reduces impact 

sound at source. 

Limitations 

Where resistance to airborne sound only is 

required the soft covering may be omitted. No 

other part of the construction may be omitted 

as this would reduce airborne sound resistance. 


Fill all joints between parts of the floor to avoid 

air paths. 

Limit pathways around the floor to reduce 

flanking transmission. 

Workmanship and detailing must be given 

special attention at the perimeter and wherever 

the floor is penetrated by a pipe or duct to reduce 

flanking transmission and to avoid air paths. 

Constructions 

Four floor bases which give suitable resistance 

to direct transmission of airborne sound are 

specified, followed by the soft covering which 

must be added to give suitable resistance to 

impact sound transmission. 



Floor bases 

A. Solid concrete slab (in-situ). 

Floor screed and/or ceiling finish optional. 

Mass (including any screed and/or ceiling 

finish) 365 kg/m 2 . 

B. Solid concrete slab with permanent shuttering. 


Mass (including shuttering only if it is 

solid concrete or metal and including any 

screed and/or ceiling finish) 365 kg/m 2 . 

C. Concrete beams with infilling blocks. 

Floor screed and/or structural topping 

must be used. 

Ceiling finish optional. 

Mass of beams, blocks, any structural 

topping and screed (including any ceiling 


D. Concrete planks (solid or hollow). 

Floor screed and/or structural topping 

must be used. 

Ceiling finish optional. 

Mass of planks, any structural topping and 

screed (including any ceiling finish) 

365 kg/m 2 . 


22H 

Sections

14. Soft covering 

(Cont’d) 

E. Any resilient material, or material with a 

resilient base, with an overall uncompressed 

thickness of 4.5 mm. (A material 

is resilient if it returns to its original thickness 

after it has been compressed). The 

soft covering must be bonded to the floor 

base. 

Junctions for floor type 1 

External wall or cavity separating wall 

The mass of the wall leaf adjoining the floor 

must be 120 kg/m 2 (including any plaster) 

except where the area of openings in the external 

wall exceeds 20% of its area there is no 

minimum mass requirement for such a wall. 

The floor base (excluding any screed, even in C 

and D) must pass through the leaf whether 

spanning parallel to, or at right angles to, the 

wall. The cavity must not be bridged. 

Internal wall or solid separating wall 

If the wall mass is less than 355 kg/m 2 including 

any plaster then the floor base excluding 

any screed must pass through. 

If the wall mass is more than 355 kg/m 2 including 

any plaster either the wall or the floor base 

excluding any screed may pass through. Where 

the wall does pass through, tie the floor base to 

the wall and grout the joint. 

Floor penetrations 

Ducts or pipes penetrating the floor must be in 

an enclosure, both above and below the floor. 

Either line the enclosure, or wrap the duct or 

pipe within the enclosure, with 25 mm unfaced 

mineral fibre. 

The material of the enclosure must have a mass 

of 15 kg/m 2 . 

Penetrations of a separating floor by ducts and 

pipes must have fire protection in accordance 

with Part D. 

Where permitted by Part F, a flue-pipe may 

penetrate the floor. Unless the flue-pipe discharges 

into a flue within a chimney carried by 

the floor, a non-combustible enclosing duct 

with mineral fibre absorbent must be provided. 

23H 

Sections 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

unfaced 

mineral fibre 

enclosure 

caulking 

unfaced 

mineral fibre 

enclosure 

caulking 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

15. Floor type 2: concrete base with floating layer 


mainly on the mass of the concrete base and 

partly on the mass of the floating layer. Resistance 

to impact sound depends on a resilient 

layer from the base and from the surrounding 

construction. 

Limitations 


required the full construction must still be 

used. 


Fill all joints between parts of the floor base to 

avoid air paths. 

Limit the pathways around the floor to reduce 

flanking transmission. 



the floor is penetrated to reduce flanking transmission 

and to avoid air paths. 

Take care not to create a bridge between the 

floating layer and the base, surrounding walls, 

or adjacent screeds. 

With bases C and D a screed is recommended 

to accommodate surface irregularities and 

prevent reduced resistance at joints. 

Constructions 

Four floor bases, two floating layers and one 

resilient layer are specified. Any combination 

of base, resilient layer and floating layer give 

suitable resistance to direct transmission. Two 

additional resilient layers which may be used 

under screeds only are also specified (H and I). 



Floor bases 

A. Solid concrete slab (in-situ). 


Mass (including any screed and/or ceiling 


B. Solid concrete slab with permanent shuttering. 


Mass (including shuttering only if it is 

solid concrete or metal, and including any 



24H 

Sections

15. C. Concrete beams with infilling blocks. 

(Cont’d) 

Floor screed/structural topping/ceiling 

finish optional. (A levelling screed is 

required where the floating layer is a 

timber raft.) Mass of beams and blocks 

and any structural topping (including any 


D. Concrete planks (solid or hollow). 

Floor screed/structural topping/ceiling 

finish optional. 

Mass of planks and any structural topping 

(including any screed and/or ceiling 


Floating layers 

E. Timber raft. 

Timber boarding or wood based board, 

18 mm thick with tongued and grooved 

edges, fixed to 45 x 45 mm battens. The raft 

must be laid loose on the resilient layer. 

F. Screed. 

65 mm cement sand screed with mesh 

underlay to protect the resilient layer 

while the screed is being laid. 

Resilient layer 

G. 25 mm mineral fibre, density 36 kg/m 3 . 

A 13 mm thickness may be used under a 

timber raft if the battens used have an integral 

closed cell resilient foam strip. 

Lay the fibre tightly butted and turned up 

at the edges of the floating layer. 

Under a timber raft, fibre may be paper 

faced on the underside. 

Under a screed, fibre must be paper faced 

on upper side to prevent screed entering 

the layer. 

Additional resilient layers for use under 

screeds only. 

H. 13 mm pre-compressed expanded polystyrene 

board (impact sound duty grade). 

Lay boards tightly butted, use on edge as a 

resilient strip at edges of floating screed. 

I. 5 mm extruded (closed cell) polyethylene 

foam, density 30-45 kg/m 3 . To protect the 

material from puncture it should be laid 

over a levelling screed. Lay with joints 

lapped. 

25H 

Sections 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

15. Junctions for floor type 2 

(Cont’d) 

External wall or cavity separating wall. 

The mass of the leaf adjoining the floor must 

be 120 kg/m 2 (including any plaster) except 

where the area of openings in the external wall 

exceeds 20% of its area there is no minimum 

mass requirement. 

The floor base (excluding any screed) must 

pass through the wall whether spanning parallel 

to or at right angles to the wall. 

The cavity must not be bridged. 

Carry the resilient layer up at all edges to 

isolate the floating layer. 

Leave a 3 mm gap between skirting and floating 

layer or turn resilient layer under skirting. 

A seal is not necessary but if used must be flexible. 

Internal wall or solid separating wall 

If the wall mass is less than 355 kg/m2 including 

any plaster then the floor base excluding 

any screed must pass through. 

If the wall mass is more than 355 kg/m2 includ- ; 

ing any plaster either the wall or the floor base 

excluding any screed may pass through. Where 

the wall does pass through tie the floor base to 

the wall and grout the joint. 

mineral fibre 

enclosure 


caulking 


an enclosure, both above and below the floor. 



caulking 


;;unfaced 


of 15 kg/m 2 . 



with Part D. 

Leave a 3 mm gap between enclosure and 

floating layer and seal with acrylic caulking or 

neoprene. 


penetrate the floor. Unless the flue-pipe discharges 

into a flue within a chimney carried by 

the floor a non-combustible enclosing duct 

with mineral fibre absorbent must be provided. 


; 

; 

26H 

floating layer 

resilient layer 

screed 

floor 

;; ; 

; 

unfaced 

Sections 

mineral fibre 

enclosure 

caulking 

caulking

16. Floor type 3: timber base with floating layer 


partly on the structural floor plus absorbent 

blanket or deafening, and partly on the floating 

layer. Resistance to impact sound depends on a 

resilient layer isolating the floating layer from 

the base and the surrounding construction. 

Limitations 



used. 


which this type may be used. 

This type can also be used as a specified construction 

for converted properties. Use is only 

permitted with appropriate adjoining walls (see 

“Junctions” below). 


Limit the pathways around the floor (to reduce 

flanking transmission). 



the floor is penetrated (to reduce flanking 

transmission and to avoid air paths). 

Use the correct density of resilient layer. 

Take care not to bridge between the floating 

layer and the base or surrounding walls (e.g. 

with services or fixings which penetrate the 

resilient layer). Allow for movement of materials 

e.g. expansion of chipboard after laying (to 

maintain isolation). 

Constructions 

Three complete constructions which give suitable 

resistance to direct sound transmission are 

specified. Note that there are some alternatives 

within each construction. 



27H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

16. Floors 

(Cont’d) 

A. Platform floor with absorbent blanket. 

Either a floating layer of timber or wood 

based board, 18 mm thick, with tongued 

and grooved edges and all joints glued, 

spot bonded to substrate of 19 mm plasterboard; 

or a floating layer of two thicknesses 

of cement bonded particleboard 

with joints staggered, glued and screwed 

together, total thickness 24 mm. 

Resilient layer of 25 mm mineral fibre, 

density 60-100 kg/m3 . Note that the low 

figure gives the best insulation but a “soft” 

floor. 

Floor base of 12 mm timber boarding or 

wood-based board nailed to timber joists 

(size to suit the structure). 

Ceiling of two layers of plasterboard with 

joints staggered, total thickness 30 mm, 

with an absorbent blanket of 100 mm 

unfaced mineral fibre, density 12-36 

kg/m3 B. 

, laid on the ceiling. 

Heavy ribbed floor with absorbent 

blanket. 

Floating layer of timber or wood based 

board, 18 mm thick with tongued and 

grooved edges and all joints glued, spot 

bonded to substrate of 19 mm plasterboard 

nailed to 45 mm x 45 mm timber battens 

placed on the joists. 

Resilient strips of 25 mm mineral fibre, 

density 80-140 kg/m3 , laid on joists. 

Floor base of 45 mm thick timber joists. 

Ceiling of two layers of plasterboard with 

joints staggered, total thickness 30 mm, 

with an absorbent blanket of 100 mm 

unfaced mineral fibre, density 

12-36 kg/m3 ;floating layer 


floor base 

absorbent 

; 

blanket 

ceiling 

;floating layer 

batten 


absorbent 

blanket 

ceiling 

;Sections 

, laid on the ceiling . 


28H

16. C. Ribbed floor with heavy deafening † 

(Cont’d) 

Floating layer of timber or wood based 

board, 18 mm thick with tongued and 

grooved edges and all joints glued, nailed 

to 45 mm x 45 mm timber battens placed 

either on or between joists (for sheet materials, 

placing on joists is recommended). 

Resilient strips of 25 mm mineral fibre, 

density 80-140 kg/m 3 , laid on joists. 

Floor base of 45 mm thick timber joists. 

Ceiling of either 19 mm dense plaster on 

expanded metal lath or 6 mm plywood 

fixed under the joists plus two layers of 

plasterboard with joints staggered, total 

thickness 25 mm. Both types of ceiling to 

have deafening of mass 80 kg/m 2 laid on a 

polyethylene layer. 

† Deafening (pugging) may be of the following 

types: 

Traditional ash (75 mm), or 

2-10mm limestone chips (60 mm), or 

2-10 whin aggregate (60 mm), or 

Dry sand (50 mm). 

Figures in brackets show approximate 

thickness required to achieve 80 kg/m 2 . 

Do not use sand in kitchens, bathrooms, 

shower rooms or watercloset compartments. 


Timber frame wall 

Seal the gap between wall and floating layer 

with a resilient strip glued to the wall. 

Leave a 3 mm gap between skirting and floating 

layer. A seal is not necessary but if used 

must be flexible. Block air paths between the 

floor base and the wall, including the space 

between joists when joists are at right angles to 

the wall. 

Seal the junction of ceiling and wall with tape 

or caulking. 

29H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

;floating 

layer 

; 

batten 

resilient 

strip 

pugging 

liner 

plaster on 

lath 

floating 

layer 

batten 

pugging 

; 

; 

;resilient 

strip 

timber 

frame 

wall 

liner 

plywood 

ceiling 


H 

; 

Sections 

caulking 

or tape 


resilient strip 

pugging 

liner 

plywood 

ceiling

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

16. Heavy masonry leaf 

(Cont’d) 

Mass of leaf (including any plaster) 

355 kg/m2 , both above and below floor. ;resilient 

Seal the gap between wall and floating strip 

layer with a resilient strip glued to the wall. 

Leave a 3 mm gap between skirting and 

floating layer. A seal is not necessary but if 

used must be flexible. Use any normal 

method of connecting floor base to wall. 

Seal the junction of ceiling and wall lining 

with tape or caulking. 

Light masonry leaf 

If the mass (including any plaster) is less 

than 355 kg/m 2 a free-standing panel as 

specified in wall type 3 must be used. 

Seal the gap between wall and floating 

layer with a resilient strip glued to the freestanding 

panel. 

Leave a 3 mm gap between skirting and 

floating layer. A seal is not necessary but if 

used must be flexible. Use any normal 

method of connecting floor base to wall but 

block air paths between floor and wall cavities. 

Take ceiling through to masonry, seal junction 

with free-standing panel with tape or 

caulking. 


Ducts or pipes penetrating the floor must be 

in an enclosure both above and below the 

floor. 

Either line the enclosure, or wrap the duct 

or pipe within the enclosure, with 25 mm 

unfaced mineral fibre. 

The material of the enclosure must have a 

mass of 15 kg/m 2 . 

Penetrations of a separating wall by ducts 

and pipes must have fire protection in 

accordance with Part D. 

Leave a 3 mm gap between enclosure and 

floating layer, seal with acrylic caulking or 

neoprene. Enclosure may go down to the 

floor base if specification A is used, but 

keep isolation of enclosure from floating 

layer. 


penetrate the floor. The flue-pipe must be in 

a non-combustible enclosing duct with 

mineral fibre absorbent. 

Seal the junction of ceiling and enclosure 

with tape or caulking. 


30H 

resilient 

strip 

25 

Sections 



; 

; 

25 

; 

resilient 

strip 

;;; 

pugging 

liner 

plywood 

ceiling 

caulking 

or tape 



pugging 

liner 

plywood 

ceiling 

caulking 

or tape 

unfaced mineral fibre 

seal 



floor base 

Floor penetration (type A floor shown) 

absorbent blanket 

ceiling 

seal 

enclosure 

seal 



unfaced mineral 

fibre 

Floor penetration (type C floor shown) 

pugging 

liner 

plywood 

ceiling 

seal

17. Floor type 4: timber base with independent ceiling 

The resistance to airborne and impact sound 

depends mainly on the mass and isolation of 

the independent ceiling and partly on the mass 

of the floor base. 

Limitations 



used. 


which this type may be used. It must only be 

used with heavy masonry walls. 

It is mainly for use as a specified construction 

for converted properties with suitable existing 

floors and walls. 


Limit the pathways around the floor, especially 

at the edges of the independent ceiling (to 

reduce flanking transmission and to avoid air 

paths). 


special attention wherever the floor is penetrated. 

Take care not to create bridges between the 

floor base and the independent ceiling. 

Construction 

The floor and independent ceiling specified 

below, together give suitable resistance to 

direct sound transmission. 



Floor 

Timber boarding or wood based board, 18 mm 

thick with tongued and grooved edges (or 3.2 

mm hardboard over the whole floor to seal 

gaps). 

45 mm thick joists plus deafening of mass 

80 kg/m 2 and a ceiling of either 19 mm dense 

plaster on lath or two layers of plasterboard 

with joints staggered, total thickness 30 mm. In 

existing floors deafening may be on boards 

between joists, in new floors use 6 mm 

plywood fixed to underside of joists. 

A polyethylene liner may be used if desired. 

; ;150 

31H 

Section (through new floor) 

;; ;150 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

boarding or 

board 

deafening 

liner (optional) 

false ceiling 

(plasterboard 

option) 

unfaced 

mineral 

fibre 

ceiling 

Section (through adapted existing floor) 

boarding or 

board 

deafening 

plywood 

false ceiling 

(plaster option) 

unfaced 

mineral 

fibre 

ceiling 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

17. Independent ceiling 

(Cont’d) 

Absorbent blanket of 25 mm unfaced mineral 

fibre, density 12-36 kg/m 3 , draped over 45 mm 

thick joists supported independently of the 

floor. Ceiling of two layers of plasterboard 

with joints staggered, total thickness 30 mm. 

Keep ceiling 150 mm away from the underside 

of the floor base. 


External wall or separating wall 

Mass of leaf must be 355 kg/m 2 (including any 

plaster), both above and below the floor, on at 

least 3 sides. Leaf on fourth side must be at 

least 180 kg/m 2 . 

Use bearers on walls to support the edges of the 

ceiling and to block air paths. 

Seal the junction of ceiling and wall with tape 

or caulking. 

Internal wall 

If masonry, mass must be 180 kg/m 2 . 

No restriction if stud partition. 

Support and seal as for external walls. 



an enclosure both above and below the floor. 





of 15 kg/m 2 . 



with Part D. 


penetrate the floor. The flue-pipe must be in a 

non-combustible enclosing duct with mineral 

fibre absorbent. 

Seal the junction of ceiling and enclosure with 

tape or caulking. 


32H 

Sections 

boarding or 

board 

deafening 

plywood 

false ceiling 

(plaster option) 


fibre 

ceiling 

seal 


fibre 

enclosure 

boarding or board 

trimmer 

deafening 

plywood 

false ceiling 

(plaster 

option) 

unfaced 

mineral fibre 

ceiling 

seal 

enclosure

Performance standards and test procedures 

Standards 

18. A wall or floor will meet the requirements for sound insulation if the following values are achieved when 

the performance is tested after construction under the procedures set out in 19 to 29. 

Airborne Sound 

Minimum values of weighted standardised level difference 

(DnT,w) as defined in BS EN ISO 717-1: 1997 

Mean Value (dB) Individual Value (dB) 

Walls 53 49 

Floors 52 48 

Impact Sound 

Maximum values of weighted standardised impact sound pressure level 

(L’nT,w) as defined in BS EN ISO 717-2: 1997 

Mean Value (dB) Individual Value (dB) 

Floors 61 65 

Test procedures 

19. For each wall or floor which requires to be tested take four sets of measurements, or as close to four as 

possible given the following restrictions - 

a. for each set of measurements use a pair of rooms if possible; 

b. use a pair consisting of a room and some other space only where necessary to make up the four sets; 

c. use a pair consisting of spaces other than rooms only where no other measurement is possible; and 

d. take only one set of measurements between each pair. 

20. When measuring between a pair of rooms of unequal area, the sound source must be in the larger room. 

21. When measuring between a room and some other space, the sound source must be in the other space. 

22. Carry out the tests for airborne sound in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-4: 1998 and for impact sound 

in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-7: 1998. The tests are to be done in completed but unfurnished 

dwellings. Doors and windows must be closed. The tests will determine the standardised level differences 

(DnT) for airborne sound transmission and the standardised impact sound pressure levels (L’nT) 

for impact sound transmission. 

23. For each set of measurements calculate the weighted standardised level difference (DnT,w) in accordance 

with BS EN ISO 717-1: 1997 or the weighted standardised impact sound pressure level (L’nT,w) 

in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-2: 1997. 

33H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 


H

H 

(H2.1), (H2.3) 

24. The calculated value from each set of measurements must be no worse than that stated in the “Individual 

Value” column in point 18. 

25. The mean of the four † calculated values must be no worse than that stated in the “Mean Value” column 

in point 18. 

† where only two or three sets of measurements have been possible the mean must still be reached, and 

where only one set is possible the value achieved must not be worse than the mean value. 

26. In a building every wall or floor, or part of a wall or floor, which requires sound resistance and is of nominally 

identical construction, may be regarded as forming part of a single wall or floor e.g. in a block 

of flats a wall rising through several storeys may be regarded as a single wall, and floors over a whole 

storey may be regarded as a single floor, wherever the flat plans are nominally identical. 

27. A wall which changes construction only in a roof space may be regarded as a single wall. 

28. In any group of dwellings covered by one building warrant, walls and floors of nominally identical 

dwelling types which are similarly situated in regard to adjoining buildings may all be regarded as 

meeting the performance standard if the ones selected for test meet the standard. 

29. Note that the test procedure described above is intended only to provide evidence that a particular wall 

or floor not built to a specified construction satisfies the performance standards set out in point 18. 


34H

CONSERVATION OF 

FUEL AND POWERJ

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 22 

Conservation of fuel and power 

THE STANDARDS 

J1 Application of Part J J1.1-J1.2 

J2 Rules for the use of Part J 

Thermal conductivity and transmittance J2.1-J2.4 

Calculation of areas J2.5 

BUILDINGS IN PURPOSE GROUP 1 

J3 Building fabric 

Standards for buildings in purpose group 1 J3.1 

Elemental method J3.2-J3.3 

Target U-value method J3.4-J3.10 

Carbon index method J3.11 

Maximum permissible U-values J3.12 

J4 Limiting thermal bridging at junctions and around J4.1 

openings 

J5 Limiting infiltration J5.1 

J6 Building services 

Space heating controls J6.1 

Hot water service system controls J6.2 

Insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels J6.3-J6.4 

Commissioning of heating and hot water 

service systems 

J6.5-J6.6 

J7 Conservatories J7.1 

BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS 

J8 Buildings in Purpose Groups 2 to 7 

Standards for buildings other than dwellings J8.1 

Elemental method J8.2-J8.4 

Heat loss method J8.5-J8.6 

Carbon emissions calculation method J8.7-J8.9 

J9 Limiting thermal bridging at junctions and around J9.1 

openings 

J10 Limiting infiltration J10.1 

J11 Building services (space heating and hot water) 

Heating system efficiency J11.1 

Space heating controls J11.2-J11.4 

Hot water service system controls J11.5 

Insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels J11.6-J11.7 

J12 Building services (artificial lighting) 

Artificial lighting J12.1 

Display lighting J12.2 

Controls for artificial lighting J12.3 

J13 Building services (air conditioning, mechanical 

ventilation) 

J13.1 

J14 Commissioning of the building services J14.1-J14.2 

3J 


J

J 



Rules for the use of Part J 

(J2.1) Thermal conductivity and transmittance 

Buildings in Purpose Group 1 

(J4.1) Limiting thermal bridging at junctions and around openings 

(J5.1) Limiting infiltration 

(J6.1) Space heating controls 

(J6.2) Hot water service system controls 

(J6.3-J6.4) Insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels 

Buildings in purpose groups 2 to 7 

(J8.5) Heat loss method 

(J8.7) Carbon emissions calculation method 

(J9.1) Limiting thermal bridging at junctions and around openings 

(J10.1) Limiting infiltration 

(J11.1) Heating system efficiency 

(J11.3) Space heating controls 

(J11.5) Hot water service system controls 

(J11.6-J11.7) Insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels 

(J12.1) Artificial lighting 

(J12.2) Display lighting 

(J12.3) Controls for artificial lighting 

(J13.1) Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation 

(J14.1-J14.2) Commissioning of the building services 

PART J APPENDICES 

The appendices relevant to buildings in purpose group 1 and those to buildings in 

purpose groups 2 to 7 are listed separately below. Note that many of the appendices 

appear in both lists. 

For buildings in purpose group 1: 

A Tables of U-values 

B Worked examples of U-value calculations using the Combined Method. 

C U-values of ground floors and basements 

D Thermal bridging at the edges of openings 

E Determining U-values of windows, doors and rooflights in the Elemental 

Method 

F Examples illustrating the use of the Target U-value Method 

G Example SAP Energy Ratings and Carbon Indexes 

For buildings in purpose groups 2 to 7: 

A Tables of U-values 

B Worked examples of U-value calculations using the Combined Method. 

C U-values of ground floors and basements 

D Thermal bridging at the edges of openings 

E Determining U-values of windows, doors and rooflights in the Elemental 

Method 

H Examples illustrating the use of the Heat Loss Method 

J Example lighting calculations 

K Performance assessment methods for building services 

ASTERISKS 

Throughout the Technical Standards an asterisk against a standard denotes either that a provision is deemed to satisfy the 

standard or that some aspect of the standard is specified at the end of the relevant Part. 

ITALICS 

Throughout the Technical Standards a term in Italics is a defined term. The definition is listed in Part A, General. 

4J

Introduction 

1. The construction industry has a major role to play in the conservation 

of fuel and power. Energy use in buildings is a major source of carbon 

dioxide emissions which contribute to climate change. The intention of 

this Part is to ensure that effective measures for the conservation of fuel 

and power are incorporated in a building. It contains energy conservation 

provisions for the building fabric and the building services. 

2. All buildings not exempted by Part A are required to conform to specific 

standards for the overall performance of the fabric. There are a 

variety of ways of demonstrating compliance, ranging from the simple calculation 

of the heat losses through each building element, to more sophisticated 

methods that provide greater flexibility for designers. 

3. For buildings in purpose group 1, there are 3 alternative methods for 

showing compliance with this Part, the Elemental Method, the Target Uvalue 

Method and the Carbon Index Method. The different methods allow 

some design flexibility, for example, the benefits of solar heat gain or a 

more efficient heating system may be taken into account. 

4. The Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1981, as amended in 

1997, continue to require all applications for building warrant for buildings 

in purpose group 1 to include an energy rating calculated in accordance 

with the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). Achievement of a particular 

level of SAP energy rating is no longer required to show compliance 

with this Part. However, the SAP worksheet and computer software is able 

to calculate CO2 emissions, expressed as the Carbon Index. Achievement 

of a given minimum Carbon Index figure is one of the ways for a dwelling 

to show compliance with this Part. 

5. Conservatories with a floor area more than 8 square metres are no 

longer exempt from the requirements of the Technical Standards. 

However, where the floor area is not more than 30 square metres a less 

onerous standard applies to the glazed elements than for glazing elsewhere 

in the dwelling and the average U-value of the dwelling may be calculated 

independently of the conservatory. 

6. Buildings other than buildings in purpose group 1 also require to 

conform to any one of 3 methods: the Elemental Method, the Heat Loss 

Method and the Carbon Emissions Calculation Method. 

7. In addition to requirements for insulation of the fabric there are 

requirements for building services, including in the case of non-domestic 

buildings, requirements for artificial lighting, air conditioning and 

mechanical ventilation. 

8. This Part must be read in conjunction with Part G (which deals with 

condensation), Part H (sound insulation) and Part K (ventilation). Reference 

should also be made to BS 5250: 1989, (note 2001 edition being prepared): 

“Code of practice for control of condensation in buildings”, 

Building Research Establishment (BRE) Report, BR 262: “Thermal insulation, 

Avoiding risks”, Second Edition, 1994, (note Third edition being 

prepared), and BRE report, BR 265: “Minimising air infiltration in office 

buildings”. 

5J 


J

J 

Regulation 22 


22. (1) In a building to which this regulation applies, 

reasonable provision shall be made for the 

conservation of fuel and power. 

(2) This regulation shall apply to all buildings, 

other than - 

(a) a building which is unheated or which has 

a space heating system for protection 

against frost designed to give a maximum 

output not exceeding 25 watts per square 

metre of floor area; or 

(b) unheated parts of a building of purpose 

sub-group 1A that do not form part of a 

dwelling. 


6J

The standards 

J1 Application of Part J 

J1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 22. 

J1.2 The standards apply as follows - 

Buildings in purpose group 1: J2 to J7 

Purpose in purpose groups 2 to 7: J2 and J7 to J14 

except - 

the standards do not apply to a building or part of a building specified in Regulation 22(2). 

7J 

J1.1 – J2.3 

Note: 

Regulation 22 applies in full where the intended level of provision of heating cannot be established 

because the use of the building is not known at the construction stage, e.g. speculative development. 

J2 Rules for the use of Part J 

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND TRANSMITTANCE 

J.2.1* Individual U-values of building elements must be established - 

a. by providing insulation to a thickness derived from manufacturers’ data relating to thermal conductivities 

(W/m·K) and thermal transmittances (U-values: W/m 2 K) certified by a notified body; or 

b. in the absence of certified manufacturers’ data, by suitable alternative means. 

Notes: 

1. The thermal conductivity (the k-value) of a material is a measure of the rate at which that material 

will pass heat and is expressed in units of Watts per metre per degree of temperature difference 

(W/m·K). 

2. Thermal transmittance (the U-value) is a measure of how much heat will pass through one square 

metre of a structure when the air temperatures on either side differ by one degree, and is 

expressed in units of Watts per square metre per degree of temperature difference (W/m 2 K). 

J2.2 For the purposes of Part J, any part of a floor that serves as a roof (e.g. an open deck) is to be treated as 

a roof. 

J2.3 The U-value of a floor above, or a wall adjoining, a garage, unheated stairwell, atrium, underground car 

park or other unheated space must be calculated - 

a. in the case of a dwelling, using the method given in SAP 2001, Clause 3.3, to take into account 

the thermal resistance of the unheated space; or 

b. in any other case, by either of the following two methods: 

• disregarding so that the element is considered as directly exposed to the outside, or 

• by using the procedure in BS EN ISO 13789: 1999 to take account of the effect of the unheated space 


J

J 

J2.4, J2.5 

J2.4 Separating walls or separating floors between 2 buildings in purpose group 1 or between other buildings 

or parts of a building intended to be heated to the same temperature may be ignored. 

CALCULATION OF AREAS 

J2.5 In calculating areas: 

a. all areas are to be measured in m 2 unless otherwise stated; and 

b. the area of a floor, wall or roof is to be measured between finished internal faces of the external 

building elements of the building, including any projecting bays and, in the case of a roof, in the 

plane of the insulation; and 

c. floor areas are to include stair wells within the heated envelope and non-useable space such as 

service ducts; and 

d. in calculating the maximum permitted area of glazing for an extension to a dwelling, the floor 

area of the whole dwelling may be used; and 

e. the area of an opening is to be measured internally from reveal to reveal and from head to sill. 


8J

J3 BUILDINGS IN PURPOSE GROUP 1 

BUILDING FABRIC 

STANDARDS FOR BUILDINGS IN PURPOSE GROUP 1 

J3.1 A building in purpose group 1 must have provision for conservation of fuel and power in accordance 

with either: 

a. the Elemental Method; or 

b. the Target U-value Method; or 

c. the Carbon Index Method. 

The following table illustrates the routes through the alternative methods of showing that buildings in 

purpose group 1 comply with Part J - 

Table to 3.1: Routes to compliance with Part J for buildings in purpose group 1. 

START: Choose method of compliance- 

Elemental Method go to 1. 

Target U-value Method go to 6. 

Carbon Index Method go to 13. 

COMPLIANCE BY ELEMENTAL METHOD 

1 Is the heating by mains gas, LPG 

or oil? 

YES go to 3. 

NO go to 2. 

2 Are all U-values of the proposed 

dwelling not more than the 

corresponding values from Column B 

of Table 1 to J3.2? 

YES go to 5. 

NO FAIL by Elemental Method - revise U-values 

and repeat 2 or go to START. 

3 Is the SEDBUK [Note 1] of the 

proposed heating system not less 

YES go to 4. 

than the SEDBUK from Table 2 to J3.2? 

NO go to 2. 

4 Are all U-values of the proposed 

dwelling not more than the 

corresponding values from Column A 

of Table 1 to J3.2? 

YES go to 5. 

NO FAIL by Elemental Method - revise U-values 

and repeat 4 or go to START. 

5 Is the area of windows, doors and 

rooflights not more than 25% of 

total floor area? 

YES PASS by Elemental Method. 

NO FAIL by Elemental Method - reduce area of 

openings and repeat 5 or go to START. 

9J 

J3.1 


J

J 

J3.1, J3.2 

COMPLIANCE BY TARGET U-value METHOD 

6 Calculate the Target U-value from the equation in J3.5. 

7 Are the windows metal framed ? YES Multiply the Target U-value by 1.03 and go to 8. 

NO Go to 8. 

8 Is the heating by electricity, solid 

fuel or is it undecided? 

YES Divide the Target U-value by 1.15 and go to 10. 

NO go to 9. 

9 Is the SEDBUK for the proposed YES Multiply the Target U-value by; 

heating system less than the 

corresponding SEDBUK from the 

table to J3.6? 

The proposed boiler SEDBUK (%) 

divided by Referenced boiler SEDBUK 

(%) from Table to J3.6 and go to 10. 

NO go to 10. 

10 Is there a greater area of glazing YES Subtract the north facing glazing area from the 

facing south than is facing north? south facing, divide the result by the total 

area of glazing, multiply by 0.04 and add the 

result to the Target U-value; then go to 11. 

NO go to 11. 

11 Calculate the average U-value (U) by multiplying the area of each building element by its Uvalue, 

adding the results and dividing the total by the total area of all exposed elements. 

12 Is U not more than the Target 

U-value, and is the U-value of each 

building element not more than the 

corresponding value from the 

Table to J3.12? 

YES PASS by Target U-value Method. 

NO FAIL by Target U-value Method - revise and go 

to 6 or go to START. 

COMPLIANCE BY CARBON INDEX METHOD 

13 Calculate the Carbon Index (CI) as defined in SAP 2001. 

14 Is the Carbon Index (CI) at least 8.0, 

and is the U-value of each building 

element not more than the 

corresponding value from the 

Table to J3.12? 

YES PASS by Carbon Index Method. 

Note: 

NO FAIL by Carbon Index Method - revise and go 

to 13 or go to START. 

1. SEDBUK is the Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler in the UK, defined in “The Government’s 

Standard Assessment Procedure for the Energy Rating of Dwellings 2001 Edition” (SAP 

2001). For boilers for which the SEDBUK is not available the appropriate value from Table 4b 

of SAP 2001 may be used. 

ELEMENTAL METHOD 

J3.2 Individual building elements of a building in purpose group 1 must have U-values in accordance with 

those given in Table 1(as read with Table 2) and diagram A. to this standard 


10J

Table 1 to J3.2: Maximum U-values for exposed building elements when using the Elemental Method 

11J 

J3.2 

Type of heating system 

Exposed building element Column A Column B 

Gas or oil central heating with Other gas or oil central heating, 

boiler SEDBUK not less than or any electric heating system or 

the relevant entry in Table 2 to J3.2 solid fuel central heating or undecided 

Maximum U-values (W/m2K) Pitched roof - 

With insulation between rafters 

Pitched roof - 

0.20 0.18 

With insulation between joists 0.16 0.16 

Flat roof 0.25 0.22 

External wall [Note 1] 0.30 0.27 

Floor 0.25 0.22 

Windows, doors and rooflights (areaweighted 

average), glazing in metal 

frames [Notes 2, 3, 4] 

2.2 2.0 

Windows, doors and rooflights (areaweighted 

average), glazing in wood 

or PVC frames [Notes 2, 3, 4] 

2.0 1.8 

Notes: 

1. Solid area of element only (i.e. excluding windows, doors and rooflights). 

2. U-values for windows, doors and rooflights may vary provided that the average U-value for all 

windows, doors and rooflights is not more than the figure shown. For method of calculation see 

Appendix E. 

3. Metal framed windows have slimmer frames and therefore provide a passive solar benefit, justifying 

a less onerous U-value standard. 

4. The area of windows, doors and rooflights must comply with J3.3. 

Table 2 to J3.2: Minimum boiler SEDBUK to enable adoption of U-values in Column A of Table 1 to 

J3.2 

Central heating system fuel Minimum SEDBUK (%) 

Mains natural gas 78 

LPG 80 

Oil (Note ) 85 

Note: 

For oil combination boilers the minimum SEDBUK (%) is 82% 


J

J 

J3.2 – J3.5 

Diagram to J3.2 Maximum U-values using the Elemental Method 

2.0 

0.30 

2.0 

0.20 

2.0 

window 

door 

(a) Gas or oil central heating with boiler SEDBUK (b) Other gas or oil central heating, or any 

not less than the relevant entry in Table 2 to J3.2 electric heating system or solid fuel central 

heating or undecided 

Note: 

The U-value of a floor above, or a wall adjoining, an unheated space must be calculated in accordance 

with the procedure in SAP 2001 (see J2.3). 

J3.3 The area of windows, doors and rooflights (including frames) as a percentage of the total floor area of 

all storeys of the dwelling must not be more than 25%. 

TARGET U-VALUE METHOD 

J3.4 The average U-value of the exposed elements of a building in purpose group 1 must not exceed the 

Target U-value, corrected as necessary for the proposed method of heating and any solar gains. 

Note: 

This method allows greater flexibility than the Elemental Method. The aim is to achieve a level of 

performance broadly equivalent to that obtained through the Elemental Method by comparing the 

average fabric U-value of the proposed building in purpose group 1 with a Target U-value obtained from 

the formula in J3.5. For examples of the use of this method, see Appendix F. 

J3.5 The base Target U-value for the building in purpose group 1 must be determined as follows: 

where - 


roof 

space 

rooflight 

0.25 

0.30 

U T = [0.30 – 0.14(A R/A T) – 0.05(A GF/A T) + 0.425(A F/A T)] 

U T 

0.16 

AR AGF AF AT 0.25 

unheated space 

0.25 

0.25 

0.30 

is the base Target U-value prior to adjustment for heating system performance or 

solar gain; 

is the exposed roof area; 

is the ground floor area; 

is the total floor area (all storeys); 

is the total area of exposed building elements of the building in purpose group 1 

(including the ground floor). 

Note: 

The base Target U-value equation assumes a boiler SEDBUK that is equal to the tabulated value and 

equal distribution of glazed openings on north and south elevations. 

12J 

0.18 

1.8 

0.27 

1.8 

1.8 

window 

door 

roof 

space 

rooflight 

0.22 

0.27 

0.16 

0.22 

unheated space 

0.22 

0.22 

0.27

13J 

J3.6 – J3.11 

J3.6 Where the proposed boiler has a SEDBUK that is less than the value in the table to this standard, the 

Target U-value must be improved by multiplying it by the factor ƒ e 

where - 

ƒ e= 

Proposed boiler SEDBUK (%) 

Reference Boiler SEDBUK (%) 

Table to J3.6: Minimum boiler SEDBUK using the Target U-value Method 

Central heating system fuel Minimum SEDBUK (%) 

Mains natural gas 78 

LPG 80 

Oil (Note) 85 

Note : 

For oil combination boilers the minimum SEDBUK (%) is 82% 

J3.7 Where the dwelling is heated by electricity or solid fuel, or where the proposed method of heating is not 

known, the base Target U-value must be divided by 1.15 to compensate partially for the higher CO 2 

emission rate associated with these fuels. 

J3.8 Where the dwelling has metal framed windows (including any rooflights and including thermally-broken 

frames), the base Target U-value may be increased by multiplying by 1.03, to take account of the additional 

solar gain due to the greater glazed proportion. 

J3.9 The Target U-value equation assumes equal distribution of glazed openings on north and south elevations. 

Where the area of glazed openings, including frames, on the south elevations is greater than that 

on the north, the benefit of solar heat gains can be taken into account by adding: 

0.04 × [(A S-A N) ÷ A TG] to the Target U-value. 

where AS is the total area of glazed openings facing south; 

AN is the total area of glazed openings facing north; 

ATG is the total area of glazed openings; 

North facing is defined as North plus or minus 30 degrees; and 

South facing is defined as South plus or minus 30 degrees. 

J3.10 Where adjustments to the Target U-value are being made for heating system or window frame type as 

well as for solar gain, the adjustment for solar gain must be applied last. 

CARBON INDEX METHOD 

J3.11 The Carbon Index for the dwelling must not be less than 8.0. 

Note: 

This method allows much greater flexibility than either the Elemental Method or the Target U-value 

Method while still achieving an overall performance not less than that obtained through the Elemental 

Method. The Carbon Index adopted in this Method is that defined in SAP 2001 and is calculated using 

the SAP worksheet or by using BRE-approved computer software. Examples of dwellings with Carbon 

Index of 8.0 or more are given in Appendix G. 


J

J 

J3.12 – J6.1 

MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE U-VALUES 

J3.12 When using the Target U-value and Carbon Index Methods, the U-value of any building element must 

comply with the table to this standard - 

Table to J3.12: Maximum permissible U-values for parts of building elements when using the 

Target U-value and Carbon Index Methods 

Exposed building element Maximum permissible U-value 

Parts of roof 0.35 

Parts of external wall or floor 0.70 

J4 Limiting thermal bridging at junctions and around openings 

J4.1* The dwelling’s fabric must be constructed to limit thermal bridges and gaps in the insulation layer(s) - 

a. within the various building elements; and 

b. at the junctions between building elements; and 

c. at the edges of building elements (e.g. around window and door openings). 

J5 Limiting infiltration 

J5.1* The infiltration of air through extraneous air paths must be limited as far as is reasonably practical. 

J6 Building services 

SPACE HEATING CONTROLS 

J6.1* In a building in purpose group 1 the output of a space heating system must be controlled by - 

a. room thermostats or thermostatic radiator valves for each part of the heating system designed to 

be separately controlled (e.g. separate living and sleeping areas); and 

b. a manually adjustable 7-day automatic timing device or devices to control the periods of operation; 

and 

c. in a system using a boiler, 


i. an automatic control which shuts the boiler off when heat is not required (after an over-run 

time if this is specified by the manufacturer) or, if it is a solid fuel boiler, reduces the 

firing to the minimum burning rate, and 

ii. where the system is fitted solely with thermostatic radiator valves, a thermostat, flow 

control or similar device to prevent boiler cycling, 

except - 

this standard shall not apply to individual solid fuel open fires, gas or electric fires, or controlled room 

heaters including electric storage heaters. 

14J

HOT WATER SERVICE SYSTEM CONTROLS 

15J 

J6.2 – J7.1 

J6.2* A hot water service system must have controls that will switch off the heat when the required water 

temperature has been achieved and during periods when hot water is not required, 

except - 

this standard shall not apply to instantaneous combination boilers or storage combination boilers where 

the storage capacity in each case is not more than 15 litres. 

INSULATION OF PIPES, DUCTS AND VESSELS 

J6.3* Heating pipes, pipes used for the supply of hot water, and warm air ducts must be suitably insulated 

against heat loss, 

except - 

heating pipes and warm air ducts need not be insulated where the heat loss will always contribute to the 

heating requirements of a room or space. 

J6.4* A hot water storage vessel must be adequately insulated against heat loss. 

COMMISSIONING OF HEATING AND HOT WATER SERVICE SYSTEMS 

J6.5 A heating and hot water service system must be inspected, commissioned and tested in accordance with 

manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimum efficiency in the conservation of fuel and power. 

J6.6 Written information must be provided for the use of the occupier on the operation and maintenance of 

any heating and hot water service system to encourage optimum efficiency in the conservation of fuel 

and power. 

J7 Conservatories 

J7.1 a conservatory must comply with the requirements of J2-J6, 

except - 

where the floor area is not more than 30 square metres - 

a. glazing, including frames, may have a U-value not more than 3.3 W/m 2 K; and 

b. in calculating the average U-value of the dwelling, the conservatory may be ignored. 


J

J 

J8.1 – J8.3 


J8 Buildings in Purpose Groups 2 to 7 

J8.1 A building other than a building in purpose groups 2 to 7 must have provision for conservation of fuel 

and power in accordance with one of the three following methods: 

a. the Elemental Method; or 

b. the Heat Loss Method; or 

c. the Carbon Emissions Calculation Method. 

ELEMENTAL METHOD 

J8.2 To comply with this method the building envelope must provide minimum levels of thermal insulation as 

set out in J8.3 and areas of windows, doors and rooflights as set out in J8.4. 

J8.3 The individual specified building elements must have U-values in accordance with the table to this 

standard - 

Table to J8.3: Maximum U-values of exposed building elements when using the Elemental Method 

[Note 1] 

Exposed building element Maximum U-value (W/m2K) Pitched roof - with insulation between rafters 0.20 

Pitched roof - with insulation between joists 0.16 

Flat roof 0.25 

External wall [Note 2] 0.30 

Floor 0.25 

Windows, personnel doors and rooflights (area weighted average for the 

whole building) [Note 3], glazing in metal frames [Note 4] 

2.2 

Windows, personnel doors and rooflights (area weighted average for the 

whole building) [Note 3], glazing in wood or PVC frames 

2.0 

Vehicle access and similar large doors [Note 5] 0.7 

Notes: 

1. When an element is exposed to the outside via an unheated space, the unheated space may be 

disregarded or the U-value of the element calculated using BS EN ISO 13789: 1999 - see J2.3. 

2. Solid area of element only (i.e. excluding windows, doors and rooflights). 

3. For method of calculation, see Appendix E. 

4. Metal framed windows have slimmer frames and therefore provide a passive solar benefit, justifying 

a less onerous U-value standard. 

5. No requirement where for operational reasons doors have to be left open when building is in use. 


16J

17J 

J8.4 – J8.6 

J8.4 The specified building elements must have areas of windows, doors and rooflights not more than those 

prescribed in the table to this standard - 

Table to J8.4: Maximum percentage areas of windows, doors and rooflights 

Purpose group Windows and doors as % of 

exposed wall area [Note 1] 

Rooflights as % of roof area 

2 30 20 

3, 4, 5 40 20 

6, 7 15 20 

Note: 

1. Excluding vehicle access and other similar large doors, shop entrances and shop display windows 

at an access level, for which there is no limit. 

HEAT LOSS METHOD 

J8.5* When using this method - 

a. the total rate of heat loss through the envelope of the proposed building must not be more than 

that from a notional building of the same size and shape designed to comply with the Elemental 

Method; and 

b. the U-value of any building element must not be more than that shown in the table to this standard. 

Note: 

This method allows greater flexibility than the Elemental Method since the U-values of some building 

elements, and the areas of windows, doors and rooflights, may be more than those required by J8.3 and 

J8.4, provided that these are “traded-off” against other elements having lower U-values than required by 

J8.3 and J8.4. 

Table to J8.5: Maximum permissible U-values when trading off between building elements 

Exposed building element Maximum permissible U-value (W/m2K) Roof 0.45 

Wall or floor 0.70 

Windows, doors and rooflights No limit 

J8.6 When comparing the proposed building with the notional building - 

a. if the U-value of a floor next to the ground in the proposed building is less than that required by 

J8. 3, with no added insulation, then that lower value must be used in the notional building; and 

b. if the total area of windows, doors and rooflights in the proposed building is less than the total 

area required by J8.4, then the average U-value of the roof, wall or floor cannot exceed the 

appropriate value given in the Table to J8.3 by more than 0.02 W/m 2 K; and 

c. a maximum of half of the permitted rooflight area can be converted into an increased area of 

window and doors. 


J

J 

J8.7 – J10.1 

THE CARBON EMISSIONS CALCULATION METHOD 

J8.7* To comply with this method the thermal insulation of the fabric and the efficiency of the building services 

systems must be such that the annual carbon emissions from the building are not more than from 

an equivalent notional building designed to comply with the Elemental Method. 

except – 

When using this method the standards for building services systems in J11, J12 and J13 may be ignored. 

Note: 

This method allows much greater flexibility than either the Elemental Method or the Heat Loss Method. 

It is a calculation method that allows completely free design of the building using any energy conservation 

measure. 

J8.8 When using this method the U-value of any building element must be in accordance with the table to 

this standard - 

Table to J8.8: Maximum permissible U-values when using the Carbon Emissions Calculation Method 

Element Maximum permissible U-value 

Roofs 0.45 

Exposed walls and floors 0.70 

Windows, doors and rooflights No limit 

J8.9 In using this method - 

if the U-value of a floor next to the ground without added insulation in the proposed building is less than 

0.25 then that lower value must be used in the notional building. 

J9 Limiting thermal bridging at junctions and around openings 

J9.1* The building’s fabric must be constructed to minimise thermal bridges and gaps in the insulation layer(s) - 

a. within the various building elements; and 

b. at the junctions between building elements; and 

c. at the edges of building elements (e.g. around window and door openings). 

J10 Limiting infiltration 

J10.1*The infiltration of air into a building through extraneous air paths must be limited as far as is reasonably 

practical. 


18J

J11Building services (space heating and hot water) 

HEATING SYSTEM EFFICIENCY 

19J 

J11.1– J11.3 

J11.1*The heating system of a building must be designed and installed to make efficient use of energy for the 

conservation of fuel and power. 


J11.2 Boiler cycling must be limited by - 

a. an automatic control which shuts the boiler off when heat is not required (after an over-run time 

if this is specified by the manufacturer) or, if it is a solid fuel boiler, reduces the firing to the 

minimum burning rate; and 

b. where the system is fitted solely with thermostatic radiator valves, a thermostat, flow control or 

similar device to prevent boiler cycling, 

except - 

this standard does not apply to a ducted warm air system or to fanned output electric storage heaters. 

J11.3*A space heating system must incorporate - 

a. room thermostats or thermostatic radiator valves for each part of the heating system designed to 

be separately controlled; and 

b. where the system is other than off-peak electricity and operates intermittently, controls to ensure 

that the system operates only when the building is normally occupied, comprising - 

i. for a space heating system with an output of more than 100 kW, a control arrangement 

which will give start and stop times appropriate to the rate at which the building will 

respond (optimising control) ; or 

ii. for a space heating system with an output of not more than 100 kW, a manually adjustable 

7-day automatic timing device or devices to control the periods of operation; and 

c. controls to allow sufficient heating to prevent damage to the building structure, services or contents 

by frost, excessive humidity or condensation; and 

d. where the system uses hot water, an external temperature sensing device (weather compensating 

control) to regulate the temperature of the water flowing in the heating circuit; and 

e. where the system has two or more gas or oil fired boilers which can work together to supply the 

heat demand, boiler controls which can detect variations in the need for heat in the building and 

start, stop, or modulate the boilers as required (sequence control), and hydraulic design to ensure 

stable control. 

except - 

this standard does not apply to a ducted warm air system or to flap controlled electric storage heaters. 


J

J 

J11.4 – J12.1 

J11.4 Thermostats and time controls must be fitted to - 

a. ducted warm air systems; and 

b. flap controlled electric storage heaters. 


J11.5*A hot water service system must be designed to make efficient use of energy by providing controls that 

will switch off the heat when the required water temperature has been achieved. 


J11.6*Pipes and ducts for the provision of space heating, space cooling (including chilled water and refrigerants), 

and hot water supply must be adequately insulated against heat loss, 

except - 

pipes or ducts for space heating or space cooling need not be insulated where - 

a. the heat loss will always contribute to the heating or cooling requirements of the room or space 

and the pipes are situated not more than 3 m above the floor; or 

b. where pipes and/or ducts are installed solely as part of an industrial or commercial process. 

J11.7*A hot water storage vessel must be - 

a. adequately insulated against heat loss; and 

b. constructed so that insulation to safety fittings on an unvented system does not impede safe 

operation or visibility of warning discharges, 

except - 

a vessel used to store hot water solely for an industrial process. 

J12Building services (artificial lighting) 

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING 

J12.1*A building provided with artificial lighting must have general purpose artificial lighting systems 

designed to make efficient use of power, 

except - 

a. emergency lighting; and 

b. specialist process lighting; and 

c. buildings with a floor area not more than 100 m 2 . 

Note: 

Specialist process lighting means lighting intended to illuminate specialist tasks within a space, rather 

than the space itself. 


20J

DISPLAY LIGHTING 

21J 

J12.2 – J14.2 

J12.2*Every display lighting system provided in a building must be designed to make efficient use of power. 

Note: 

Display lighting means artificial lighting intended to highlight displays of exhibits or merchandise, or 

lighting used in spaces for public entertainment in a building of purpose sub-group 5A. 

CONTROLS FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING 

J12.3*Every artificial lighting system in a building must have controls which encourage the maximum use of 

daylight and minimise the use of artificial lighting during the times when rooms or spaces are unoccupied, 

except - 

controls for lighting systems described in the exceptions to J12.1. 

J13Building services (air conditioning, mechanical ventilation) 

J13.1*A building incorporating air conditioning or mechanical ventilation must be designed and constructed so 

that - 

a. the form and fabric of the building do not result in a requirement for excessive installed capacity 

of cooling equipment; and 

b. fans, pumps, refrigeration equipment and other components are reasonably efficient and appropriately 

sized to have no more capacity for demand and standby than is necessary; and 

c. there are appropriate means of managing, controlling and monitoring the operation of equipment 

and systems. 

J14Commissioning of the building services 

J14.1*The building services installation required to comply with this Part must - 

a. be capable of operating at the manufacturer’s specified efficiency; and 

b. incorporate adequate provisions for testing and commissioning to be carried out satisfactorily. 

J14.2*Written information must be provided for the building’s occupier on the installed building services plant 

and controls required to comply with this Part, their method of operation, maintenance requirements, 

and details forecasting annual energy consumption for the building. 


J

J 

(J2.1) – (J5.1) 


Rules for the use of Part J 

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND TRANSMITTANCE 

(J2.1) The requirements of J2.1b. will be met - 

a. by providing insulation to a thickness derived from the tables in Appendix A; or 

b. by calculation taking into account thermal bridging effects of, e.g. timber joists, structural and 

other framing, normal bedding mortar and window frames, by using the Combined Method set 

out in BS EN ISO 6946 or CIBSE Guide Section A3, 1999 Edition (for worked examples see 

Appendix B) [Note 1]; or 

c. for basement storeys, by using the method outlined in Appendix C and set out fully in BS EN 

ISO 13370 or CIBSE Guide Section A3, 1999 Edition; or 

d. for glazing, by using BS EN ISO 10077-1 or BS EN ISO 10077-2. 

Notes: 

1 Thermal bridging may be disregarded where the difference in thermal resistance between bridging 

and bridged material is less than 0.1 m 2 K/W. For example, normal mortar joints need not be 

taken into account in calculations for brickwork but must be taken into account for lightweight 

insulating blockwork. 

2 Measurements of thermal conductivity should be made in accordance with BS EN 12664 or BS 

EN 12667, and of thermal transmittance in accordance with BS EN 8990. 

Buildings in purpose group 1 

LIMITING THERMAL BRIDGING AT JUNCTIONS AND AROUND OPENINGS 

(J4.1) The requirements of J4.1, as regards minimising thermal bridges and gaps in the insulation, will be met 

by - 

a. constructing the dwelling in accordance with Building Research Establishment (BRE) Report, 

BR 262: “Thermal insulation, Avoiding risks”, Second Edition, 1994 ; or 

b. demonstrating by calculation that equivalent performance to sub-clause a. has been achieved. 

LIMITING INFILTRATION 

(J5.1) The requirements of J5.1, as regards minimising extraneous air leakage paths in the dwelling’s fabric, 

will be met by constructing the dwelling in accordance with BRE Report BR Building Research Establishment 

(BRE) Report, BR 262: “Thermal insulation, Avoiding risks”, Second Edition, 1994 [Note 1], 

including - 

a. sealing the gaps between dry linings and masonry walls at the edges of window, door and roof 

space openings, and at the junctions between walls, floors and ceilings; and 

b. sealing vapour control membranes in timber framed and other framed panel constructions; and 


22J

c. sealing at service penetrations of the fabric or around boxing for services; and 

d. fitting draught seals to the openable parts of windows, doors and rooflights; and 

e. sealing around joist ends built into the inner leaf of external cavity walls. 

23J 

(J5.1) – (J6.4) 

Note: 

1. This document provides examples of acceptable design details and construction practice, but 

alternative details may be used if equivalent performance can be demonstrated. 


(J6.1) The requirements of J6.1 will be met for a building in purpose group 1 with a heating system with an 

output not greater than 100 kW by having space heating controls in accordance with BRECSU Good 

Practice Guide GPG 143: “Wet Central Heating Systems”. 

HOT WATER SERVICE CONTROLS 

(J6.2) The requirements of J6.2 will be met by complying with sub-clauses a. or b. below - 

a. for a system other than one heated by a solid fuel boiler - 

i. the heat exchanger in the storage vessel should have sufficient heating capacity, such as 

one complying with BS 1566: Part 2: 1984 (1990) or BS 3198: 1981, and in particular it 

should comply with the requirements in these standards for the surface area of heat 

exchangers (i.e. pipe diameter and number of coils), and 

ii. a thermostat should be provided which switches off the heat when the required storage 

temperature has been achieved, and which in the case of hot water central heating systems 

is interconnected with the room thermostat(s) to switch off the boiler when no heat is 

required, and 

iii. a manually adjustable 7-day automatic timing device should be provided either as part of 

the central heating system or as a local device to control the periods of operation; or 

b. for a solid fuel fired system where the cylinder is not providing the slumber load, a thermostatically 

controlled valve should be provided. 


(J6.3) The requirements of J6.3 and J6.4 will be met by providing insulation in accordance with BS 5422: 

(J6.4) 1990 to all pipes, ducts and storage vessels. The requirement for storage vessels will be met by applying 

insulation in accordance with the provisions of BS 5422 for flat surfaces. 


J

J 

(J8.5) – (J8.7) 


HEAT LOSS METHOD 

(J8.5) The requirements of J8.5, for showing by calculation compliance with the Heat Loss Method, will be 

met by following the procedure set out below - 

a. calculate the total rate of heat loss for the proposed building in accordance with the table to this 

standard; 

b. repeat the calculation for a notional building in accordance with the table to this standard but 

using the values given in the Tables to J8.3 and J8.4 and applying the rules in J8.7; 

c. the proposed building will comply with Part J if the total rate of heat loss is no greater than that 

for the notional building. 

Table to (J8.5): Calculated total rate of heat loss through the enclosing fabric 

Element Gross Area Openings Net Area U-value Area x 

(m2 ) (m2 ) (m2 ) (W/m2K) U-value 

exposed walls ________ - ________ = ________ x ________ = ________ 

exposed floors ________ - ________ = ________ x ________ = ________ 

roofs ________ - ________ = ________ x ________ = ________ 


24J 

TOTAL A = ________ 

windows ________ x ________ = ________ 

personnel doors ________ x ________ = ________ 

vehicle and similar large access doors ________ x ________ = ________ 

Note: 

For example calculations see Appendix H. 

CARBON EMISSIONS CALCULATION METHOD 

TOTAL B = ________ 

TOTAL RATE OF HEAT LOSS (TOTAL A + TOTAL B) = 

(J8.7) The requirements of J8.7 will be met by using a calculation procedure that - 

a. has been tested satisfactorily against available benchmark tests as described in CIBSE Application 

Manual “Building Energy and Environmental Modelling”, AM11, 1998; and 

b. has been accepted by the submitting organisation as having satisfied their in-house quality assurance 

procedures, for example by submitting with the calculations a completed and signed copy of 

Appendix B to AM11: “Checklist for choosing BEEM software”, showing that the software used 

is appropriate for the purpose to which it has been applied.

LIMITING THERMAL BRIDGING AT JUNCTIONS AND AROUND OPENINGS 

25J 

(J9.1) – (J11.1) 

(J9.1) The requirements of J9.1, as regards minimising thermal bridges and gaps in the insulation, will be met 

by - 

a. constructing the building in accordance with Building Research Establishment (BRE) Report, BR 

262: “Thermal insulation, Avoiding risks”, Second Edition, 1994 or 

b. demonstrating by calculation that equivalent performance to (J9.1)a. has been achieved,. 

LIMITING INFILTRATION 

(J10.1)The requirements of J10.1 will be met by constructing the building in accordance with BRE Report BR 

265 [Note 1]. 

Note 1: 

This document provides examples of acceptable design details and construction practice, but alternative 

details may be used if equivalent performance can be demonstrated. 

HEATING SYSTEM EFFICIENCY 

(J11.1)The requirements of J11.1, as regards the efficiency of the boiler or other primary heat source, will be 

met - 

a. where the rating-weighted average carbon intensity of the boiler or other primary heat source is 

in accordance with Table 1 to this standard; or 

b. in the case of a liquid or gaseous fuelled boiler only, by compliance with the Boiler Efficiency 

Regulations 1993 and 1994. 

Table 1 to (J11.1): Maximum carbon intensities of heating systems 

Fuel Maximum carbon intensities (kgC/kWh) [Notes 1-3] 

at design capacity at 30% of design capacity 

Mains natural gas 0.068 0.064 

Other fuels 0.088 0.088 

Notes : 

1. The carbon intensity of the heating plant is based on the carbon emitted per useful kWh of heat 

output and applies to boilers, heat pump systems and electrical heating, and is given by- 

A = B ÷ C (Equation 1) 

where A is the carbon intensity of the heating system (kgC/kWh of useful heat); 

B is the carbon emission factor of the fuel (kgC/kWh of delivered fuel) obtained from 

Table 2 to this specification; 

C is the gross thermal efficiency of the heating system (kWh of heat divided by kWh 

of delivered fuel). 


J

J 

(J11.1) – (J11.5) 

Table 2 to (J11.1): Carbon emission factors 

Fuel type Carbon emission factor (kgC/kWh) 

Mains natural gas 0.053 

LPG 0.068 

Biogas 0.0 

Oil (all grades of fuel oil) 0.074 

Coal 0.086 

Biomass 0.0 

Electricity (grid-supplied) 0.113 

2. Where a combined heat and power system (CHP) is proposed, the carbon intensity of the CHP 

can take account of the benefit of the on-site generation in reducing emissions from power stations 

feeding the national grid by using the following equation; 


A = (B ÷ D) - (F ÷ E) (Equation 2) 

where A is the carbon intensity of the heating system (kgC/kWh of useful heat); 

B is the carbon emission factor of the fuel (kgC/kWh of delivered fuel) obtained from 

Table 2 to this specification; 

D is the heat output ratio of the CHP engine (kWh of heat per kWh of delivered fuel); 

E is the electrical output ratio of the engine (kWh of electricity per kWh of delivered 

fuel); 

F is the carbon emission factor for grid supplied electricity (kgC/kWh). This should 

be taken as the factor for new generating capacity that might otherwise be built if 

the CHP had not been provided, i.e. the intensity of a new generation gas-fired 

station at 0.123 kg/kWh 

This adjusted carbon intensity can then be used in equation 1 to determine the carbon intensity of the 

overall heating system at 100% and 30% of heating system output. 

3. Where the CHP has no facility for heat dumping, the gross thermal efficiency is the CHP heat 

output divided by the energy content of the fuel burned. Where the CHP includes facilities for 

heat dumping, the gross thermal efficiency should be based on an estimate of the useful heat 

supplied to the building, i.e. the heat output from the CHP minus the heat dumped. 


(J11.3)The requirements of J11.3 will be met for small buildings (i.e. those with heating systems with an output 

not greater than 100 kW), where the space heating controls are in accordance with BRECSU Good 

Practice Guide GPG 132. 


(J11.5)The requirements of J11.5 will be met by complying with sub-clauses a. or b. below - 

a. for a system other than one heated by a solid fuel boiler - 

i. the heat exchanger in the storage vessel should have sufficient heating capacity, such as 

one complying with BS 1566: Part 2: 1984 (1990) or BS 3198: 1981, and in particular it 

should comply with the requirements in these standards for the surface area of heat 

exchangers (i.e. pipe diameter and number of coils), and 

26J

27J 

(J11.5) – (J12.1) 

ii. a thermostat should be provided which switches off the heat when the required storage 

temperature has been achieved, and which in the case of hot water central heating systems 

is interconnected with the room thermostat(s) to switch off the boiler when no heat is 

required, and 

iii. a manually adjustable 7-day automatic timing device or devices should be provided either 

as part of the central heating system or as a local device to control the periods of operation; 

or 

b. for a solid fuel fired system where the cylinder is not providing the slumber load, a thermostatically 

controlled valve should be provided. 


(J11.6)The requirements of J11.6, for insulation of pipes and ducts, will be met by providing insulation in 

accordance with BS 5422: 1990. 

(J11.7)The requirements of J11.7 for insulation of hot water storage vessels will be met by applying insulation 

in accordance with the provisions of BS 5422: 1990 for flat surfaces. 

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING 

(J12.1)The requirements of J12.1 will be met where the artificial lighting complies with a., b., or c. below - 

a. 95% of the artificial lighting capacity in circuit Watts (i.e. the power consumed by lamps, their 

associated control gear and power factor correction equipment) is provided by lighting fittings 

using lamps with luminous efficacies not less than those of the types listed in the table to this 


Table to (J12.1)a. Artificial lighting 

Light Source Types 

High pressure sodium All types and sizes. 

Metal halide All types and sizes. 

Induction lighting All types and sizes. 

Triphosphor tubular fluorescent All 26mm diameter (T8) lamps, and 16mm diameter (T5) 

lamps rated above 11 W, provided with low-loss or high 

frequency control gear; 38mm diameter (T12) linear fluorescent 

lamps 2400 mm long. 

Compact fluorescent All ratings above 11 W. 

Other Any type and rating with an efficiency greater than 65 lumens 

per circuit Watt. 

b. the installed lighting capacity comprises lighting fittings with lamps having an average initial 

(100 hour) efficacy of not less than 65 lumens per circuit Watt. 

c. the lighting is in accordance with Part 4 of the CIBSE publication “Code for Interior Lighting”, 

1994. 


J

J 

(J12.2) – (J12.3) 

DISPLAY LIGHTING 

(J12.2)The requirements of J12.2 will be met by display lighting - 

a. whose installed capacity comprises lighting fittings incorporating lamps with an average initial 

(100 hour) efficacy of not less than 15 lumens per circuit Watt; or 

b. at least 95% of whose installed capacity in circuit Watts (i.e. the power consumed by lamps, their 

associated control gear and power factor correction equipment) is provided by lighting fittings 

using lamps with luminous efficacies not less than those of the types listed in the table to this 


Table to (J12.2)b. Display lighting 

Light Source Types and ratings 

High pressure sodium All types and ratings. 

Metal halide All types and ratings. 

Tungsten halogen All types and ratings. 

Compact and tubular fluorescent All types and ratings. 

Other Any type and rating with an efficacy greater than 15 lumens 

per circuit Watt. 

CONTROLS FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING 

(J12.3)The requirements of J12.3 will be met by an artificial lighting system having - 

a. local manually operated switches where the distance measured directly on plan from a switch to 

the furthest light fitting it controls is not more than 8 metres or 3 times the height of the light 

fitting above the finished floor level, whichever is the greater; or 

b. lighting rows adjacent to windows controlled by photocells to monitor daylight and adjust the 

artificial lighting accordingly, either by switching or dimming; or 

c. switches operated by ultrasonic, infra-red or other remote control handsets; or 

d. automatic switching which turns the lighting off when it senses the absence of occupants; or 

e. in buildings of purpose groups 4 to 6, in areas where continuous lighting is required during hours 

of operation, time switching or daylight-linked photo-electric switching; or 

f. switching in accordance with Section 4.4.4 of the CIBSE publication “Code for Interior Lighting”, 

1994; or 

g. for display lighting, dedicated circuits that can be switched off at times when people will not be 

inspecting exhibits or merchandise or being entertained [Note 1]. 

Note: 

1. In a retail store, for example, (J12.3)g. could be achieved by timers to switch off the display 

lighting outwith opening hours, other than for displays intended to be viewed from outside the 

building). 


28J

AIR CONDITIONING AND MECHANICAL VENTILATION 

29J 

(J13.1) – (J14.2) 

(J13.1)The requirements of J13.1, for energy efficiency of air conditioning and mechanical ventilation, will be 

met - 

a. for buildings of purpose group 3, by achieving a Carbon Performance Index [Note 1] of at least 

100, or in the case of a conversion, at least 90; or 

b. for buildings of purpose groups 2 and 4 to 7, by providing air conditioning or mechanical ventilation 

with a total specific fan power (i.e. the design power of all fans in the distribution system 

divided by the design ventilation rate through the building) not greater than 1.5 W/ls -1 . 

Notes: 

1. The Carbon Performance Index (CPI) relates the performance of the proposed building to a 

benchmark based on the measured consumption data contained in ECON 19 [“Energy use in 

offices - Energy Consumption Guide 19”, DETR, 1998]. 

2. The CPI calculation procedure is described in Appendix K. 

COMMISSIONING OF THE BUILDING SERVICES 

(J14.1)The requirements of J14.1, as regards the commissioning of the building services, will be met by certifying 

that commissioning of the installation has been done in accordance with CIBSE Commissioning 

Codes and BSRIA Commissioning Guides. 

(J14.2)The requirements of J14.2, as regards the provision of information for energy efficient operation, will be 

met by a self-contained building log-book containing the following details - 

a. a schedule of the floor areas of each of the building zones categorised by environmental servicing 

type (e.g. air-conditioned, naturally ventilated); and 

b. the purpose of the individual building services systems; and 

c. the location of the relevant plant and equipment; and 

d. the installed capacities (input power and output rating) of the services plant; and 

e. simple descriptions of the operational and control strategies of the energy consuming services in 

the building; and 

f. operating and maintenance instructions that include provisions enabling the specified performance 

to be sustained during occupation. 


J

J Appendix A 

Appendix A: Tables of U–values 

Contents 

TABLES Page 

Windows, rooflights and doors 

Table A1 U-values for windows (and rooflights) with wooden frames and doors 4JA 

Table A2 U-values for windows with metal frames (4 mm thermal break) 5JA 

Table A3 Adjustments to Table A2 for various thermal breaks and/or rooflights 5JA 

Roofs 

Table A4 Base thickness of insulation between ceiling joists or rafters 6JA 

Table A5 Base thickness of insulation between and over joists or rafters 6JA 

Table A6 Base thickness for continuous insulation 6JA 

Table A7 Allowable reductions in thickness for common roof components 7JA 

Walls 

Table A8 Base thickness of insulation layer 9JA 

Table A9 Allowable reductions in base thickness for common components 10JA 

Table A10 Allowable reductions in base thickness for concrete components 10JA 

Table A11 Allowable reductions in base thickness for timber frame walls 11JA 

Ground floors 

Table A12 Insulation thickness for solid floors in contact with the ground 16JA 

Table A13 Insulation thickness for suspended timber ground floors 17JA 

Table A14 Insulation thickness for suspended concrete beam and block ground floors 18JA 

Upper floors 

Table A15 Upper floors of timber construction 20JA 

Table A16 Upper floors of concrete construction 20JA 

Table A17 Upper floors - allowable reductions in base thickness for common components 20JA 

Building materials 

Table A18 Thermal conductivity of some common building materials 21JA 

Notes: 

1. The values in these tables have been derived using the Combined Method, taking into account the effects 

of thermal bridging where appropriate. 

2. Intermediate values can be obtained from the tables by linear interpolation. 

3. As an alternative to using these tables, the procedures in Appendices B and C can be used to obtain a 

more accurate calculation of the thickness of insulation required. 


1JA

2JA 

Appendix A 

EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS Page 

Roofs 

Example 1 Pitched roof with insulation between ceiling joists or between rafters 8JA 

Example 2 Pitched roof with insulation between and over ceiling joists 9JA 

Example 3 Concrete deck roof 9JA 

Walls 

Example 4 Masonry cavity wall with internal insulation 12JA 

Example 5 Masonry cavity wall filled with insulation 13JA 

Example 6 Masonry wall with partial cavity fill 14JA 

Example 7 Timber frame wall 15JA 

Ground floors 

Example 8 Solid floor in contact with the ground 19JA 

Example 9 Suspended timber floor 19JA 


J

J 

Appendix A 

Windows, rooflights and doors 

A1 Full details about calculating the U-value of a window or door are given in BS EN ISO 10077–1. This 

Appendix provides indicative U-values for windows, rooflights and doors. Table A1 applies to windows 

(and rooflights) with wood or PVC-U frames. Table A2 applies to windows with metal frames, for 

which the adjustments (for thermal breaks and/or rooflights) in Table A3 should be applied. 

A2 The U-value of a window or rooflight containing low-E glazing is influenced by the emissivity, εn, of 

the low-E coating. Low-E coatings are of two principal types, known as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’. Hard coatings 

generally have emissivities in the range 0.15 to 0.2, and the data for εn = 0.2 should be used for hard 

coatings, or if the glazing is stated to be low-E but the type of coating is not specified. Soft coatings 

generally have emissivities in the range 0.05 to 0.1. The data for εn = 0.1 should be used for a soft 

coating if the emissivity is not specified. 

A3 When available, manufacturers’ U-values, certified by a notified body, for windows, or rooflights or 

doors must be used in preference to the data given in these tables. 


3JA

4JA 

Appendix A 

Table A1: Indicative U-values (W/m 2 K) for windows, rooflights and doors with wood or PVC-U frames 

[Note 1] 

Gap between panes Adjustment for 

6 mm 12 mm 16 mm rooflights in 

or more dwellings [Note 4] 

Single glazing 4.8 + 0.3 

Double glazing (air filled) 3.1 2.8 2.7 

Double glazing (low-E, εn = 0.2) [Note 2] 2.7 2.3 2.1 

Double glazing ((low-E, εn = 0.15) 2.7 2.2 2.0 

Double glazing (low-E, εn = 0.1) 2.6 2.1 1.9 


Double glazing (argon filled) [Note 3] 2.9 2.7 2.6 

Double glazing (low-E, εn = 0.2, argon filled) 2.5 2.1 2.0 



Triple glazing 2.4 2.1 2.0 + 0.2 

Triple glazing (low-E, εn = 0.2) 2.1 1.7 1.6 



Triple glazing (argon filled) 2.2 2.0 1.9 

Triple glazing (low-E, εn = 0.2, argon filled) 1.9 1.6 1.5 



Solid wooden door [Note 5] 3.0 N/A 

Notes: 

1. The U-values in this table are based on the frame comprising 30% of the total window area. 

2. The emissivities quoted are normal emissivities. (Corrected emissivity is used in the calculation 

of glazing U-values.) Uncoated glass is assumed to have a normal emissivity of 0.89. 

3. The gas mixture is assumed to consist of 90% argon and 10% air. 

4. No adjustment need be applied to rooflights in buildings other than dwellings. 

5. For doors which are half-glazed the U-value of the door is the average of the appropriate window 

U-value and that of the non-glazed part of the door (e.g. 3.0 W/m 2 K for a wooden door). 


J

J 

Appendix A 

Table A2: Indicative U-values (W/m2K) for windows with metal frames (4 mm thermal break) 

gap between panes 

6 mm 12 mm 16 mm or 

more 

Single glazing 5.7 

Double glazing (air filled) 3.7 3.4 3.3 




Double glazing (argon filled) 3.5 3.3 3.2 

Double glazing (low-E, εn = 0.2,argon filled) 3.1 2.6 2.5 



Triple glazing 2.9 2.6 2.5 




Triple glazing (argon-filled) 2.8 2.5 2.4 




Note: 

The U-values in this table are based on the frame comprising 20% of the total window area. 

A4 For windows (or rooflights) with metal frames incorporating a thermal break other than 4 mm, the 

adjustments given in Table 3 should be made to the U-values given in Table A2. 

Table A3: Adjustments to U–values in Table A2 for frames with thermal breaks 

Thermal break (mm) Adjustment to U-value (W/m2K) Window, or rooflight in a Roof window 

building other than a in a dwelling 

dwelling [Note 1] 

0 (no break) + 0.3 + 0.7 

4 + 0.0 + 0.3 

8 - 0.1 + 0.2 

12 - 0.2 + 0.1 

16 - 0.2 + 0.1 

Notes: 

1. Where applicable, adjustments for both thermal break and rooflight should be made. For intermediate 

thicknesses of thermal breaks, linear interpolation may be used. 


5JA

ROOFS 

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Appendix A 

Table A4: Base thickness of insulation between ceiling joists or rafters 

Thermal conductivity of insulant (W/m·K) 

Design U-value 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

(W/m 2 K) Base thickness of insulating material (mm) 

A B C D E F G H 

1 0.15 371 464 557 649 742 835 928 

2 0.20 180 224 269 314 359 404 449 

3 0.25 118 148 178 207 237 266 296 

4 0.30 92 110 132 154 176 198 220 

5 0.35 77 91 105 122 140 157 175 

6 0.40 67 78 90 101 116 130 145 

Table A5: Base thickness of insulation between and over joists or rafters 


Design U-value 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 



1 0.15 161 188 217 247 277 307 338 

2 0.20 128 147 167 188 210 232 255 

3 0.25 108 122 137 153 170 187 205 

4 0.30 92 105 117 130 143 157 172 

5 0.35 77 91 103 113 124 136 148 

6 

Note: 

0.40 67 78 90 101 110 120 130 

Tables A4 and A5 are derived for roofs with the proportion of timber at 8%, corresponding to 48 mm 

wide timbers at 600 mm centres, excluding noggings. For other proportions of timber the U-value can 

be calculated using the procedure in Appendix B. 

Table A6: Base thickness for continuous insulation 


Design U-value 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 



1 0.15 131 163 196 228 261 294 326 

2 0.20 97 122 146 170 194 219 243 

3 0.25 77 97 116 135 154 174 193 

4 0.30 64 80 96 112 128 144 160 

5 0.35 54 68 82 95 109 122 136 

6 0.40 47 59 71 83 94 106 118 


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Appendix A 

Table A7 Allowable reductions in thickness for common roof components 


0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 


Concrete slab Reduction in base thickness of insulating material (mm) for 

density (Kg/m 2 ) each 100 mm of concrete slab 


1 600 10 13 15 18 20 23 25 

2 800 7 9 11 13 14 16 18 

3 1100 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 

4 1300 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

5 1700 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 

6 2100 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 

Other materials 

and components 

Reduction in base thickness of insulating material (mm) 


7 10 mm plasterboard 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 


9 13 mm sarking board 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 

10 12 mm calcium 

silicate liner board 

1 2 2 2 3 3 4 

11 Roof space (pitched) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

12 Roof space (flat) 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 

13 19 mm roof tiles 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 

14 19 mm asphalt 

(or 3 layers of felt) 

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 

15 50 mm screed 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 

Example 1 - Pitched roof with insulation between ceiling joists or between rafters 

Determine the thickness of the insulation layer required to achieve a U-value of 0.20 W/m 2 K if insulation is 

between the joists, and 0.25 W/m 2 K if insulation is between the rafters. 

For insulation placed between ceiling joists (U-value 0.20 W/m 2 K) 

Using Table A4: 

joist 

insulation 

(thermal conductivity 

0.030 W/mK) 

From column D, row 2 of the table, the base thickness of insulation required is 269 mm. 

The base thickness may be reduced by taking account of the other materials as follows: 

From Table A7: 

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10mm plasterboard

19 mm roof tiles column D, row 13= 1 mm 

Roof space (pitched) column D, row 11= 6 mm 

10 mm plasterboard column D, row 7 = 2 mm 

Total reduction = 9 mm 

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Appendix A 

The minimum thickness of the insulation layer between the ceiling joists required to achieve a U-value of 

0.20 W/m 2 K is therefore: 

Base thickness less total reduction i.e. 269 – 9 = 260 mm. 

For insulation placed between rafters (U-value 0.25 W/m 2 K) 


rafter 

10mm plasterboard 

From column D, row 3 in the table, the base thickness of insulation required is 178 mm. 

The reductions in the base thickness are obtained as follows: 


19 mm roof tiles column D, row 13= 1 mm 

10 mm plasterboard column D, row 7 = 2 mm 


The minimum thickness of the insulation layer between the rafters required to achieve a U-value of 

0.25 W/m 2 K is therefore: 

Base thickness less total reduction i.e.178 - 3 = 175 mm. 

Example 2 - Pitched roof with insulation between and over ceiling joists 

Determine the thickness of the insulation layer above the joists required to achieve a U-value of 0.20 W/m 2 K 

for the roof construction shown below: 

insulation over joists 

100mm deep joist ;;;; 

insulation between joists 

;;;;;;; 

; ;;;;;;; ;; 

; ;;;; ;; 


insulation 

thermal conductivity 0.030 W/mK 

It is proposed to use mineral fibre insulation between and over the joists with a thermal conductivity of 

0.04 W/m·K. Using Table A5: 

From column F, row 2 of the table, the base thickness of insulation layer is 210 mm. 


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Appendix A 



19 mm roof tiles column F, row 13 = 1 mm 

Roof space (pitched) column F, row 11 = 8 mm 

10 mm plasterboard column F, row 7 = 3 mm 


The minimum thickness of the insulation layer over the joists, required in addition to the 100 mm insulation 

between the joists, to achieve a U-value of 0.20 W/m 2 K is therefore: 

Base thickness less total reduction i.e. 210 - 1OO - 12 = 98 mm. 

Example 3- Concrete deck roof 

Determine the thickness of the insulation layer required to achieve a U-value of 0.25 W/m 2 K for the roof construction 

shown below. 


From column D, row 3 of the table, the base thickness of the insulation layer is 116 mm. 



3 layers of felt column D, row 14= 1 mm 

150 mm concrete deck column D, row 3 

adjusted for 150 mm thickness (1.5 × 8) = 12 mm 


The minimum thickness of the insulation layer required to achieve a U-value of 0.25 W/m 2 K is therefore: 

Base thickness less total reduction i.e. 116 - 13 = 103 mm. 

Walls 

three layers of roofing felt 

insulation (thermal conductivity 0.03 W/m.K) 

150mm concrete (density 1100kg/m 3 ) 

Table A8 Base thickness of insulation layer 


Design U-value 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 



1 0.20 97 121 145 169 193 217 242 

2 0.25 77 96 115 134 153 172 192 

3 0.30 63 79 95 111 127 142 158 

4 0.35 54 67 81 94 107 121 134 

5 0.40 47 58 70 82 93 105 117 

6 0.45 41 51 62 72 82 92 103 


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Appendix A 

Table A9 Allowable reductions in base thickness for common components 


0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Component Reduction in base thickness of insulating material (mm) 


1 Cavity (25 mm or more) 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 

2 Outer leaf brick 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 

3 13 mm plaster 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 

4 13 mm lightweight 

plaster 

2 2 2 3 3 4 4 

5 9.5 mm plasterboard 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 

6 12.5 mm plasterboard 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 

7 Air space behind 

plasterboard dry lining 

2 3 4 4 5 5 6 

8 9 mm sheathing ply 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 

9 20 mm cement render 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 

10 13 mm tile hanging 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 

Table A10 Allowable reductions in base thickness for concrete components 


0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Density Reduction in base thickness of insulation (mm) 

(Kg/m2 ) for each 100 mm of concrete 

A 

Concrete inner leaf 

B C D E F G H 

1 600 9 11 13 15 17 20 22 

2 800 7 9 10 12 14 16 17 

3 1000 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 

4 1200 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

5 1400 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 

6 1600 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 

7 1800 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 

8 2000 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 

9 2400 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 

Continued overleaf 


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Appendix A 

Table A10 continued 



0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Density Reduction in base thickness of insulation (mm) 

(Kg/m2 ) for each 100 mm of concrete 


Concrete outer leaf or single leaf wall 

10 600 8 11 13 15 17 19 21 

11 800 7 9 10 12 14 15 17 

12 1000 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 

13 1200 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

14 1400 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 

15 1600 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 

16 1800 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 

17 2000 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 

18 2400 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 

Table A11 Allowable reductions in base thickness for insulated timber framed walls 


0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Thermal conductivity of Reduction in base thickness of insulation (mm) 

insulation within frame (W/m·K) for each 100 mm of frame(mm) 


1 0.035 42 53 63 74 84 95 105 

2 0.040 38 48 58 67 77 87 96 

Note: 

The table is derived for walls for which the proportion of timber is 12%, which corresponds to 48 mm 

wide studs at 400 mm centres. For other proportions of timber the U-value can be calculated using the 

procedure in Appendix B. 

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Example 4 - Masonry cavity wall with internal insulation 

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Appendix A 

(For buildings other than detached buildings, this construction might not provide adequate resistance to flanking 

sound transmission) 

Determine the thickness of the insulation layer required to achieve a U-value of 0.35 W/m2K for the wall construction 

shown below. 


From column C, row 4 of the table, the base thickness of the insulation layer is 67 mm. 



Brick outer leaf column C, row 2 = 3 mm 

Cavity column C, row 1 = 5 mm 

Plasterboard column C, row 6 = 2 mm 

And from table A10 

;; 

;; 

;; 

;; 

;; 

;; 

;; 

102mm brick outer leaf 

50mm cavity 

;; 

;; ; 

;; ;; ; 

;; ; 

;; ; 

Concrete block column C, row 1 

adjusted for 150 mm block 

thickness (1.5 × 11) = 17 mm 



Base thickness less total reduction i.e. 67 – 27 = 40 mm 

150mm concrete block (density 600 kg/m 3 ) 

thermal insulation (thermal conductivity 0.025 W/mK) 


heat flow 


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Appendix A 

Example 5 - Masonry cavity wall filled with insulation with plasterboard on dabs 

Determine the thickness of the insulation layer required to achieve a U-value of 0.35 W/m 2 K for the wall construction 

shown below. (This calculation assumes the effect of wall ties to be negligible). 


From column F, row 4 of the table, the base thickness of the insulation layer is 107 mm. 



Brick outer leaf column F, row 2 = 5 mm 

Plasterboard column F, row 6 = 3 mm 

Air space behind plasterboard 

column F, row 7 = 5 mm 

And from Table A10: 



Concrete block column F, row 8 = 3 mm 




cavity filled with insulation (thermal conductivity 0.040 W/mK) 

100mm concrete block (density 2000 kg/m 3 ) 

airspace between dabs 

12.5mm plasterboard on dabs 

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heat flow

Example 6 - Masonry wall with partial cavity-fill 

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Appendix A 


shown below. 


From column C, row 3 of the table, the base thickness of the insulation layer is 79 mm. 



Brick outer leaf column C, row 2 = 3 mm 

Cavity column C, row 1 = 5 mm 

Lightweight plaster column C, row 4 = 2 mm 



50mm residual cavity 

Concrete block column C, row 5 = 4 mm 




partial fill cavity insulation (thermal conductivity 0.025 W/mK) 

100mm lightweight aggregate block (density 1400 kg/m 3 ) 

13mm lightweight plaster 

heat flow 


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Appendix A 

Example 7 - Timber-frame wall 


shown below. 


From column D, row 3 of the table, the base thickness of the insulation layer is 95 mm. 



Brick outer leaf column D, row 2 = 4 mm 

Cavity column D, row 1 = 5 mm 

Sheathing ply column D, row 8 = 2 mm 

Plasterboard column D, row 6 = 2 mm 

Plasterboard column D, row 6 = 2 mm 


Timber frame column D, row 1 

adjusted for shallower 

member (0.9 × 63 mm) = 57 mm 






50 mm cavity 

9 mm sheathing ply 

Insulation (thermal conductivity 0.03W/m K) 

90mm timber frame filled with insulation 

(thermal conductivity 0.035 W/m K) 

two sheets of 12.5mm plasterboard 

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heat flow

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Appendix A 

GROUND FLOORS 

Note: 

In using the tables for floors it is first necessary to calculate the ratio P/A, where P is the floor perimeter 

length in metres; and A is the floor area in square metres. 

Table A12 Insulation thickness for solid floors in contact with the ground 


P/A 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 


Insulation thickness (mm) for U-value of 0.20 W/m2K 1 1.00 81 101 121 142 162 182 202 

2 0.90 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 

3 0.80 78 98 118 137 157 177 196 

4 0.70 77 96 115 134 153 173 192 

5 0.60 74 93 112 130 149 167 186 

6 0.50 71 89 107 125 143 160 178 

7 0.40 67 84 100 117 134 150 167 

8 0.30 60 74 89 104 119 134 149 

9 0.20 46 57 69 80 92 103 115 

U-value of 0.25 W/m2K 10 1.00 61 76 91 107 122 137 152 

11 0.90 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 

12 0.80 58 73 88 102 117 132 146 

13 0.70 57 71 85 99 113 128 142 

14 0.60 54 68 82 95 109 122 136 

15 0.50 51 64 77 90 103 115 128 

16 0.40 47 59 70 82 94 105 117 

17 0.30 40 49 59 69 79 89 99 

18 0.20 26 32 39 45 52 58 65 

U-value of 0.30 W/m2K 19 1.00 48 60 71 83 95 107 119 

20 0.90 47 58 70 81 93 105 116 

21 0.80 45 56 68 79 90 102 113 

22 0.70 43 54 65 76 87 98 108 

23 0.60 41 51 62 72 82 92 103 

24 0.50 38 47 57 66 76 85 95 

25 0.40 33 42 50 59 67 75 84 

26 0.30 26 33 39 46 53 59 66 

27 0.20 13 16 19 22 25 28 32 

Note: 

P/A is the ratio of floor perimeter (m) to floor area (m 2 ). 


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Appendix A 

Table A13 Insulation thickness for timber ground floors 



P/A 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 



2 0.90 125 144 162 180 198 216 234 

3 0.80 123 142 160 178 195 213 230 

4 0.70 121 139 157 175 192 209 226 

5 0.60 118 136 153 171 188 204 221 

6 0.50 114 131 148 165 181 198 214 

7 0.40 109 125 141 157 173 188 204 

8 0.30 99 115 129 144 159 173 187 

9 0.20 82 95 107 120 132 144 156 

U-value of 0.25 W/m2K 10 1.00 93 107 121 135 149 162 176 

11 0.90 92 106 119 133 146 160 173 

12 0.80 90 104 117 131 144 157 170 

13 0.70 88 101 114 127 140 153 166 

14 0.60 85 98 111 123 136 148 161 

15 0.50 81 93 106 118 130 142 154 

16 0.40 75 87 99 110 121 132 143 

17 0.30 66 77 87 97 107 117 127 

18 0.20 49 57 65 73 81 88 96 

U-value of 0.30 W/m2K 19 1.00 71 82 93 104 114 125 135 

20 0.90 70 80 91 102 112 122 133 

21 0.80 68 78 89 99 109 119 129 

22 0.70 66 76 86 96 106 116 126 

23 0.60 63 73 82 92 102 111 120 

24 0.50 59 68 78 87 96 104 113 

25 0.40 53 62 70 79 87 95 103 

26 0.30 45 52 59 66 73 80 87 

27 0.20 28 33 38 42 47 51 56 

Notes: 

1. P/A is the ratio of floor perimeter (m) to floor area (m 2 ). The table is derived for suspended 

timber floors for which the proportion of timber is 12%, which corresponds to 48 mm wide 

timbers at 400 mm centres. 

2. For other proportions of timber the U-value can be calculated using the procedure in Appendix B. 

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Table A14:Insulation thickness for suspended concrete beam and block ground floors 


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Appendix A 

P/A 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 



2 0.90 81 101 122 142 162 183 203 

3 0.80 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 

4 0.70 79 99 118 138 158 177 197 

5 0.60 77 96 116 135 154 173 193 

6 0.50 75 93 112 131 150 168 187 

7 0.40 71 89 107 125 143 161 178 

8 0.30 66 82 99 115 132 148 165 

9 0.20 56 69 83 97 111 125 139 

U-value of 0.25 W/m2K 10 1.00 62 78 93 109 124 140 155 

11 0.90 61 76 92 107 122 138 153 

12 0.80 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 

13 0.70 59 74 88 103 118 132 147 

14 0.60 57 71 86 100 114 128 143 

15 0.50 55 68 82 96 110 123 137 

16 0.40 51 64 77 90 103 116 128 

17 0.30 46 57 69 80 92 103 115 

18 0.20 36 45 54 62 71 80 89 

U-value of 0.30 W/m2K 19 1.00 49 61 73 85 97 110 122 

20 0.90 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 

21 0.80 47 59 70 82 94 105 117 

22 0.70 45 57 68 80 91 102 114 

23 0.60 44 55 66 77 88 98 109 

24 0.50 41 52 62 72 83 93 104 

25 0.40 38 48 57 67 76 86 95 

26 0.30 33 41 49 57 65 73 81 

27 0.20 22 28 33 39 44 50 56 

Note: 

P/A is the ratio of floor perimeter (m) to floor area (m 2 ). 


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Appendix A 

Example 8 – Solid floor in contact with the ground 

Determine the thickness of the insulation layer required to achieve a U-value of 0.3 W/m2K for the ground floor 

slab shown below. 

10 

It is proposed to use insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.025 W/m·K. 

The overall perimeter length of the slab is: (10 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 6 + 6) = 32 m. 

The floor area of the slab is : (6 × 6) + (4 × 4) = 52 m 2 . 

The ratio: perimeter length = 32 = 0.6 

floor area 52 

Using Table A12, column C, row 23 indicates that 51 mm of insulation is required. 

Example 9 - Suspended timber floor 

If the floor shown above was of suspended timber construction, the perimeter length and floor area would be 

the same, yielding the same ratio of: 


6 

perimeter length = 32 = 0.6 

floor area 52 

6 

To achieve a U-value of 0.30 W/m 2 ·K, using insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.04 W/m·K, Table A13 

column F, row 23 indicates that the insulation thickness between the joists should be not less than 102 mm. 

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4 

4 

2

UPPER FLOORS 

Table A15 Upper floors of timber construction 

Design U-value Thermal conductivity of insulant (W/m·K) 

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Appendix A 

(W/m 2 K) 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Base thickness of insulation between joists to achieve design U-values 


1 0.20 167 211 256 298 341 383 426 

2 0.25 109 136 163 193 225 253 281 

3 

Note: 

0.30 80 100 120 140 160 184 208 

Table A15 is derived for floors with the proportion of timber at 12% which corresponds to 48 mm wide 

timbers at 400 mm centres. For other proportions of timber the U-value can be calculated using the 

procedure in Appendix E. 

Table A16 Upper floors of concrete construction 

Design U-value Thermal conductivity of insulant (W/m·K) 

(W/m 2 K) 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Base thickness of insulation to achieve design U-value 


1 0.20 95 119 142 166 190 214 237 

2 0.25 75 94 112 131 150 169 187 

3 0.30 62 77 92 108 123 139 154 

Table A17 Upper floors: allowable reductions in base thickness for common components 


0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 

Component Reduction in base thickness of insulation material (mm) 



2 19 mm timber flooring 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 

3 50 mm screed 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 


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Appendix A 

Table A18:Thermal conductivity of some common construction materials 

Density Conductivity 

(kg/m3 ) (W/m·K) 

Walls 

Brickwork (outer leaf) 1700 0.77 

Brickwork (inner leaf) 1700 0.56 

Lightweight aggregate concrete block 1400 0.57 

Autoclaved aerated concrete block 600 0.18 

Concrete (medium density) 1800 1.13 

2000 1.33 

2200 1.59 

Concrete (high density): 2400 1.93 

Reinforced concrete (1% steel) 2300 2.3 

Reinforced concrete (2% steel) 2400 2.5 

Mortar (protected) 1750 0.88 

Mortar (exposed) 1750 0.94 

Gypsum 600 0.18 

900 0.30 

1200 0.43 

Gypsum plasterboard 900 0.25 

Sandstone 2600 2.3 

Limestone, soft 1800 1.1 

Limestone, hard 2200 1.7 

Fibreboard 400 0.1 

Plasterboard 900 0.25 

Tiles ceramic 2300 1.3 

Timber 500 0.14 

700 0.18 

Surface finishes 

External rendering 1300 0.57 

Plaster (dense) 1300 0.57 

Plaster (lightweight) 600 0.18 

Roofs 

Aerated concrete slab 500 0.16 

Asphalt 2100 0.70 

Felt/bitumen layers 1100 0.23 

Screed 1200 0.41 

Stone chippings 2000 2.0 

Tiles (clay) 2000 1.0 

Tiles (concrete) 2100 1.5 

Wood wool slab 500 0.10 


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Table A18 (continued) 

22JA 

Density Conductivity 

(kg/m 3 ) (W/m·K) 

Floors 

Cast concrete 2000 1.35 

Metal tray (steel) 7800 50.0 

Screed 1200 0.41 

Hardwood timber 700 0.18 

Softwood timber, plywood, chipboard 500 0.13 

Insulation 

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) slab 15 0.040 

Mineral wool quilt 12 0.042 

Mineral wool batt 25 0.038 

Phenolic foam board 30 0.025 

Polyurethane board 30 0.025 

Note: 

If available, certified test values must be used in preference to those in the table. 

Appendix A 


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Appendix B 

Appendix B: Worked examples of U-value calculations using 

the Combined Method 

Introduction 

B1 For building elements which contain repeating thermal bridges, such as timber joists between insulation 

in a roof or floor, timber studs in a wall, or mortar joints in lightweight blockwork, the effect of thermal 

bridges should be taken into account when calculating the U-value. The calculation method, known as 

the Combined Method, is set out in BS EN ISO 6946 and the following examples illustrate the use of 

the method for typical wall, roof and floor designs. 

B2 In cases where the joists in roof, wall or floor constructions project beyond the surface of the insulation, 

the depths of the joists should be taken to be the same as the thickness of insulation for the purposes of 

the U-value calculation (as specified in BS EN ISO 6946). 

B3 Conductivity values for common building materials can be obtained from the CIBSE Guide Section A3 

or from prEN ISO 12524. For specific insulation products, however, data must be obtained from manufacturers. 

Table A18 (Appendix A) gives typical thermal conductivities for some common construction 

materials. 

B4 The procedure in this Appendix does not address elements containing metal connecting paths. For builtup 

sheet metal walls and roofs, BRE IP 5/98 may be used. For curtain walling, the reader is directed to 

the CAB publication (Guide for assessment of the thermal performance of aluminium curtain wall 

framing” (September 1996). For ground floors and basements the reader is directed to Appendix C. 

The procedure 

B5 The U-value is calculated by applying the following steps: 

a. Calculate the upper resistance limit (R upper) by combining in parallel the total resistances of all 

possible heat-flow paths (i.e. sections) through the plane building element. 

b. Calculate the lower resistance limit (R lower) by combining in parallel the resistances of the heat 

flow paths of each layer separately and then summing the resistances of all layers of the plane 

building element. 

c. Calculate the U-value of the element from U = 1 / R T, 


where R T = R upper + R lower 

2 

d. Where appropriate, add a correction for air gaps and mechanical fasteners (including wall ties) as 

described in BS EN ISO 6946 Appendix D. 

1JB

Example 1 - Timber framed wall 

2JB 

Appendix B 

In this example there is a single bridged layer in the wall, involving insulation bridged by timber studs. The 

construction consists of outer leaf brickwork, a clear ventilated cavity, 19 mm plywood, 38 × 140 mm timber 

framing with 140 mm of mineral wool quilt insulation between the timber studs and 2 sheets of plasterboard 

each 12.5 mm thick. 

Figure B1: Timber framed wall construction 

(Total thickness: 336 mm; U-value: 0.29 W/m2K) 

102 mm brick outer leaf (conductivity 0.77 W/m K) 

50 mm ventilated cavity (resistance 0.09 W/m K) 

19 mm plywood (conductivity 0.13 W/m K) 

mineral wool quilt (conductivity 0.042 W/m K) 

between 38 x 140 mm timber studs 

(conductivity 0.13 W/m K) 

at 400 mm centres 

2 x 12.5mm plasterboard (conductivty 0.25 W/m K) 

heat flow 

The thicknesses of each layer, together with the thermal conductivities of the materials in each layer, are shown 

below. The internal and external surface resistances are those appropriate for wall constructions. Layer 4 is 

thermally bridged and two thermal conductivities are given for this layer, one for the unbridged part and one for 

the bridging part of the layer. For each homogeneous layer and for each section through a bridged layer, the 

thermal resistance is calculated by dividing the thickness (in metres) by the thermal conductivity. 

Table B1 Calculation of thermal resistance (timber frame) 

Layer Material Thickness (mm) Thermal conductivity Thermal resistance 

(W/m·K) (m2K/W) external surface - - 0.040 

1 outer leaf brick 102 0.77 0.132 

2 ventilated air cavity 50 - 0.090 

3 plywood 19 0.13 0.146 

4(a) mineral wool quilt 

between timber studs 

140 0.042 3.333 

4(b) 48 mm × 140 mm timber 

studs at 400 mm centres 

140 0.13 1.077 

5 plasterboard 25 0.25 0.100 

internal surface - - 0.130 


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Appendix B 

Both the upper and the lower limits of thermal resistance are calculated by combining the alternative resistances 

of the bridged layer in proportion to their respective areas, as illustrated below. The method of combining 

differs in the two cases. 

Upper resistance limit 

When calculating the upper limit of thermal resistance, the building element is considered to consist of two 

thermal paths (or sections). The upper limit of resistance is calculated from: 

R UPPER = 1 

F 1 + F 2 

R 1 + R 2 

where F 1 and F 2 are the fractional areas of the two sections (paths) and R 1 and R 2 are the total resistances of the 

two sections. The method of calculating the upper resistance limit is illustrated conceptually below: 

Figure B2 Conceptual illustration of how to calculate the upper limit of thermal resistance 


F 1 

F 2 

external 

surface 

Resistance through the section containing insulation 

External surface resistance = 0.040 

Resistance of bricks = 0.132 

Resistance of air cavity = 0.090 

Resistance of plywood = 0.146 

Resistance of mineral wool (90.5%) = 3.333 

Resistance of plasterboard = 0.100 

Internal surface resistance = 0.130 

Total (R 1) = 3.971 m 2 K/W 

Fractional area F 1 = 0.905 (90.5%) 

1 2 3 4(a) 5 

1 2 3 4(b) 5 

3JB 

internal 

surface

Resistance through the section containing timber stud 





Resistance of timber studs (9.5%) = 1.077 



Total (R 2) = 1.715 m 2 K/W 

Fractional area F 2 = 0.095 (9.5%) 

The upper limit of resistance is then: 

R upper 

= 

Lower resistance limit 

1 = 1 = 3.530 m 2 K/W 

———— ——————— 

F 1 + F 2 0.905 + 0.095 

— — ——— ——— 

R 1 R 2 3.971 1.715 

4JB 

Appendix B 

When calculating the lower limit of thermal resistance, the resistance of a bridged layer is determined by combining 

in parallel the resistances of the unbridged part and the bridged part of the layer. The resistances of all 

the layers in the element are then added together to give the lower limit of resistance. 

The resistance of the bridged layer is calculated using: 

1 

R = ————————— 

Finsul + Ftimber —— ——— 

Rinsul + Rtimber The method of calculating the lower limit of resistance is illustrated conceptually below. 

Figure B3 Conceptual illustration of how to calculate the lower limit of thermal resistance 

external 

surface 

The lower limit of resistance is then obtained by adding up the resistances of all the layers: 



F 1 

4(a) 

1 2 3 5 internal 

F2 4(b) 

surface 


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Appendix B 



Resistance of bridged layer = 1 = 2.780 

0.905 + 0.095 

3.333 1.077 



Total (R lower) = 3.418 m 2 K/W 

Total resistance of wall (not allowing for air gaps around the insulation) 

The total resistance of the wall is the average of the upper and lower resistance limits: 

R T 

= R upper + R lower = 3.530 + 3.418 = 3.474m 2 K/W 

2 2 

Correction for air gaps 

If there are small air gaps penetrating the insulating layer a correction should be applied to the U-value to 

account for this. The correction for air gaps is ∆U g where 

∆U g = ∆U" × (R I / R T) 2 

and where R I is the thermal resistance of the layer containing gaps, R T is the total resistance of the element and 

∆U" is a factor which depends upon the way in which the insulation is installed. In this example R I is 2.780 

m 2 K/W, R T is 3.474 m 2 K/W and ∆U" is 0.01 (i.e. correction level 1). The value of ∆U g is then: 

∆U g = 0.01 × (2.780 / 3.474) 2 = 0.006 W/m 2 K 

U-value of the wall 

The effect of air gaps or mechanical fixings should be included in the U-value unless they lead to an adjustment 

in the U-value of less than 3%. 

U = 1 / R T + ∆U g 

U = 1 / R T 


(if ∆U g is not less than 3% of 1 / R T) 

(if ∆U g is less than 3% of 1 / R T) 

In this case ∆U g = 0.006 W/m 2 K and 1 / R T = 0.288 W/m 2 K. Since ∆U g is less than 3% of (1 / R T), 

U = 1 / R T = 1 / 3.474 = 0.29 W/m 2 K. 

5JB

6JB 

Appendix B 

Notes: 

1. In the above calculation it is assumed that the noggings (or dwangs) do not penetrate the whole of the 

insulation. If, however, the noggings (or dwangs) penetrate the whole of the insulation thickness they 

should be included within the timber percentage used in the calculation. 

2. In this example correction level 1 is appropriate. This is because air gaps are likely to exist, in some 

cases, between the insulation and the timber framing. 

3. The additional timbers at the junctions of plane elements, for example wall/wall, wall/floor, and wall 

ceiling junctions, and the additional timbers surrounding openings are taken account of in the treatment 

of such details and so are not taken into account in the calculation of the U-value of the wall. 

4. BS EN ISO 6946 states that if the insulation is installed in such a way that no air circulation is possible 

the warm side of the insulation the ∆U" is set to 0.01 W/m 2 K. If, on the other hand, air circulation is 

possible on the warm side then it should be set to 0.04 W/m 2 K. The possible correction levels and 

correction factors are summarised as follows: 

Table B2 Correction for air gaps 

Description of air gap Correction level ∆U" W/m2K Insulation installed in such a way that no air 

circulation is possible on the warm side of the 

insulation. No air gaps penetrating the 

entire insulation layer. 

0 0.00 

Insulation installed in such a way that no air 

circulation is possible on the warm side of the 

insulation. Air gaps may penetrate the 

insulation layer. 

1 0.01 

Air circulation possible on the warm side 

of the insulation. Air gaps may penetrate 

the insulation. 

2 0.04 


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Appendix B 

Example 2 Cavity wall with lightweight masonry leaf and insulated dry-lining 

In this example there are two bridged layers - insulation bridged by timber and lightweight blockwork bridged 

by mortar. The construction consists of outer leaf brickwork, a clear cavity, 125 mm AAC blockwork, 

38 × 89 mm timber studs (400 mm centre-to-centre spacing) with insulation between the studs and one sheet of 

12.5 mm plasterboard. 

Figure B4 Wall construction with two bridged layers 

(Total thickness: 378.5 mm; U-value: 0.29 W/m 2 K) 

The thicknesses of each layer, together with the thermal conductivities of the materials, are shown below, with 

appropriate internal and external surface resistances, these being, for a wall, 0.13 m 2 K/W and 0.04 m 2 K/W. 

Layers 3 and 4 are both thermally bridged and two thermal conductivities are given for each layer to reflect the 

bridged part and the bridging part in each case. For each homogeneous layer and for each section through a 

bridged layer the thermal resistance is calculated by dividing the thickness (expressed in metres) by the thermal 

conductivity. 

Table B3: Calculation of thermal resistance (cavity wall) 

Layer Material Thickness (mm) Thermal conductivity Thermal resistance 

(W/m·K) (m2K/W) external surface - - 0.040 

1 outer leaf brick 102 0.77 0.132 

2 air cavity 50 - 0.180 

3(a) AAC blocks (93.4%) 15 0.11 1.136 

3(b) mortar (6.6%) (125) 0.88 0.142 

4(a) mineral wool (90.5%) 89 0.038 2.342 

4(b) timber studs (9.5%) (89) 0.13 0.685 

5 plasterboard 12.5 0.25 0.050 

internal surface - - 0.130 


102 mm brick outer leaf (conductivity 0.77 W/m K) 

50 mm unvented air cavity ( thermal resistance 0.018 m 2 W/m K) 

125 mm AA C blocks (conductivity 0.11 W/m K) 

bridged by mortar (conductivity 0.88 W/m K) 

mineral wool (conductivity 0.038 W/m K) 

between 38 x 89 mm timber studs 

(conductivity 0.13 W/m K) at 400 mm centres 

12.5mm plasterboard 

(conductivty 0.25 W/m K) 

7JB 

heat flow

8JB 

Appendix B 

Both the upper and lower limits of thermal resistance are calculated by combining the alternative resistances of 

the bridged layer in proportion to their respective areas, as illustrated below. The method of combining differs 

in the two cases. 

Upper resistance limit 

When calculating the upper limit of thermal resistance, the building element is considered to consist of a 

number of thermal paths (or sections). In this example there are four sections (or paths) through which heat 

can pass. The upper limit of resistance, R upper, is given by 

R upper = 1 

F 1 + F 2 + F 3 + F 4 

— — — — 

R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 

where F 1, F 2, F 3 and F 4 are the fractional areas of sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively and R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 are 

the corresponding total thermal resistances of the sections. A conceptual illustration of the method of calculating 

the upper limit of resistance is shown in Figure B5 below: 

Figure B5 Conceptual illustration of how to calculate the upper limit of thermal resistance 

Resistance through section containing AAC blocks and mineral wool 




Resistance of AAC blocks (93.4%) = 1.136 




Total thermal resistance (R 1) = 4.010 m 2 K/W 

Fractional area F 1 = 0.845 (93.4% × 90.5%) 

Resistance through the section containing mortar and mineral wool 




Resistance of mortar (6.6%) = 0.142 






F 1 

F 2 

F 3 

F 4 

external 

surface 

1 2 3(a) 4(a) 5 

1 2 3(b) 4(a) 5 

1 2 3(a) 4(b) 5 

1 2 3(b) 4(b) 5 

internal 

surface 


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Appendix B 

Resistance through section containing AAC blocks and timber 




Resistance of AAC blocks (93.4%) = 1.136 

Resistance of timber (9.5%) = 0.685 





Resistance through section containing mortar and timber 




Resistance of mortar (6.6%) = 0.142 

Resistance of timber (9.5%) = 0.685 





Combining these resistances we obtain: 

R upper = 


1 1 3.665 m 

= 

= 2K/W ————————— —————————————— 

F1 F2 F3 F4 0.845 0.060 0.089 0.006 

— + — + — + — ——— + ——— + ——— + ——— 

R1 R2 R3 R4 4.010 3.016 2.353 1.359 

9JB

Lower resistance limit 

10JB 

Appendix B 

When calculating the lower limit of thermal resistance, the resistance of a bridged layer is determined by combining 

in parallel the resistances of the unbridged part and the bridged part of the layer. The resistances of all 

the layers in the element are then added together to give the lower limit of resistance. A conceptual illustration 

of the method of calculating the lower limit of resistance is shown below: 

Figure B6 Conceptual illustration of how to calculate the lower limit of thermal resistance 

The resistances of the layers are added together to give the lower limit of resistance. The resistance of the 

bridged layer consisting of AAC blocks and mortar is calculated using: 

R first = 

1 

————————— 

Fblocks + Fmortar —— ——— 

Rblocks + Rmortar and the resistance of the bridged layer consisting of insulation and timber is calculated using: 

R second = 

1 

————————— 

Finsul + Ftimber —— ——— 

Rinsul + Rtimber The lower limit of resistance is then obtained by adding together the resistances of all the layers: 




Resistance of polystyrene insulation = 0.500 

Resistance of first bridged layer 

R first 

= 1 

——————— 

0.934 0.066 

——— + ——— 

1.136 0.142 = 0.777 

Resistance of second bridged layer 

external 

surface 

3(a) 

Rsecond = 1 

——————— 

0.905 0.095 

——— + ——— 

2.342 0.685 = 1.904 

4(a) 

1 2 5 internal 

surface 

3(b) 4(b) 



Total (R lower) = 3.213 m 2 K/W 


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Appendix B 

Total resistance of wall 

The total resistance of the wall is the average of the upper and lower resistance limits: 

RT = Rupper + Rlower 3.665 + 3.213 2 ——————— = ——————— = 3.439m K/W 

2 2 

Correction for air gaps between the timber studs 

Since the insulation is entirely between studs (i.e. there is no continuous layer of insulation) a correction should 

be applied to the U-value in order to account for air gaps. The overall U-value of the wall should include a 

term ∆U g, where 

∆Ug = ∆U’’ × (R I / R T) 2 

and where ∆U’’ = 0.01 (referred to in BS EN ISO 6946 as correction level 1), R I is the thermal resistance of 

the layer containing the gaps and R T is the total resistance of the element. ∆U g is therefore: 

∆U g = 0.01 × (1.904 / 3.439) 2 = 0.003 W/m 2 K 

U-value of the wall 

The effect of air gaps or mechanical fixings should be included in the U-value unless they lead to an adjustment 

in the U-value of less than 3%. 

U = 1 / R T + ∆Ug (if ∆Ug is not less than 3% of 1 / R T) 

U = 1 / R T 


(if ∆Ug is less than 3% of 1 / R T) 

In this case ∆U g = 0.003 W/m 2 K and 1 / R T = 0.291 W/m 2 K. Since ∆U g is less than 3% of (1 / R T), 

U = 1 / 3.439 = 0.29 W/m 2 K. 

Notes: 

1. Since the cavity wall ties do not penetrate any insulation no correction need be applied to the U–value to 

take account of them. 

2. In the above calculation it is assumed that the dwangs (or noggings) do not penetrate the whole of the 

insulation. If the dwangs (or noggings) do penetrate the whole of the insulation thickness they should 

be included as part of the timber percentage used in the calculation. 

11JB

Appendix C: U-values of ground floors and basements 

1JC 

Appendix C 

C1 A ground floor must not have a U-value exceeding 0.25 W/m 2 K, or 0.22 W/m 2 K for dwellings depending 

on the heating system, if the Elemental Method of compliance is to be used. This can normally be 

achieved without the need for insulation if the perimeter to area ratio is less than 0.15 m -1 for solid 

ground floors or less than 0.13 m -1 for suspended floors. For most buildings, however, some ground 

floor insulation will be necessary. For basement floors the standard Elemental U-value is also 

0.25 W/m 2 K (or 0.22 W/m 2 K) but for basement walls it is 0.30 W/m 2 K (or 0.27 W/m 2 K). For exposed 

floors and for floors over unheated spaces the reader is referred to Appendix B. 

C2 Full details about how to calculate the U-value of a ground floor, a basement floor or a basement wall 

are given in BS EN ISO 13370 and in CIBSE Guide Section A3 (1999 edition). This Appendix provides 

a summary of how to determine the U-value which will suffice for most common constructions. 

C3 For ground floors and basements the U-value depends upon the type of soil beneath the building. 

Where the soil type is unknown, clay soil should be assumed as this is the most typical soil type in the 

UK. The tables which follow refer to this soil type. Where the soil is not clay or silt, the U-value 

should be calculated using the procedure in BS EN ISO 13370. 

C4 Floor dimensions should be measured in accordance with J2. In the case of semi-detached or terraced 

premises, blocks of flats and similar, the floor dimensions can either be taken as those of the premises 

themselves, or of the whole building. When considering extensions to existing buildings the floor 

dimensions may be taken as those of the complete building including the extension. 

C5 Care should be taken to avoid thermal bridging at the floor edge. See BRE Report BR262 “Thermal 

insulation: avoiding risks”. 

C6 Unheated spaces outside the insulated fabric, such as attached garages or porches, should be excluded 

when determining the perimeter and area but the length of the wall between the heated building and the 

unheated space should be included when determining the perimeter. 

C7 The following tables have been derived from BS EN ISO 13370. For the purposes of Part J it will be 

sufficient to derive the U-values from the tables using linear interpolation where necessary. 


J

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Appendix C 

Example of how to obtain U-values from the tables 

The following example serves as an illustration of how to use the tables supplied in this appendix, interpolating 

between appropriate rows or columns. 

Example of the use of Table C.1 for a solid ground floor 

A proposed dwelling has a perimeter of 38.4 m and a ground floor area of 74.25 m 2 . The floor construction 

consists of a 150 mm concrete slab, 75 mm of rigid insulation (thermal conductivity 0.04 W/mK) and a 65 mm 

screed. Only the insulation layer is included in the calculation of the thermal resistance. 

Figure C1 

The perimeter to area ratio is equal to 38.4 ÷ 74.25 = 0.517 m -1 . Table C.1 provides values for perimeter/area 

ratios of 0.50 and 0.55 but not for any values between 0.50 and 0.55. In this case, the U-value corresponding to 

a perimeter to area ratio of 0.50 should be used since 0.517 is closer to 0.50 than to 0.55. 

The thermal resistance of the insulation is obtained by dividing the thickness (in metres) by the conductivity. 

The resistance is then 0.075 ÷ 0.04 = 1.875 m 2 K/W. 

The relevant part of Table C1 is shown below: 

Thermal resistance (m2K/W) Perimeter/Area 1.5 2.0 

0.50 0.33 0.28 

The U-value corresponding to a thermal resistance of 1.875 m 2 K/W is obtained by linear interpolation as 

below: 

U = 0.33 × 2.0 – 1.875 1.875 – 1.5 

—————— + 0.28 × —————— 

2.0 – 1.5 2.0 – 1.5 

= 0.33 × 0.25 + 0.28 × 0.75 

= 0.29 W/m2K The U-value of this ground floor is therefore 0.29 W/m 2 K. 

Note: 


9.0 

3.7 

10.2 

2.7 

In the example for Table C.1 the appropriate row was chosen and interpolation was carried out between 

the appropriate columns. For all of the other tables, however, the appropriate column in the table should 

be selected and interpolation should be carried out between the appropriate rows. 

2JC 

6.5 

6.3

Solid ground floors 

3JC 

Appendix C 

Solid ground floors are taken to mean ground floors in which there is no significant air layer separating the 

building from the ground. Listed in the table below are U-values for solid ground floors. U-values are given in 

the following table for various perimeter-to-area ratios for a range of insulation levels. Where the floor is 

uninsulated the column corresponding to a thermal resistance of 0 should be used. 

Table C1: U-values for solid ground floors (W/m2K) Thermal resistance of all-over insulation (m2K/W) Perimeter/Area 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 

0.05 0.13 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.08 

0.10 0.22 0.18 0.16 0.14 0.13 

0.15 0.30 0.24 0.21 0.18 0.17 

0.20 0.37 0.29 0.25 0.22 0.19 

0.25 0.44 0.34 0.28 0.24 0.22 

0.30 0.49 0.38 0.31 0.27 0.23 

0.35 0.55 0.41 0.34 0.29 0.25 

0.40 0.60 0.44 0.36 0.30 0.26 

0.45 0.65 0.47 0.38 0.32 0.27 

0.50 0.70 0.50 0.40 0.33 0.28 

0.55 0.74 0.52 0.41 0.34 0.28 

0.60 0.78 0.55 0.43 0.35 0.29 

0.65 0.82 0.57 0.44 0.35 0.30 

0.70 0.86 0.59 0.45 0.36 0.30 

0.75 0.89 0.61 0.46 0.37 0.31 

0.80 0.93 0.62 0.47 0.37 0.32 

0.85 0.96 0.64 0.47 0.38 0.32 

0.90 0.99 0.65 0.48 0.39 0.32 

0.95 1.02 0.66 0.49 0.39 0.33 

1.00 1.05 0.68 0.50 0.40 0.33 

Note: 

As an alternative to the above table, the methods described in BS EN ISO 13370 may be used. 


J

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Appendix C 

Ground floors with edge insulation 

Where horizontal or vertical edge insulation is used instead of all-over floor insulation, the U-value of the floor 

is adjusted by Ψ×P/A to account for the effects of edge insulation, where P/A is the perimeter (m) to area (m 2 ) 

ratio and Ψ is the edge insulation factor obtained from one of the following two tables: 

Table C2: Edge insulation factor (Ψ) for horizontal edge insulation 

Insulation width (m) Thermal resistance of insulation (m 2 K/W) 


0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 

0.5 -0.13 -0.18 -0.21 -0.22 

1.0 -0.20 -0.27 -0.32 -0.34 

1.5 -0.23 -0.33 -0.39 -0.42 

Table C3: Edge insulation factor (Ψ) for vertical edge insulation 

Insulation depth (m) Thermal resistance of insulation (m 2 K/W) 

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 

0.25 -0.13 -0.18 -0.21 -0.22 

0.50 -0.20 -0.27 -0.32 -0.34 

0.75 -0.23 -0.33 -0.39 -0.42 

1.00 -0.26 -0.37 -0.43 -0.48 

Note: 


Uninsulated suspended ground floors 

The following table gives U-values of uninsulated suspended floors for various perimeter to area ratios and for 

two levels of ventilation (expressed in m 2 /m) below the floor deck. The data apply for the floor deck at a height 

not more than 0.5 m above the external ground level where the wall surrounding the underfloor space is uninsulated. 

4JC

5JC 

Appendix C 

Table C4 U-values of uninsulated suspended floors 

Height of floor deck above ground level and ventilation 

opening area per unit perimeter of underfloor space (m2 /m) 

Perimeter to area ratio 0.0015 m2 /m 0.0030 m2 /m 

0.05 0.15 0.15 

0.10 0.25 0.26 

0.15 0.33 0.35 

0.20 0.40 0.42 

0.25 0.46 0.48 

0.30 0.51 0.53 

0.35 0.55 0.58 

0.40 0.59 0.62 

0.45 0.63 0.66 

0.50 0.66 0.70 

0.55 0.69 0.73 

0.60 0.72 0.76 

0.65 0.75 0.79 

0.70 0.77 0.81 

0.75 0.80 0.84 

0.80 0.82 0.86 

0.85 0.84 0.88 

0.90 0.86 0.90 

0.95 0.88 0.92 

1.00 

Note: 

0.89 0.93 


Insulated suspended floors 

The U-value of an insulated suspended floor should be calculated using: 

U = 1 / [(1/U 0 ) – 0.2 + R f] 

where U 0 is the U-value of an uninsulated suspended floor obtained using the above table or another approved 

method. R f, the thermal resistance of the floor deck, is determined from U f, the U-value of the floor deck, 

where 

Rf = 1 — – 0.17 – 0.17 

Uf and where U f is calculated using the Combined Method, as described in BS EN ISO 6946, assuming thermal 

resistances of 0.17 m 2 K/W for both the upper and lower surfaces of the floor deck. 


J

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Appendix C 

Uninsulated basement floors 

The U-value of an uninsulated basement floor must be calculated by using Table C5 below, or the methods 

described in BS EN ISO 13370. 

Table C5 U-values of uninsulated basement floors 

Perimeter to area ratio Basement depth (m) 

0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 

0.1 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.16 

0.2 0.34 0.31 0.29 0.27 0.26 

0.3 0.44 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.33 

0.4 0.53 0.48 0.44 0.41 0.38 

0.5 0.61 0.55 0.50 0.46 0.43 


0.6 0.68 0.61 0.55 0.50 0.46 

0.7 0.74 0.65 0.59 0.53 0.49 

0.8 0.79 0.70 0.62 0.56 0.51 

0.9 0.84 0.73 0.65 0.58 0.53 

1.0 0.89 0.77 0.68 0.60 0.54 

Insulated basement floors 

Determine the U-value of an insulated basement floor from 

U = 1 / [(1/U 0) + R ins] 

where U 0 is the U-value determined from Table C5 (or other approved method) for uninsulated basements and 

R ins is the thermal resistance of the insulation in m 2 K/W. The value of R ins may be calculated from the thickness 

of the insulation divided by its conductivity. 

Basement walls 

Table C6 below provides the U-value of a basement wall for a given basement depth and basement wall resistance. 

Table C6: U-values of basement walls 

Basement wall Basement depth (m) 

resistance (m2K/W) 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 

0.2 1.55 1.16 0.95 0.81 0.71 

0.5 0.98 0.78 0.66 0.58 0.52 

1.0 0.61 0.51 0.45 0.40 0.37 

2.0 0.35 0.30 0.27 0.25 0.24 

2.5 0.28 0.25 0.23 0.21 0.20 

6JC

Appendix D: Thermal bridging at the edges of openings 

Summary 

D1 This Appendix gives a procedure for establishing whether: 

a. there is an unacceptable risk of condensation at the edges of openings; and/or 

b. the heat losses at the edges of openings are significant. 

1JD 

Appendix D 

D2 The procedure involves the assessment of the minimum thermal resistance between inside and outside 

surfaces at the edges of openings. This requires identification of minimum thermal resistance paths, and 

calculation of their thermal resistance, taking into account the effect of thin layers such as metal lintels. 

D3 These minimum thermal resistances are then compared with satisfactory performance criteria to see 

whether corrective action is indicated. 

Minimum thermal resistance path 

D4 The minimum thermal resistance path through a thermal bridge is that path from internal surface to 

external surface which has the smallest thermal resistance, R min. Diagram D1 illustrates this for a 

section through a window jamb. 

Diagram D1: Minimum thermal resistance path 

external 

internal 

The minimum resistance path in this case is from the internal surface at A to the external surface at B. 

R min is equal to the total length from inside to outside (AB) divided by the thermal conductivity of the 

material of the jamb. An example calculation is given on the following page. 

Additional calculation for thin layers such as metal lintels 

D5 For details containing thin layers of thickness not exceeding 4 mm (such as metal lintels), a second 

modified calculation of minimum thermal resistance (R mod) is made wherein the effective thermal conductivity 

of the thin layer is taken as the largest of 0.1 W/mK or the thermal conductivities of the materials 

immediately on either side of it. An example of this more complex calculation is given in 

BRE IP 12/94: “Assessing condensation risk and heat loss at thermal bridges around openings”. 

B 

A 

window 


J

J 

Appendix D 

Risk of surface condensation 

D6 The risk of surface condensation and mould growth at the edges of openings can be assumed to be 

negligible if: 

a. for edges containing thin layers of thickness not exceeding 4 mm: 

R min (rounded to two decimal places) is at least 0.10 m 2 K/W, and 

R mod (rounded to two decimal places) is at least 0.45 m 2 K/W; or 

b. for other edge designs: 

R min (rounded to two decimal places) is at least 0.20 m 2 K/W. 

Note: 

These criteria do not apply to cases where internal surface projections are used to avoid surface condensation, 

e.g. curtain walling. 

D7 In the event of an unacceptable risk being identified, marginal cases could be more rigorously analysed 

using numerical calculation methods, but in any case modification to improve the design should be 

considered. 

Additional heat loss 

D8 For the purposes of Part J, the additional heat losses at the edges of openings may be ignored if: 

a. for edges containing thin layers of thickness not exceeding 4 mm, 

R mod (rounded to two decimal places) is at least 0.45 m 2 K/W, or 

b. for other edge designs: 

R min (rounded to two decimal places) is at least 0.45 m 2 K/W. 

Compensating for additional heat loss 

D9 Where the additional heat losses around the edges of openings cannot be ignored they can be taken into 

account in calculations as follows: 

a. for dwellings the Target U-value method could be used with the average U-value increased by the 

following amount: 


0.3 × total length of relevant opening surrounds (W/m 2 K) 

——————————————————— 

total exposed surface area 

b. for other buildings the calculation procedure could be used with the rate of heat loss from the 

proposed building increased by the following amount: 

0.3 × total length of relevant opening surrounds (W) 

c. compensating measures, such as reducing the U-value of one of the building elements, should 

then be incorporated so that: 

i. for dwellings, the average U-value does not exceed the Target U-value, or 

ii. for other buildings, the rate of heat loss from the proposed building does not exceed that 

of the notional building. 

2JD

Example 

3JD 

Appendix D 

Diagram D2 shows a window jamb in a masonry cavity wall with the blockwork returned towards the outer leaf 

at the reveal. By inspection it can be seen that ABCD is the minimum resistance path. 

Diagram D2 70mm cavity wall showing window jamb with blockwork returned at the reveal 

Note: Numbers denote regions in Table D1 below. 

Table Dl: Thermal conductivity of materials in Diagram D2 

Region Material Conductivity (W/m·K) 

1 Brick outer leaf 0.77 

2 Insulation 0.035 

3 Medium weight concrete block inner leaf 0.61 

4 Lightweight plaster 0.16 

Calculation of R min 

Using the thermal conductivities from Table Dl, Table D2 gives the resistance R for each segment of the path 

ABCD. R for each segment is obtained by dividing the length of the path segment in metres by its thermal 

conductivity in W/mK. R min is the sum of the resistances of each path segment. 

Avoidance of the risk of surface condensation and mould growth 

Referring to paragraph D6, R min in this example is greater than 0.20 m 2 K/W and so the risk of surface condensation 

and mould growth is acceptably low. 

Table D2: Thermal resistance path in Diagram D2 

Path segments Length (m) Conductivity (W/m·K) R (m2K/W) AB 0.015 0.16 0.094 

BC 0.070 0.61 0.115 

CD 0.023 0.77 0.177 

Additional heat loss at the edge detail 

1 

2 

3 

4 

window 

Minimum Resistance R min = 0.386 

Referring to paragraph D8, R min in this example is less than 0.45 m 2 K/W, and so the additional heat loss at this 

edge should not be ignored. 

B 

C 

A 

D 


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Appendix D 

Improving the edge design 

Instead of returning the blockwork at the reveal the cavity could be closed using an insulated cavity closer, as 

in Diagram D3. 

Diagram D3 Window jamb showing cavity closed with an insulated cavity closer 

The revised calculation of the minimum resistance is shown in Table D3. R min is now greater than 0.45 m 2 K/W 

and so the additional heat loss can be ignored. 

Table D3 Minimum resistance path with insulated cavity closer 

Path segments Length (m) Conductivity (W/m·K) R (m2K/W) AB 0.015 0.16 0.094 

BC 0.070 0.04 1.750 

Minimum resistance Rmin = 1.844 

Alternative method 

D10 A heat loss factor for a particular detail could be obtained by a numerical method and used to modify 

the calculation of the average U-value or the total rate of heat loss. A calculation procedure for deriving 

such loss factors is given in BRE IP 12/94: “Assessing condensation risk and heat loss at thermal bridges 

around openings”. 


Insulated cavity 

closer 

C 

;; 

4JD 

;; 

B A 

window

1JE 

Appendix E 

Appendix E: Determining U-values of windows, doors and roof 

windows in the Elemental Method 

Within the Elemental Method of compliance it is permissible to have windows, doors or roof windows with 

U-values that exceed the standard Elemental U-values provided that the average U–value of all of the windows, 

doors and roof windows taken together does not exceed 2.0 (or 1.8 W/m 2 K in the case of dwellings, depending 

on the heating system). The following example illustrates how this can be done. 

Example 

A semi-detached house is to have a total window area of 16.9 m 2 (including frames) and a total door area of 

3.8 m 2 . It is proposed to use solid wooden doors with a U-value of 3.0 W/m 2 K. In order to use the Elemental 

Method, the additional heat loss due to the use of solid timber doors must be compensated for by lower 

U-values in the windows and/or roof windows so that the average U-value of openings does not exceed 

2.0 W/m 2 K. 

Windows with a U-value of 1.7 W/m 2 K can achieve this requirement, as shown in the following table and 

subsequent calculation: 

Table to Part J Appendix E: Average U-value calculation 

Element Area (m2 ) U-value (W/m2K) Rate of heat loss per degree (W/K) 

Windows 16.9 1.7 [Note 1] 28.73 

Doors 3.8 3.0 11.4 

Roof windows 0.9 1.9 [Note 1] 1.71 

Total 

Note: 

21.6 41.84 

1. These U-values correspond to double glazed windows or roof windows with a wood or PVC-U 

frame, with a 16 mm argon-filled space between the panes and a soft low-emissivity coating on 

the glass. Note that although the windows and roof windows have the same design the roof 

window U-value is 0.2 W/m2K higher than the window U-value. 

This gives an average U-value of 41.84 ÷ 21.6, or 1.94 W/m 2 K, which is below 2.0 W/m 2 K. The windows, 

doors and roof windows therefore satisfy the requirements of the Elemental Method. 


J

J 

Appendix F: Examples illustrating the use of the Target U-value Method 

F1 For a building in purpose group 1 with a heating system based on a gas or oil boiler, the Target U-value 

is given by 


where U T is the target U-value prior to any adjustment for heating system performance or solar gain, A R 

is the exposed roof area, A GF is the ground floor area, A F is the total floor area (all storeys) and A T is 

the total area of exposed elements (including the ground floor). 

F2 A dwelling can comply by the Target U-value Method if the Target U-value is not less than the average 

U-value, where the average U-value is defined as the area-weighted average U-value of all exposed 

building elements of the dwelling. Exposed elements here include walls, roofs, floors, windows and 

doors, including elements adjacent to unheated spaces. 

Example 1 – A semi-detached dwelling 

F3 The following table gives the proposed surface areas and U-values. It is proposed to adopt the Target Uvalue 

method with the U-value of the walls a little higher (i.e. poorer) than would be required in the 

Elemental method. The walls are to have a U-value of 0.35 W/m 2 K. The area of windows and doors is 

equal to 25% of the total internal floor area and the efficiency of the gas boiler is 85%. The total area of 

North-facing glazed openings is 6.82 m 2 and the total area of South-facing glazed openings is 8.88 m 2 . 

The windows are wood-framed. 

Figure F.1: Plans of the semi-detached house 

Table F1: Data for the semi-detached house 

Exposed element Exposed surface area U-value Rate of heat loss per degree 

wall 80.3 0.35 28.10 

roof 44.4 0.20 8.88 

ground floor 44.4 0.25 11.10 

windows 18.4 2.2 40.48 

doors 3.8 2.2 8.36 

Total 191.3 - 96.92 

F4 The Target U-value is 


First floor Ground floor 

U T = [0.30 – 0.14(44.4/191.3) – 0.05(44.4/191.3) + 0.425(88.8/191.3)] = 0.453 

Since the proposed boiler SEDBUK is greater than the reference boiler SEDBUK the Target U-value is 

not adjusted for boiler efficiency. 

1JF 

height to eaves-5m

2JF 

Appendix F 

F5 Since the area of glazed openings on the South elevations exceeds that on the North, the benefit of solar 

heat gains can be taken into account to ease the target U-value by adding ∆S to the target U-value, 

where: - 

∆S = 0.04 x [(A S – A N) / A TG] 

and A S = Area of glazed openings facing south; A N = Area of glazed openings facing north; 

A TG = Total area of all glazed openings in the building; 

So 0.04 x [(8.88 - 6.82) / 18.4], or 0.004, is added to the Target U-value, giving a Target U-value of 

0.457 W/m 2 K. 

F6 The average U-value is given by: 

Total rate of heat loss per degree 

Uavg = —————————————— 

Total external surface area 

These values are calculated in the above table, and in this case the average U-value is: 

Uavg = 96.92 = 0.507 W/m2 ——— 

K 

191.3 

Since the average U-value is greater than the target U-value the proposed design does not meet the 

requirements and modifications must be made to the design. The Target U-value method may still be 

used, however, if the average U-value is reduced. 

F7 A number of ways of modifying the proposed design in order to comply with the Target U-value Method 

are described below: 

a) Reducing the total area of the windows and doors 

If the total area of windows and doors is reduced from 25% of the floor area to 19% of the floor area the 

average U-value will be reduced by (6% of 88.8) × (2.2 – 0.35) / 191.3, or 0.052 W/m 2 K, which is 

sufficient to reduce the average U-value to below the Target U-value. 

Average U-value = 0.507 – 0.052 = 0.455 W/m 2 K 

Since the final average U-value is less than the final Target U-value, compliance with the Target U-value 

Method is achieved. 

b) Specifying windows and doors with lower U-values. 

Using windows and doors with a U-value of 1.7 W/m 2 K instead of 2.2 W/m 2 K will reduce the average 

U-value by [(2.2 – 1.7) × (18.4 + 3.8) / 191.3], or 0.058 W/m 2 K. This is sufficient to reduce the average 

U-value to below the Target U-value. Reducing the window U-value to 1.71 W/m 2 K is therefore sufficient 

to achieve compliance. 

Average U-value = 0.507 – 0.058 = 0.449 W/m 2 K 

Since the final average U-value is less than the final Target U-value, compliance with the Target U-value 

Method is achieved. 

Example 2 – A detached house 

F8 Consider the example in Figure F.2 which has details as given in the following table. It is proposed to 

adopt the Target U-value approach with the walls having a U-value of 0.35W/m 2 K. To compensate for 

this the floor U-value is reduced to 0.15 W/m 2 K, the roof U-value is reduced to 0.16 W/m 2 K and the 

window U-value is reduced to 1.7 W/m 2 K. The SEDBUK efficiency of the boiler is not less than the 

reference SEDBUK efficiency. 


J

J 

Appendix F 

Figure F.2: Plans of the detached house 

Table F2: Data for the detached house 

Exposed element Exposed surface area U-value Rate of heat loss per degree 

wall 123.0 0.35 43.05 

roof 52.0 0.16 8.32 

ground floor 52.0 0.15 7.80 

windows & glazed doors* 24.1 1.7 40.97 

solid doors 1.9 3.0 5.7 

Total 253.0 105.84 

*this includes 7.0 m2 of North facing glazing and 8.9 m2 of South facing glazing 

F9 The Target U-value is where: 


Then in this example 

U T = [0.30 – 0.14(52/253) – 0.05(52/253) + 0.425(104/253)] = 0.436 W/m 2 K. 

No adjustment to the Target U-value for efficiency is applied since the heating system efficiency is not 

less than the base SEDBUK efficiency. 

F10 Since the area of glazed openings on the South elevations exceeds that on the North, the benefit of solar 

heat gains can be taken into account to ease the target U-value by adding ∆S to the target U-value, 

where: - 

∆S = 0.04 x [(A S – A N) / A TG] 

and A S = Area of glazed openings facing south; A N = Area of glazed openings facing north; 

A TG = Total area of all glazed openings in the building; 

F11 The adjustment to the Target U-value for solar gains is: 

0.04 × [(8.9 - 7.0) / 24.1] = 0.003 W/m 2 K 

This gives a final Target U-value of 0.436 W/m 2 K + 0.003 W/m 2 K, or 0.439 W/m 2 K. 

F12 The average U-value is given by the following ratio: 

U avg = 


Total rate of heat loss per degree 

—————————————— 

Total external surface area 

For this example, therefore, the average U-value is 

Uavg = 105.8 = 0.418 W/m2 ——— 

K 

253.0 

Ground floor 

Since the average U-value is less than the Target U-value , the proposed design meets the requirements 

3JF 

First floor

1JG 

Appendix G 

Appendix G: Example SAP Energy Ratings and Carbon Indexes 

THE SAP ENERGY RATING AND THE CARBON INDEX 

The SAP energy rating method is the Government’s chosen method for producing an energy cost rating for a 

dwelling, based on calculated annual energy cost for space and water heating, assuming a standard occupancy 

pattern, derived from the measured floor area of the dwelling, and a standard heating pattern. The Carbon 

Index is derived from the SAP procedure, but measures the annual carbon output of the heating system and fuel 

selected. Both the SAP rating and the Carbon Index (CI) are adjusted for floor area so that the size of the 

dwelling does not affect the results, which are expressed on a scale of SAP rating 1 to 120 and CI 0.0 to 10.0: 

the higher the number the better the standard. 

The full procedure is described in “The Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of 

dwellings - 2001 edition” (SAP 2001), published by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This sets out 

the method of calculating the SAP rating and the CI in the form of a worksheet, accompanied by a series of 

tables. A calculation may be carried out by completing, in sequence, the numbered boxes in the worksheet, 

using the data in the tables as indicated. Alternatively, and more usually, a computer program approved for 

SAP/CI calculations by BRE may be used. 

THE SAP ENERGY RATING, THE CARBON INDEX AND THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 

The Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1981, as amended in 1997, require all new dwellings to have 

an energy rating calculated in accordance with the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). 

There is no requirement to achieve a particular level of SAP rating but the rating must be notified to the local 

authority. SAP ratings no longer form part of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards 

Regulations, but instead achievement of a specified CI is one of the ways of complying with Part J. 

The following apply when calculating SAP ratings for Building Procedure Regulations purposes and the CI for 

Building Standards Regulations purposes - 

1. The data used in calculations should be obtained from the tables in SAP 2001. The fuel cost data (for 

the SAP rating) will be revised in future editions. 

2. When the final heating system is unknown, the SAP energy rating notified to the building control body 

must be calculated assuming a main system of electric room heaters and a secondary system of electric 

heaters, both systems using on-peak electricity. 

3. When undertaking SAP energy rating calculations for designs not intended for specific construction sites 

(e.g. type designs) the following assumptions should be made - 

a. two sides of the dwelling will be sheltered; and 

b. the windows, doors and roof windows are all on the east and west elevations; and 

c. the solar access factor is 1.0 (average). 

4. The rules in 1-3 above apply also when calculating the carbon index. 

5. Where a housing development involves large numbers of dwellings it is acceptable for the worst case in 

that development to be identified and for a SAP energy rating to be calculated for that dwelling only. 


J

J 

Appendix G 

Example 1 – Two bedroom mid-terrace house 

Diagram G1 Plans of the two bedroom mid-terraced house 

6.5m 

Table G1 Data for the two bedroom mid-terrace house with conventional gas boiler 

Construction element Description Area U-value 

Wall Brick/cavity/dense block with 130 mm 

blown fibre cavity insulation 

30.3 0.30 

Roof Pitched roof, 100 mm insulation 

between joists, 160 mm on top 

27.3 0.16 

Ground floor Suspended timber, 115 mm insulation 27.3 0.25 

Windows and doors Double glazed low-E, wooden frame 13.7 2.0 

Heating Central heating with conventional 

gas boiler (efficiency 78%) 


4.2m 

2JG 

Height to eaves 5m 

Ground Floor First Floor 

SAP energy rating = 91 

CI = 8.2

Example 2 – Three bedroom semi-detached house 

Diagram G2 Plans of the three bedroom semi-detached house 

7.7m 

5.2m 

Table G2 Data for the three bedroom semi-detached house with gas condensing boiler 




72.5 0.30 

Roof Pitched roof, 100 mm insulation between 

joists, 160 mm on top 

40 0.16 

Ground floor Solid concrete, 60 mm insulation 40 0.25 

Windows and doors Double glazed, low-E, PVC-U frame 20.0 2.0 

Heating Central heating with gas condensing 

boiler (efficiency 85%) 

3JG 




CI = 8.3 

Appendix G 


J

J 

Appendix G 

Example 3 – Three bedroom semi-detached house 

Diagram G3 Plans of three bedroom semi-detached house 

7.7m 

Table G3 Data for three bedroom semi-detached house with gas condensing boiler 




72.5 0.30 



40 0.16 

Ground floor Solid concrete, 60 mm insulation 40 0.25 


Heating Central heating with gas condensing boiler 

(efficiency 85%) 


5.2m 

4JG 



LPG Gas 

SAP energy rating = 72 99 

CI = 7.4 8.3

Example 4 – Four bedroom detached house 

Diagram G4 Plans of four bedroom detached house 

7.3m 

8.9m 

Table G4 Data for the four bedroom detached house with gas condensing boiler 


Wall Brick/partial cavity fill/medium density 

block with insulated plasterboard 

116.5 0.30 



50 0.16 

Ground floor Suspended timber, 150 mm insulation 50 0.25 

Windows and doors Double glazed low-E, wood frame 25 2.0 



5JG 




CI = 8.2 

Appendix G 


J

J 

Appendix G 

Example 5 – Two bedroom bungalow 

Diagram G5 Plan of the two bedroom bungalow 

Table G5 Data for the two bedroom bungalow with gas condensing boiler 


Wall Brick/cavity/aerated concrete block 

with insulated plasterboard 

64.2 0.30 



56.7 0.16 

Ground floor Concrete suspended beam and 

medium density, 70 mm insulation 

56.7 0.25 





8.5m 

7.0m 

6JG 

Height to eaves 2.4m 


CI = 8.2

1JH 

Appendix H 

Appendix H: Examples illustrating the use of the Heat Loss Method 

A detached, four storey office building 45 metres × 13 metres in plan and height 15 metres is to be constructed 

with glazing occupying 48% of the external wall area, using windows with a measured U–value of 2.0 W/m 2 K. 

No rooflight glazing is proposed. The remaining exposed walls and the roof are to have U-values of 

0.30 W/m 2 K and 0.20 W/m 2 K respectively, with the ground floor being insulated with 65 mm expanded polystyrene 

with thermal resistance of all-over floor insulation 1.76 m 2 KW, giving a U-value of 0.20 W/m 2 K 

(Appendix C). 

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13m 

¢¢¢¢¢¢15m 

Step 1 Calculate the areas of each building element: 

area of roof (45 × 13) = 585 m2 area of elevations (45 + 45 + 13 + 13) × 15 = 1740 m 2 

area of windows (48% of 1740 m 2 ) = 835 m 2 

area of personnel doors = 14 m 2 

area of vehicle unloading bay doors = 27 m 2 

area of exposed wall (1740 - 835 - 14 - 27) = 864 m 2 

area of floor (45 × 13) = 585 m 2 

45m 

unloading 

bay doors 


J

J 

Appendix H 

Step 2 Calculate the rate of heat loss from the proposed building as follows: 

Building element Area (m2 ) U-value (W/m2K) Rate of heat loss (W/K) 

Roof 585 0.20 117.0 

Exposed walls 864 0.30 259.2 

Windows 835 2.0 1670.0 

Personnel doors 14 2.0 28.0 

Vehicle loading bay doors 27 0.70 18.9 

Ground floor 585 0.20 117.0 

Total rate of heat loss 2210.1 

Notional building 

The area of openings in the proposed building is more than the basic allowance in the table to J7.4. So the 

basic area allowance of 40% of exposed wall area for windows and 20% of roof area for roof windows should 

be assumed for the notional building. 

Step 1 Calculate the areas of each building element: 

area of rooflights (20% of 585 m2 ) = 117 m2 area of roof (45 × 13) -117 = 468 m2 area of elevations (45 + 45 + 13 + 13) × 15 = 1740 m 2 

area of windows and personnel doors (40% of 1740 m 2 ) = 696 m 2 

area of vehicle unloading bay doors = 27 m 2 

area of exposed wall (1740 - 696 - 27) = 1017 m 2 

area of floor (45 × 13) = 585 m 2 

Step 2 Calculate the rate of heat loss from the notional building as follows: 

Building element Area (m2 ) U-value (w/m2k) Rate of heat loss (w/k) 

Rooflights 117 2.0 234.0 

Roof 468 0.25 117.0 

Exposed walls 1017 0.30 305.1 

Windows and personnel doors 696 2.0 1392.0 

Vehicle loading bay doors 27 0.7 18.9 

Ground floor 585 0.25 146.25 

Total rate of heat loss 2213.25 

The rate of heat loss from the proposed building is less than that from the notional building and therefore the 

requirements of Part J are met. 


2JH

Appendix J: Example lighting calculations 

1JJ 

Appendix J 

J1 Lighting calculation procedure to show that 95% of installed circuit power is comprised of lamps 

listed in the table to (J12.1)a. 

A new hall and changing rooms are to be added to an existing community centre. The proposed lighting 

scheme incorporates lamps that are listed in the table to (J12.1)a. except for some low voltage tungsten halogen 

downlighters which are to be installed in the entrance area with local controls. A check therefore has to be 

made to show that the low voltage tungsten halogen lamps comprise less than 5% of the overall installed capacity 

of the lighting installation. 

Main hall 

Twenty wall mounted uplighters with 250 W high pressure Sodium lamps are to provide general lighting needs. 

The uplighters are to be mounted 7 metres above the floor. On plan, the furthest light is 20.5 metres from its 

switch, which is less than three times the height of the light above the floor. 

It is also proposed to provide twenty 18 W compact fluorescent lights as an additional system enabling instant 

background lighting whenever needed. 

Changing rooms, corridors and entrance 

Ten 58 W, high frequency fluorescent light fittings are to be provided in the changing rooms and controlled by 

occupancy detectors. Six more 58 W fluorescent light fittings are to be located in the corridors and the 

entrance areas and switched locally. Additionally, in the entrance area there are to be the six 50 W tungsten 

halogen downlighters noted above. 

Calculation 

A schedule of light fittings is prepared as follows: 

Table J1 Schedule of light fittings 

Position Number Description of Circuit Watts Total circuit 

light source per lamp Watts (W) 

Main hall 20 250 W SON 286 W 5720 

Main hall 20 18 W compact fluorescent 23 W 460 

Entrance, changing 

rooms and corridors 

16 58 W HF fluorescent 64 W 1024 

Entrance 6 50 W low voltage tungsten halogen 55 W 330 

Total = 7534 W 

The percentage of circuit Watts consumed by lamps not listed in the table to (J12.1)a.: 

= 330 × 100 = 4.4% 

————— 

7534 

Therefore, more than 95% of the installed lighting capacity, in circuit Watts, is from light sources listed in the 

table to (J12.1)a. The switching arrangements comply with J12.3. The proposed lighting scheme therefore 

meets the requirements of Part J. 


J

J 

Appendix J 

J2 Lighting calculation procedure to show average circuit efficacy complies with (J12.1)b. 

A lighting scheme is proposed for a new public house comprising a mixture of concealed perimeter lighting 

using high frequency fluorescent fittings and supplementary compact fluorescent lamps in the dining area. 

Lights in the dining and lounge areas are to be switched locally from behind the bar. Lighting to kitchens and 

toilets is to be switched locally. 

Table J2 shows a schedule of the light sources proposed together with the calculation of the overall average 

circuit efficacy. 

Table J2 Schedule of light fittings 

Position Number Description Circuit Lumen Total Total 

Watts (W) output (lm) circuit lamp lumen 

per lamp per lamp Watts (W) output (lm) 

Over tables 20 11 W compact fluorescent 16 900 320 18,000 

Concealed perimeter 24 32 W T8 fluorescent high 36 3300 864 79,200 

and bar lighting frequency ballast 

Toilets and 6 18 W compact fluorescent 23 1200 138 7,200 

circulation with mains frequency ballast 

Kitchens 6 50 W, 1500 T8 fluorescent 

with high frequency ballast 

56 5200 336 31,200 

From Table J2, the total lumen output of the lamps in the installation is 135,600 lumens. 

The total circuit Watts of the installation is 1658 Watts. 

Therefore, the average circuit efficacy is: 

= 135,600 ———— = 81.8 lumens/Watt 

1658 

The proposed lighting scheme therefore meets the requirements of Part J. 


2JJ 

Totals 1658 135,600 

Note: If 60 W tungsten lamps were used in the dining area instead of the 11 W compact fluorescent lamps 

actually proposed, the average circuit efficacy would drop to 51.9 lumens/W, which would not be sufficient 

to comply with Part J.

1JK 

Appendix K 

Appendix K: Performance assessment methods for office buildings 

K1. Assessing the contribution to carbon emissions due to building services design and operation 

The efficiencies of buildings, and of the services systems that produce the indoor conditions required by occupants, 

can be compared provided that a consistent system is used to describe the buildings and their energy use. 

Applying such a consistent approach to buildings of purpose group 3 has allowed energy consumption benchmarks 

to be developed with which the performance of existing buildings, or the likely performance of new 

designs, can be compared. The benchmarks result from information obtained from surveys of operational 

buildings, and are included in DETR’s Energy Consumption Guide 19 “Energy use in offices” (ECON 19), 

available from BRECSU tel. 01923 664258. 

K1.1 Performance benchmarks 

The information contained in ECON 19 provides benchmarks for the energy consumed by air conditioning and 

mechanical ventilation (ACMV), heating and lighting services, together with benchmark information describing 

the hours of use of the equipment. Benchmarks also describe the energy consumed by the additional equipment 

necessary to support use of the building for typical office activities. The benchmarks refer to buildings of 

purpose group 3 described as representing ‘typical’ and ‘good practice’ for the sector. 

K1.2 Design assessment 

The annual energy likely to be consumed by a particular service can be estimated as the product of the total 

installed input power rating of the plant installed to provide the service and the annual hours of use of that plant 

at the equivalent of full load. The annual hours of use can be considered to be the result of combining a benchmark 

value for the ‘typical’ hours of use of the service with a management factor that acts to reduce or increase 

this value. The management factor is a number related to the provisions that the design incorporates that have 

the potential to help the occupier control and manage the use of the plant. 

The Carbon Performance Index (CPI) referred to in Section K2 is a technique for assessing the likely performance 

of building services systems using this design information. It uses benchmarks consistent with ECON19 

and is intended to estimate the potential for efficient operation of building services systems using information 

available at the design or construction stage. 


J

J 

Appendix K 

K1.3 Performance assessment 

The inclusion of meters improves the confidence with which occupiers may assess their buildings’ performance 

by estimating the energy consumed by servicing plant and the additional equipment required for the full operation 

of the building. 

K1.3.1A technique of estimating and measuring operational energy consumption, and comparing the achieved 

performance of buildings with the ECON19 benchmarks, has been developed to assess the achieved 

performance of buildings of purpose group 3. This method is described in CIBSE Technical Memoranda 

TM22 “Energy Assessment and Reporting Methodology: Office Assessment Method”. 

K1.3.2A means of comparing the design of services with benchmarks of installed load and energy use is 

described in CIBSE Guide “Energy Efficiency in Buildings”, 1998. 

K1.3.3The results of ongoing performance assessment could be used to provide valuable information from 

which to maintain and improve performance benchmarks, and hence the CPI method, and to inform the 

design process. 

K2 The carbon performance index (CPI) 

K2.1 The CPI for mechanical ventilation - CPI (MV) 

The assessment is based on the calculation of a Carbon Performance Index using the following relationship: 

CPI (MV) = 


MV 

—————————— 

(PD × HD × CD × FD) 

Where the value of the factor MV = 800 has been set so that the design is considered to represent acceptable 

practice where the result of the calculation is 100 or greater. 

For the system installed to provide mechanical ventilation, the factors PD, HD, CD and FD are as defined below: 

PD is the total installed capacity (sum of the input kW ratings) of the fans installed to provide 

mechanical ventilation divided by the relevant treated area (square metres); 

HD is the typical annual equivalent hours of full load operation, and is taken as 3 700 hours per year; 

CD is the conversion factor relating the emissions of carbon to the fuel used, here electricity, in 

kgC/kWh. (Table K 0); 

FD is a factor which depends on the provisions that are made to control and manage the installed 

plant and which could act to improve the annual efficiency of the plant above that of the typical 

installation, or to reduce the effective annual hours of use. (See Table K1) 

2JK

K2.2 The CPI for air conditioning - CPI (ACMV) 

3JK 

Appendix K 

The assessment is based on the calculation of a Carbon Performance Index using the following relationship: 

CPI (ACMV) 

= 

ACMV 

———————————————————— 

(PD × HD × CD × FD) + (PR × HR × CR × FR) 

The value of the factor ACMV = 1200 has been set so that the design is considered to represent acceptable 

practice where the result of the calculation is 100 or greater. 

For the distribution system transferring cooled medium to the conditioned spaces, the factors PD, HD, CD and FD 

are as defined below: 

PD is the total installed capacity (sum of the input kW ratings) of the fans and pumps installed to 

distribute air and/or cooled media around the building divided by the relevant treated area (square 

metres); 

HD is the typical annual equivalent hours of full load operation, and is taken as 3 700 hours per year; 

CD is the conversion factor relating the emissions of carbon to the fuel used, here electricity, in 

kgC/kWh. (Table K 0); 

FD is a factor which depends on the provisions that are made to control and manage the installed 


installation, or to reduce the effective annual hours of use. (See Table K2). 

For the refrigeration system, the factors PR, HR, CR and FR are as defined below: 

PR is the total installed capacity (sum of the input kW ratings) of the plant installed to provide the 

cooling or refrigeration function divided by the relevant treated area (square metres); 

HR is the typical annual equivalent hours of full load operation of the refrigeration plant, and is taken 

as 1 000 hours per year; 

CR is the conversion factor relating the emissions of Carbon to the fuel used, here most frequently 

electricity, sometimes gas, in kgC/kWh, from Table K 0 below; 

FR is a factor which depends on the provisions that are made to control and manage the installed 


installation, or to reduce the effective annual hours of use. (See Table K3). 


J

J 

Appendix K 

Table K 0: Carbon emission factors 

Delivered energy Carbon emission factor (kgC/kWh) 

Gas 0.053 

Oil 0.074 

Coal 0.086 

Electricity (average) 0.139 

K2.3 Plant control and management factors 

Tables K1, K2 and K3 below itemise a number of control and management features which could act to improve 

the annual efficiency of the relevant plant above that of the typical installation, or to reduce the effective annual 

hours of use. Values to be associated with each feature are obtained from column A, B or C as appropriate and 

the resultant factor is obtained by multiplying together all of the individual values obtained. Values are selected 

from columns A, B and C of the table depending on the extent to which facilities for monitoring and reporting 

are provided, as follows: 

Column C No monitoring provided. 

Column B Provision of energy metering of plant and/or metering of plant hours run, and/or monitoring 

of internal temperatures in zones. 

Column A Provision as B above, plus the ability to draw attention to ‘out of range’ values. 

Table K1: To obtain factor (FD) for the air distribution system 

Plant management features Values 

A B C 

i. Operation in mixed mode with natural ventilation 0.85 0.9 0.95 

ii. Controls which restrict the hours of operation 

of distribution system 

0.9 0.93 0.95 

iii. Efficient means of controlling air flow rate 0.75 0.85 0.95 


Column product (FD) 

The plant management features for Table K1 are more fully described below: 

i. Mixed mode operation available as a result of including sufficient openable windows to provide the 

required internal environment from natural ventilation when outdoor conditions permit. This may only 

apply where the perimeter zone is greater than 80% of the treated floor area. 

ii. Control capable of limiting plant operation to occupancy hours with the exceptions noted below in 

which operation outside the hours of occupancy forms a necessary part of the efficient use of the system: 

for control of condensation, 

for optimum start/stop control, or 

as part of a ‘night cooling’ strategy. 

iii. Air flow rate controlled by a variable motor speed control which efficiently reduces input power at 

reduced output; variable pitch fan blades. (damper, throttle or inlet guide vane controls do not attract 

this factor). 

4JK

Table K2: To obtain factor (FD) for the cooling distribution system 

5JK 

Appendix K 


A B C 

i. Operation in mixed mode with natural ventilation 0.85 0.9 0.95 

ii. Controls which restrict the hours of operation 

of distribution system 

0.9 0.93 0.95 

iii. Efficient means of controlling air flow rate 0.75 0.85 0.95 

Column product (FD) 


i. Mixed mode operation available as a result of including sufficient openable windows to provide the 

required internal environment from natural ventilation when outdoor conditions permit. This may only 

apply where the perimeter zone is greater than 80% of the treated floor area. This factor is credited only 

where interlocks are provided to inhibit the air conditioning supply in zones with opened windows. 

ii., iii. are as described in Table K1 above for mechanical ventilation. 


J

J 

Appendix K 

Table K3: To obtain factor (FR) for the refrigeration plant 


A B C 

i. Free cooling from cooling tower 0.9 0.93 0.95 

ii. Variation of fresh air using economy 

cycle or mixed mode operation 

0.85 0.9 0.95 

iii. Controls to restrict hours of operation 0.85 0.9 0.95 

iv. Controls to prevent simultaneous heating and 

cooling in the same zone 

0.9 0.93 0.95 

v. Efficient control of plant capacity, including modular plant 0.9 0.93 0.95 

vi. Partial ice thermal storage 1.8 1.86 1.9 

vii. Full ice thermal storage 0.9 0.93 0.95 


Column product (FR) 


i. Systems that permit cooling to be obtained without the operation of refrigeration equipment when conditions 

allow. (e.g., ‘strainer cycle’; ‘thermosyphon’.) 

ii. Systems that incorporate an economy cycle in which the fresh air and recirculated air mix is controlled 

by dampers, or where mixed mode operation is available as defined below Table K2. 

iii. Controls that are capable of limiting plant operation to the hours of occupancy of the building, with the 

exceptions noted below in which operation outside the hours of occupancy forms a necessary part of the 

efficient use of the system: 

for control of condensation, 

for optimum start/stop control, or 

as part of a strategy to pre-cool the building overnight using outside air. 

iv. Controls that include an interlock or dead band capable of precluding simultaneous heating and cooling 

in the same zone. 

v. Refrigeration plant capacity controlled on-line by means that reduce input power in proportion to 

cooling demand and maintain good part load efficiencies (e.g. modular plant with sequence controls; 

variable speed compressor). (Hot gas bypass control does not attract this factor). 

vi. Partial ice storage in which the chiller is intended to operate continuously, charging the store overnight 

and supplementing its output during occupancy. 

vii. Full ice storage in which the chiller operates only to recharge the thermal store overnight and outside 

occupancy hours. 

6JK

K2.4 Example CPI calculation for an office proposal including air conditioning 

7JK 

Appendix K 

In this example it is intended to include an air conditioning system in a new office building. The relevant 

details from the proposal are that: 

The total area to be treated by the system is 3 000 m 2 . 

Cooling will be provided by two speed-controlled electrically powered compressors, with a total rated 

input power of 150 kW. 

The refrigeration compressor energy consumption will be metered. 

The fans used to distribute cooled air to treated spaces have a total rated input power of 35 kW. 

The fan energy consumption will be metered. 

A time clock control is to be provided so that the operation of the cooling system (refrigeration and air 

distribution) may be restricted to occupancy hours. 

Windows in treated areas will be openable so that natural ventilation may be used, and the cooling 

system turned off, when required. 

The CPI calculation for air conditioning is: 

CPI (ACMV) 

= 

1200 

———————————————————— 

(PD × HD × CD × FD) + (PR × HR × CR × FR) 

In this proposal, for the cooling distribution system: 

PD is the total installed capacity (sum of the input kW ratings) of the fans divided by the relevant treated 

area (square metres) 

= 0.0117 (35/3000) 

HD = 3 700 hours per year 

CD is the carbon conversion factor for electricity, in kgC/kWh. (Table K 0) 

= 0.139 

FD = 0.84, determined from Table K2 as follows: 

As the major plant will be metered, factors from Column B of the table are used. Then: 

Factor for including the opportunity for natural ventilation (mixed mode operation) = 0.9; 

Factor for including provision to restrict the hours of use of the system (time control) = 0.93; 

Column product (FD) = 0.84. (0.9 × 0.93) 

And, for the refrigeration system: 

PR = the total installed capacity (sum of the input kW ratings) of the refrigeration plant divided by the 

treated area (square metres), 

= 0.05 (150/3000). 

HR = 1 000 hours per year. 

CR = the carbon conversion factor for electricity, in kgC/kWh. (Table K 0), 

= 0.139. 

FR = 0.75, determined from Table K3 as follows: 

As the major plant will be metered, factors from Column B of the table are used. Then: 

Factor for including the opportunity for natural ventilation (mixed mode operation) = 0.9; 

Factor for including provision to restrict the hours of use of the system (time control) = 0.9; 

Factor for providing efficient means of controlling plant capacity = 0.93; 

Column product (FR) = 0.75. (0.9 × 0.9 × 0.93) 


J

J 

Appendix K 

The CPI calculation is then: 

1200 

CPI (ACMV) = —————————————————————————— = 114 

(0.0117 × 3700 × 0.139 × 0.84) + (0.05 × 1000 × 0.139 × 0.75) 

The proposal therefore achieves a calculated index of 114, which is better than the required target CPI of 100 

and would therefore be acceptable on this basis. 

[The index of 114 indicates that, under similar patterns of occupancy and use, the system proposed would be 

likely to cause about 10% less carbon emission than would be caused by the use of air conditioning in the 

typical air conditioned building defined in ECON 19]. 


8JK

VENTILATION OF 

BUILDINGSK

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 23 

Ventilation of buildings 

THE STANDARDS 

K1 Application of Part K K1.1- K1.4 

K2 Ventilation of buildings other than garages 

K3 

Ventilation of buildings other than garages K2.1 

Ventilation of garages 

Large garages K3.1 

Small garages K3.2 

K4 General ventilation requirements 

Natural ventilation K4.1- K4.5 

Mechanical ventilation K4.6- K4.10 


(K2.1) Ventilation of buildings other than garages 

(K3.1) Large garages 

(K3.2) Small garages 

(K4.1, 

K4.3) 

Natural ventilation 

(K4.9, 

K4.10) 

Mechanical ventilation 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3K 


K

5K 

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure reasonable provision 

for an adequate supply of air for human occupation of a 

building. Ventilation can be provided by natural means, 

natural with mechanical assistance or wholly mechanical. 

2. The standards apply to all buildings covered by the Regulations 

except to a building, or part of a building, to which 

the Factories Act applies. Buildings subject to the Factories 

Act have very diverse ventilation requirements which will be 

determined by the Factories Inspectorate of the Health and 

Safety Executive. Those involved in the provision of such a 

building are advised to consult the Inspectorate at an early 

stage. 

3. The ventilation of a building can have a significant affect 

on energy consumption and a thorough assessment of natural 

as against mechanical ventilation should be made as the 

decision could significantly affect the energy efficiency of a 

building. 

4. Increased standards of insulation and “tighter” construction 

of buildings, which reduces the number of natural air 

changes, increase the risk of condensation particularly in 

dwellings. The standards of ventilation given for moisture 

producing areas are the minimum necessary to provide 

means of combating condensation. The effect of these standards 

will be determined by design and workmanship both of 

the ventilation arrangements and the building as a whole. 

5. There are other requirements for ventilation which will 

have to be taken into account in certain cases. Part E for 

example, has requirements for smoke ventilation of escape 

routes in case of fire. Where these would meet the requirements 

of this Part the provision need not be duplicated. Part 

F has requirements related to combustion appliances, in particular, 

where an open-flued appliance takes combustion air 

from within a dwelling. These are in addition to, and must be 

kept separate from, any openings required by this Part. It is 

therefore particularly important that, as in common with all 

work requiring building warrant, this Part is read in conjunction 

with all other Parts and particularly Part F. 


K

K 

Regulation 23 

Ventilation of buildings 

23.(1) A building to which this regulation applies 

shall have means of providing an adequate 

supply of air for users of the building. 

(2) This regulation shall apply to all buildings 

except buildings or any part of a building to 

which the Factories Act 1961 (a) applies. 

(a) 1961 c.34 


6K

The standards 

K1 Application of Part K 

K1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 23. 

K1.1 – K2.1 

K1.2 The standards apply to all buildings except to a building, or part of a building, specified in Regulation 

23(2). 

K1.3 The volume of any space for ventilation purposes is the internal cubic capacity of the space, 

except - 

a. where the space is for vehicle parking, any volume more than 3 metres above any floor level in 

that space is to be disregarded; and 

b. in any other space, any volume more than 6 metres above any floor level in that space is to be 

disregarded. 

K1.4 Any requirement for an area of opening may be met by a combination of areas. 

K2 Ventilation of buildings other than garages 

VENTILATION OF BUILDINGS OTHER THAN GARAGES 

K2.1* A building other than a garage must have adequate provision for ventilation by natural means, mechanical 

means, or a combination of natural and mechanical means, 

except - 

a. there is no requirement to ventilate a storage room used only for storage requiring a controlled 

temperature; and 

b. there is no requirement to ventilate a room with a floor area of not more than 4 square metres; and 

c. a passive stack ventilation system is only permissible in a building of purpose group 1 with no 

storey at a height of more than 7.5 metres; and 

d. a room where the cubic space per occupant is not more than 3 cubic metres must have mechanical 

ventilation. 

7K 


K

K 

K3.1– K4.5 

K3 Ventilation of garages 

LARGE GARAGES 

K3.1* A garage with a floor area greater than 60 square metres for the parking of motor vehicles must have 

adequate provision for natural or mechanical ventilation on every storey. 

SMALL GARAGES 

K3.2* A garage with a floor area of at least 30 square metres but not more than 60 square metres used for the 

parking of motor vehicles must have adequate provision for natural or mechanical ventilation. 

K4 General ventilation requirements 

NATURAL VENTILATION 

K4.1* Ventilation must be to the outside air, 

except - 

a. a ventilator serving a room in a dwelling may open into a conservatory provided that the ventilation 

of the conservatory is to the outside air and is calculated on the basis of the total floor area 

of the room and the conservatory; and 

b. a trickle ventilator serving a bathroom or shower-room may open into a bedroom from which it 

has direct access, provided the bedroom is fitted with a suitable trickle ventilator. 

K4.2 Some part of the opening part of a ventilator, including a trickle ventilator, must be at least 1.75 metres 

above floor level. 

K4.3* A passive stack ventilation system must be suitably constructed and installed. 

K4.4 Each passive stack ventilation system must - 

a. incorporate an automatic humidity sensitive ventilation inlet grille; and 

b. where it passes through a roof space or other unheated space or where it extends above roof level, 

be insulated with at least 25mm thick material having a thermal conductivity of 0.04 W/mK. 

K4.5 The duct or casing forming a passive stack ventilation system serving a kitchen must be non-combustible 

except - 

where it passes through a roof space, 


8K

MECHANICAL VENTILATION 

K4.6 Where a mechanical ventilation system serves more than one dwelling it must have a duplicate motor 

and be separate from any other ventilation system installed for any other purpose. 

K4.7 Where a mechanical ventilation system gathers extracts into a common duct for discharge to an outlet, 

no connection to the system is permitted between any exhaust fan and the outlet. 

K4.8 Mechanical ventilation must be to the outside air. It may be via a duct or heat exchanger. 

K4.9* An inlet to, and an outlet from, a mechanical ventilation system must be suitably installed so as to 

avoid contamination of the air supply to the system. 

K4.10* A mechanical ventilation system must be constructed to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the 

avoidance of contamination by legionella. 

9K 

K4.6 – K4.10 


K

10K


VENTILATION OF BUILDINGS OTHER THAN GARAGES 

(K2.1) The requirements of K2.1 will be met - 

a. for a room in a building other than a dwelling, by the provision of a ventilator with an opening 

area of at least 1/30th of the floor area of the room it serves; and where the area of the room is 

i. not more than 10 square metres, a trickle ventilator with an opening area of at least 

4000 mm 2; or 

ii. more than 10 square metres, a trickle ventilator with an opening area of at least 400 mm 2 

for each square metre of room area; or 

b. for any building with natural ventilation by - 

i. compliance with Section 3 of BS5925: 1991 (1995); or 

ii. CIBSE Guide A: 1986, Design data, Section A4, Air infiltration and natural ventilation; or 

c. for any building with mechanical ventilation (there are additional provisions in Part E for 

mechanical ventilation systems), by - 

i. compliance with BS5720: 1979; or 

ii. CIBSE Guide B: 1986, Section B2; or 

d. for dwellings only, by - 

i. compliance with the requirements of BRE Digest 398; or 

ii. the table to this specification - 

11K 

(K2.1) 


K

K 

(K2.1) – (K3.1) 

LARGE GARAGES 

Table to (K2.1): Ventilation of a dwelling 

Space Minimum Ventilation Requirements Trickle 

Ventilation 

(minimum) 

[Note 1] 

Apartment a ventilator with an opening area of 1/30th of 8000 mm 2 

the floor area it serves. 

Kitchen either - 4000 mm 2 

a. mechanical extraction capable of 30 litres/sec 

(intermittent) above a hob [Note 2]; 

b. mechanical extraction capable of 60 litres/sec 

(intermittent) if elsewhere [Note 2]; or 

c. a passive stack ventilation system [Notes 3 & 4]. 

Utility room either - 4000 mm 2 

a. mechanical extraction capable of 30 litres/sec 

(intermittent) [Note 2]; or 

b. a passive stack ventilation system [Notes 3 & 4]. 

Bathroom or either - 4000 mm 2 

shower-room a. mechanical extraction capable of 15 litres/sec 

(with or without (intermittent); or 

a WC). b. a passive stack ventilation system [Note 3]. 

Toilet either - 4000 mm 2 

a. a ventilator with an opening area of 1/30th 

of the floor area it serves; or 

b. mechanical extraction capable of 3 air changes per hour. 

Notes: 

1. The overall provision of trickle ventilation in a dwelling may be provided at an 

average of 6000 mm 2 per room, with a minimum provision of 4000 mm 2 in each 

apartment. 

2. Refer to Part F where an extract fan is fitted in a building containing an open-flued 

combustion appliance. 

3. Refer to Part D where a passive stack ventilation system is installed in a building 

of purpose sub-group 1A. 

4. The flue of an open-flued combustion appliance may serve as a passive stack 

ventilation system provided that either - 

a. the appliance is a solid fuel appliance and is the primary source of heating, 

cooking or hot water production; or 

b. the flue has an unobstructed area equivalent to a 125mm diameter duct and 

the appliance’s combustion air inlet and dilution air inlet are permanently 

open, i.e. there is a path with no control dampers which could block the flow, 

or the ventilation path can be left open when the appliance is not in use. 

(K3.1) The requirements of K3.1 will be met by a parking garage constructed - 


a. in accordance with Section B2 of the CIBSE Guide: 1986, - 

i. to give carbon monoxide concentrations of not more than 50 parts per million averaged 

over an eight hour period; and 

ii. to restrict peak concentrations of carbon monoxide at areas of traffic concentration such as 

ramps and exits to not more than 100 parts per million for periods not exceeding 15 minutes; 

12K

. in accordance with Section 4 of the Association for Petroleum and Explosive Administration’s 

“Code of practice for ground floor, multi-storey and underground car parks”, and Section B2 of 

the CIBSE Guide B: 1986; 

SMALL GARAGES 

c. where the garage is naturally ventilated, by providing openings in the walls on every storey of at 

least 1/20th of the floor area of that storey with at least half of such area in opposite walls; 

d. where the garage is mechanically ventilated, by providing a system capable of at least 6 air 

changes per hour and at least 10 air changes per hour where traffic concentrations occur; or 

e. where there is a combined natural/mechanical ventilation system, by providing - 

i. openings in the walls on every storey of at least 1/40th of the floor area of that storey 

with at least half of such area in opposite walls; and 

ii. a mechanical system capable of at least 3 air changes per hour. 

(K3.2) The requirements of K3.2 will be met - 

a. where the garage is naturally ventilated, by providing at least 2 permanent ventilators, each with 

an open area of at least 1/3000th of the floor area they serve, positioned to encourage through 

ventilation with one of the permanent ventilators being not more than 600mm above floor level; or 

b. where the garage is mechanically ventilated, by providing a ventilation system - 

NATURAL VENTILATION 

i. capable of continuous operation, designed to provide at least 2 air changes per hour; 

ii. independent of any other ventilation system; and 

iii. constructed so that two-thirds of the exhaust air is extracted from outlets not more than 

600mm above floor level. 

(K4.1) The requirements of K4.1b will be met where the trickle ventilator fitted in the bedroom complies with 

the table to (K2.1). 

(K4.3) The requirements of K4.3 will be met by a passive stack ventilation system constructed and installed 

fully in accordance with Information Paper BRE IP 13/94. 

MECHANICAL VENTILATION 

(K4.9) The requirements of K4.9 will be met where the inlet to, and outlet from, the mechanical ventilation 

system are installed in accordance with Clause 2.3.3 of BS5720: 1979. 

(K4.10) The requirements of K4.10 will be met where the ventilation system is constructed in accordance with 

the requirements of paragraphs 70 to 84 of “The control of legionellosis including legionnaires’ 

disease”. 

13K 

(K3.1) – (K4.10) 


K

14K

DRAINAGE AND 

SANITARY FACILITIESM

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 24 

Drainage 

REGULATION 25 

Sanitary facilities 

THE STANDARDS 

M1 Application of Part M M1.1-M1.4 

M2 Drainage 

Wastewater and surface water drainage M2.1-M2.5 

Discharges into a drainage system M2.6-M2.7 

Discharges from a drainage system M2.8-M2.9 

M3 Private wastewater treatment systems 

Private wastewater treatment plants or septic tanks M3.1-M3.4 

Infiltration systems M3.5-M3.7 

M4 Sanitary facilities 

Sanitary facilities in a dwelling M4.1-M4.3 

Sanitary facilities in a building other than a dwelling M4.4-M4.9 

General requirements for a toilet M4.10 


(M2.1-M2.5) Wastewater and surface water drainage 

(M2.6-M2.7) Discharges into a drainage system 

(M2.9) Discharges from a drainage system 

(M3.1-M3.4) Private wastewater treatment plants or septic tanks 

(M3.5-M3.7) Infiltration systems 

(M4.1-M4.2) Sanitary facilities in a dwelling 

(M4.4-M4.8) Sanitary facilities in a building other than a dwelling 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 

Throughout the Technical Standards a term in italics is a defined term. The definition is listed in Part A, (General). 

3M 


M

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure safe and adequate drainage from a building and from paved surfaces 

within the curtilage of a building. It is also intended that there should be suitable and sufficient provision of 

sanitary facilities for buildings, other than schools which are covered by their own legislation. Suitable facilities 

for disabled people in schools will however require to be provided. 

2. The standards in relation to Regulation 24 are intended to ensure that wastewater and surface water from 

a building are carried to a suitable point of disposal. Also any pipework and fittings by which wastewater and 

surface water are carried should be of suitable size and constructed to minimise the likelihood of leakage or 

blockage. It is also intended that the drainage system is sealed and vented in such a way as to prevent the 

escape of foul air into the building. In a dwelling, where it is not reasonably practicable to connect a wastewater 

drainage system to a public sewerage system, it will now be acceptable to install waterless closets. 

Installation of a waterless closet in a building other than a dwelling is not permitted except by a relaxation 

which may be granted by the local authority dependant upon local circumstances. There is also the option now 

to discharge greywater (from baths, showers, washbasins, sinks and washing machines) separately to ground. 

3. Conventional piped surface water drainage systems can cause flooding and pollution and disrupt the water 

cycle to the detriment of water resources and the natural environment. An alternative approach is needed to 

reach a more sustainable solution. Sustainable urban drainage is a concept that focuses decisions about 

drainage on the environment and people. The concept takes account of the quantity and quality of surface 

water run-off and the amenity value of surface water in the urban environment. Sustainable Urban Drainage 

Systems (SUDS) are physical structures that are designed to store, treat and control surface water run-off 

making provision for the concept for sustainable urban drainage. Drainage methods inspired by natural 

processes therefore have now been introduced for surface water drainage. The approach to the disposal of 

surface water from within the curtilage of a building clearly needs to be considered at the earliest stage in the 

design development of a project. (See also the Scottish Executive Development Department’s Planning 

Advice Note No. PAN 61 - Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) 

4. A developer should be aware that, where mains drainage is not available, the Scottish Environment Protection 

Agency (SEPA) may, in some instances, issue a Prohibition Notice (a method whereby discharges are 

controlled). The local authority may wish to establish whether such a notice has been issued or whether SEPA 

intends to do so. A consent from SEPA is not automatically required for discharge to a soakaway but is always 

required before discharge of wastewater to controlled waters is permitted. 

5. The standards in relation to Regulation 25 are intended to ensure the minimum provision of sanitary facilities 

considered necessary on grounds of health and convenience. To establish an adequate provision, an estimate 

of the number of persons likely to use the building must be submitted in writing to the local authority. 

In most cases a precise number can be provided or a realistic estimate made. Where the end use of the building 

is unknown at initial design stage, or an estimate cannot be made, it will be necessary to confirm the 

numbers later in the contract, perhaps through a staged building warrant application. The table of sanitary 

facilities for staff is based on tables in the Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace (health, safety and 

welfare) Regulations 1992 and the cost implications of non-conformity should prevent submission of inappropriate 

figures. 

6. It is the intention that, where reasonably practicable, all dwellings shall be provided with accessible sanitary 

facilities for disabled people but it is recognised however that not all accessible sanitary facilities will be 

fully accessible to all disabled people. In all other buildings, where sanitary facilities are provided, facilities 

for disabled people will normally be required. 

7. Unless stated to the contrary, the term disabled people always includes wheelchair users. 

5M 


M

M 

Regulations 24, 25 

Drainage 

24. A building shall be provided with adequate 

drainage to ensure the safe and hygienic 

disposal of wastewater from the building, and 

of surface water from the building and paved 

surfaces within the curtilage of the building. 


25.(1) A building, to which this Regulation applies, 

shall be provided with adequate and suitable 

sanitary facilities. 

(2) This Regulation shall apply to all buildings 

other than a building or any part of a building 

to which the School Premises (General 

Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) 

Regulations 1967 to 1979(a) apply in relation 

to numbers of sanitary facilities only. 

(3) This Regulation shall not be subject to specification 


the Act. 

(a) SI 1967/1199, 1973/322 and 1979/1186. 


6M


M1 Application of Part M 

M1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 24 and 25. 

7M 

M1.1 – M2.4 

M1.2 The standards in M2 apply to methods of draining wastewater and surface water (above and below 

ground) from all buildings to the point at which the discharge is made to a public sewer or to a wastewater 

treatment system or, in the case of surface water, to ground by Sustainable Urban Drainage 

Systems (SUDS). 

M1.3 The standards in M3 apply to underground wastewater drainage systems from, and including, the 

treatment plant to the point at which the discharge is made to ground or receiving waters. 

M1.4 The standards in M4 apply to buildings as follows - 

a. M4.1 to M4.3 apply to dwellings only; 

b. M4.4 to M4.9 apply to buildings other than dwellings; 

except - 

M4.4 to M4.6 do not apply to a building or part of a building specified in Regulation 25(2) 

other than for the provision of sanitary facilities for disabled people; 

c. M4.10 applies to all buildings. 

M2 Drainage 

WASTEWATER AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE 

M2.1* A building must be provided with a drainage system suitable for the safe and hygienic removal of 

wastewater from the building. 

M2.2* To ensure the safe and hygienic removal of surface water from a building and from a paved surface 

within the curtilage of a building, there must be provided - 

a. drainage using suitable SUDS techniques; or 

b a surface water drainage system complying with M2.4 to M2.7 and M2.9. 

Note: PAVED SURFACE means any constructed hard surface more than 200 m 2 (including car 

parking), access to a dwelling required by Q2.1, and access to a building, other than a dwelling, 

required by S2.3. 

M2.3* A wastewater drainage system of a building must be adequately ventilated to limit pressure fluctuations 

within the system and minimise the possibility of foul air entering the building. 

M2.4* A drainage system must be suitably designed and constructed to minimise the risk of blockage and 

flooding. 


M

M 

M2.5 – M3.1 

M2.5* A drainage system must be suitably tested to ensure satisfactory installation, 

except - 

there is no requirement to test the drain leading from a private wastewater treatment plant or septic 

tank. 

DISCHARGES INTO A DRAINAGE SYSTEM 

M2.6* Where a discharge into a drainage system serving a dwelling contains silt or grit there must be suitable 

facilities for the adequate separation and removal of such substances. 

M2.7* Where a discharge into a drainage system serving a building, other than a dwelling, contains oil, fat, 

grease, volatile substances, silt or grit there must be suitable facilities for the adequate separation and 

removal of such substances. 

DISCHARGES FROM A DRAINAGE SYSTEM 

M2.8 A drainage system must be capable of discharging wastewater - 


a. where it is reasonably practicable to do so, to a public sewer or public wastewater treatment 

plant provided under the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968, or 

b. where it is not reasonably practicable to do so - 

i. to a private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank, or 

ii. where it is greywater, to ground via a readily accessible washable filter and thereafter an 

infiltration system, or 

iii. in the case of waste products from a waterless closet serving a dwelling, to a holding 

tank for safe disposal. 

M2.9* A drainage system must be capable of discharging surface water - 

a. by suitable SUDS techniques, including a soakaway; or 

b. to a public sewer provided under the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968; or 

c. to a suitable outfall that will minimise the risk of environmental pollution; or 

d. where it is rainwater from a building, to a storage container with an overflow discharging in 

accordance with sub-clause a, b or c. 

M3 Private wastewater treatment systems 

PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OR SEPTIC TANKS 

M3.1* A private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank must - 

a. be suitable for its purpose; and 

b. be provided with a suitably sealed, secure cover; and 

8M

c. incorporate facilities that will provide suitable access for inspection and sampling of the treated 

wastewater discharged; and 

d. be located at a suitable distance from a building to prevent possible damage to its foundations; 

and 

e. be located at a suitable distance from a boundary. 

M3.2* A private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank must be provided with a suitable outlet to minimise 

the risk of environmental pollution. 

M3.3* A private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank must have suitable access for desludging. 

M3.4* Every building with a drainage system discharging to a private wastewater treatment plant or septic 

tank must have a suitably located label alerting the occupier to this. 

INFILTRATION SYSTEMS 

M3.5* An infiltration system serving a private wastewater treatment plant, septic tank or for greywater must 

be constructed in ground suitable for the treatment and dispersion of the wastewater discharged. 

M3.6* An infiltration system serving a private wastewater treatment plant, septic tank or for greywater must 

be suitably designed and constructed as determined by the ground conditions into which the treated 

wastewater is discharged. 

M3.7* An infiltration system serving a private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank must be suitably 

located to minimise the risk of pollution. 

M4 Sanitary facilities 

SANITARY FACILITIES IN A DWELLING 

M4.1* Every dwelling must be provided with an adequate number of sanitary facilities. 

M4.2* A waterless closet must be suitably designed and installed. 

M4.3 Every dwelling must have at least 1 of the waterclosets, or waterless closets, (required by M4.1) on the 

accessible entrance storey as required by Q2.11 together with an activity space clear of any door swing, 

of at least 750 mm long x 800 mm wide in front of the watercloset, or waterless closet, in accordance 

with the diagram to this standard, 

except - 

where level or ramped access suitable for disabled people is not required by Q2.1, such facilities must 

be provided - 

a. on the storey accessible to disabled people; or 

b. where there are no apartments on the storey accessible to disabled people, on the first storey 

above or below this storey containing an apartment. 

9M 

M3.1 – M4.3 


M

M 

M4.3 – M4.10 

Diagram to M4.3: Plan view of activity space 

Note: 

1. A wall hung washbasin may project into the activity space. (see Diagram 2 to (M4.4)) 

SANITARY FACILITIES IN A BUILDING OTHER THAN A DWELLING 

M4.4* A building, other than a dwelling, must be provided with an adequate number of suitable sanitary 

facilities for staff. 

M4.5* A building of purpose groups 2, 4 and 5 must be provided with an adequate number of suitable sanitary 

facilities for people other than staff. 

M4.6* A building, other than a dwelling, must be provided with an adequate number of watercloset cubicles 

designed to allow greater ease of movement within the cubicle. 

M4.7* Where changing cubicles are provided in a building, at least 1 cubicle in 20, or part thereof, must be 

designed to allow greater ease of movement within the cubicle. 

M4.8* In a building of purpose sub-group 2B containing bedrooms, other than in a place of lawful detention, 

at least 1 bedroom in 20, or part thereof, must be provided with sanitary accommodation accessible to, 

and suitable for, wheelchair users, either - 

a. where serving 1 bedroom, en-suite with that bedroom; or 

b. where serving more than 1 bedroom, accessible from a circulation area which is exclusive to the 

bedrooms. 

M4.9 Where sanitary accommodation, accessible to and suitable for disabled people, is required, the total 

horizontal distance to be travelled from any accessible point to the sanitary accommodation must be 

not more than 45 m. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A TOILET 

M4.10 Every toilet must - 


a. have a washbasin within - 

i. the toilet itself, or 

ii. an adjacent space providing the sole means of access to the toilet; and 

b. be arranged so that the watercloset, or waterless closet, and washbasin are separated by a door 

from any room or space used wholly or partly for the preparation or consumption of food, 

except - 

in a place of lawful detention. 

800mm 

10M 

750mm


WASTEWATER AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE 

(M2.1) The requirements of M2.1 will be met where the drainage system is constructed and installed in accordance 

with - 

a. for sanitary pipework, BS EN 12056-2: 2000; 

b. for a drainage system outside a building, BS EN 752-3: 1997 (amendment 2), BS EN 752-4: 

1998 and BS EN 1610: 1998; 

c. for a sewer that is intended for vesting in the Water Authority, ‘Sewers for Scotland’; 

d. for rainwater pipes and gutters, BS EN 12056-3: 2000. 

(M2.2) The requirements of M2.2a will be met where suitable SUDS techniques are provided in accordance 

with ‘Sustainable urban drainage systems: design manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland’. 

(M2.3) The requirements of M2.3 will be met where the wastewater drainage system is ventilated - 

a. in accordance with Sections 4, 5, 6 and national annex ND of BS EN 12056-2: 2000; or 

b. where provided, by an air admittance valve(s) installed in compliance with the conditions of 

certification by a notified body. 

(M2.4) The requirements of M2.4 will be met where - 

a. in the case of a paved surface, drainage is provided - 

i. in accordance with national annex NE of BS EN 752-4: 1998, or 

ii. where the paved surface provides access to a dwelling as required by Q2.1, or to a building 

as required by S2.3, by laying the surface to a fall of at least 1 in 60 to achieve 

natural run-off; 

b. the bore of a pipe or drain does not diminish in the direction of flow, 

except - 

the bore of sanitary pipework may be reduced where connected to a pump installed in compliance 

with the conditions of certification by a notified body; 

c. in the case of a sanitary appliance installed below the flood level of the drainage system with 

the possibility of surcharging, the drainage system is constructed in accordance with BS EN 

12056-4: 2000; 

11M 

(M2.1), (M2.4) 


M

M 

(M2.4), (M2.9) 

Diagram to (M2.4)c: Flood level of a drainage system 


sanitary appliance 

Diagrammatic section through a typical basement area 

d. in the case of a drainage system discharging to a public sewer or to a sewer that is intended for 

vesting in the Water Authority, access to the drainage system is provided in accordance with the 

requirements of the relevant Water Authority. 

(M2.5) The requirements of M2.5 will be met where the drainage system is tested in accordance with - 

a. for sanitary pipework, national annex NG of BS EN 12056-2: 2000; 

b. for a drainage system under and around a building, BS EN 1610: 1998. 

DISCHARGES INTO A DRAINAGE SYSTEM 

(M2.6) The requirements of M2.6 will be met for the separation and removal of silt or grit by incorporating 

removable grit interceptors within surface water gully pots. 

(M2.7) The requirements of M2.7 will be met where separation and removal of oil, fat, grease and volatile 

substances is provided in accordance with - 

a. for light liquids such as oil and petrol, prEN 858-1 & 2: 1999; 

b. for fat or grease, prEN 1825-1 & 2: 1999. 

The requirements of M2.7 will be met for the separation and removal of silt or grit by incorporating 

removable grit interceptors within surface water gully pots. 

DISCHARGES FROM A DRAINAGE SYSTEM 

(M2.9) The requirements of M2.9a will be met - 

a. where suitable SUDS techniques are constructed in accordance with ‘Sustainable urban 

drainage systems: design manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland’; or 

b. by a soakaway designed and constructed in accordance with - 

i. BRE Digest 365 ‘Soakaway Design’, or 

ii. National annex NG.2 of BS EN 752-4: 1998. 

The requirements of M2.9c will be met where the outfall is to a watercourse, and complies with any 

notice and/or consent issued by SEPA. 

12M 

lifting pump 

flood level (m.h. cover) 

manhole 

sewer

PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OR SEPTIC TANKS 

13M 

(M3.1) – (M3.3) 

(M3.1) The requirements of M3.1a will be met by a private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank 

designed, constructed and installed - 

a. for a prefabricated septic tank, in accordance with BS EN 12566-1: 2000; or 

b. in accordance with the recommendations of BS 6297: 1983; or 

c. in compliance with the conditions of certification by a notified body. 

The requirements of M3.1b will be met by a solid cover over the settlement tank capable of being 

removed by 1 person with the use of standard operating keys. 

The requirements of M3.1c will be met where access for inspection and sampling of the final treated 

wastewater is provided in accordance with the diagram to this specification - 

Diagram to (M3.1)c: Access for inspection and sampling treated wastewater 

secure lid 

direction of flow 


Diagrammatic section through chamber 


no sump in chamber 

The requirements of M3.1d will be met where every part of the private treatment plant or septic tank is 

located at least 5 m from the building. 

The requirements of M3.1e will be met where every part of the private treatment plant or septic tank is 

located at least 5 m from the boundary. 

(M3.2) The requirements of M3.2 will be met where the outlet - 

a. when discharging from 5 or more dwellings or more than 15 population equivalent (based on 

BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) levels), is constructed in accordance with the requirements 

of a notice and/or a consent issued by SEPA. This may include an infiltration system described 

in (M3.6); 

b. when discharging from less than 5 dwellings or not more than 15 population equivalent (based 

on BOD levels) and based on a ground assessment report taking account of the criteria listed in 

(M3.5)a and a percolation test, is - 

i. constructed in accordance with the conditions of a notice and/or a consent issued by 

SEPA, or 

ii. to ground, via an infiltration system. 

chamber wall 

inlet pipe overhang by at least 75 mm 

(M3.3) The requirements of M3.3 will be met where access for a desludging tanker is provided to a working 

area - 

a. that will provide a clear route for the suction hose from the tanker to the tank; and 


M

M 

(M3.3) – (M3.5) 

b. that is not more than 25 m from the tank where it is not more than 4 m higher than the invert 

level of the tank; and 

c. that is sufficient to support a vehicle axle load of 14 tonnes. 

(M3.4) The requirements of M3.4 will be met where the label states - 

‘The drainage system from this property discharges to a wastewater treatment plant (or septic tank, as 

appropriate). The owner is legally responsible for routine maintenance and to ensure that the system 

complies with any discharge consent issued by SEPA and that it does not present a health hazard or a 

nuisance’. 

A suitable location for the label would be adjacent to the kitchen sink, gas or electricity consumer unit 

or the water stop cock. 

INFILTRATION SYSTEMS 

(M3.5) The requirements of M3.5 will be met where the suitability of the ground is demonstrated by a ground 

assessment and percolation test carried out in accordance with the following procedures - 

a. Carry out a preliminary ground assessment. The following check list indicates the actions that 

should be taken and the type of information that should be collected - 

amendment: September 2001 

i. consult SEPA, Local Authority Building Control Officer and the Environmental Health 

Officer as required, 

ii. SEPAs groundwater protection policy, 

iii. underlying geology, 

iv. whether the ground is liable to flooding, 

v. nature of the sub-soil, 

vi. implication of plot size, 

vii. proximity of underground services, 

viii. site topography and local drainage patterns, 

ix. whether water is abstracted for drinking, used in food processing or farm dairies, 

x. implication for and of trees and other vegetation. 

The preliminary assessment may indicate that the ground is unsuitable for the installation of an infiltration 

system in which case an alternative disposal method should be considered. 

b. A trial hole should be dug to determine the position of the water table and soil conditions. This 

trial hole will enable the sub-soil type to be determined. The trial hole shall be a minimum of 

2 m deep, or a minimum of 1.5 m below the invert of the proposed distribution pipes. The trial 

hole should be left covered for a period of 48 hours before measuring any water table level. For 

safe and effective dispersal of the wastewater, the groundwater below the infiltration system 

must be at least 1 m below the bottom of the distribution pipes. It should also be noted that it is 

the seasonally highest level of the water table that should be determined for the infiltration area. 

14M

15M 

(M3.5), (M3.6) 

c. To determine the area of ground required, a percolation test is required to be carried out within, 

and to be representative of, the proposed infiltration area. The percolation test should be carried 

out using either of the following methods - 

i. expert examination of the soil distribution analysis, using the method described in 

BS 1377: Part 2: 1990, or 

ii. excavation of a percolation hole 300 mm square to a depth 300 mm below the proposed 

invert level of the effluent distribution pipe. Where deep drains are necessary, the hole 

should conform to this shape at the bottom but may be enlarged above the 300 mm level 

to enable safe excavation to be carried out. Fill the 300 mm square section of the hole to 

a depth of at least 300 mm with water and allow it to seep away overnight. It is important 

to saturate the soil surrounding the test hole to simulate day to day conditions in an 

operational drainage field. Next day, refill the test section with water to a depth of at 

least 300 mm and observe the time (t) in seconds, for the water to seep away from 75% 

to 25% full level. 

Divide this time by 150 mm. The answer gives the average time in seconds (Vp) 

required for the water to drop 1 mm. Take care when making the test to avoid unusual 

weather conditions such as heavy rain, severe frost or drought. Carry out the test at least 

3 times and take the average figure. At least 2 percolation holes, not less than 5 m apart, 

should be dug and tested 3 times each to obtain consistent results. 

The floor area of a sub-surface drainage trench required to disperse effluent from septic 

tanks may be calculated from - 

A = p x Vp x 0.25 

where A is the area of the sub-surface drainage trench, in m 2 ; 

p is the number of persons served by the tank; and 

Vp is the percolation value obtained, as described above, in seconds/mm. 

For wastewater that has received secondary treatment followed by settlement or for 

greywater, this area may be reduced by 20%, i.e. 

A = p x Vp x 0.2 

(M3.6) The requirements of M3.6 will be met by an infiltration system constructed - 

a. where the percolation value (as demonstrated by the percolation test) is not more than 

15 secs/mm, in accordance with the requirements of SEPA; 

b. where the percolation value (as demonstrated by the percolation test) is more than 15 secs/mm 

and not more than 100 secs/mm, as - 

i. a piped infiltration trench system in accordance with national annex NG.3 of 

BS EN 752-4: 1998, using perforated, rigid pipes with a smooth internal surface, or 

ii. a piped infiltration bed system in accordance with the diagram to this specification, or 

iii. any system described in (M3.6)c and d; 


M

M 

(M3.6) 

Diagram to (M3.6)b.ii: Typical piped infiltration bed system 


c. where the percolation value (as demonstrated by the percolation test) is more than 100 secs/mm 

and not more than 140 secs/mm, as - 

i. a reed bed complying with the requirements of the BRE, Good Building Guide, GBG 42, 

Parts 1 and 2 together with a piped infiltration system described in (M3.6)b.i, (M3.6)b.ii, 

or a suitable outfall, or 

ii. a constructed wetland, other than a reed bed, to a professionally prepared design and 

constructed by specialist contractor(s), or 

iii. a proprietary filtration system designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the 

conditions of a notified body, or 

Diagram to (M3.6)c.iii: Typical proprietary filter module 

wastewater is pumped 

out through holes in 

distribution grid and 

filters down through the 

biofibrous media 

at least 1 m. 

distribution box 

wastewater 

distribution grid 

biofibrous media 

broken stone at base 

of module 

barrier material 

water table or 

creviced bedrock 

iv. any other equivalent filtration system designed by a specialist in this subject and constructed 

by specialist contractor(s); 

16M 

150 - 300 mm of 20 - 50 mm 

clean gravel or broken stone 

2 m. 

treated wastewater discharges through 

drain holes at base of module 

inlet pipe

17M 

(M3.6), (M3.7) 

d. where the percolation value (as demonstrated by the percolation test) is more than 140 secs/mm - 

i. as a system described in (M3.6)c. that does not use an infiltration system for the final 

treated wastewater, or 

ii. where the piped infiltration system connects to a private wastewater treatment plant or 

septic tank serving not more than 1 dwelling, by designing and constructing the infiltration 

system using a specialist contractor, within a mound filter system in accordance with 

the diagram to this specification - 

Diagram to (M3.6)d.ii: Cross-section through a typical soil covered mound filter system serving a single 

dwelling 

distribution pipes 

250 mm grassed 

top soil 

Note 3 

soil cap 

washed gravel (10-20mm) 

filter sand 

drained constructed filter gravel or permeable soil 

high water table or impervious ground 

Notes: 

1. Notional percolation times should be determined for filter sand (e.g. in accordance with sand 

test in BRE, Good Building Guide 42, Part 2) and the area of washed gravel calculated from the 

formula given in (M3.5). 

2. To provide venting of the filter, the upstream ends of the distribution pipes may be extended 

vertically above mound level and capped with a cowl or grille. 

3. Surface water run-off and uncontaminated seepage from the surrounding soil may be cut off by 

shallow interceptor drains and diverted away from the mound. There must be no seepage of 

wastewater to such an interceptor drain. 

4. Where the permeable soil is slow draining and overlaid on an impervious layer, the mound filter 

system should be constructed on a gently sloping site. 

(M3.7) The requirements of M3.7 will be met by locating the infiltration system - 

a. at least 50 m from any spring, well or borehole used as a drinking water supply; and 

b. at least 10 m horizontally from any watercourse (including any inland or coastal waters), permeable 

drain, road or railway; and 

c. at least 5 m from a building or a boundary. 

geotextile 






M

M 

(M4.1), (M4.2) 

SANITARY FACILITIES IN A DWELLING 

(M4.1) The requirements of M4.1 will be met by providing sanitary facilities in accordance with the table to 


Table to (M4.1): Minimum number of sanitary facilities in a dwelling 

Appliance Number of appliances 

watercloset, or waterless closet 1 where the dwelling is not more than 80 m2 total floor area 

2 where the dwelling is more than 80 m2 total floor area 

bath or shower 1 

washbasin 1 per watercloset, or waterless closet 

sink 1 

Notes: 

1. Where en-suite facilities are provided, access to at least 1 watercloset, or waterless closet, must 

be available other than through a bedroom. 

(M4.2) The requirements of M4.2 will be met where the waterless closet is designed and installed in compliance 

with - 

a. a National Sanitation Federation Certification to standard NSF 41; ‘Wastewater recycling/reuse 

and water conservation devices’; or 

b. NSF International standard ANSI/NSF 41-1999; ‘Non-liquid saturated treatment systems’; or 

c. the conditions of a certification by a notified body. 


18M

SANITARY FACILITIES IN A BUILDING OTHER THAN A DWELLING 

19M 

(M4.4) 

(M4.4) The requirements of M4.4 with regards to number of sanitary facilities, will be met by providing sanitary 

facilities for staff in accordance with the table to this specification - 

Table to (M4.4): Minimum number of sanitary facilities for staff [1] 

Number of Number of Number of Number of Sanitary facilities for 

staff waterclosets washbasins urinals disabled people 

Male 1 to 15 [2] 1 1 1 Where access for disabled people 

16 to 30 2 2 1 is required by S2.6, sanitary 

31 to 45 2 2 2 facilities for disabled people 

46 to 60 3 3 2 should be provided within the 

61 to 75 3 3 3 overall number of facilities 

76 to 90 4 4 3 required, as follows - 

91 to 100 4 4 4 

Over 100 1 additional watercloset, urinal and washbasin 1-20 staff - 

for every additional 50 males or part thereof at least 1 watercloset in accordance 

with Diagram 1 to (M4.4). 

Female 1 to 5 [2] 1 1 

(or male) 6 to 25 2 2 Over 20 staff, either - 

Over 25 1 additional watercloset and washbasin a. at least 1 unit (wc and 

for every additional 25 females (or males), washbasin) of unisex sanitary 

or part thereof accommodation in accordance 

with Diagram 2 to (M4.4), and 

accessed independently of any 

other sanitary accommodation; or 

b. where provided integrally 

within separate sanitary 

accommodation for males and 

females, at least 1 unit (wc and 

washbasin) of unisex sanitary 

accommodation for each sex 

in accordance with 

Diagram 2 to (M4.4). 

A greater provision may be 

required dependent upon the 

distance between facilities. 

(see M4.9) 

Notes: 

1. Adequate sanitary facilities for males and females should be calculated from the number of staff 

likely to be employed in the building at any specific time. A written statement of the numbers 

should be submitted to the relevant Building Control Authority who may wish to verify the figures. 

2. Separate sanitary facilities for staff are not required where fewer than 6 people are employed. 

3. In a restaurant, café or similar food outlet, sanitary facilities provided for the staff should be 

reserved for their sole use, except in small premises where the total number of persons (staff and 

non staff) using the building is not more than 20, only 1 unit (watercloset and washbasin) of unisex 

sanitary accommodation need be provided. 


M

M 

(M4.4), (M4.5) 

The requirements of M4.4 with regard to suitable sanitary facilities, will be met by providing sanitary 

facilities for disabled people (as required by Table to (M4.4)) in accordance with Diagrams 1 and 2 to 


Diagram 1 to (M4.4): Plan of accessible sanitary facilities in a small building 

Notes: 

1. The activity space must be clear of any door swing. 

2. A wall hung washbasin may project into the activity space. (see Diagram 2 to (M4.4). 

3. Two rails should be provided on either side of the watercloset and at least 1 should be of the 

wall-fixed, grab rail type. 

Diagram 2 to (M4.4): Fully accessible sanitary facilities 

1.5m 

400mm 


2m 

250mm 

Hinged 

support 

rail 

grab rail 

(wall-fixed) 

200mm 

activity space 

400mm 

800mm 

Plan of fully accessible watercloset with washbasin Section through fully accessible watercloset with washbasin 

Notes: 

1. Door width is clear opening width. 

2. A sliding door is an acceptable option. 

(M4.5) The requirements of M4.5 with regard to number of sanitary facilities, will be met by providing sanitary 

facilities in accordance with - 

a. for a building of purpose group 2, Table 2 to BS 6465: Part 1: 1994; 

b. for a building of purpose group 4, Table 1 to this specification - 

20M 

hinged support rail 

750mm 

800mm 650mm 

300mm 

450mm 

hinged support rail 

750mm

21M 

(M4.5) 

Table 1 to (M4.5): Minimum number of sanitary facilities for people, other than staff, in a building of 

purpose group 4 

Building type Sales area Number of Number of Sanitary facilities for 

of shop waterclosets [1] urinals disabled people 

Shops (Class 1) Unisex over 500m2 1 Where access for 

and shopping [6] disabled people is 

malls [2-5] required by S2.6, 

male 1000m2-2000m2 1 1 sanitary facilities for 

2001m2-4000m2 1 2 disabled people 

over 4000m2 plus 1 wc for each plus 1 urinal for should be provided 

additional 2000 m2 each additional within the overall 

of sales area, or 2000 m2 of number of facilities 

part thereof sales area, or 

part thereof 

required, as follows - 

at least 1 unit (wc 

female 1000m2-2000m2 2 and washbasin) of 

2001m2-4000m2 5 unisex sanitary 

over 4000m2 plus 2 wc for each accommodation in 

additional 2000 m2 accordance with 

of sales area, or Diagram 2 to (M4.4), 

part thereof and accessed 

independently of 

Shops (Class 2) Unisex over 1000m2 1 any other sanitary 

and shopping 

malls [2-5] 

[6] accommodation. 

male 1000m2-4000m2 1 1 A greater provision 

over 4000m2 plus 1 wc for each plus 1 urinal for may be required 

additional 3000 m2 each additional dependant upon 

of sales area, 3000 m2 of the distance between 

or part thereof sales area, or 

part thereof 

facilities. (see M4.9) 

female 1000m2-2000m2 1 

2001m2-4000m2 3 

over 4000m2 plus 1 wc for each 

additional 3000 m2 of sales area, or 

part thereof 

Notes: 

1. 1 washbasin should be provided for each watercloset, plus 1 washbasin per 5 urinals, or part 

thereof. 

2. The definition of Class 1 and 2 shops is listed in Schedule 4 in Part A, General. 

3. It has been assumed that the customers will be 50% male and 50% female. For different proportions 

the accommodation levels will have to be adjusted. 

4. For shopping malls, the sum of the sales areas of all the shops in the mall should be calculated 

and used with this table. Sanitary facilities provided within a shop may be included in the overall 

calculation. 

5. For shops with restaurants, additional sanitary facilities should be provided in accordance with 

Table 2 to (M4.5). 

6. Should include baby-changing facilities. 

7. Sanitary accommodation should be easily accessible and situated on the entrance floor and in 

large shops, on alternate floors. 


M

M 

(M4.5) 

c. for a building of purpose group 5, other than a building listed in sub-clauses d, e and f, Table 2 to 

this specification; 

d. for sports stadia, as recommended in ‘Toilet Facilities at Stadia’; 

e. for a school not covered by the Schools Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) 

Regulations 1967 and 1979, Table 6 to BS 6465: Part 1: 1994; 

f. for a place of higher education, the provision for a secondary school in Table 6 to BS 6465: Part 1: 

1994. 

Table 2 to (M4.5): Minimum number of sanitary facilities for people, other than staff, in a building 

of purpose group 5 [1] 

Building type [3-7] Number of Number of Number of Sanitary facilities 

people waterclosets [2] urinals for disabled people 

Buildings used male 1-100 1 2 Where access for 

for public [8] 101-200 1 plus 1 for each disabled people is 

entertainment 201-250 1 additional 80 required by S2.6, 

(e.g. single-screen over 250 plus 1 for each males, or part sanitary facilities for 

cinemas, theatres, additional 500 thereof, over disabled people should 

concert halls and males, or part 100 be provided within the 

other premises thereof overall number of 

without licensed facilities required, 

bars) as follows - 

female 1-40 3 1-20 people - 

[8] 41-70 4 at least 1 watercloset 

71-100 5 in accordance with 

over 100 plus 1 for each Diagram 1 to (M4.4) 

additional 

35 females, or Over 20 people - 

part thereof at least 1 unit (wc and 

washbasin) of unisex 

Restaurants,cafés, male 1-400 [9 10] 1 for every 100, 1 per 50 males, sanitary 

canteens and or part thereof, or part thereof accommodation in 

fast food outlets over 400 plus 1 for each accordance with 

(where seating additional 250 Diagram 2 to (M4.4) 

is provided) males, or part and accessed 

thereof independently of any 

other sanitary 

female 1-20 [9 10] 2 accommodation. 

21-50 3 

51-100 4 A greater provision 

101-150 5 may be required 

151-200 6 dependant upon the 

over 200 plus 1 for each distance between 

additional 100 facilities. (see M4.9) 

females, or part 

thereof 

Public houses male 1-75 1 2 

and licensed [11] 76-150 1 3 

bars [12 13] over 150 plus 1 for each plus 1 for each 

additional 150 additional 75 

males, or part males, or part 

thereof thereof 


22M

23M 

(M4.5) 

Table 2 to (M4.5): Minimum number of sanitary facilities for people, other than staff, in a building 

of purpose group 5 [1] (continued) 

Building type [3-7] Number of Number of Number of Sanitary facilities 

people waterclosets [2] urinals for disabled people 

female 1-10 1 

[10] 11-25 2 

over 25 plus 1 for each 

additional 20 


thereof 

Swimming pools male 1-100 2 1 per 20 males 

(bathers only) over 100 plus 1 for each 

[14] additional 100 

males, or part 

thereof 

female 1-25 2 

plus 1 for each 

additional 25 


thereof 

Notes: 

1. Adequate sanitary facilities for males and females should be calculated from the number of persons the 

building is likely to accommodate in use. A written statement of the numbers should be submitted to 

the relevant Building Control Authority who may wish to verify the figures. 

2. 1 washbasin should be provided for each watercloset, plus 1 washbasin per 5 urinals, or part thereof. 

3. It has been assumed that the customers will be 50% male and 50% female. For different proportions 

the accommodation levels will have to be adjusted. 

4. In multi-use buildings each function should be treated separately for calculating overall provision. 

5. Where members of the public are permitted to use sanitary facilities provided for staff, a separate 

calculation should be made for each group and the total number of sanitary facilities provided accordingly. 

6. There is no requirement to provide sanitary facilities in a building of purpose group 3, 6 or 7 for 

people other than staff, but where they are, they should be readily accessible to the public, e.g. off 

entrance hall or foyer. 

7. Baby-changing facilities should be provided in buildings used for public entertainment, restaurants, 

cafés and fast food outlets where seating is provided. 

8. In cinema-multiplexes and similar premises where the use of sanitary facilities will be spread through 

the opening hours, the level of sanitary facilities should normally be based upon 75% of total capacity. 

For single-screen cinemas 100% occupancy is assumed. 

9. Only 1 unit (watercloset and washbasin) of unisex sanitary accommodation for both staff and customers 

need be provided where the total number of persons using the premises is not more than 20. 

10. In the case of works and office canteens, the scale of provision may be reduced proportionally where 

there are readily accessible workplace sanitary facilities close to the canteen. 

11. Number of customers should be calculated at the rate of 4 persons per 3 m 2 of effective drinking area 

(i.e. the total space of those parts of those rooms to which the public has access). 

12. Public houses with restaurants should be provided with sanitary facilities as for licensed bars. 

13. Public houses with public music, singing and dancing licenses should be as for licensed bars. The 

licensed area for public music, singing and dancing should be separated for calculation of occupancy 

and the provision of sanitary facilities should be in accordance with buildings used for public entertainment. 

14. Sanitary facilities for spectators should be provided in accordance with buildings used for public 

entertainment. 


M

M 

(M4.5) – (M4.8) 

The requirements of M4.5 with regard to suitable sanitary facilities, will be met by providing sanitary 

facilities for disabled people (as required by Tables 1 and 2 to (M4.5)) in accordance with Diagrams 1 

and 2 to (M4.4). 

(M4.6) The requirements of M4.6 will be met, where there are 4 or more watercloset cubicles in a group, by 

providing at least 1 cubicle in the group with an activity space in front of the watercloset in accordance 

with the diagram to this specification - 

Diagram to (M4.6): Plan view of activity space 

Notes: 

1. The activity space must be clear of any door swing. 

2. A wall hung washbasin may project into the activity space. (see Diagram 2 to (M4.4). 

(M4.7) The requirements of M4.7 will be met where the changing cubicle is provided in accordance with the 

diagram to this specification - 

Diagram to (M4.7): Changing cubicle 

(M4.8) The requirements of M4.8 will be met where sanitary accommodation accessible from the bedroom, is 

provided, which - 


800mm 

hinged 

support rail 

1.2m 1.5m 

grab rail 

curtain 

1.6m 

a. has plan dimensions of at least 2.4 m x 2.0 m; and 

b. has an outward opening or sliding door providing a clear opening width of at least 800 mm; and 

c. contains a bath or a shower accessible to wheelchair users; and 

d. contains a watercloset, washbasin and support rails arranged as shown in the Diagram 2 to 

(M4.4). 

24M 

750mm 

tip-up 

seat

ELECTRICAL 

INSTALLATIONSN

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATIONS 26 & 26A 

Electrical installations 

THE STANDARDS 

N1 Application of Part N N1.1-N1.2 

N2 Electrical installations 

Electrical installations N2.1 

Aids to communication N2.2 


(N2.1) Electrical installations 

(N2.2) Aids to communication 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3N 


N

5N 

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that electrical 

installations are safe in terms of the hazards likely to arise 

from defective installations, namely fire, electric shock and 

burns or other personal injury and that other than in buildings 

of purpose group 1, aids to assist the hard of hearing are 

provided. 

2. It should be noted that relevant material from the now 

deleted Part T has been incorporated in this Part. 

3. The regulation applies to installations in, or serving, 

buildings. An installation consists of the electrical wiring 

and associated components and fittings, including permanently 

secured and large stationary equipment, but excluding 

portable equipment and appliances. Exceptions are made for 

mine and quarry buildings and factories (as they have particular 

hazards and are subject to other legislation), statutory 

supply undertakers’ works and extra-low voltage installations 

which are not supplied from a higher voltage (eg 

240 V) circuit. 

4. The requirements of the regulations are deemed to be 

satisfied by complying with British Standard 7671: 1992 

“The Requirements for Electrical Installations”. This British 

Standard is identical to the “Regulations for Electrical Installations”, 

Sixteenth Edition 1991 published by the Institute of 

Electrical Engineers (lEE). It should be noted that some of 

the provisions of the British Standards, such as the safeguards 

for livestock, the requirements for caravans, the provision 

of British Standards, lEE completion and inspection 

certificates and the recommendations for periodic inspection 

and testing, are outwith the scope of the Building Standards 

Regulations. 


N

N 

Regulations 26 & 26A 

Electrical installations 

26 (1) Every electrical installation to which this 

regulation applies and every item of stationary 

electrical equipment connected to such an 

installation shall provide adequate protection 

against its being a source of fire or a cause of 

personal injury. 

(2) This regulation shall not apply to an installation 

- 

(a) serving a building or any part of a building 

to which the Mines and Quarries Act 

1954(a) or the Factories Act 1961 applies; 

(b) forming part of the works of an undertaker 

to which regulations for the supply and 

distribution of electricity made under the 

Electricity (Supply) Acts 1882 to 1936 or 

section 16 of the Energy Act 1983(b) 

apply; or 

(c) consisting of a circuit (including a circuit 

for telecommunication or for transmission 

of sound, vision or data, or for alarm 

purposes) which operates at a voltage not 

normally exceeding 50 volts alternating 

current or 120 volts direct current, measured 

between any two conductors or 

between any conductor and earth, and 

which is not connected directly or indirectly 

to an electricity supply which operates 

at a voltage higher than those 

mentioned in this sub-paragraph. 

(3) In paragraph (1) “stationary electrical equipment” 

means electrical equipment which is 

fixed, or which has a mass exceeding 18kg 

and is not provided with a carrying handle. 

26A. Every building other than a building in 

purpose group 1 shall be provided with suitable 

aids to assist the hard of hearing. 

(a) 1954c.70 

(b) 1983c.25 


6N

The standards 

N1 Application of Part N 

N1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 26 and 26A. 

N1.2 The standards apply to electrical installations in, or serving, all buildings, 

except - 

installations specified in Regulations 26(2) and 26A 

N2 Electrical Installations 

Electrical Installations 

7N 

N1.1 – N2.2 

N2.1* An electrical installation must be constructed, installed and protected to minimise the risk of fire in the 

building or elsewhere. 

In normal operation, taking into account the surroundings, it must not create the risk of burns, shock or 

other injury to people. 

It must - 

a. safely accommodate any likely maximum demand; 

b. incorporate suitable automatic devices for protection against overcurrent or leakage; and 

c. have switches, or other means of isolating parts of the installation or equipment connected to it, 

as are necessary for safe working and maintenance. 

AIDS TO COMMUNICATION 

N2.2* Suitable aids for people with a hearing impairment must be provided in - 

a. auditoria and conference halls with a floor area more than 100 square metres; and 

b. situations where the public is separated from a vendor or service provider by a glazed screen. 


N


ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS 

(N2.1) The requirements of N2.1 will be met where an installation complies with the relevant requirements of 

BS7671: 1992. 

AIDS TO COMMUNICATION 

(N2.2) The requirements of N2.2 will be met by the installation of an aid to hearing system that will provide a 

sound signal to a hearing aid enhanced by 20dB and suppress any reverberation, audience or other 

environmental noise. 

9N 

(N2.1, N2.2) 


N

10N

MISCELLANEOUS 

HAZARDSP

Contents 

Introduction 

REGULATIONS 27 & 28 

Miscellaneous hazards 

THE STANDARDS 

P1 Application of Part P P1.1-P1.3 

P2 Danger from accident 

Collision with projections P2.1 

Collision with glazing P2.2 

Cleaning of windows and rooflights P2.3-P2.4 

Emergency stopping of escalators and 

passenger conveyors 

P2.5 

Discharge of steam or hot water P2.6 

Access to manual controls P2.7 

Roof access P2.8 

P3 Danger from malfunction of an unvented hot 

water storage system 

Unvented hot water storage system P3.1 


(P2.2) Collision with glazing 

(P2.3- 

P2.4) 

Cleaning of windows and rooflights 

(P2.5) Emergency stopping of escalators and passenger conveyors 

(P2.8) Roof access 

(P3.1) Unvented hot water storage system 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3P 


P

5P 

Introduction 

1 The intention of this Part is to reduce the risk of 

accidents which could otherwise arise from built-in hazards 

or from the malfunction of mechanical equipment in and 

around a building. The Part brings together safety controls 

which do not lend themselves to inclusion in other Parts of 

the Technical Standards. 

2 The requirements are intended to prevent the creation of 

dangerous obstructions, such as windows opening on to 

pedestrian routes at body height, and to prevent the 

construction and location of windows which cannot be 

cleaned and operated safely. They are intended to reduce 

injury caused by collision with glass and caused by unsafe 

access to and on roofs, to safely locate hot water and steam 

vent pipe outlets, and to reduce the risk of explosion through 

the malfunction of an unvented hot water storage system 

where a minimum range of safety devices is required and 

installation is controlled. 

3 Escalators and passenger conveyors are required to have 

safe stopping mechanisms which can be operated by the user 

in the event of an accident. 


P

P 


Miscellaneous hazards 

27 (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every building shall 

be so constructed as to provide adequate 

protection for users of the building and 

persons in its vicinity from danger from 

accidents arising from - 

(a) collision with projections on the exterior of 

the building and in circulation areas within 

the building; 

(b) collision with glazing; 

(c) cleaning of windows and rooflights; 

(d) use of escalators or passenger conveyors; 

(e) discharge of steam or hot water; 

(f) the positioning of manual controls for 

operation of windows and rooflights; 

(g) the means of access to a roof. 

(2) Paragraph (1)(e) shall apply only, and 

paragraphs (1)(f) and (g) shall not apply, to 

buildings of purpose group 1. 

(3) In paragraph (1)(b) “glazing” means any 

permanently secured sheet of glass or plastics. 

28 (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every system in 

which heated water is stored in a building 

(irrespective of whether the water is heated in 

the system) and which does not incorporate a 

ventilating pipe open to the atmosphere shall 

be so constructed as to provide adequate 

protection from malfunctions of the system. 

(2) This regulation shall not apply to - 

(a) any system in which the storage capacity 

for heated water does not exceed 15 litres; 

(b) any parts of a system which are used solely 

for space heating; 

(c) any system used for an industrial or commercial 

process. 


6P

The standards 

P1 Application of Part P 

P1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 27 and 28. 

P1.2 The standards in P2 apply to all buildings, 

except - 

P2.6 applies only to a building of purpose group 1; and 

P2.7 and P2.8 apply to all buildings other than a building of purpose group 1. 

P1.3 The standards in P3 apply to an unvented hot water storage system in all buildings. 

P2 Danger from accident 

COLLISION WITH PROJECTIONS 

7P 

P1.1 – P2.3 

P2.1 Any projection on a building, and any part of a building capable of being projected, must be positioned 

and secured so that it does not cause a dangerous obstruction to people outside, or inside, the building in 

circulation spaces and a door which swings both ways across a route of passage must be glazed or have 

a vision panel. 

COLLISION WITH GLAZING 

P2.2* Glazing in a building positioned where accidental collision with it is likely, must be constructed and 

installed, or protected, to minimise the danger of collision and injury to people. 

CLEANING OF WINDOWS AND ROOFLIGHTS 

P2.3* In a building of purpose group 1, any window or part of a window more than 4 m above the adjacent 

ground must be constructed so that its external and internal glazed surfaces can be safely cleaned 

from - 

a. inside the building; or 

b. from a loadbearing surface; or 

c. a window access system mounted on the building, 

except - 

a window in any part of a building in common occupation which complies with the standard in 

P2.4b. 


P

P 

P2.4 – P3.1 

P2.4* In a building of purpose groups 2 to 7 and in that part of a building of purpose group 1 which is in 

common occupation every window and rooflight, except for a rooflight within a roof access hatch must - 

a. be constructed to comply with P2.3, or 

b. have provision for cleaning from a portable ladder where no part of any external or internal 

glazed surface is more than 9 m above - 


i. the adjacent ground; or 

ii. an adjacent loadbearing surface 

which has suitable unobstructed space for the use of such a ladder. 

EMERGENCY STOPPING OF ESCALATORS AND PASSENGER CONVEYORS 

P2.5* Escalators and passenger conveyors must be provided with devices capable of being readily operated 

which, when activated, can bring the equipment to a controlled halt in such a way that passengers will 

be able to maintain their balance. 

DISCHARGE OF STEAM OR HOT WATER 

P2.6 Any vent pipe of a hot water system in a building of purpose group 1 must be positioned so that any 

discharge will not endanger anyone inside or outside the building. 

ACCESS TO MANUAL CONTROLS 

P2.7 A manual control for operating a window or rooflight forming part of a building of purpose groups 2 to 

7 must be positioned so that the device can be operated without endangering the user of the control. 

ROOF ACCESS 

P2.8* A roof forming part of a building of purpose groups 2 to 7 must be provided with a safe and suitable 

access thereto including provision thereon of a suitable warning visibly identifying any part of the roof 

which is not capable of bearing a concentrated load of 0.9 kN per 130 millimetres square, 

except - 

a roof having eaves which at any part is at a height of less than 4.5 m above the adjacent ground need be 

provided only with a suitable warning. 

P3 Danger from malfunction of an unvented hot water storage system 

UNVENTED HOT WATER STORAGE SYSTEM 

P3.1* An unvented hot water storage system must be so constructed as to prevent the temperature of the stored 

water at any time exceeding 100°C and to provide adequate protection from malfunctions of the system. 

8P


COLLISION WITH GLAZING 

9P 

(P2.2) – (P3.1) 

(P2.2) The requirements of P2.2 will be met where glazing is in accordance with BS 6262: Part 4: 1994. 

CLEANING OF WINDOWS AND ROOFLIGHTS 

(P2.3) The requirements of P2.3 will be met where external and internal glazed surfaces can be cleaned safely 

from - 

a. inside the building in accordance with the requirements of Clauses 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4 of BS 

8213: Part 1: 1991; or 

b. a loadbearing surface, eg balcony, catwalk, roof surface etc to which safe access can be 

obtained; and 

i. which has a protective barrier not less than 1.1 m high, where any edge of the surface or 

access is likely to be dangerous; and 

ii. where no part of the glazing is more than 4 m above the surface. 

c. a window access system mounted on the building in accordance with Clause 9 of BS 8213: 

Part 1: 1991. 

(P2.4) The requirements of P2.4b.ii. will be met by - 

a. a loadbearing surface, eg balcony, catwalk, roof surface etc to which safe access can be 

obtained; and 

i. the access is suitable for carrying a portable ladder; and 

ii. which has a protective barrier not less than 1.1 m high, where any edge of the surface or 

access is likely to be dangerous. 

EMERGENCY STOPPING OF ESCALATORS AND PASSENGER CONVEYORS 

(P2.5) The requirements of P2.5 will be met where the location of the devices and the stopping of the equipment 

complies with the requirements of BS EN 115: 1995. 

ROOF ACCESS 

(P2.8) The requirements for access will be met by stairs, ladders and walkways complying with BS 5395: 

Part 3: 1985 and the requirements for the visible warning will be met by sign A2.4 of BS 5378: 

Part 3:1982. 

UNVENTED HOT WATER STORAGE SYSTEM 

(P3.1) The requirements of P3.1 will be met where the storage vessel of an unvented hot water storage system 

meets the following requirements. 


P

P 

(P3.1) 

1 Hot water storage system having a storage vessel of not more than 500 litres capacity having a power 

input not more than 45 kW. 

In this specification - 

UNIT means a vessel for heating water or storing hot water, factory fitted with the safety devices 

described in 1b below and incorporating other operating devices to stop primary flow, prevent backflow, 

control working pressure, relieve excess pressure and accommodate expansion all fitted on the 

unit by the manufacturer; and 

PACKAGE means a vessel for heating water or storing hot water, factory fitted with the safety devices 

described in 1b below and supplied by the manufacturer with a kit containing other operating devices 

to stop primary flow, prevent backflow, control working pressure, relieve excess pressure and accommodate 

expansion, to be fitted to the system by the installer. 

a. An unvented hot water storage system must be in the form of a proprietary unit or package 

which is: 

SAFETY DEVICES 


i. the subject of a BBA Certificate; or 

ii. Kitemarked to BS 7206: 1990. 

b. A unit or package must have, subject to the requirements of 1c below, a minimum of 2 temperature 

activated devices operating in sequence comprising - 

i. a non self-resetting thermal cut-out; and 

ii. a temperature relief valve. 

The 2 devices are additional to any thermostatic control which is fitted to maintain the temperature 

of the stored water. 

c. In indirectly heated units and packages the non self-resetting thermal cut-out should be wired up 

to a motorised valve, or some other device specified in the BBA Certificate or British Standard, 

to shut off the flow to the primary heater. If the unit incorporates a boiler the thermal cut-out 

may be on the boiler. 

d. Where an indirect unit or package has any alternative direct method of water heating fitted a 

non self-resetting thermal cut-out device will also be needed on the direct source(s). 

e. In both directly and indirectly heated units and packages, the temperature relief valve referred to 

in 1b above should be located directly on the storage vessel. The valve should be sized to give a 

discharge rating at least equal to the power input to the water. The valve should not be disconnected 

other than for replacement or relocated in any other position nor the connecting boss 

used to connect any other device or fitting. Each valve should discharge via a short length of 

metal pipe of a size not less than the nominal outlet size of the temperature relief valve either 

directly or by way of a manifold sized to accept the total discharge from the discharge pipes 

connected to it, through an air break over a tundish located vertically as near as possible to the 

valve. 

f. The discharge pipe from the tundish should be of suitable metal and be at least one pipe size 

larger than the outlet pipe on the safety device. The pipe should be laid to a continuous fall and 

be no longer than the equivalent in hydraulic resistance of a pipe 9 m long unless the bore is 

increased. The pipe should terminate in a visible but safe place such as a gully, where there is 

no risk of contact with the discharge by persons. 

10P

11P 

(P3.1) 

2 A hot water storage system having a storage vessel of over 500 litres capacity or having a power input 

more than 45 kW. 

REQUIREMENTS 

a. These systems will generally be for projects specified to unique designs. 

SAFETY DEVICES 

INSTALLATION 

b. An unvented hot water storage system with a storage vessel of more than 500 litres capacity and 

a power input not more than 45 kW should have safety devices in accordance with the recommendations 

of Section 2 Clause 2.4 in BS 6700: 1997. 

c. Any unvented hot water storage vessel with a power input of more than 45 kW should have the 

appropriate number of temperature relief valves either to BS 6283: Part 2: 1991 or Part 3: 1991 

to give a combined discharge rating at least equal to the power input or equally suitable temperature 

relief valves marked with the set temperature in °C, and the discharge rating marked in 

kW, measured in accordance with Appendix F of BS 6283: Part 2: 1991 or Appendix G of BS 

6283: Part 3: 1991, at least equal to the power input. The valves should be factory fitted to the 

storage vessel and the sensing element located as described in 1e. 

d. Non self-resetting thermal cut-outs appropriate to the heat source should be incorporated in the 

system and installed as described in 1d. 

e. Discharge pipes to convey any discharges from safety devices should be installed as described 

in 1f. 


P

12P

ACCESS AND 

FACILITIES FOR 

DWELLINGSQ

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 29 

Access and facilities for dwellings 

THE STANDARDS 

Q1 Application of Part Q Q1.1-Q1.2 

Q2 Access 

Access to dwellings Q2.1-Q2.4 

Accessible entrance Q2.5-Q2.7 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 1A Q2.8-Q2.10 

Access within dwellings Q2.11-Q2.12 

Access between storeys Q2.13 

Q3 Facilities 

Accommodation Q3.1-Q3.2 

Kitchens Q3.3-Q3.4 

Windows Q3.5 

Space heating Q3.6 

Lighting points Q3.7-Q3.8 

Socket outlets Q3.9 


(Q2.1, 

Q2.4) 

Access to dwellings 

(Q2.7) Accessible entrance 

(Q2.10) Buildings of purpose sub-group 1A 

(Q2.11) Access within dwellings 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3Q 


Q

5Q 

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that every dwelling 

will be provided with suitable access from a road, basic 

accommodation and necessary facilities. 

2. In addition, the intention is to permit occupiers to invite 

disabled people to visit them in their homes with minimum 

inconvenience, although it is not intended to create dwellings 

that, from the outset, will permit independent living for all 

disabled people. 

3. Access for disabled people is normally required to at 

least one entrance of a house or other dwelling entered 

directly from outside, except where the steepness of the site 

makes this impracticable. However, such access is always 

required to the common entrance of a building of purpose 

sub-group 1A. 

4. Within a dwelling access for disabled people is normally 

required throughout the accessible entrance storey, or 

throughout the principal entrance storey of a dwelling to an 

entrance of which wheelchair access is not required. 

5. Sanitary facilities are required by Part M to be provided 

on a storey containing an accessible apartment. 

6. In this Part the term disabled people always includes 

wheelchair users. 

7. It should be noted that relevant material from the now 

deleted Part T has been incorporated in this Part. 

8. This Part is limited to the provision of access into and 

within buildings; it does not cover means of escape from fire 

or provision of means of warning of fire, for which reference 

should be made to Part E. 


Q

Q 

Regulation 29 

Access and facilities for dwellings 

29 (1) A building of purpose group 1 shall be 

provided with - 

(a) safe and convenient access from a suitable 

road; 

(b) adequate access within and between its 

storeys; 

(c) adequate sleeping accommodation; 

(d) adequate kitchen facilities; 

(e) adequate windows; and 

(f) adequate space heating. 

(2) Every building of purpose group 1 to which it 

is reasonably practicable to make available a 

public supply of electricity shall be provided 

with sufficient electricity lighting points and 

socket outlets. 

(3) This regulation shall not be subject to specification 


the Act. 


6Q

The standards 

Q1 Application of Part Q 

Q1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 29. 

Q1.2 The standards apply to every building, or part of a building, of purpose group 1 which is intended to be 

occupied as a single dwelling. 

except - 

Q2.8 to Q2.10 apply only to the common parts of buildings of purpose sub-group 1A. 

Q2 Access 

ACCESS TO DWELLINGS 

Q2.1* There must be access to at least one entrance of a dwelling, and to the common entrance of a building 

of purpose sub-group 1A, from a suitable road and from any car parking within land in the same 

occupation by an access route which is level or ramped and suitable for disabled people, 

except - 

wheelchair access is not required and steps are permitted on the access route - 

a. to a house where - 

i. there are no apartments on an accessible entrance storey, or 

ii. it is not reasonably practicable to construct an access route complying with this Part, 

and the requirements of Part S for ramps, between the point of access to, or from any car 

parking within, land in the same occupation and any entrance to the dwelling; or 

b. in the case of a building of purpose sub-group 1A not served by a lift, to - 

i. a common entrance where it does not serve a ground storey flat or maisonette, and 

ii. a flat or maisonette on an upper storey. 

Q2.2 The length of the access must not exceed 45 metres. 

Q2.3 The width of the access must be at least - 

a. where it serves 1 or 2 dwellings, 900mm; or 

b. where it serves more than 2 dwellings, 1200mm. 

Q2.4* The access must comprise a level or ramped firm surface suitable for pedestrian and wheelchair traffic. 

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE 

Q2.5 The accessible entrance to a dwelling, and the common entrance to a building of purpose sub-group 

1A, must comply with Q2.6 and Q2.7, 

except - 

where exceptions a. or b. to Q2.1 apply. 

7Q 

Q1.1 – Q2.5 


Q

Q 

Q2.6 – Q2.13 

Q2.6 There must be a platt, level except for any necessary slope for drainage, at least 1.2 x 1.2 metres - 

a. at the entrance to the dwelling; or 

b. in a building of purpose sub-group 1A, at the common entrance to the building, 

except - 

where approach is head-on, the platt may be reduced to at least 900mm wide. 

Q2.7* The threshold must permit unassisted wheelchair access and the clear opening width of the entrance 

door must be at least 775 mm. 

except - 

in a building of purpose sub-group 1A, the clear opening width of the common entrance door to the 

building must be at least 800mm. 


Q2.8 Where in a building of purpose sub-group 1A access from the common entrance to the building to the 

entrance storey of the dwelling is by way of a common access corridor, the corridor must have an 

unobstructed width of at least 1.2 metres. 

Q2.9 Where the entrance door to a dwelling is more than 10 metres above the common entrance to the building, 

a lift in accordance with (S2.6)a must be provided from a point not more than 1 metre above that 

entrance to the building to a point not more than 3 metres above or below the entrance to the dwelling. 

Q2.10* In a building of purpose sub-group 1A - 

a. an entryphone system, where fitted, must be accessible to and operable by disabled people; and 

b. any light switch in a common access corridor or stair or other communal area must be accessible 

to, and operable by, disabled people. 

ACCESS WITHIN DWELLINGS 

Q2.11* The means of access throughout the accessible entrance storey of a dwelling or where there are no 

apartments on this storey, on the first storey above or below the accessible entrance storey containing 

an apartment, must be level or ramped and suitable for disabled people, 

except - 

a stair within a storey is permitted, provided that there is level or ramped access suitable for disabled 

people to and within at least one apartment and to sanitary accommodation provided in accordance 

with M4.3. 

Q2.12 Where level or ramped access suitable for disabled people is not required by Q2.1 the means of access 

throughout the principal entrance storey, or where there are no apartments on this storey, on the first 

storey above or below the principal entrance storey containing an apartment, must be in accordance 

with the requirements of Q2.11. 

ACCESS BETWEEN STOREYS 

Q2.13 Where a dwelling has accommodation, other than storage, on more than one storey the storeys containing 

accommodation must be connected by a stair or ramp in accordance with the requirements of Part S. 


8Q

Q3 Facilities 

ACCOMMODATION 

Q3.1 Every apartment must be capable of accommodating at least - 

Notes: 

1. An activity space is measured at floor level. 

2. The shaded area of an activity space may overlap only the shaded area of another activity space. 

Q3.2 Every bedroom must be located so that it is not necessary to pass through another bedroom in order to 

reach a bathroom, toilet, or circulation space. 

KITCHENS 

a. a bed; and 

b. a wardrobe; and 

c. a chest of drawers, 

Q3.3 A dwelling must have a kitchen, provided with - 

a. a solid fuel cooker designed for continuous burning; or 

b. a space, plus such piping, cables or other apparatus as will enable a gas, electric or oil cooker to 

be used, 

together with the associated activity space of the dimensions shown in the diagram to this standard - 

9Q 

Q3.1 – Q3.3 

together with their associated activity spaces of the dimensions shown in the diagram to this standard, 

except - 

a wardrobe space is not required where a built-in wardrobe of equal size is provided. 

Diagram to Q3.1: Activity spaces 

900 

400 

2000 

250 

600 

Bed Space Wardrobe Space Chest of Drawers Space 

600 

1000 

(700) 

Notes: 

1. An activity space is measured at floor level. 

2. The shaded area of one activity space may overlap only the 

shaded area of another activity space. 

( ) 

750 

450 

1000 

(700) 

KEY 

Activity space 

Dimension in millimetres 

Reduced dimension when 

measured to a bed 


Q

Q 

Q3.3 – Q3.9 

Diagram to Q3.3: Activity spaces 

Z 

Cooker Space 


Z 

1000 

Note: 

An activity space is measured at floor level 

Z 

10Q 

KEY 

Activity space 

Not less than the dimensions of the appliance 

Dimension in millimetres 

Q3.4 Kitchen storage of at least 1 cubic metre must be provided either within or adjacent to the kitchen. 

WINDOWS AND GLAZED DOORS 

Q3.5 Every apartment must have a window or windows of an aggregate glazed area equal to at least 1/15th 

of the floor area of the apartment and situated in an external wall or roof, or in a wall between the 

apartment and a conservatory. 

SPACE HEATING 

Q3.6 A dwelling must have a fixed space heating appliance or a central heating system, which may include 

any system of warm air or underfloor heating, capable of either - 

a. maintaining a temperature of 18 degrees Centigrade in at least one apartment when the outside 

temperature is minus 1 degree Centigrade ; or 

b. making available at least 3 kilowatts of heating in at least one apartment. 

LIGHTING POINTS 

Q3.7 A dwelling to which it is reasonably practicable to make available a public supply of electricity must 

have an electric lighting system providing at least one lighting point to every circulation space, kitchen, 

bathroom, toilet and other space having a floor area of 2 square metres or more. 

Q3.8 Any lighting point serving a stair must have controlling switches at each storey. 

SOCKET OUTLETS 

Q3.9 A dwelling to which it is reasonably practicable to make available a public supply of electricity must 

have at least - 

a. in the kitchen, 6 socket outlets; 

b. in each apartment, 4 socket outlets; and 

c. anywhere in the dwelling, 4 additional socket outlets.


ACCESS TO DWELLINGS 

(Q2.1) The requirements of Q2.1, as regards a suitable road, will be met by - 

a. a public road; or 

b. a road, at least 3 metres wide capable of carrying a vehicle axle load of 5 tonnes. 

(Q2.4) The requirements of Q2.4 for the surface of paths or ramps will be met by - 

a. 50mm concrete slabs bedded on granular material; or 

b. 30mm tarmacadam to BS4987: Parts 1 and 2: 1993 laid on 100mm of consolidated hardcore 

bottoming; or 

c. 50mm clay or calcium silicate pavers to BS6677: Part 1: 1986, laid in accordance with 

BS6677: Part 2: 1986; or 

d. 60mm concrete paving blocks to BS6717: Part 1: 1993, laid in accordance with BS6677: 

Part 2: 1986. 

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE 

(Q2.7) The requirements of Q2.7 for an accessible threshold will be met by a threshold designed as follows: 

a. The surface of the platt should be no more than 10mm below the leading edge of the sill, as 

shown in Diagram A to this specification. 

b. No single vertical increment associated with the sill or the threshold should be more than 15 

mm, and any sloping element should have a slope not more than 15 degrees to the horizontal. 

Any vertical increment of more than 5mm should be rounded or chamfered. 

Diagram A to (Q2.7): Sill and threshold constraints 

10mm max 

platt 

sill 

15mm max 

15˚max 

threshold 

c. Where the floor covering (or finished structural floor where no covering is intended) is designed 

to be more than 15mm below the top of the threshold an internal transition unit should be provided 

as shown in Diagram B to this specification. 

11Q 

5mm max 

floor finish 

structural floor 

(Q2.1) – (Q2.7) 


Q

Q 

(Q2.7) – (Q2.11) 

d. The transition unit should have a gradient not more than 15 degrees to the horizontal, a slip 

resistant surface, and should start not less than 5mm and not more than 10mm from the top of 

the threshold, and finish not more than 5mm above the floor covering, or finished structural 

floor where no covering is intended. 

Diagram B to (Q2.7): Internal transition unit 

sill 


(Q2.10) The requirements of Q2.10a. will be met where the entryphone control panel is situated 900mm - 

1.2 metres above the entrance platt 

The requirements of Q2.10c. will be met where light switches are situated 900mm - 1.2 metres above 

the floor. 

ACCESS WITHIN DWELLINGS 

(Q2.11) The requirements of Q2.11 will be met where - 

a. every accessible corridor is level or ramped and is at least 900mm wide, 

except - 

at a radiator the width may reduce to at least 750mm for a length not more than 2 metres; and 

b. access to each apartment and kitchen and to sanitary accommodation is provided through a 

doorway with a clear opening width at least that shown in the table to this specification. 

Table to (Q2.11): Width of internal doors 

threshold 

5mm max 

transition floor 

structural floor 

clear opening width (mm) Minimum corridor width at door (mm) 

750 1 200 (900 when approached head-on) 

775 1 050 (900 when approached head-on) 

800 900 


12Q 

15˚max 

5mm max

STORAGE OF WASTE R

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATIONS 30 & 31 

Storage of waste 

THE STANDARDS 

R1 Application of Part R R1.1-R1.3 

R2 Solid waste storage 

Buildings of purpose group 1 R2.1-R2.3 

R3 Dungsteads and farm effluent tanks 

Construction and location R3.1 

Safety R3.2 


(R2.3) Buildings of purpose group 1 

(R3.1) Construction and location 

(R3.2) Safety 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3R 


R

5R 

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure that - 

a. there are facilities for the storage and removal of 

solid waste from buildings of purpose group 1; and 

b. any dungsteads or farm effluent tanks do not endanger 

health and safety. 

2. Since 1990, there has been a change in waste management 

initiatives. The Government’s White Paper on the 

Environment sets out a strategy for achieving more sustainable 

waste management. Included in the strategy are local 

authority targets for the recovery of 40% of municipal waste 

(this includes household waste) by 2005 and the composting 

of 1 million tonnes of organic household waste by 2001. 

Waste collection authorities are now required to produce 

recycling plans and, in order to implement efficient recycling 

schemes, a change in the means of storage of solid household 

waste may be necessary. The Environmental Protection 

Act, 1990 gives powers to the waste collection authority to 

stipulate the type and number of containers to be used and 

two or more containers may therefore be needed to store different 

types of waste. This could increase the spatial requirements 

for the storage area inside and outside the dwelling. 

The Act also empowers the waste collection authority to designate 

a collection point for removal of the waste and this is 

normally at the curtilage of the dwelling. House designers 

and developers should consult local authorities on local 

waste management strategies and make suitable provisions. 

3. There are other requirements that will have to be taken 

into account in certain cases. Parts D and E (Structural Fire 

Precautions and Means of Escape from Fire) for example 

have requirements for the construction of, and access to, 

solid waste storage accommodation in a dwelling. 

4. It should be noted that special arrangements may have to 

be made to arrange storage to take account of special waste 

from buildings other than dwellings, e.g. the Health and 

Safety Executive should be consulted about factory waste. 

Health Boards should consult the DOE Waste Management 

Paper No 25, “Clinical Wastes”. 


R

R 


SOLID WASTE STORAGE 

30. (1) A building of purpose group 1 shall be 

provided with adequate accommodation 

for solid waste storage. 

(2) Such accommodation shall be so constructed 

as to - 

(a) facilitate access for storage and for 

removal of its contents; 

(b) minimise risks to health and safety; 

and 

(c) prevent contamination of any water 

supply or watercourse. 

(3) This regulation shall not be subject to 

specification in a notice served under 

section 11 of the Act. 

31. A dungstead or farm effluent tank shall be so 

constructed, positioned and protected as to 

minimise risks to health and safety and 

prevent contamination of any water supply or 

watercourse. 


6R

The standards 

R1 Application of Part R 

R1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulations 30 and 31. 

R1.2 The standards in R2 apply to buildings of purpose group 1. 

R1.3 The standards in R3 apply to dungsteads and farm effluent tanks. 

R2 Solid waste storage 


R2.1 In order to minimise the risk to health and safety and to prevent environmental contamination, a building 

of purpose group 1 must be provided with a solid, washable hard-standing sufficiently large to accommodate, 

and provide access to, a waste container, or containers (as specified by the waste collection 

authority) from where - 

a. if it is at a collection point designated by the waste collection authority, the container(s) can be 

emptied or removed by the waste collection authority; or 

b. the container(s) can be readily presented at a collection point for emptying or removal by the 

waste collection authority. 

R2.2 Where the provision for communal solid waste storage is located within a building, there must be provision 

for washing down and draining the floor into a wastewater drainage system. 

R2.3* Solid waste storage must be secured against access by vermin, as far as is reasonably practicable, until 

the waste is presented for removal by the collection authority. 

7R 

R1.1 – R2.3 


R

R 

R3.1 – R3.2 

R3 Dungsteads and farm effluent tanks 

CONSTRUCTION AND LOCATION 

R3.1* A dungstead or farm effluent tank (including a slurry or silage effluent tank) must be constructed - 

SAFETY 

a. in such a manner so as to prevent the escape of effluent through the structure that could cause 

ground contamination or environmental pollution; and 

b. in such a manner so as to avoid endangering any water supply or watercourse caused by the 

seepage or overflow of effluent; and 

c. at sufficient distance from a dwelling or premises used wholly or partly for the preparation or 

consumption of food so as not to be prejudicial to the health and safety of people in the dwelling 

or food premises. 

R3.2* Where there is the possibility of injury from falls, a dungstead or farm effluent tank must be suitably 

covered or fenced. 


8R



(R2.3) The requirements of R2.3 will be met where the waste storage is - 

a. a container of solid, rigid material with a tight fitting lid; or 

b. a ventilated structure - 

CONSTRUCTION AND LOCATION 

i. with secure door or lid providing ready access; and 

9R 

(R2.3) – (R3.2) 

ii. constructed such that no part will permit a sphere of 15 mm diameter to pass through. 

(R3.1) The requirements of R3.1c will be met where the dungstead or farm effluent tank is located at least 

15 m from the dwelling or food premises. 

SAFETY 

(R3.2) The requirements of R3.2 will be met where the covers or fences for the dungstead or the farm effluent 

tank are in accordance with the relevant recommendations of Section 8 of BS 5502: Part 50: 1993. 


R

10R

ACCESS TO AND MOVEMENT 

WITHIN BUILDINGS, AND 

PROTECTIVE BARRIERSS

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 

REGULATION 32 

Access to and movement within buildings, and protective barriers 

THE STANDARDS 

S1 Application of Part S S1.1-S1.3 

S2 Access to and movement within buildings 

Car parking S2.1-S2.2 

Access to buildings S2.3 

Principal entrance S2.4-S2.5 

Movement within buildings S2.6-S2.7 

Internal doors and lobbies S2.8-S2.9 

Areas of audience and spectator fixed seating S2.10 

S3 Stairs and ramps 

General standards for all stairs S3.1 

Rules of measurement S3.2 

Rise, going and pitch of a flights in stairs S3.3-S3.9 

Length of flights S3.10 

Risers and nosings S3.11 

Flights consisting partly of straight and partly of 

tapered treads 

S3.12-S3.14 

Flights consisting wholly of tapered treads S3.15 

Pedestrian ramps S3.16-S3.17 

Landings S3.18-S3.19 

Handrails S3.20-S3.24 

Headroom S3.25 

Industrial stairs and fixed ladders S3.26 

Stairs and fixed ladders in agricultural buildings S3.27 

Steps in sloping gangways S3.28 

S4 Protective barriers 

Pedestrian protective barriers S4.1-S4.3 

Vehicle protective barriers S4.4-S4.5 


(S2.3) Access to buildings 

(S2.5) Principal entrance 

(S2.6- Movement within buildings 

S2.7) 

(S3.10) Rise, going and pitch of stairs 

(S3.11) Risers and nosings 

(S3.12) Flights consisting partly of straight and partly of tapered treads 

(S3.15) Flights consisting wholly of tapered treads 

(S3.26) Industrial stairs and fixed ladders 

(S3.27) Stairs and fixed ladders in agricultural buildings 

(S4.3) Pedestrian protective barriers 

(S4.5) Vehicle protective barriers 

ASTERISKS 



ITALICS 


3S 


S

Introduction 

1. The intention of this Part is to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, 

that buildings are accessible to all users including disabled people who 

should be able to gain access to and within buildings without assistance. 

There are provisions to ensure that those who have impaired sight can 

enter and move within buildings. 

2. It should be noted that relevant material from the now deleted Part T 

has been incorporated in this Part. 

3. All stairs, ramps and protective barriers forming part of a building 

must incorporate the basic criteria of safety, which are - 

a. that stair and ramp design must be within limits recognised as 

offering safe passage; and 

b. that protective barriers are designed to reduce the risk of injury 

from falling to a lower level and to protect people from vehicles, 

where vehicles have access to a building. 

4. The use of an industrial stair or fixed ladder is permitted in certain circumstances. 

5. A number of issues relating to good practice have not been included as 

being inappropriate to a document concerned with minimum standards. 

Designers may nevertheless find it helpful to refer to the “Access Guide”, 

published by Disability Scotland, and the “Guidance on the Use of Tactile 

Paving Surfaces”, published jointly by The Scottish Office and the Department 

for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. 

6. The “Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds” provides further guidance on 

steps or ramps associated with gangways of shallow pitch in assembly 

buildings (purpose sub-group 5B) such as sports stadia, arenas, theatres 

and cinemas. 

7. Where there is a storey accessible to disabled people with fixed seating 

for spectators or an audience, spectators in wheelchairs should be able to 

sit next to able-bodied or disabled companions. 

8. In this Part the term disabled people always includes wheelchair users. 

9. This Part is limited to the provision of access into and within buildings. 

It does not cover means of escape in the event of fire, for which reference 

should be made to Part E. 

10. Other legislation has a bearing on access, and in particular due regard 

should be taken of the provisions and supporting guidance of the Disability 

Discrimination Act 1995 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and 

Welfare) Regulations 1992. 

5S 


S

S 

Regulation 32 

Access to and movement within buildings, and protective 

barriers 

32.(1) All users of a building shall be provided with 

adequate means of access, and adequate 

means of movement within the building both 

horizontally and vertically. 

(2) A building which contains fixed seating 

accommodation for an audience or spectators 

shall be provided with adequate level spaces 

for wheelchairs. 

(3) Except where - 

(a) the provision of protective barriers would 

obstruct the use of such areas; or 

(b) in terms of the Technical Standards, such 

provision is not necessary, 

every stair, ramp, raised floor or other raised 

accessible area which forms part of a building 

or which is provided to meet a requirement of 

this regulation shall have a suitable protective 

barrier. 

(4) Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be subject to 

specification in a notice served under section 

11 of the Act. 


6S

The standards 

S1 Application of Part S 

S1.1 This Part sets out the required standards for Regulation 32. 

S1.2 The standards apply to all buildings, 

except - 

the standards in S2 do not apply to buildings of purpose group 1. 

S1.3 Standards S3.26 to S3.28 do not apply to access for disabled people. 

S2 Access to and movement within buildings other than dwellings 

CAR PARKING 

S2.1 Where car parking is provided within land in the same occupation as a building to which this standard 

applies, parking spaces in accordance with S2.2 must be - 

a. provided at a ratio at least one car parking space per 20 parking spaces or part thereof; and 

b. not more than 45 metres from the principal entrance of the building; and 

c. clearly marked for use by disabled people. 

S2.2 A car parking space or spaces must each be at least 4.8 x 2.4 metres with a clear space at least 1 metre 

wide along one long side. The clear space may be shared between 2 car parking spaces. 

ACCESS TO BUILDINGS 

S2.3* The approach to the principal entrance of a building from a point of access to, and from any car parking 

within, land in the same occupation, must have - 

a. a level or ramped firm surface suitable for disabled people; and 

b. an unobstructed width of at least 1.2 metres, unless a handrail is required by this Part, in which 

case the width at handrail level may reduce to at least 1 metre; and 

c. a dropped kerb between any road, or car parking provided for disabled people, and the access 

route to the building. 

PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE 

S2.4 The principal entrance door must - 

a. contain a leaf which provides a clear opening width of at least 800 mm in accordance with the 

diagram to this standard; and 

7S 

S1.1 – S2.4 


S

S 

S2.4 – S2.6 

b. have an unobstructed space on the side next to the leading edge of at least 300mm, in accordance 


except - 

where the door is opened by automatic control; and 

c. have a clear glazed panel or panels giving a zone of visibility from a height of not more than 

900mm to at least 1.5 metres above finished floor level; and 

d. where it comprises a revolving door, be provided with an adjacent side hinged or automatic door 

complying with a. to c. 

Diagram to S2.4: Principal entrance 

S2.5* Where an entrance lobby is provided it must be sized to - 

a. permit a wheelchair user to move clear of one door before using the next; and 

b. allow for someone assisting the wheelchair user; and 

c. permit an able-bodied person to pass. 

MOVEMENT WITHIN BUILDINGS 

800mm 

S2.6* Access for disabled people must be provided to and throughout each storey of a building, 

except - 

a. to a storey containing only fixed plant or machinery the only normal visits to which are intermittent 

to inspect or maintain the fixed plant or machinery; or 

b. to any catwalk, racking or openwork floor; or 

300mm 

c. to a storey, other than the principal entrance storey, or gallery in a building of not more than 2 

storeys where the storey or gallery is not more than 280 square metres in area excluding vertical 

circulation, sanitary accommodation and plant rooms; or 

d. to a storey, other than the principal entrance storey, or gallery in a building of more than 2 storeys 

where the storey or gallery is not more than 200 square metres in area excluding vertical circulation, 

sanitary accommodation and plant rooms; or 

e. to a bedroom not having access to sanitary facilities suitable for disabled people in accordance 

with Part M, in a building of purpose sub-group 2B not provided with a lift; or 


8S

f. within an area having fixed seating where wheelchair spaces and associated access are provided 

in accordance with S2.10; or 

g. in a car park and parking garage of purpose sub-group 7B or 7C, storeys where car parking for 

disabled people is not provided; or 

h. to more than half the public area of a restaurant or bar, provided there is access to the counter in 

a bar and to any self-service counter in a restaurant. 

S2.7* A change of level within a storey to which access for disabled people is required by S2.6 must be 

accomplished by a - 

a. ramp; or 

b. stair, together with a means of providing unassisted movement between levels for wheelchair 

users. 

INTERNAL DOORS AND LOBBIES 

S2.8 An internal door accessible to disabled people must - 

a. contain a leaf which provides a clear opening width of at least 750mm; and 

b. have an unobstructed space on the side next to the leading edge of at least 300mm in accordance 


except - 

where the door is opened by automatic control; and 

c. where the door is across a corridor or passageway, have a clear glazed panel or panels giving a 

zone of visibility from a height of no more than 900mm to at least 1.5 metres above finished 

floor level. 

Diagram to S2.8: Internal doors 

750mm 

300mm 

S2.9 An internal lobby accessible to disabled people must comply with S2.5. 

9S 

S2.6 – S2.9 


S

S 

S2.10, S3.1 

AREAS OF AUDIENCE AND SPECTATOR FIXED SEATING 

S2.10 In an accessible storey which contains fixed seating for spectators, or an audience, accessible level 

spaces for wheelchair users must be provided in accordance with the table to this standard and which - 

a. are each at least 1.4 metres x 900mm; and 

b. are dispersed among the remainder of the seating; and 

c. enable wheelchair users to be located next to able-bodied or disabled companions; and 

d. are arranged to avoid the extra height of wheelchair users from obstructing sightlines; and 

e. are kept clear specifically for wheelchair users or are fitted with seating which can be readily 

removed if the space is required for a wheelchair user. 

Table to S2.10: Wheelchair space provision in areas of audience and spectator fixed seating 

Seated capacity Number of wheelchair spaces 

up to 200 2 

201-10 000 2 + 1 per 100 above 200 

10 001-20 000 100 + 5 per 1 000 above 10 000 

20 001-40 000 150 + 3 per 1 000 above 20 000 

more than 40 000 210 + 2 per 1 000 above 40 000 

S3 Stairs and ramps 

GENERAL STANDARDS FOR ALL STAIRS 

S3.1 A stair must be constructed in any of the following ways - 

a. a straight flight in accordance with S3.2 to S3.11; 

b. a flight consisting partly of straight and partly of tapered treads in accordance with S3.2 to S3.8, 

and S3.10 to S3.14; 

c. a flight consisting wholly of tapered treads in accordance with S3.6 to S3.8, and S3.15; 

d. an industrial stair or fixed ladder in accordance with S3.26; 

e. a stair or fixed ladder in an agricultural building in accordance with S3.27; 

f. a stair forming part of a sloping gangway in a building of purpose group 5 in accordance with 

S3.28. 


10S

RULES OF MEASUREMENT 

S3.2 The rise and going must be measured in accordance with the diagram to this standard - 

Diagram to S3.2: Stair measurement 

open rise 

treads should 

overlap at 

least 16mm 

going 

open rise 

riser 

going dimension 

to be measured 

from nosing to nosing 

equal equal 

nosing 

going 

top surface of tread 

top surface of tread 

Note: 

1. The number of tapered treads shown is indicative only. 

RISE, GOING AND PITCH OF FLIGHTS IN STAIRS 

rise 

STAIR WIDTH LESS 

THAN 1 METRE 

50mm minimum tread 

width at narrow end 

measure going at centre of tread. 

measure from curved stair line,even when 

tread is in rectangular enclosure 

S3.3 The maximum rise, minimum going and pitch of flights in stairs must be in accordance with the table to 

this standard - 

Table to S3.3: Rise, going and pitch of flights in stairs 

Description of stair Maximum Minimum Maximum pitch 

rise (mm) going (mm) 

[Note 1] 

1. Private stair 220 225 42º [Note 2] 

2. Any other stair 170 250 34º 

Note: 

1. In the case of tapered treads, subject to S3.12 to S3.14. 

2. The combination of maximum rise and minimum going will result in a pitch steeper than this. 

11S 

going (not more 

than maximum for 

stair category) 

width 

270mm 270mm 

going (at least 

minimum for stair 

catagory) 

landing length 

measured on 

centre line 

S3.2, S3.3 

STAIR WIDTH 

1 METRE 

OR MORE 


S

S 

S3.4 – S3.10 

S3.4 The width of a stair, measured between handrails and clear of obstructions, must be at least 1 metre, 

except - 

a. the width of a private stair may reduce to at least - 


i. 900mm where it is within the accessible storey, or 

ii. 600mm where it serves only sanitary accommodation and/or one room, other than a living 

room or kitchen, or 

iii. 800mm elsewhere; and 

b. stringers and newels may each project not more than 30mm into the width; and 

c. a stair lift projecting into the width may be fitted to a stair within a dwelling. 

Note:: 

There are additional stair width requirements for escape stairs in Part E. 

S3.5 The aggregate of the going and twice the rise must be at least 550mm and not more than 700mm. 

S3.6 A flight must have uniform rises, each at least 75mm. 

S3.7 The depth of a tread must not be less than the going. 

S3.8 In a flight with open rises the treads must overlap by at least 16mm. Any opening between adjacent 

treads in a flight in a building of purpose group 1 or 5 or purpose sub-group 2A must be small enough 

to prevent the passage of a 100mm sphere. 

S3.9 In a straight flight, or in that part of a flight which is straight, the going measured along the centre line 

of the flight must be uniform. 

LENGTH OF FLIGHTS 

S3.10 A flight must have - 

a. not more than 16 rises; and 

b. at least 3 rises, 

except - 

there may be less than 3 rises - 

i. between an external door of a building and the ground, balcony, conservatory, porch or 

private garage; or 

ii. in a stepped ramp; or 

iii. wholly within an apartment within a dwelling; or 

iv. wholly within sanitary accommodation within a dwelling; or 

v. between a landing and an adjoining level where the route of travel from the adjoining level 

to the next flight changes direction through 90 degrees. 

12S

RISERS AND NOSINGS 

S3.11*A stair serving a storey to which access for disabled people is required by S2.6 must have - 

a. risers profiled to minimise tripping; and 

b. nosings distinguishable through contrasting colour or tone. 

Note: 

This standard does not apply to a private stair in a dwelling. 

FLIGHTS CONSISTING PARTLY OF STRAIGHT AND PARTLY OF TAPERED TREADS 

S3.12*In that part of a flight consisting of tapered treads, the going of the tapered treads must be uniform and 

must not be less than the going of the straight treads. At the inner end of the tread the going must be at 

least 50mm. 

S3.13 In a flight less than 1 metre wide the going must be measured at the centre line of the flight as in S3.2. 

S3.14 In a flight 1 metre wide or more the going must be measured at the two points 270mm from each end of 

the tread as in S3.2 and the minimum going must be at least the going of the straight treads. 

FLIGHTS CONSISTING WHOLLY OF TAPERED TREADS 

S3.15*A flight consisting wholly of tapered treads must be constructed so as to give safe passage. The 

requirements in S3.18 to S3.25 for landings, so far as they apply to intermediate landings between 

floors, and for handrails, and for headroom, do not apply to such stairs. 

PEDESTRIAN RAMPS 

S3.16 The maximum gradient and maximum length of a flight of a ramp for use by pedestrians must be in 

accordance with the table to this standard - 

Table to S3.16: Gradient and length of a flight in a ramp 

Gradient of flight Maximum length of flight 

not more than 1 in 20 No limit 

not more than 1 in 15 10m 

not more than 1 in 12 5m 

more than 1 in 12 not permitted 

S3.17 A ramp must have - 

a. a width at least the minimum required for the equivalent type of stair in S3.4; and 

b. a raised kerb at least 100mm high on any exposed side of a flight or landing, 

except - 

a ramp serving a single dwelling. 

13S 

S3.11 – S3.17 


S

S 

S3.18 – S3.22 

LANDINGS 

S3.18 A landing, level except for any necessary slope for drainage, must be provided at the top and bottom of 

every flight of a stair or ramp, 

except - 

a. a landing may be common to two or more flights; and 

b. a landing is not required to a flight between the external door of - 


i. a building and the ground, balcony, conservatory, porch or private garage, where the door 

slides or opens in a direction away from the flight and the aggregate rise is not more than 

600mm; or 

ii. a dwelling or private garage ancillary to a dwelling and the ground, balcony, conservatory, 

or porch, other than a door required to be accessible for disabled people under Part Q, 

where the change in level is not more than 170mm. 

S3.19 The unobstructed length of a landing, measured along its centre line and clear of any door swing, must 

be at least 1.2 metres, 

except - 

HANDRAILS 

a. in a dwelling, the length of a landing may reduce to at least 900 mm; and 

b. a door may open onto a landing between flights such that at any angle of swing it does not diminish 

the effective width of the landing to less than the width of the stair or ramp; and 

c. a door may open onto the bottom landing of a flight such that at any angle of swing a clear length 

of at least 400 mm is left across the full width of the landing. 

S3.20 A stair or ramp for a change in level of more than 600mm, or a ramp longer than 2 metres, must have a 

handrail on both sides of every flight, 

except - 

a. no handrail is required on a ramp serving a single dwelling where the change of level is no more 

than 600mm; and 

b. a private stair in a dwelling connecting two or more storeys may have a handrail on only one side. 

S3.21 A stair or ramp more than 1.8 metres wide must be divided by a handrail, or handrails, in such a way 

that each section is at least 1.1 metres and not more than 1.8 metres wide, 

except - 

a. a stair or ramp serving a single dwelling; or 

b. a stair between an entrance door to a building and ground level which does not form part of an 

escape route. 

S3.22 A handrail must be fixed at a height of at least 840mm and not more than 1 metre, measured vertically 

above the pitch line of the flight or surface of the landing. 

14S

S3.23 A handrail must extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of a flight and have a profile and 

projection that allows a firm grip. 

except - 

where the handrail serves a single dwelling. 

S3.24 The ends of a handrail must be wreathed when not forming part of a protective barrier, 

except - 

HEADROOM 

where the handrail serves a single dwelling. 

S3.25 A stair, ramp or landing must have a clear headroom of at least 2 metres extending over the whole of the 

width, measured vertically from the pitch line of the flight or the surface of the landing, as shown in the 

diagram to this standard - 

Diagram to S3.25: Measuring headroom 

INDUSTRIAL STAIRS AND FIXED LADDERS 

S3.26*An industrial stair or fixed ladder serving areas requiring limited access in any building must be constructed 

so as to offer safe passage. 

STAIRS AND FIXED LADDERS IN AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS 

S3.27*A stair or fixed ladder in an agricultural building must be constructed so as to offer safe passage. 

STEPS IN SLOPING GANGWAYS 

landing 

at least 

2 metres 

flight 

at least 

2 metres 

pitch line 

minimum headroom 

landing 

at least 

2 metres 

S3.28 In a building of purpose group 5 where steps form part of sloping gangways serving areas for audiences 

or spectators each step must have a rise at least 125mm and not greater than 190mm. 

15S 

S3.23 – S3.28 


S

S 

S4.1 – S4.3 

S4 Protective barriers 

PEDESTRIAN PROTECTIVE BARRIERS 

S4.1 A protective barrier for pedestrians must be provided at the edge of - 

a. every floor, stair, ramp, raised floor or other raised accessible area where there is a difference in 

level of 600mm or more; and 

b. a landing where the route of travel from the adjoining level to the next flight changes direction 

through 90 degrees, 

except - 

i. where the barrier would be incompatible with normal use, such as a loading bay or stage; or 

ii. where a wall, partition or fixed glazing at the edge of a drop in level meets the requirement of S4.3. 

S4.2 In a building of purpose group 1 or 5 or purpose sub-group 2A openings in a protective barrier must be 

small enough to prevent the passage of a 100mm diameter sphere, 

except - 

the space between a rise and the lowest edge of the protective barrier may be larger if the lowest edge is 

not more than 50 mm above, and parallel to, the pitch line of a stair or ramp. 

S4.3* A protective barrier must be - 

a. secure; and 

b. capable of resisting appropriate loads; and 

c. of a height at least that given in the table to this standard - 

Table to S4.3: Height of pedestrian protective barriers 

Location Minimum height (mm) 

At the edge of a floor in front of walls, partitions, 

fixed glazing and opening windows 800 

On a flight within or serving a single dwelling 840 

In front of or behind fixed seating 800 [Note 1] 

On (a) a stair or ramp; or 

(b) a gallery or raised area within a single dwelling 900 

Elsewhere 1100 [Note 2] 

Notes: 

1. The protective barrier may be reduced to 750 mm where it has an overall width at the top of at 

least 250 mm. 

2. Where a handrail forming the top of a protective barrier to a flight meets a protective barrier to a 

landing, the height of the latter may be reduced for a distance not more than 300 mm to permit a 

smooth junction. 


16S

VEHICLE PROTECTIVE BARRIERS 

S4.4 A barrier to provide protection from vehicles must be provided at the edge of a drop in level in every 

floor, roof or ramp which is accessible to vehicles, and forms part of a building. 

S4.5* A vehicle protective barrier provided in accordance with S4.4 must be capable of resisting appropriate 

loads and be of a height at least that given in the table to this standard - 

Table to S4.5: Height of vehicle protective barriers 

Location Minimum height (mm) 

Floor or roof edge 400 

Ramp edge 600 

17S 

S4.4, S4.5 


S

S 

(S2.3), (S2.5) 


ACCESS TO BUILDINGS 

(S2.3) The requirements of S2.3 as regards a firm surface suitable for disabled people will be met by - 

a. 50mm concrete slabs bedded on granular material; or 

b. 30mm tarmacadam to BS4987: Parts 1 and 2: 1993 laid on 100 mm of consolidated hardcore 

bottoming; or 

c. 50mm clay or calcium silicate pavers to BS6677: Part 1: 1986, laid in accordance with BS6677: 

Part 2: 1986; or 

d. 60mm concrete paving blocks to BS 6717: Part 1: 1993, laid in accordance with BS6677: Part 

2: 1986. 

PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE 

(S2.5) The requirements of S2.5 will be met by a lobby complying with any of the examples in the diagram to 


Diagram to (S2.5): Entrance lobbies 

300mm 

1.8m 

2m 

1.5m 

Note: 

Doors to lobbies must have a clear opening width of at least 800 mm. 


1.5m 

2m 

18S 

300mm 

1.8m 

1.8m 

2.3m 

1.5m 

2.4m 

300mm 300mm 

300mm

MOVEMENT WITHIN BUILDINGS 

(S2.6) The requirements of S2.6 for provision of access to storeys above or below the principal entrance 

storey will be met by - 

a. a passenger lift having - 

i. a clear landing at least 1.5 x 1.5 metres in front of the lift entrance door or doors, and 

ii. lift door or doors with a clear opening width of at least 800mm, and 

iii a lift car at least 1.1 x 1.4 metres, and 

iv within the lift car a horizontal rail on 3 sides, or on 2 sides if the lift car has 2 doors, 

900mm above the floor; and 

v. controls outside sited between 900mm and 1.2 metres above the landing, and within the 

lift car on a side wall between 900mm and 1.2 metres above the car floor and at least 

400mm from the corner, and 

vi. tactile call buttons, and visual and tactile indication of the storey level, on each storey 

served, and 

vii. within the lift car, tactile storey selector buttons and, in a lift serving more than 2 storeys, 

visual and voice indicators of the storey reached, and 

viii. a signalling system which gives 5 seconds notification that the lift is answering a landing 

call, and a dwell time of 5 seconds before the lift doors close after they are fully open, 

except - 

the dwell time may be reduced to 3 seconds where the door closing system is over-ridden 

by a door re-activating device which relies on photo-eye or infra-red methods, but not a 

door edge pressure system; or 

b. in the case of exceptions c. and d. of S2.6, by a stair. 

(S2.7) The requirements of S2.7b. will be met by a wheelchair platform stairlift in accordance with BS5776: 

1996, or a powered lifting platform in accordance with BS6440: 1983. 

RISERS AND NOSINGS 

(S3.11) The requirements of S3.11b. will be met by rises profiled in accordance with the diagram to this specification 

- 

Diagram to (S3.11): Step profile examples 

15-25mm 15-25mm 

19S 

60˚min 

(S2.6) – (S3.11) 


S

S 

(S3.12) – (S4.5) 

FLIGHTS CONSISTING PARTLY OF STRAIGHT AND PARTLY OF TAPERED TREADS 

(S3.12) The requirements of S3.12 as regards tapered treads will be met where the stair is constructed in 

accordance with BS585: Part 1: 1989, Appendices B1 and B3, irrespective of the material of construction 

or whether it contains open rises. 

FLIGHTS CONSISTING WHOLLY OF TAPERED TREADS 

(S3.15) The requirements of S3.15 will be met where the flight consists wholly of tapered treads forming a 

helix or spiral and is constructed in accordance with BS5395: Part 2: 1984. Where such a flight forms 

an escape stair the category of the stair must be in accordance with the table to this specification - 

Table to (S3.15): Helical or spiral flights forming an escape stair 

Appropriate capacity not exceeding - [Note 1] Stair category [Note 2] 

10 B 

25 C [Note 3] 

50 D [Note 3] 

100 E [Note 3] 

Notes: 

1. Appropriate capacity to be calculated in accordance with Part E. 

2. Refer to Table 2 of BS 5395: Part 2: 1984. 

3. Handrails must be provided on both sides. 

INDUSTRIAL STAIRS AND FIXED LADDERS 

(S3.26) The requirements of S3.26 will be met by the use of industrial stairs or fixed ladders in the circumstances 

described in, and constructed in accordance with, BS5395: Part 3: 1985; or BS4211: 1994; or 

by a Type A Spiral or Helical Stair constructed in accordance with BS5395: Part 2: 1984. 

STAIRS AND FIXED LADDERS IN AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS 

(S3.27) The requirements of S3.27 will be met by the use of stairs or fixed ladders in the circumstances 

described in, and constructed in accordance with, BS5502: Part 80: 1990. 

PEDESTRIAN PROTECTIVE BARRIERS 

(S4.3) The requirements of S4.3 will be met where the loads are calculated in accordance with BS6399: Part 

1: 1996. 

VEHICLE PROTECTIVE BARRIERS 

(S4.5) The requirements of S4.5 will be met where the loads are calculated in accordance with BS6399: Part 

1: 1996. 


20S

APPENDIX: LIST OF PUBLICATIONS REFERRED TO 

IN THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS

APPENDIX 

List of publications referred to in the Technical Standards 

BRITISH STANDARDS 

Number Title Amendment Context 

BS 41 : 1973 (1981) Specification for cast iron spigot and (F4.12) 

socket flue or smoke pipes and fittings 

BS 449 Specification for the use of 

structural steel in building - 

: Part 2: 1969 - Metric units AMD 416 (C2.1) 

AMD 523 

AMD 661 

AMD 1135 

AMD 1787 

AMD 4576 

AMD 5698 

AMD 6255 

AMD 8859 

BS 476 Fire tests on building materials 

and structures - 

: Part 3: 1958 - External fire exposure roof (D9.1) 

tests 

: Part 4: 1970 (1984) - Non-combustibility test for AMD 2483 (D1.3) 

materials AMD 4390 

: Part 6: 1981 - Method of test for fire (D1.3) 

propagation for products 

: Part 6: 1989 - Method of test for fire (D1.3) 

propagation for products 

: Part 7: 1987 (1993) - Method for classification of AMD 6249 (D1.3) 

the surface spread of flame of AMD 7030 

products AMD 7612 

: Part 11: 1982 (1988)- Method for assessing the heat (D1.3) 

emission from building materials 

: Part 20: 1987 - Method for determination of the AMD 6487 (D1.3) 

` fire resistance of elements of 

construction (general principles) 

: Part 21: 1987 - Methods for determination of (D1.3) 

the fire resistance of loadbearing 

elements of construction 

3 




the fire resistance of non-loadbearing 

elements of construction 


the contribution of components to 

the fire resistance of a structure 

: Part 24: 1987 - Method for determination of the (D1.3) 

fire resistance of ventilation ducts 

: Part 31: Section -Methods for measuring smoke AMD 8366 (D1.3) 

31.1: 1983 penetration through doorsets 

and shutter assemblies - method 

of measurement under ambient 

temperature conditions 

BS 585 Wood stairs - 

: Part 1: 1989 - Specification for stairs with AMD 6510 (S3.12) 

closed risers for domestic use, 

including straight and winder 

flights and quarter or half landings 

BS 715 : 1993 Specification for metal flue pipes, AMD 8413 (F6.11) 

fittings, terminals and accessories 

for gas-fired appliances with a 

rated input not exceeding 60 kW 

BS 750 : 1984 Specification for underground AMD 7658 (E10.2) 

fire hydrants and surface box 

frames and covers 

BS 799 : Part 5: 1987 Specification for oil storage tanks (F7.1) 

BS 1289 Flue blocks and masonry terminals 

for gas appliances 

: Part 1: 1986 - Specification for precast AMD 9853 (F3.5) 

concrete flue blocks and terminals 

: Part 2: 1989 (1996) - Specification for clay flue (F3.5) 

blocks and terminals 

BS 1377 Methods of test for soils for 

civil engineering purposes 

:Part 2: 1990 Classification tests (M3.5) 

BS 1449 Steel plate, sheet and strip - 

: Part 1: 1991 - Specification for carbon and (F4.12) 

carbon-manganese plate, 

sheet and strip 

4

BS 1566 Copper indirect cylinders for 

domestic purposes - 

: Part 2: 1984 (1990) - Specification for single AMD 5791 (J6.2), (J11.5) 

feed indirect cylinders AMD 6601 

BS 2782 Methods of testing plastics - 

: Part 1: Thermal Properties 

Methods - Determination of the Vicat (D9.1) 

120A to 120E: softening temperature of 

1990 thermoplastics 

Method 508A: - Methods of testing plastics (D7.2), (D9.1) 

1970 Rate of burning (laboratory method) 

BS 3198 : 1981 Specification for copper hot water storage AMD 4372 (J6.2), (J11.5) 

combination units for domestic purposes AMD 6599 

BS 4211 : 1994 Specification for ladders for (S3.26) 

permanent access to chimneys, 

other high structures, silos and bins 

BS 4514 : 1983 (1998) Specification for unplasticised AMD 4517 (D3.14),(D4.7) 

PVC soil and ventilating pipes, AMD 5584 (D5.8), (D6.7) 

fittings and accessories 

BS 4543 Factory-made insulated chimneys - 

: Part 1: 1990 (1996)-Methods of test AMD 8379 (F3.7), (F3.9) 

: Part 2: 1990 (1996)-Specification for chimneys AMD8380 (F3.6), (F4.11) 

with stainless steel flue linings for 

use with solid fuel fixed appliances 

: Part 3: 1990 (1996)-Specification for chimneys AMD 8381 (F3.6) 

with stainless steel fluelining 

for use with oil fired appliances 

BS 4987 Coated macadam for roads and 

other paved areas - 

: Part 1: 1993 - Specification for constituent AMD 8122 (Q2.4) 

materials and for mixtures AMD 8400 (S2.3) 

: Part 2: 1993 - Specification for transport, AMD 8158 (Q2.4) 

laying and compaction AMD 8361 (S2.3) 

BS 5041 Fire hydrant systems equipment - 

: Part 1: 1987 - Specification for landing AMD 5912 (E10.7) 

valves for wet risers 

: Part 2: 1987 - Specification for landing AMD 5776 (E10.8) 

valves for dry risers 

5 



: Part 3: 1975 (1987) - Specification for inlet AMD 5504 (E10.8) 

breechings for dry riser inlets 

: Part 4: 1975 (1987) - Specification for boxes for AMD 5503 (E10.8) 

landing valves for dry risers 

: Part 5: 1974 (1987) - Specification for boxes for AMD 5505 (E10.9) 

foam inlets and dry riser inlets 

BS 5250 : 1989 (1995) Code of practice for control of G Introduction 

condensation in buildings (G4.1) 

J Introduction 

BS 5262 : 1991 Code of practice for external renderings (G3.1) 

BS 5266 Emergency lighting - 

: Part 1: 1999 - Code of practice for the emergency (E9.2) 

lighting of premises other than 

cinemas and certain other specified 

premises used for entertainment 

BS 5268 Structural use of timber - 

: Part 2: 1996 - Code of practice for permissible AMD 9451 (C2.1) 

stress design, materials and 

workmanship 

: Part 3: 1998 - Code of practice for trussed (C2.1) 

rafter roofs 

: Part 4: Sections - Recommendations for calculating (D1.3) 

4.1 and 4.2: 1990 fire resistance of timber stud walls 

and joisted floor constructions 

: Part 6: Section - Dwellings not exceeding four (C2.1) 

6.1: 1996 storeys 

BS 5306 Fire extinguishing installations and 

equipment on premises - 

: Part 0: 1986 - Guide for the selection of installed AMD 5695 (D2.1), (D5.1) 

systems and other fire equipment AMD 6653 (D5.3), (D5.4) 

(D8.1) 

: Part 1: 1976 - Hydrant systems, hose reels AMD 4649 (E10.7) 

(1988) and foam inlets AMD 5756 (E10.8) 

: Part 2: 1990 - Specification for sprinkler AMD 9809 (D2.1), (D5.1) 

systems AMD 9985 (D5.3), (D5.4) 

(D8.1)(E10.15) 

: Part 4: 1986 - Specification for carbon (D2.1), (D5.1) 

dioxide systems (D5.3), (D5.4) 

(D8.1) 

6

: Part 6 Foam systems - 

: Section - Specification for low AMD 9808 (D2.1), (D5.1) 

6.1: 1988 expansion foam systems AMD 9945 (D5.3), (D5.4) 

(D8.1) 

: Section - Specification for medium and (D2.1), (D5.1) 

6.2: 1989 high expansion foam systems (D5.3), (D5.4) 

(D8.1) 

: Part 7: 1988 - Specification for powder (D2.1), (D5.1) 

systems (D5.3), (D5.4) 

(D8.1) 

BS 5378 Safety signs and colours - 

: Part 3: 1982- Specification for additional signs (P2.8) 

to those given in BS 5378: Part 1 

BS 5390 : 1976 (1984) Code of practice for stone masonry AMD 4272 (G3.1) 

BS 5395 Stairs, ladders and walkways - 

: Part 2: 1984 - Code of practice for the AMD 6076 (S3.15), (S3.26) 

design of helical and spiral stairs 

: Part 3: 1985 - Code of practice for the (E5.11) 

design of industrial type stairs, (P2.8), 

permanent ladders and walkways (S3.26) 

BS 5410 Code of practice for oil firing - 

: Part 1: 1997 - Installations up to 45 kW (F3.1), (F3.8) 

output capacity for space heating (F3.11), (F5.3) 

and hot water supply purposes (F5.4), (F5.7) 

(F7.1), (F7.3) 

: Part 2: 1978 - Installations of 44 kW and above AMD 3638 (F3.1), (F7.1) 

output capacity for space heating, (F7.2), (F7.3) 

hot water and steam supply purposes 

BS 5422: 1990 Method for specifying thermal (J6.3), (J6.4) 

insulating materials on pipes, (J11.6) 

ductwork and equipment (in the (J11.7) 

temperature range -40ºC to +700ºC) 

BS 5438: 1989 (1995) Methods of test for flammability of AMD 6509 (D7.2) 

textile fabrics when subjected to a AMD 8308 

small igniting flame applied to the 

face or bottom edge of vertically 

oriented specimens 

BS 5440 Installation of flues and 

ventilation for gas appliances of 

rated input not exceeding 60 kW 

(1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases) - 

7 



: Part 1: 1990 - Specification for installation AMD 8819 (F3.8), (F3.11) 

of flues (F6.5), (F6.6) 

(F6.7), (F6.11) 

: Part 2: 1989 - Specification for installation AMD 8128 (F6.3), (F6.4) 

of ventilation for gas appliances 

BS 5446 Components of automatic fire alarm 

systems for residential premises - 

: Part 1: 1990 - Specification for AMD 6863 (E11.1) 

self-contained smoke alarms AMD 7648 

and point-type smoke detectors AMD 9628 

BS 5502 Buildings and structures for agriculture - 

: Part 22: 1993 - Code of practice for design, (C2.1) 

construction and loading 

: Part 50: 1993 - Code of practice for design, (R3.2) 

construction and use of storage tanks 

and reception pits for livestock slurry 

: Part 80: 1990 - Code of practice for design (S3.27) 

and construction of workshops, 

maintenance and inspection facilities 

BS 5534 Code of practice for slating and tiling - 

: Part 1: 1997 - Design (G3.1) 

BS 5588 Fire precautions in the design, 

construction and use of buildings - 

: Part 4: 1998 - Code of practice for smoke AMD 10019 (D1.3), 

control in protected escape (E5.23) 

routes using pressurization 

: Part 5: 1991 - Code of practice for AMD 7196 (E10.4), 

fire-fighting stairs and lifts (E10.9) 

(E10.11) 

: Part 6: 1991 - Code of practice for AMD 10212 (D11.13) 

places of assembly (D11.14) 

(D11.15) 

: Part 9: 1999 - Code of practice for ventilation (D3.14),(D4.7) 

and air conditioning ductwork (E5.8), (D6.7) 

BS 5617 : 1985 (1996) Specification for urea-formaldehyde (G3.1) 

(UF) foam systems suitable for thermal 

insulation of cavity walls with masonry 

or concrete inner and outer leaves 

8

BS 5618 : 1985 (1996) Code of practice for thermal insulation AMD 6262 (G3.1) 

of cavity walls (with masonry or AMD 7114 

concrete inner and outer leaves) 

by filling with urea-formaldehyde 

(UF) foam systems 

BS 5628 Code of practice for use of masonry - 

: Part 1: 1992 - Structural use of AMD 7745 (C2.1), (C3.1) 

unreinforced masonry 

: Part 2: 1995 - Structural use of reinforced (C2.1), (C3.1) 

and prestressed masonry 

: Part 3: 1985 - Materials and components, AMD 4974 (C2.1) 

design and workmanship (G3.1) 

(H2.1-H2.3) 

BS 5720 : 1979 Code of practice for mechanical ventilation (K2.1), (K4.9) 

and air conditioning in buildings 

BS 5776 : 1996 Specification for powered stairlifts (S2.7) 

BS 5839 Fire detection and alarm systems 

for buildings - 

: Part 1: 1988 - Code of practice for system AMD 6317 (D3.14),(D4.7) 

design, installation and AMD 6874 (D5.8), (D6.7) 

servicing AMD 9257 (D11.1-D11.5) 

(E2.14) 

(E11.1-E11.3) 

: Part 3: 1988 - Specification for automatic AMD 10207 (D3.14),(D4.7) 

release mechanisms for certain (D5.8), (D6.7) 

fire protection equipment (D11.1-D11.5) 

: Part 6: 1995 - Code of practice for the design AMD 9135 (E11.1) 

and installation of fire detection 

and alarm systems in dwellings 

: Part 8: 1998 - Code of practice for the design, (E11.3) 

installation and servicing of 

voice alarm systems 

BS 5867 Specification for fabrics for curtains 

and drapes - 

: Part 2: 1980 (1993) - Flammability requirements AMD 4319 (D7.2) 

BS 5871 Specification for the installation of gas 

fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers 

and decorative fuel effect gas appliances 

: Part 1: 1991 - Gas fires, convector heaters (F6.16) 

and fire/back boilers 

(1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases) 

9 



: Part 2: 1991 - Inset live fuel effect gas fires (F6.3), (F6.7) 

of heat input not exceeding 15kW (F6.16) 

(2nd and 3rd family gases) 

: Part 3: 1991 - Decorative fuel effect gas AMD 7033 (F6.3), (F6.6) 

appliances of heat input not (F6.7), (F6.16) 

exceeding 15kW 

(2nd and 3rd family gases) 

BS 5925 : 1991 (1995) Code of practice for ventilation principles AMD 8930 (K2.1) 

and designing for natural ventilation 

BS 5930 : 1981 Code of practice for site investigations G Appendix 

BS 5950 Structural use of steelwork in building - 

: Part 1: 1990 - Code of practice for design AMD 6972 (C2.1), 

in simple and continuous (C3.1) 

construction: hot rolled sections 

: Part 2: 1992 - Specification for materials, AMD 7766 (C2.1) 

fabrication and erection: hot 

rolled sections 

: Part 3: Section - Design in composite construction (C2.1) 

3.1: 1990 - Code of practice for design of 

simple and continuous composite 

beams 

: Part 4: 1994 - Code of practice for design (C2.1) 

of composite slabs with profiled 

steel sheeting 

: Part 5: 1987 - Code of practice for design AMD 5957 (C2.1) 

of cold formed sections 


of light gauge profiled steel sheeting 

: Part 7: 1992 - Specification for materials and (C2.1) 

workmanship: cold-formed sections 

: Part 8: 1990 - Code of practice for fire AMD 8858 (C2.1), 

resistant design (D1.3) 

BS 5979 : 1993 Code of practice for remote centres AMD 9235 (E11.2) 

for alarm systems 

BS 6229 : 1982 Code of practice for flat roofs with (G3.1) 

continuously supported coverings 

BS 6262 : 1982 Code of practice for glazing for AMD 4063 (P2.2) 

buildings AMD 4582 

AMD 8279 

10

BS 6262 Glazing for buildings - 

: Part 4: 1994 - Safety related to human impact (P2.2) 

BS 6283 Safety devices for use in hot 

water systems - 

: Part 2: 1991 - Specification for (P3.1) 

temperature relief valves for 

pressures from 1 bar to 10 bar 

: Part 3: 1991 - Specification for combined (P3.1) 

temperature and pressure 

relief valves for pressures from 

1 bar to 10 bar 

BS 6297 : 1983 Code of practice for design and AMD 6150 (M3.1) 

installation of small sewage 

treatment works and cesspools 

BS 6387 : 1994 Specification for performance (D3.6), (D3.7) 

requirements for cables required 

to maintain circuit integrity 

under fire conditions 

BS 6399 Loading for buildings - 

: Part 1: 1996 - Code of practice for dead (C2.1), (S4.3) 

and imposed loads (S4.5) 

: Part 2: 1997 - Code of practice for wind loads (C2.1) 

: Part 3: 1988 - Code of practice for imposed AMD 6033 (C2.1) 

roof loads AMD 9187 

AMD 9452 

BS 6440 : 1983 Code of practice for powered lifting (S2.7) 

platforms for use by disabled persons 

BS 6461 Installation of chimneys and flues 

for domestic appliances burning 

solid fuel (including wood and peat) - 

: Part 1: 1984 - Code of practice for masonry AMD 5649 (F3.5), (F3.8) 

chimneys and flue pipes (F4.11) 

BS 6465 Sanitary installations - 

: Part 1: 1994 - Code of practice for scale of (M4.5) 

provision, selection and 

installation of sanitary appliances 

11 


BS 6676 Thermal insulation of cavity walls using 

man-made mineral fibre batts (slabs) - 


: Part 1: 1986 (1994) - Specification for man-made (G3.1) 

mineral fibre batts (slabs) 

: Part 2: 1986 (1994) - Code of practice for installation (G3.1) 

of batts (slabs) filling the cavity 

BS 6677 Clay and calcium silicate pavers 

for flexible pavements - 

: Part 1: 1986 (1997) - Specification for pavers (Q2.4), (S2.3) 

: Part 2: 1986 (1997) - Code of practice for design (Q2.4), (S2.3) 

of lightly trafficked pavements 

BS 6700 : 1997 Specification for design, installation, (P3.1) 

testing and maintenance of services 

supplying water for domestic use 

within buildings and their curtilages 

BS 6717 Precast concrete paving blocks - 

: Part 1: 1993 - Specification for paving blocks (Q2.4), (S2.3) 

BS 6915 : 1988 Specification for design and (G3.1) 

construction of fully supported 

lead sheet roof and wall coverings 

BS 6999 : 1989 (1996) Specification for vitreous-enamelled AMD 8949 (F4.12) 

low-carbon-steel flue pipes, other 

components and accessories for 

solid-fuel-burning appliances with 

a rated output of 45kW 

BS 7036 : 1996 Code of practice for safety at (E2.4) 

powered doors for pedestrian use (E5.11) 

BS 7206 :1990 Specification for unvented hot AMD 9343 (P3.1) 

water storage units and packages 

BS 7346 Components for smoke and heat 

control systems - 

: Part 1: 1990 - Specification for natural smoke AMD 7193 (D3.6), (D3.7) 

and heat exhaust ventilators 

: Part 2: 1990 - Specification for powered smoke AMD 7028 (E10.15) 

and heat exhaust ventilators 

BS 7435 Fibre cement flue pipes, fittings 

and terminals 

: Part 1: 1991 - Specification for light quality fibre (F6.11) 

cement flue pipes, fittings and terminals 

12

BS 7501 : 1989 General criteria for the operation (B2.2) 

of testing laboratories 

BS 7502 : 1989 General criteria for the assessment (B2.2) 

of testing laboratories 

BS 7543 : 1992 (1998) Guide to durability of buildings and B Introduction 

building elements, products and 

components 

BS 7566 Installation of factory-made chimneys 

to BS4543 for domestic appliances 

: Part 1: 1992 - Method of specifying installation (F3.7), (F4.11) 

design information 

: Part 2: 1992 - Specification for installation design (F3.7), (F4.11) 

: Part 3: 1992 - Specification for site installation (F3.7), (F4.11) 

: Part 4: 1992 - Recommendations for installation (F3.7), (F3.8) 

design and installation (F4.11) 

BS 7671 : 1992 Requirements for electrical installations, AMD 8536 N Introduction, 

IEE Wiring Regulations, Sixteenth edition AMD 9781 (N2.1) 

BS 8000 Workmanship on building sites (B2.1) 

Parts 1 to 16 

BS 8004 : 1986 Code of practice for foundations (C2.1) 

BS 8103 Structural design of low rise buildings 

: Part 1: 1995 - Code of practice for stability, AMD 8980 (C2.1) 

site investigation, foundations and 

ground floor slabs for housing 

: Part 2: 1996 - Code of practice for masonry (C2.1) 

walls for housing 

: Part 3: 1996 - Code of practice for timber (C2.1) 

floors and roofs for housing 

: Part 4: 1995 - Code of practice for suspended (C2.1) 

concrete floors for housing 

BS 8104 : 1992 Code of practice for assessing AMD 8358 (G3.1) 

exposure of walls to wind-driven rain 

13 


BS 8110 Structural use of concrete - 


: Part 1: 1997 - Code of practice for design (C2.1), (C3.1) 

and construction 

: Part 2: 1985 - Code of practice for special AMD 5914 (C2.1), (C3.1) 

: circumstances (D1.3) 

: Part 3: 1985 - Design charts for singly reinforced AMD 5918 (C2.1) 

beams, doubly reinforced beams 

and rectangular columns 

BS 8118 Structural use of aluminium - 


: Part 2: 1991 - Specification for materials, (C2.1) 

workmanship and protection 

BS 8200 : 1985 Code of practice for design of (G3.1) 

non-loadbearing external vertical 

enclosures of buildings 

BS 8208 Guide to assessment of suitability 

of external cavity walls for filling 

with thermal insulants - 

: Part 1: 1985 - Existing traditional cavity AMD 4996 (G3.1) 

construction 

BS 8213 Windows, doors and rooflights - 

: Part 1: 1991 - Code of practice for safety in use (P2.3) 

and during cleaning of windows 

and doors (including guidance on 

cleaning materials and methods) 

BS 8214 : 1990 Code of practice for fire door AMD 7438 (D1.3) 

(Sections 1 and 2) assemblies with non-metallic leaves 

BS 8217 : 1994 Code of practice for built-up felt roofing (G3.1) 

BS 8218 : 1998 Code of practice for mastic (G3.1) 

asphalt roofing 

BS 8297 : 1995 Code of practice for design and (G3.1) 

installation of non-loadbearing 

precast concrete cladding 

BS 8298 : 1994 Code of practice for design and (G3.1) 

installation of natural stone 

cladding and lining 

14

BS 8301 : 1985 Code of practice for building AMD 5904 (G2.2), 

drainage AMD 6580 

BS 8303 Installation of domestic heating 

and cooking appliances burning 

solid mineral fuels 

: Part 1: 1994 - Specification for the design (F3.1), (F4.8) 

of installations (F4.12), (F4.19) 

(F4.21) 

: Part 2: 1994 - Specification for installing (F3.1) 

and commissioning on site 

: Part 3: 1994 - Recommendations for design (F3.1), (F4.21) 

and on site installation 

15 


CODES OF PRACTICE 

CP 3 : Chapter V Code of basic data for the design 

of buildings - Loading 

: Part 2: 1972 - Wind loads AMD 4952 (C2.1) 

AMD 5152 

AMD 5343 

AMD 6028 

AMD 7908 

CP 102 : 1973 Code of practice for protection of AMD 1511 (G2.2), (G2.3) 

buildings against water from the AMD 2196 (G2.5) 

ground AMD 2470 

CP 143 Code of practice for sheet roof 

and wall coverings - 

: Part 5: 1964 - Zinc (G3.1) 

: Part 10: 1973 - Galvanised corrugated steel. (G3.1) 

Metric units 

: Part 12: 1970 (1988)- Copper. Metric units AMD 863 (G3.1) 

AMD 5193 

: Part 15: 1973 (1986)- Aluminium. Metric units AMD 4473 (G3.1) 

CP 1007 : 1955 Maintained lighting for cinemas (E9.2) 

EUROPEAN STANDARDS 

BS EN 115: 1995 Safety rules for the construction (P2.5) 

and installation of escalators and 

passenger conveyors 

BS EN ISO 140 Acoustics. Measurement of sound insulation 

in buildings and of building elements 

140-4: 1998 Field measurements of airborne sound (H2.1-H2.3) 

insulation between rooms 

140-7: 1998 Field measurements of impact sound (H2.1-H2.3) 

insulation of floors 

BS EN 573 Aluminium and aluminium alloys. Chemical 

composition and form of wrought products 

573-1: 1995 Numerical designation system (F6.9) 

BS EN ISO 717 Acoustics. Rating of sound insulation 

in buildings and building elements 


717-1: 1997 Airborne sound insulation (H2.1-H2.3) 

717-2: 1997 Impact sound insulation (H2.1-H2.3) 

16

BS EN 752 Drain and sewer systems outside buildings 

752-3: 1997 Planning (M2.1) 

(amendment 2) 

752-4: 1998 Hydraulic design and environmental considerations (M2.1), (M2.2) 

(M2.5), (M2.9) 

(M3.6) 

BS EN ISO 1182 Reaction to fire tests for building products – (D1.3) 

Non-combustibility test 

BS EN 1363 Fire resistance tests 

1363-1: 1999 General requirements (D1.3) 

1363-2: 1999 Alternative and additional procedures (D1.3) 

1363-3: 1999 Verification of furnace performance (D1.3) 

BS EN 1364 Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements 

1364-1: 1999 Walls (D1.3) 

1364-2: 1999 Ceilings (D1.3) 

BS EN 1365 Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements 

1365-1: 1999 Walls (D1.3) 

1365-2: 1999 Floors and roofs (D1.3) 

1365-3: 1999 Beams (D1.3) 

1365-4: 1999 Columns (D1.3) 

BS EN 1366 Fire resistance tests for service installations 

1366-1: 1999 Ducts (D1.3) 

1366-2: 1999 Fire dampers (D1.3) 

BS EN 1610: 1998 Construction and testing of drains and sewers (M2.1) 

BS EN 1634 Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies 

1634-1: 2000 Fire doors and shutters (D1.3) 

1634-3: 2001 Smoke control doors (D1.3) 

BS EN ISO 1716 Reaction to fire tests for building products- (D1.3) 

Determination of the gross calorific value 

BS EN ISO 6946: 1997 Building components and building elements: (J2.1) 

Thermal resistance and thermal transmittance J Appendix B 

Calculation method J Appendix C 

17 


BS EN ISO 8990: 1996 Thermal insulation. Determination of steady-state thermal (J2.1) 

transmission properties. Calibrated and guarded hot box 

BS EN ISO 9000 Quality management and Quality (B2.1) 

assurance standards 

BS EN ISO 10077 Thermal performance of windows, doors and shutters 

Calculation of thermal transmittance. 


10077-1: 2000 Simplified method (J2.1) 

J Appendix A 

10077-2: 2000 Numerical method for frames (J2.1) 

J Appendix A 

BS EN 10088 Stainless steels 

10088-1: 1995 List of stainless steels (F4.12), (F6.9) 

BS EN 10215: 1995 Continuously hot-dip Zinc-Aluminium (F6.9) 

(AZ) coated steel strip and sheet. 

Technical delivery conditions 

BS EN ISO 11925 Reaction to fire tests for building products. 

11925-2 Ignitability when subjected to direct impingement of a flame D1.3 

BS EN 12056 Gravity drainage systems inside buildings 

12056-2: 2000 Sanitary pipework, layout and calculation (M2.1), (M2.2) 

(M2.5) 

12056-3: 2000 Roof drainage, layout and calculation (M2.1) 

12056-4: 2000 Wastewater lifting plants. Layout and calculation (M2.2) 

BS EN 12524: 2000 Building materials and their products J Appendix B 

Hygrothermal properties – Tabulated design values 

BS EN 12566-1: 2000 Small wastewater treatment systems for up to 50PT. (M3.1) 

Prefabricated septic tanks. 

BS EN ISO 12664: 2001 Thermal performance of building materials and products. (J2.1) 

Determination of thermal resistance by means of guarded 

hot plate and heat flow meter methods. Dry and moist 

products of medium and low thermal resistance. 

BS EN ISO 12667: 2000 Thermal performance of building materials and products. (J2.1) 

Determination of thermal resistance by means of guarded 

hot plate and heat flow meter methods. Products of high 

and medium thermal resistance. 

BS EN ISO 13370: 1998 Thermal performance of buildings. Heat transfer via (J2.1) 

the ground. Calculation methods. J Appendix C 

BS EN ISO 13789: 1999 Thermal performance of buildings. Transmission heat loss J2.3, J8.3 

co-efficient. Calculation method. 

18

BS EN 13823 Reaction to fire tests for building products D1.3 

Building products excluding floorings exposed to the thermal 

attack by a single burning item 

BS EN ISO/IEC 17025: 2000 General requirements for the competence (B2.2) 

of testing and calibration laboratories 

BS EN 45002: 1989 General criteria for the assessment of testing laboratories (B2.2) 

BS EN 45003: 1995 Calibration and testing laboratory (B2.2) 

accreditation systems - general 

requirements for operation and 

recognition 

BS EN 45004; 1995 General criteria for the operation of various types of (B2.2) 

bodies performing inspection 

BS EN 45011: 1998 General requirements for bodies operating product (B2.2) 

certification systems 

BS EN 45012: 1998 General requirements for bodies operating assessment and (B2.2) 

certification/registration of quality systems 

BS 7513: EN 45013: 1989 General criteria for certification bodies operating (B2.2) 

certification of personnel 

BS EN 45014: 1998 General criteria for supplier’s declaration of conformity (B2.2) 

DRAFTS FOR DEVELOPMENT 

DD 175 : 1988 Code of practice for the identification G Appendix 

(1992) of potentially contaminated land and 

its investigation 

EU DRAFTS FOR DEVELOPMENT 

prEN 858 Separator systems for light liquids (e.g. oil and petrol) 

858-1: 1999 Principles of product design, performance and testing, (M2.7) 

marking and quality control 

858-2: 1999 Selection of nominal size, installation, operation (M2.7) 

and maintenance 

prEN 1825 Grease separators 

1825-1: 1999 Principles of design, performance and testing, (M2.7) 

marking and quality control 

1825-2: 1999 Selection of nominal size, installation, operation (M2.7) 

and maintenance 

19 


prEN 13501 Fire classification of construction products and building elements 


13501-1: 2000 Classification using data from reaction to fire tests (D1.3) 

13501-2: 1999 Classification using data from fire resistance tests (D1.3) 

(excluding products for use in ventilation systems) 

Note: 

Copies of British Standards and British Standards Codes of Practice, European Standards, Drafts for Development 

and International Standards may be purchased from the British Standards Institution. Copies of British 

Board of Agrément Certificates may be purchased from the British Board of Agrément. 

OTHER PUBLICATIONS 

(listed in order of appearance in the text) 

Title and Publisher Context 

Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC as amended by B Introduction 

CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC and Fixing and use of CE Marks Directive 93/465/EEC (B2.2) 

Electro Magnetic Compatability Directive 89/336/EEC and B Introduction 

Electrical Equipment designed for use within certain voltage limitations 73/23/EEC 

Small Buildings Guide, second edition (C2.1) 

(HMSO, 1994) 

NHS in Scotland Firecode D Introduction 

E Introduction 

“The Behaviour of Steel Portal Frames in Boundary Conditions”, second edition (D1.3) 

(The Steel Construction Institute, 1990) 

Building Research Establishment Report (BR 128) “Guidelines for the (D1.3) 

Construction of Fire Resisting Structural Elements” 

(BRE, 1988) 

EC Commission Decision 2000/367/EC on 3.5.2000 implementing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (D1.3) 

EC Commission Decision 2000/147/EC on 8.2.2000 implementing Council Directive 89/106/EEC 

EC Commission Decision 94/611/EC on SEP.1994 implementing Council Directive 89/106/EEC 

EC Commission Decision 96/603/EC on 4.10.1996 (amended 26.9.2000) implementing Council Directive 

89/106/EEC 

Loss Prevention Council Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations (D2.1), (D5.1) 

(LPC, 1994) (D5.2), (D5.3) 

(D5.4), (D8.1) 

Building Research Establishment Report (BR 368) “Design Methodologies (D3.6), (D3.7) 

for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation” 

(BRE, 1999) 

CIBSE Technical Memorandum 19 (D3.6), (D3.7) 

(Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 1995) 

Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note PM25 “Vehicle (D3.8) 

finishing units fire and explosion hazards” 

(HSE, 1981) 

20

Builders Hardware Industry Federation, Code of Practice (D3.14), (D4.7) 

“Hardware for Timber Fire and Escape Doors” (D5.8), (D6.7) 

(2000) (D11.1-D11.5) 

(E5.19), (E5.20) 

Building Research Establishment Housing Defects Prevention Unit “Defect (D3.16), (D5.10) 

Action Sheet” (Design), DAS8 

(BRE, 1982) 1985? 

“Design, Construction, Specification and Fire Management of Insulated Envelopes (D7.4) 

For Temperature Controlled Environments” 

(International Association of Cold Storage Contractors(European Division) 1999) 

Building Research Establishment Report (BR 187) “External Fire Spread: (D8.1) 

Building Separation and Boundary Distances” 

(BRE, 1991) 

Building Research Establishment Fire Note 9: Assessing the fire performance (D10.1) 

of external cladding systems 

(BRE 1999) 

Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as amended to June 2001) E Introduction 

Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 

HSE publication: Safety Signs and Signals: Guidance on Regulations 

Part 1 of the Cinematographic (Safety) (Scotland) Regulations 1955 E9.1 

Fire Services Act 1947 E10.3 

CIBSE Design Guides (F2.1) 

(Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) 

IGE Design Guides (F2.1) 

(Institute of Gas Engineers) 

Gas Appliance (Safety) Regulations 1985 (F3.1), (F6.2) 

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (F3.1) 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 7/94 (F3.11) 

Spillage of flue gases from solid fuel combustion appliances 

(BRE 1994) 

OFTEC Technical Information Note TI/112, Oil fired appliances (F3.11) 

and extract fans 

(Oil Firing Technical Association For The Petroleum Industry 1996) 

The official guide to approved solid fuel products and services (F4.2) 

(HETAS Ltd, 1999) 

OFTEC Applied Standards OFS A100, Oil-fired appliance standard heating boilers (F5.2), (F5.8) 

with atomising burners, output up to 70kW and maximum operating pressures of 3Bar (F5.10), (F5.11) 

(Oil Firing Technical Association For The Petroleum Industry 1998) (F5.13) 

21 


OFTEC Applied Standards OFS A101, Oil-fired appliance standard oil-fired (F5.2), (F5.8) 

cookers with atomising and vaporising burners with or without boilers, (F5.10), (F5.11) 

heat output up to 45kW (F5.13) 


Gas Installation in Timber Frame Buildings IGE/UP/7 (F6.6) 

(Institute of Gas Engineers, 1998) 

OFTEC Technical Standard OFS T100, Polyethylene oil tanks and bunds for (F7.1) 

distillate fuel 


OFTEC Technical Information Note TI/133, Assessment of the risk of environmental (F7.2) 

damage being caused by spillage from domestic oil storage tanks 


LPG Association Code of Practice 24: Use of LPG cylinders: Parts 1 and 2 (F7.3) 

(Liquid Petroleum Gas Association, 1998) 

LPG Association Code of Practice 1: Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations: Part 1 (F7.5) 

(Liquid Petroleum Gas Association, 1998) 

Radon: guidance on protection measures for new dwellings in Scotland (G2.1) 

(Building Research Establishment, 1999) G Appendix 

Design Guidance on Flood Damage to Dwellings G Appendix 

(HMSO, 1996) 

National Planning Policy Guidelines ‘Planning and flooding’ G Appendix 

(The Scottish Office Environment Department, 1995) 

Building Research Establishment Report BR 262: “Thermal Insulation: J Introduction, 

Avoiding Risks” second edition (J4.1), (J5.1) 

(BRE/HMSO, 1994) (J9.1) 

J Appendix C 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 14/94: “U-Values J Introduction 

for Basements” (J2.2), (J3.2) 

(BRE, 1994) J Appendix F10 

Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1981, as amended to June 2001 J Introduction 

(HMSO) J Appendix G 

Building Research Establishment Report BR 265: “Minimising Air J Introduction 

Infiltration in Office Buildings” (J10.1) 

(BRE, 1994) 

“The Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating J2.3, J 3.1 

of dwellings” – 2001 edition (SAP 2001) J3.11 

(BRE, 2001) J Appendix G 

CIBSE Guide A: Design Data - Section A3: “Thermal Properties (J2.1) 

of Building Structures” J Appendix B 

(Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 1999) J Appendix C 


22

CIBSE Building Energy Code: Part 2: “Calculation of Energy Demands and (J3.4) 

Targets for the Design of New Buildings and Services: 

(a) Heated and Naturally Ventilated Buildings”, Worksheets 1a-1e 


CIBSE Applications Manual AM1: “Automatic Controls and (J5.1) 

their Implications for Systems Design” 


BRECSU Good Practice Guide GPG 143 Wet Central Heating Systems, 1996 (J6.1) 

CIBSE Application Manual AM11: Building Energy and Environmental Modelling (J8.7) 


Boiler Efficiency Regulations 1993 & 1994 (J11.1) 

BRECSU Good Practice Guide GPG 132 Heating controls in small commercial and (J11.3) 

multi-residential buildings, November 2000 

CIBSE Code for Interior Lighting (J12.1), (J12.3) 


ECON 19: Energy Use in Offices – Energy Consumption Guide 19 (J13.1) 

DETR 1998 J Appendix K 

CIBSE and BSRIA Commissioning Guides (J14.1) 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 5/98: J Appendix B 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 12/94: “Assessing J Appendix D 

Condensation Risk and Heat loss at Thermal Bridges around Openings” 

(BRE, 1994) 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 3/90: “The U-value J Appendix F10 

of Ground Floors: Application to Building Regulations” 

(BRE, 1990) 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 7/93: “The U-Value J Appendix F10 

of Solid Ground Floors with Edge Insulation” 

(BRE, 1993) 

CIBSE Guide: “Energy Efficiency in Buildings” J Appendix K 


CIBSE Technical Memorandum TM22: Energy Assessment and Reporting Methodology: J Appendix K 

Office Assessment Method. (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 1999) 

CIBSE Guide A: 1986: Design data: section A4 (K2.1) 

CIBSE Guide B: 1986: section B2 (K2.1), (K3.1) 


Building Research Establishment Digest 398: “Continuous mechanical ventilation (K2.1) 

in dwellings: design, installation and operation” 

(BRE, 1994) 

23 


Code of practice for ground floor, multi-storey and underground car parks, section 4 (K3.1) 

(Association for Petroleum and Explosive Administration, 1994) 

available from APEA, PO Box 572, Barton-le-Clay, Beds. MK45 4QW 

Building Research Establishment Information Paper IP 13/94 (K4.3) 

(BRE, 1994) 

“The control of legionellosis including legionnaires’ disease” (K4.10) 

(HSE 1991) 

SEDD Planning Advice Note PAN61 “Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems M Introduction 

Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 M Introduction 

Sewage (Scotland) Act 1968 M2.8, M2.9 

Sewers for Scotland (M2.1) 

(Scottish Water Authorities, 2001) 

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: Design Manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland (M2.2), (M2.9) 

(CIRIA, 2000) 

BRE Digest 365 “Soakaway design” (M2.9) 

(Building Research Establishment 1991) 

BRE Good Building Guide GBG 42 Parts 1 and 2 (M3.6) 

(Building Research Establishment 2000) 

NSF41: “Wastewater recycling/reuse and Water conservation devices (M4.2) 

(National Sanitation Federation 1996) 

NSF41-1999 “Non-liquid saturated treatment systems” (M4.2) 

National Sanitation Federation 

School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967 to 1979 (M4.5) 

DOE Waste Management Paper No.25 “Clinical Wastes” R Introduction 

(Department of the Environment, 19??) 

Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, fourth edition S Introduction 

(HMSO, 1997) 

Disabled Access Guide S Introduction 

(Disability Scotland, October 1993 edition) 

Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces S Introduction 

(The Scottish Office/DETR, 1998) 

Disability Discrimination Act 1995 S Introduction 

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 S Introduction 


24

INDEX

A 

Absorbent blankets (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Absorbent curtains (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

Access S intro, S reg 32 

Application of Part S S1 

Buildings other than dwellings 

Sanitary accommodation (M4.5) 

Disabled M4.9, (M4.4-5) 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 S2, (S2.3), (S2.5-7) 

Drainage systems (M2.4) 

Dwellings Q intro, Q reg 29(1), Q2, (Q2.1), (Q2.4), (Q2.7), (Q2.10-11) 

Application of Part Q Q1 

Sanitary facilities (M4.1) 

Disabled M intro 6, M4.3 

Solid waste storage accommodation R reg 30(2)(a), R2.1 

Within and between storeys Q reg 29(1)(b), Q2.11-13, (Q2.11) 

Escape stairs from topmost storeys E6.2b 

Fire-fighting E intro, E10.1 

Indicator panels (E11.3) 

Structural fire precautions D intro 2 

Vehicles E intro 4, E10.7-8, (E10.1-2, 10.8) 

Flues and solid fuel appliances F4.8, (F4.8) 

Manual controls for windows and rooflights P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(f), P2.7 

Oil storage tanks (F7.2) 

Practicable replacement of materials and components B2.2 

Roofs P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(g), P2.8, (P2.8) 

Wastewater treatment plant 

Desludging M3.3, (M3.3) 

Inspection and sampling treated water M3.1, (M3.1) 

Window and rooflight cleaning P intro 2, P2.3-4, (P2.3-4) 

Access balconies 

Escape routes E2.2 

Open 

Downstand from soffit E2.13 

Protected lobbies E2.11 

Smoke ventilation E10.14 

Access corridors see Common access corridors 

Access decks D11.11 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, Escape routes E5.9d 

Definition A definitions 

Fire resistance periods (D1.3) table 1 

Flats and maisonettes 





Served by escape stairs D11.8-9 

Access hatches 

Cavity barriers D6.7 

Fire safety performance of suspended ceilings (D1.3) 

Rooflights within P2.4 

Accessible corridors, Dwellings (Q2.11) 

Accessible entrance storeys Q intro 4, Q2.11 

Sanitary facilities M4.3 

Accessible entrances see Entrances 

Accessible storeys see Storeys 

Accidents 

Disproportionate collapse (C3.1) 

Miscellaneous hazards P intro, P2, (P2.2-5), (P2.8) 


2

Accommodation see Sleeping accommodation 

Accreditation of installers B2.2 

Acoustic tests 

Identical dwellings H intro 3 

Procedures (H2.1-3) test procedures 

Active fire protection measures see Fire control systems 

Activity spaces 


Dwellings M4.3 

Small buildings (M4.4) 

Watercloset cubicles (M4.6) 

Activity spaces (Dwellings) Q3.1, Q3.3 

Adjustable automatic timing devices J6.1b, J11.3b, (J6.2), (J11.5) 

Agricultural buildings 

Exempted classes A schedule 1 

Stairs and fixed ladders S3.1e, S3.27, (S3.27) 

Agriculture 


see also Farm effluent tanks 

Aids for hard of hearing N reg 26A, N2.2, (N2.2) 

Air changes 

Dwellings (K2.1) 

Large garages (K3.1) 

Reduction in natural air changes K intro 4 

Small garages (K3.2) 

Air for combustion F intro 3c, 6, F reg 14(d) 

Gas-fired appliances F6.3, (F6.3) 

Large combustion appliance installations F2.1d 

Oil-fired appliances F5.3, (F5.3) 

Operation of air extract fans F intro 6, F3.11, (F3.11) 

Solid fuel appliances F4.3, (F4.3) 

Air conditioning 

Conservation of fuel and power J intro 7, J13.1, (J13.1) 

Office buildings J Appendix K 

Air for cooling 

Gas-fired appliances F6.4, (F6.4) 


Open-flued combustion appliances F3.11, (F3.11) 

Air extract fans 

Air for combustion F intro 6 

Small combustion appliance installations F3.10-11, (F3.11) 

Air gaps see Gaps 

Air infiltration J intro 8, J5.1, J10.1, (J5.1), (J10.1) 

Air supported structures E5.27 


Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Airborne sound H reg 19, H2.1, (H2.1-3) standards, test procedures 

Alarms see Fire detection and alarm systems; Smoke alarms 

Alternative exits 


Flats and maisonettes E2.14-15, E2.18a 

Storey height more than 4.5 m E2.20-23 

Houses E3.3a, E3.5, E3.7 

Aluminium, Structural work (C2.1) 

Amendment of warrants A intro 4 

Amplified music, Silenced on operation of fire alarm (E11.3) 

Amusement arcades, Occupancy load factors A schedule 4 

Ancient monuments, Controlled by other legislation A schedule 1 

3 


Ancillary buildings 

Classifying buildings and parts by purpose A reg 6(2) 

Dwellings 

Conservatories 

Conservation of fuel and power J intro 5, J7.1 

Natural ventilation K4.1a 

Duration of fire protection D2.1 table 1 


Fire spread D8.1 

Roof coverings D9.1 

Animal accommodation 

Ancillary to dwellings 

Acceptable roof coverings D9.1 



Surfaces of unprotected zones D7.1 

Apartments see Dwellings 

Appliance compartments, Definition A definitions 

Appliance replacements not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Archaeological areas, Controlled by other legislation A schedule 1 

Areas 

Compartments D2.1 table 2 

Single storey buildings D2.1 table 1 

Energy calculations J2.5 

Target U-value method J3.5, J Appendix F 

U-values of ground floors J Appendix C 

Windows, doors and rooflights 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 

Carbon emissions calculation method J8.9a 

Elemental method J8.3-4 

Heat loss method J8.5-6, (J8.5), J Appendix H 

Measurement A schedule 5 

Arenas see Buildings of purpose group 5 

Art galleries 

Occupancy load factors A schedule 4 

Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Artificial lighting see Lighting 

Asphalt, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Assembly buildings see Buildings of purpose group 5 

Atria, U-values of floors above or walls adjoining J2.3 

Audiences see Fixed seating 

Auditoria 

Air movement in event of fire D11.14, (D11.14) 

Escape routes E4.5, E5.22b 

Hearing aids N2.2a 

High level smoke outlet above stage D11.15, (D11.15) 


Separated stage and stage area D11.13, (D11.13) 

Automatic doors S2.4 

Escape routes (E2.4, 5.11) 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E5.11e 

Flats and maisonettes E2.4e 

Automatic heat activated sealing devices (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Automatic smoke detectors see Fire detection and alarm systems; Smoke detectors 

Automatic timing devices (J11.5) 

Hot water service systems J6.2, (J6.2) 

Space heating controls J6.1b, J11.3b, 

B 

Baby changing facilities (M4.5) 

Back-entry appliances see Combustion appliances 

Balanced flues, Fixtures not requiring warrants A schedule 2 


4

Balconies 

Transmission of sound H intro 2 

Treated as rooms for purpose of Part E E1.4 

see also Access balconies 

Ballrooms 

Emergency lighting (E9.2) 

see also Buildings of purpose sub-group 5A 

Bars 

Disabled access S2.6h 



Basement storeys 


Number of exits E4.1 

Protected zones enclosing escape stairs E6.12 

Width of escape stairs E6.3 

Compartments D3.3-4 


Fire-fighting facilities E10.4 table, E10.10 


Ducted warm air heating E2.24 

Inner rooms E2.16 

Means of escape E2.18-19 

Protected zones E2.10 

Houses 

Inner rooms E3.1 

Means of escape E3.3 

Private stairs E3.6 

Protected enclosures E3.6 

Resistance to moisture from ground (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Smoke ventilation E10.15, (E10.15) 

Structural fire protection D2.1 table 2 

U-values (J2.1), J Appendix C 

Bathrooms 

Trickle ventilators K4.1b, (K4.1) 

Ventilation for dwellings (K2.1) table 

Baths see Sanitary facilities 

BBA Certificates see British Board of Agrement Certificates 

Bed space, Dwellings Q3.1 

Bed-patient care 

Means of escape E8.4-6, (E8.6) 

Measuring travel distances E5.3 

Bedrooms 

Cavities above ceilings in buildings of purpose sub-group 2B D6.4 

Disabled access S2.6e 

Dwellings, Location Q3.2 

Means of escape 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A E5.10 


Alternative exits E2.23 

Separation from kitchens and other apartments E2.20d 

Hospitals E8.4-6, (E8.6) 


Sanitary accommodation for disabled, Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 M4.8, (M4.8) 

Smoke alarms in shared residential accommodation (E11.2) 

Sub-compartmentation in buildings of purpose sub-group 2A D4.2 

Sub-compartmentation in buildings of purpose sub-group 2B D4.6 

Bingo halls 



Blind see Disabled people 

5 


Blocks 

Density and sound insulation (H2.1-3) 

Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Blockwork 

Constructions for sound insulation (H2.1-3) wall types 1-3 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A table A10, examples 4-6 

Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall types 

Thermal bridging (J2.1), J Appendix B 


Boilers 



Controls J11.2-4, (J11.5) 

Efficiency (J11.1) 

Dwellings 

Carbon index method J Appendix G 

Controls J6.1-2, (J6.1-2) 

Elemental method J3.2 table 2 

Methods of compliance J3.1 

Target U-value method J3.5-6, J Appendix F 

see also Combustion appliances 

Bore holes 

Location of infiltration systems (M3.7) 

Location of oil storage tanks (F7.2c) table 

Boundaries 


Distance and exceptions to exempted classes A schedule 1 

Fire protection 

Duration of external walls D2.1 table 2, D8.1-2 

Minimum periods of fire resistance (D1.3) table 1 


Fire spread D intro 6 

Buildings ancillary to dwellings D8.1b 

From adjoining buildings D9.1 

Two buildings on land in same occupation D8.3 

Unprotected area calculations (D8.1) 

Flue terminals 

Gas-fired appliances (F6.10) 

Oil-fired appliances (F5.10) 

Infiltration systems (M3.7) 

LPG storage containers F7.5b, (F7.5) 

Oil storage tanks F7.2b, (F7.2b) table 

Wastewater treatment systems M3.1e, (M3.1) 

Bowling alleys 


see also Buildings of purpose sub-group 5B 

Branch pipes, Service openings in walls and floors (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Breather membranes (G3.1) wall type 3, roof type 2 

Bricks 



Brickwork 


Insulation thickness J Appendix A table A9 examples 4-7 



see also Thermal bridging 

Bridges, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 


6

British Board of Agrement Certificates 

References A references 

Unvented hot water storage systems (P3.1) 

British Standards 

Fire reaction D1.3, (D1.3) 

Fire resistance D1.3, (D1.3) 

Large combustion appliance installations F intro 4, F(2.1) 


Selection and use of materials and components (B2.2) 

Structural Eurocodes C intro 4 

Workmanship B intro 6, (B2.1) 

Building services see Services 

Buildings 

Attached to dwellings A schedule 1 

Classifying by purpose A reg 6 

Definitions 

Building A definitions 

Change of use A intro 4 

Exempted classes A reg 3 

Agricultural buildings A schedule 1 

Buildings ancillary to dwellings A schedule 1 

Construction and development buildings A schedule 1 

Controlled by other legislation A schedule 1 

Maintenance only A schedule 1 

Not frequented by people A schedule 1 

Small buildings A schedule 1 

Specialised buildings A schedule 1 

Tanks, cables, sewers and drains A schedule 1 

Temporary buildings A schedule 1 

Works of civil engineering A schedule 1 

Buildings of purpose group 1 see Dwellings 

Buildings of purpose group 2 

Compartmentation D3.5, D2.1 table 2 


Occupancy capacity A reg 7(2)(a) 


Sanitary facilities M4.5, (M4.5) 

Warning of fire E intro 1, reg 13(1A), E11.2, (E11.2) 

see also Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A; Buildings of purpose sub-group 2B 

Buildings of purpose group 3 see Office buildings 


Compartmentation D2.1 table 2 


Occupancy capacity and width of circulation areas E5.22c 



Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system D3.6-7, (D3.6-7) 


Artificial lighting J Appendix J 




Openings in protective barriers S4.2 




see also Auditoria; Buildings of purpose sub-group 5A; Buildings of purpose sub-group 5B 

Buildings of purpose group 6 see Industrial buildings 

Buildings of purpose group 7 see Storage buildings 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 1A see Flats and maisonettes 

7 


Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A A schedule 3 

Escape routes 

Bed-patient care and travel distances E5.3 

Maximum travel distances E5.1 

Sub-compartmentation and exits E5.10 

Fire detection and alarm systems (E11.2) 

Lower roof abutting external wall D10.3 


Sub-compartments D intro 4, D4.1-3 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2B A schedule 3 

Cavities above ceilings D6.4 

Fire detection and alarm systems (E11.2) 

Sanitary accommodation for disabled M4.8, (M4.8) 

Sub-compartments D4.6 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 5A A schedule 3 

Display lighting J12.2 


Bulk storage see Storage buildings; Storage spaces 

C 

Cables, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Calling lifts, Tactile buttons (S2.6) 

Canopies (D9.1) 

Canteens, Sanitary facilities (M4.5) 

Capacity see Occupancy capacity 

Car parking 

Access to dwellings Q2.1 

Disabled access S2.1-3, S2.6g 

see also Vehicle parking 

Car parks 


Open-sided 



Steel framed (D1.3) 


U-values of floors above or walls adjoining unheated spaces J2.3 

Caravans, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Carbon dioxide emissions J intro 4 

Carbon dioxide systems of fire control (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 

Carbon emissions J8.7, (J11.1), J Appendix K 

Calculation method J intro 6, J8.7-9, (J8.7) 

Carbon index method J intro 3-4, J3.1, J3.11, J Appendix G 

Carbon monoxide 

Concentration in large garages (K3.1) 

Flue gases F intro 6 

Carbon performance index (J13.1), J Appendix K2 

Caretakers’ flats, Escape stairs from flats and maisonettes E2.14 

Carports 




Catchpits 

Definition (F7.2c) table 

Oil storage tanks F7.2c, (F7.2c) table 

Catwalks 

Disabled access 2.6b 

Escape stairs E6.6 

Structural protection exceptions D2.1 

Caulking, Wall joints (H2.1-3) wall types 

Cavities see Concealed spaces 


8

Cavity barriers D6.1-10 


Openings D6.7, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Periods of fire resistance (D1.3) table 1 

Cavity fill (Partial) 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A example 6 

Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall type 2 

Cavity walls 

Concealed spaces D6.1-2 

Insulated closers J Appendix D 

Non-combustible insulation in buildings over 18 m D10.2 


Sealing around joist ends built into inner leafs (J5.1) 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 1-2 

Thermal bridging J Appendix B example 2 

Thermal insulation J Appendix A examples 4-6 

Ties 


U-value calculations J Appendix B 

CE mark of conformity B intro 3 

Ceilings 

Dispensing with cavity barriers (D1.3) table 1, D6.6-7 

Fire safety performance of floors (D1.3) table 2 

Fire spread on surfaces D7.1, (D7.1) 

Garages ancillary to dwellings D5.2 

Independent (H2.1-3) floor type 4 

Insulation between and over joists J Appendix A table A4, examples 1-2 

Junctions with walls (H2.1-3) wall types 1-3 

Openwork and smoke reservoirs (D3.6-7) 

Requirements for cavity barriers D6.2-4 

Sandwich panels D7.3-4, (D7.4) 

Thermoplastic materials D7.1c, D7.2, (D7.2) 

Central cores, Escape routes E6.11 

Central heating see Space heating 

Central monitoring units, Smoke alarms (E11.1) 

Change of use see Existing buildings 

Changes of level, Disabled access S2.7 

Changing cubicles M4.7, (M4.7) 

Changing facilities 

Hospitals D5.4a 

Sub-compartmentation D4.2 

Chases, Separating walls and sound transmission (H2.1-3) 

Chest of drawers space Q3.1 

Chimney stacks, Definition A definitions 

Chimneys F intro 3e 


Fixtures requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Gas-fired combustion appliance installations F6.1, F6.6, (F6.6) 


Large combustion appliance installations F2.1e 

Oil-fired combustion appliance installations F5.1, F5.7-8, (F5.7) 

Openings in compartment walls and compartment floors D3.14 

Openings in separating walls and separating floors D5.8 

Openings in sub-compartment walls D4.7 

Small combustion appliance installations F3.3, F3.5, (F3.5) 

Factory-made chimneys F3.5-7, (F3.6-7) 

Relationship to combustible materials F3.9, (F3.9) 

Solid fuel combustion appliance installations F4.1, F4.11-13, (F4.11) 

Separation from combustible materials F4.15-16 

Chipboard see Wood based boards 

Chutes see Waste chutes 

9 


Cinemas 


Gangways S intro 6 



Circuits see Electrical circuits 

Circular stairs S3.15, (S3.15) 

Escape stairs (S3.15) 

Circulation areas 


Minimum width in buildings of purpose group 4 E5.22c 

Civil engineering works, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Claddings 

Concealed spaces and cavity barriers D6.5, D6.8 

External wall fire spread D10.1, (D10.1) 

To adjoining buildings D8.1-2, (D8.1) 

Replacements not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

Classes of buildings A intro 4 

Exempted A reg 3 

Cleaner’s rooms 

Escape stair protected zones E6.8 

Separation from escape stairs D11.5 

Cleaning 

Windows and rooflights P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(c), P2.3-4, (P2.3-4) 

see also Inspection openings; Maintenance 

Coastal flooding see Flood water 

Cold deck roofs G intro 5 

Cold stores, Ventilation requirements K2.1a 

Collapse see Disproportionate collapse 

Collapsible buildings, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Collisions 

With glazing P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(b), P2.2, (P2.2) 

With projections P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(a), P2.1 

Combined heat and power systems, Heating system efficiency (J11.1) 

Combined method (J2.1), J Appendix B 

Combustible materials 

Factory-made chimneys F3.9, (F3.9) 

Gas-fired appliances F6.14-17, (F6.16-17) 

Oil-fired appliances F5.11-13, (F5.11-13) 

Solid fuel appliances F4.14-21, (F4.17-19), (F4.21) 

Combustion appliance installations F intro 1, F reg 14 

Application of Part F F1 

Conservation of fuel and power, Combined heat and power systems (J11.1) 

Gas-fired F6, (F6.2-7), (F6.9-11), (F6.13), (F6.16-17) 

Energy rating eficiency J Appendix G 

Labelling F3.12, (F3.12) 

Large installations F2.1, (F2.1) 

Location F intro 8 

Oil-fired F5, (F5.2-4), (F5.7-8), (F5.10-13) 

Small installations F3, (F3.1), (F3.4-9), (F3.11-12) 

Solid fuel F4, (F4.2-3), (F4.5), (F4.8), (F4.10-12), (F4.17-19), (F4.21) 

see also Hot water; Space heating 


10

Combustion appliances 



Controls J11.2-4, (J11.5) 

Efficiency (J11.1) 

Dwellings 

Carbon index method J Appendix G 

Controls J6.1-2, (J6.1-2) 




Exceptions to exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Fixtures not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Gas-fired F6.2, F6.16-17, (F6.2), (F6.16-17) 

Condensing mode of operation (F6.11) 

Decorative fuel-effect (F3.6), (F6.3), (F6.6-7), (F6.16) 


Flue terminal positions (F6.10) 

Live fuel-effect (F6.3), (F6.7), (F.6.16) 

Separation from combustible materials F6.16-17, (F6.16-17) 

Oil-fired F5.2, (F5.2) 


Room-sealed F5.3, F5.6 

Separation from combustible materials F5.13, (F5.13) 

Standing F5.11-12, (F5.11-12) 

Open-flued 

Air for combustion or cooling F3.11, (F3.11) 


Ventilation of dwellings (K2.1) table 

Solid fuel F4.2, (F4.2) 

Back entry F4.6 

Construction of adjacent parts of buildings (F4.19) 


Positioning on hearths F4.18, (F4.18) 

Prefabricated appliance chambers (F4.21) 

Removal of products of combustion (F4.5) 

Combustion products and their removal F intro 3d, F reg 14(c) 

Gas-fired combustion appliance installations F6.5-10, (F6.5-7), (F6.9-10) 

Large combustion appliance installations F2.1c 

Oil-fired combustion appliance installations F5.5-10, (F5.7), (F5.8), (F5.10) 

Small combustion appliance installations F3.3-4, (F3.4) 

Solid fuel combustion appliance installations F4.4-10, (F4.5), (F4.8), (F4.10) 

Commercial buildings see Buildings of purpose group 4 

Commissioning services J6.5-6, J14.1-2, (J14.1-2) 

Common access corridors 

Flats and maisonettes Q2.8 


Sound insulation H1.4 

Common ducts, Mechanical ventilation system K4.7 

Communal occupations see Mixed occupations 

Communal rooms, Escape routes from flats and maisonettes E2.1b, E2.7 

Communal solid waste storage accommodation R2.2, (R2.3) 

Compartment floors D3.1 

Buildings with basement storeys D3.3 


Escape stairs E6.4b 

Junctions with walls D3.15 

Openings D3.14, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Chimneys of small combustion appliance installations F3.7a 

Flue-pipes of gas-fired installations F6.12 


11 


Compartment walls D3.1 

Definitions 

Compartment wall A definitions 

Sub-compartment wall A definitions 

Enclosure of lift wells D3.12 

Junctions with other walls D3.15 

Hospitals D3.17 

Junctions with roofs D3.16, (D3.16, 5.10) 

Measuring travel distances E5.2-3 

Openings D3.14, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 



Manual operation of rolling shutters E10.16 


Separated stage and stage area D11.13 

Compartments D intro 3, D3.1-17 


Duration and area D2.1 table 2 


Hospitals E8.1-4 

Hospital streets E8.9-10 

Rules of measurement A schedule 5 

Single buildings having opposing compartments externally D8.3 

Travel distances E5.3 


Unprotected area calculations (D8.1) 

see also Sub-compartments 

Components, Selection and use B2 

Composite floor bases, Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) 

Composite steel and concrete structural work (C2.1) 

Concealed spaces D6.1-10 

Definition of cavity A definitions 

Junctions D6.8-10, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9) 

Openings D6.7, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Storeys more than 18 m above ground 

Insulation in cavities of external walls D10.2 

Rainscreen cladding D6.5 

Concentrated loads C intro 3 

Concrete 

Deck roofs 



Floors 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 2-3, floor types 1-2 

Thermal insulation thickness J Appendix A table A16 

Flue-block chimneys (F3.5) 

Ground floors 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A tables A12, A14, example 8 


Lightweight blocks 



Structural work (C2.1) 



Walls 

Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall types 1-2 




12

Condensation J intro 8 

Air conditioning and ventilation plant management J Appendix K 

Risk at edges of openings J Appendix D 

Ventilation standards K intro 4 

Condensation resistance G intro 5-6, G reg 18, (G3.1) 

Interstitial G intro 6, G4.1, (G4.1) 

Surface G intro 6, G4.2, (G4.2) 

Conference halls 

Hearing aids N2.2a 


Confined spaces 


Storage areas E5.21 

Conservation of fuel and power J intro, J reg 22 

Application of Part J J1 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 J intro 6 

Carbon emissions calculation method J8.7-10, (J8.7) 

Commissioning services J14.1-2, (J14.1-2) 

Efficiency of services systems J13.1, (J13.1) 

Offices J Appendix K 



Heating and hot water services J11.1-7, (J11.1, 11.3, 11.5-7) 

Lighting services J12.1-3, (J12.1-3), J Appendix J 

Limiting infiltration J10.1, (J10.1) 

Limiting thermal bridging J9.1, (J9.1) 

Standards J8.1 

Dwellings J intro 3-5 

Carbon index method J3.11, J Appendix G 

Conservatories J7.1 


Heating and hot water services J6.1-6, (J6.1-4) 

Limiting infiltration J5.1, (J5.1) 



Standards J 3.1 


Rules for the use of Part J J2.1-5, (J2.1) 

Tables of U-values J Appendix A 

Thermal bridging at the edges of openings J Appendix D 

U-value calculations using the Combined Method J Appendix B 

U-values of ground floors and basements J Appendix C 

U-values of windows, doors and rooflights J Appendix E 

Ventilation K intro 3 





Exceptions to exemptions A schedule 1 

Ventilation of dwellings K4.1a 

Construction 

Applications for warrants already made A intro 4 


Construction and development buildings, Exempted classes A schedule 1 

Construction Products Directive 

Compliance A references 

Fitness of materials B intro 3, (B2.2) 

Reaction to fire (D1.3) 

Constructional hearths see Hearths 

Containers, Surface water storage M2.9d 

13 


Contamination 

Air supply of mechanical ventilation systems K4.9-10, (K4.10) 

Contaminants and remedial actions G Appendix 

Dungsteads and farm effluent tanks R reg 31, R3.1a, (R3.1) 

From contents of fuel tanks F reg 15(1)(b), (F7.2c) table 

Solid waste storage from dwellings R reg 30(2)(c), R2.1 

Control rooms, Shopping centres with malls (E11.3) 

Controlled waters, Oil storage tanks (F7.2c) table 

Conversions see Existing buildings 

Cookers, Facilities for dwellings Q3.3 

Cooling see Air for cooling; Space cooling 

Corridors 

Access within dwellings (Q2.11) 

Division for smoke control E5.23, (E5.23) 

Fire safety performance of walls D11.4 

Escape from flats and maisonettes E2.12, E10.14, (E2.11-12) 

Service corridor escape from shops E7.6-7 

see also Common access corridors 

Counter battens, Framed walls and resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall type 3, roof type 2 

Course heights, Coordinating for thermal insulation (H2.1-3) 

Covered areas 

Ancillary to dwellings A schedule 1 



Fire safety of roofs and rooflights (D9.1) 

Creches in shopping centres with malls E7.8 

Cubic capacity, Measurement A schedule 5 

Cupboards, Factory-made chimneys F3.7b, (F3.7) 

Current leakages see Electrical installations 

Curtain walls 

Condensation avoidance J Appendix D6 

Thermal performance J Appendix B4 

Curtilage 

Buildings ancillary to dwellings exemptions A schedule 1 


Exceptions to small buildings exemption A schedule 1 

D 

Damage by heat, Combustion appliance installations F reg 14(b) 

Damp-proof courses, Combustible materials and chimneys F4.11, F4.15a 

Damp-proof membranes (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Dance halls 




Dangerous substances see Harmful or dangerous substances 

Day centres, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Day rooms 

Occupancy capacity A reg 7(2)(a) 

Sub-compartmentation D4.2d 

Daylight-linked photo-electric light switching (J12.3) 

Dead loads C2.1 

Calculation (C2.1) 


Deaf see Disabled people 

Deafening (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Decorative fuel-effect gas appliances (F3.6) 

Air for combustion (F6.3) 


Relationship to combustible materials (F6.16) 

Removal of products of combustion (F6.6-7) 


14

Deemed to satisfy compliance with standards A reg 9(2) 

Workmanship B intro 6 

Definitions A definitions 

Density, Masonry units, Sound insulation (H2.1-3) 

Desludging, Wastewater treatment plant M3.3, (M3.3) 

Development buildings see Construction and development buildings 

Different occupation 


Separating walls and separating floors D5.1 

Differential movement, Fire-stopping (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9) 

Directions of travel 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E4.2-3 

Maximum travel distances E5.1 

Multiple exits E5.7 

Enclosed shopping centres E7.1 

Flats and maisonettes E2.15 

Storey heights of more than 4.5 m E2.20-21 

Hospital streets E8.9e 

Directives see Construction Products Directive; European Community 

Disabled people 

Access to buildings S intro 1, S2.1-5 

Access to dwellings Q intro, Q2.1-12, (Q2.1), (Q2.4), (Q2.7), (Q2.11) 

Access to flats and maisonettes Q intro 3, Q2.1, Q2.5-7, Q2.10, (Q2.10) 

Entryphone systems Q2.10a, (Q2.10) 

Definition A definitions, Q intro 6, S intro 8 

Fixed seating accommodation S intro 7, S reg 32(2), S2.6f, S2.10 

Wheelchair space provision S2.10 table 

Hearing aid systems N2.2, (N2.2) 

Impaired sight S intro 1 

Internal doors and lobbies S2.8-9 

Means of escape from fire 

Refuges within protected zones E intro 3c 

Wheelchair spaces on escape stair landings E2.9, E6.7 

Movement within buildings S intro 1, S2.6-7, (S2.6-7) 

Dwellings Q2.11-13, (Q2.11) 

Light switches in communal areas of flats and maisonettes Q2.10b 


Buildings other than dwellings M intro 6-7, M4.8, (M4.4-5), (M4.8) 

Travel distances M4.9 

Dwellings M intro 6-7 

Accessibility M intro 6, M4.3 

Discharges from drainage systems M2.8-9, (M2.9) 

Discharges into drainage systems M2.6-7, (M2.6-7) 

Discharges of steam or hot water P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(e), P2.6 

Installation of discharge pipes (P3.1) 

Warnings must not be impeded by insulation J11.7 

Display lighting, Energy conservation J12.2, (J12.2-3) 

Disproportionate collapse C reg 11(2), C3.1, (C3.1) 

Distances between buildings see Boundaries; Separation distances 

Docks, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Domestic garages 





Separating walls and separating floors D5.2b, D5.7 


Door frames 


Dwellings, Elemental method J3.2 table 1 

Indicative U-values J Appendix A tables A1-3 

15 


Doors 




Elemental method J8.2-4, J Appendix E 


Dwellings 

Draught seals (J5.1) 



Target U-value method J Appendix F 


Definition of emergency door A definitions 


Buildings of purpose groups 2-5, Occupancy capacity more than 60 E5.20 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E5.11, E5.17-20 

Flats and maisonettes E2.1, E2.4-5 

Hospital streets to adjoining compartments E8.10 

Internal doors S2.8 

Opening onto landings S3.19 

Measuring travel distances 



see also Entrances; Fire doors; Glazed doors 

Doorways 

Clear headroom, Escape routes E2.3, E5.12 

Clear opening width (Q2.11) 


Double glazing see Glazing 

Double-walled flue-pipes 

Gas-fired installations 

Relationship to combustible materials F6.14-15 

Removal of combustion products F6.9, (F6.9) 

Drainage systems 

Application of Part M M1 


Discharges from drainage systems M2.8-9, (M2.9) 

Discharges into systems M2.6-7, (M2.6-7) 

Washing down floors where communal solid waste stored R2.2 

Wastewater and surface water M intro 1-4, M reg 24, M2.1-5, (M2.1-5) 

see also Site drainage 

Drains 

Branch pipe through fire resisting construction (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 


Existing drains and site preparation G intro 3, G reg 16(2)(c), G2.4 

Size and construction M intro 2, (M2.4) 

Subsoil G intro 3, (G2.2) 

Draught diverters 

Gas-fired installations F6.8a, F6.17, (F6.17) 

Solid fuel installations F4.7a 


Draught stabilisers 

Flue openings 

Gas-fired installations F6.8a 

Solid fuel installations F4.7a, (F4.3) 

Dropped kerbs see Kerbs 

Dry fire mains see Fire mains 

Dry linings see Internal linings 

Ducted warm air heating systems 


Thermostats and time controls J11.4a 


16

Ducts 


Calculation of areas J2.5c 

Thermal insulation J6.3, J11.6, (J6.3-4), (J11.6) 


Fire resisting construction (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Floor penetrations and sound transmission (H2.1-3) floor types 

Separating walls and sound transmission (H2.1-3) 

see also Common ducts 

Dungsteads R intro 1b, R reg 31, R3.1-2, (R3.1-2) 

Exceptions to exempted classes A schedule 1 

Durability B intro 5, B reg 10, B2.2 

Dwell times, Passenger lifts (S2.6) 

Dwellings 

Above shops or offices D5.6b 

Access Q intro, Q reg 29(1), Q2, (Q2.1), (Q2.4), (Q2.7), (Q10-11) 

Accessible entrances Q2.5-7, (Q2.7) 


Within and between storeys Q reg 29(1)(b), Q2.11-13, (Q2.11) 

Accommodation Q intro 1, Q reg 29(1)(c), Q3.1 

Ancillary or attached buildings 



Natural ventilation K4.1a 


Exemptions A schedule 1 


Roof coverings D9.1 




Application of Part J J intro 3-5, J1.2 

Area of glazing in extensions J2.5d 

Carbon index method J3.1, J3.11, J Appendix G 



Heating and hot water services J6.1-6, (J6.1-4) 

Limiting air infiltration J5.1, (J5.1) 



Standards J3.1 

Target U-value method J3.1, J3.4-10, J Appendix F 

U-values 

Floors or walls adjoining unheated space J2.3 

Ground floors J Appendix C 

Definitions 

Apartment A definitions 

Dwelling A definitions, H1.4 

Discharge from hot water systems P2.6 

Discharges into drainage systems M2.6, (M2.6) 

Distance from dungsteads or farm effluent tanks R3.1c, (R3.1) 

External walls and risk of fire spread D8.1-2 

Facilities Q intro 1, Q reg 29, Q3 


Kitchens Q reg 29(1)(d), Q3.3-4 

Sanitary facilities Q intro 5 


Protected enclosures D11.3 


Sanitary facilities M intro 2, M4.1-3, (M4.1-2) 

Accessibility to disabled M intro 6, M4.3 

17 


Separating walls and separating floors D5.2, D5.6-7 

Solid waste storage R reg 30(1), R2, (R2.3) 

Sound transmission H intro, H regs 19-21 

Application of Part H H1 

Specified constructions (H2.1-3) 

Test procedures (H2.1-3) test procedures 

Used for business, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Ventilation K intro 4-5, K4.1a, (K2.1) 

Passive stack K2.1c, (K2.1) 

Systems serving more than one dwelling K4.6 

Warning of fire E intro 1, E reg 13(1A), E11.1 

see also Disabled people; Flats and maisonettes; Houses 

Dynamic loads C intro 3 

E 

Edge insulation J Appendix C 

Educational establishments, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Effluents see Dungsteads; Farm effluent tanks 

Electric shocks N intro 1 

Electrical circuits 

Definition of protected circuit A definitions 

Protected lighting circuits E9.1 

Separate lighting circuits for protected zones E9.1 

Smoke alarms (E11.1) 

Smoke and heat ventilation systems (D3.6-7) 

Electrical installations N intro, N reg 26, N2.1, (N2.1) 

Application of Part N N intro 3, N1 

Artificial lighting of escape routes E9.1 

Emergency lighting E9.2, (E9.2) 

Protection against overcurrents or leakages N2.1b 


Socket outlets in dwellings Q reg 29(2), Q3.9 

Standby power supply 

Air supported structures E5.27d 


Electro-magnetic or electro-mechanical devices susceptible to smoke, Definition A definitions 

Electromagnetic disturbances, Smoke alarms B intro 4 

Elemental method 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 J intro 6, J8.2-4 

Dwellings J intro 3, J3.1-3 


Elements of structure 


Fire safety performance D2.1-3 

Emergency doors E5.18 


Emergency lighting E9.2, (E9.2) 


Energy use J12.1a 


Emergency stopping of escalators & passenger conveyors P intro 3, P reg 27(1)(d), P2.5, (P2.5) 

Emergency support systems, Air supported structures E5.27e 

Emergency windows see Windows 

Enclosed courtyards, Treated as rooms for purpose of Part E E1.4 

Enclosed shopping centres see Shopping complexes 

Enclosing rectangles, Unprotected area calculations (D8.1) 

Enclosures 

Escape stairs 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E6.2, E6.6-14 

External walls D11.10 

Flats and maisonettes E2.8-11 

Hospitals E8.7 

Separating walls D5.7 


18

Protected D11.3 


Lift wells D3.12 

Means of escape in flats and maisonettes E2.11, E2.19 

More than 5 m in height E2.20-21, E2.23a 

Means of escape in houses of purpose sub-group 1B E3.4, E3.6 

Swimming pools, Ancillary buildings exempted A schedule 1 

Energy conservation see Conservation of fuel and power 

Energy consumption 

Efficiency of system operation J13.1, (J13.1) 


Information for occupiers J14.2, (J14.2) 

Energy metering J Appendix K 

Energy ratings see SAP energy ratings 

Entrance lobbies S2.5 (S2.5) 

Entrances 

Access to dwellings Q intro 3, Q2.1-4 

Access to flats and maisonettes Q intro 3, Q2.1, Q2.5-9 

Access within dwellings Q2.11, (Q2.11) 

Sanitary facilities for disabled M4.3 

Accessible entrances to dwellings Q intro 4, Q2.5-7 

Thresholds Q2.7, (Q2.7) 

Approaches of principal entrances S2.3, (S2.3) 

Escape from flats and maisonettes E2.1a, E2.15 

More than 4.5 m high E2.20-23 

Intensive therapy units D4.5 

Principal entrances S2.4-5, (S2.5) 

Entryphone systems, Disabled access Q2.10a, (Q2.10) 

Equipment malfunctions 

Escalators and passenger conveyors P intro 3, P reg 27(1)(d), P2.5, (P2.5) 

Hot water storage systems P intro 2, P reg 28(1), P3.1, (P3.1) 

Escalators 

Emergency stopping mechanisms P intro 3, P reg 27(1)(d), P2.5, (P2.5) 

Openings in compartment floors D3.14, (D3.14) 


Escape of foul air, Drainage systems M intro 2, M2.3, (M2.3) 

Escape routes 


Buildings containing auditoria E4.5 


Horizontal escape E5.1-27 

Height and width E5.12-18 

Travel distances E5.1-8 

Vertical escape E6.1-14 


Definitions 

Escape route A definitions 

Protected zones A definitions 

Enclosed shopping centres with malls E7.1-8 

Flat roofs or access decks E2.2e, E3.7, E5.9g 

Flats and maisonettes E2.1-19, (E2.11-12) 


Hospitals E5.9, E8.3-10, (E8.6) 

Houses E3.2-7 

Lighting E9.1 

Number E intro 2 

Protection during fires D intro 2, D11.1-15 

Flat roofs or access decks D11.11 

Minimum periods of fire resistance (D1.3) table 1 

Requirements E intro 3 

Revolving, sliding or automatic doors (E2.4, 5.11) 

Smoke ventilation E10.13-14 

see also Travel distances 

19 


Escape stairs E intro 3b 


Appropriate capacity E6.4 

Measuring travel distances if not in a protected zone E5.6 

Protected zones E6.6-14 

Width E6.1-5 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A, Maximum travel distances E5.8 

Circular (S3.15) 


Fire protection 

Enclosing rooms D11.5 

Enclosure and external walls D11.10 

Enclosure and separating walls D5.7 

External escape stairs D11.7-8 

Flats and maisonettes D11.9 

Non-combustible materials D11.12 

Fire-fighting facilities E10.4 

Flats and maisonettes E2.2d, E2.8-14, (E2.11-12), (E2.14) 



Eurocodes see Structural Eurocodes 

European Community 

Directives B intro 4 

see also CE mark of conformity; Construction Products Directive 

European Economic Area B intro 2 

European Pre-standards C intro 4 

European Standards 

Durability requirements B intro 5 

Fire reaction D1.3, (D1.3) 



European Technical Approvals (B2.1-2) 

Exempted classes of buildings A reg 3, A schedule 1 

Existing buildings 

Change of use definition A intro 4 

Change of use warrants A intro 4 

Determining notional boundaries D8.3 

Sound transmission H1.3 

Timber bases with independent ceilings (H2.1-3) floor type 4 

Exits 


Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E4.1-2, E5.7, E5.9 

Multiple exits E4.3, E5.7, E5.22b 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A E5.8, E5.10 

Creches in malls E7.8 

Definitions 

Alternative exit A definitions 

Exit A definitions 

Flats and maisonettes E2.2d, E2.7a 

Alternative exits E2.14-15, E2.18a, E2.20-23 

Hospitals E8.3, E8.8-9 

Houses, Alternative exits E3.3a, E3.5, E3.7 

Shops in malls E7.3-4 

Signs E intro 7 

Air supported structures E5.27c 

Width and rate of discharge E intro 2 

Expanded polystyrene slabs, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Explosion doors, Flue openings F4.6 diagram, F4.7b 

Explosions 

LPG storage containers F reg 15(2)(b), F7.4 

Unvented hot water storage systems P intro 2 

Explosives, Buildings controlled by other legislation A schedule 1 


20

Exposed, Definition A definitions 

Extension of warrants A intro 4 

Extensions 

Determining U-values J Appendix C4 

Maximum permitted areas of glazing J2.5d 

External renderings, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

External temperature sensing devices J11.3d 

External walls 


Claddings, Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall type 3 


Fire safety performance 

Concealed spaces D6.2, D6.5, D6.8 

Duration D2.1 table 2 

Single-storey buildings D2.1 table 1 

Escape routes in flats and maisonettes D11.9 

Escape stair enclosures D11.10 

External escape stairs D11.7-8 

Fire spread between buildings D8.1-2, (D8.1) 

Fire spread on external walls D10.1-3, (D10.1) 

Junctions with separating walls or floors D5.9, D5.11 

Junctions with sub-compartment walls D4.8 


Junctions for sound insulation floor types (H2.1-3) floor types 

Junctions for sound insulation wall types (H2.1-3) wall types 

Sealing around joist ends built into inner leafs (J5.1) 

Thermal insulation requiring warrants A schedule 2 

see also Walls 

Extract fans see Fans 

F 

Factories Act 1961, Ventilation of buildings K intro 2, K reg 23(2) 

Factory waste R intro 4 

Fanned draught gas-fired appliances, Flue terminals (F6.10) table 1 

Fans 

Conservation of fuel and power (J13.1), J Appendix K 

Extract, Ventilation of dwellings (K2.1) 

Replacement not requiring warrants A schedule 2 


Farm effluent tanks R intro 1b, R reg 31, R3.1-2, (R3.1-2) 

Fastenings, Securing doors across escape routes E2.5, E5.19-20, (E5.19-20) 

Fat discharges into drainage systems M2.7, (M2.7) 

Felt, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Fencing 

Farm effluent tanks R3.2, (R3.2) 

Height and exceptions to exempted classes A schedule 1 

Fibre cement (G3.1) wall type 3, roof type 2 

Fibreboard, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Filling contaminated land G Appendix 

Filter stations or beds, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Filtration systems (M3.6) 

Fire alarms see Fire detection and alarm systems; Smoke alarms 

Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regulations E reg 13(2)(b) 

Fire control rooms 

Overriding controls for smoke and ventilation systems (D3.6-7) 

Shopping centres with malls E10.12 

Fire control systems (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 

Basement storeys E10.15, (E10.15) 

Compartment size D intro 3, D2.1 table 2 


Enclosed shopping centres (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 

Hospitals D5.3-4 

Permitted levels of unprotected areas D8.1 table 

21 


Fire detection and alarm systems 

Activating self-closing fire doors (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 11.1-5) 

Buildings of purpose group 2 E11.2 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A (E11.2) 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2B (E11.2) 

Dwellings E11.1b, (E11.1) 

Flats and maisonettes E2.14b, (E2.14) 

Shopping complexes E11.3, (E11.3) 

Silencing amplified music (E11.3) 

Shutters sealing compartment floors (D3.14) 

Smoke alarms compliance with EC Directives B intro 4 

Fire doors 

Definitions 

Fire doors A definitions 

Protected door A definitions 

Self-closing fire door A definitions 

Escape routes E5.19-20, (E5.19-20) 

Opening direction E5.18 

Smoke control in corridors E5.23 

Escape stairs D11.7-9 

Fire resistance (D1.3) table 1 

Self-closing (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 11.1-5) 

Cavity barriers D6.7 

Escape route protection D11.1-5 

Openings in compartment walls D3.14 

Openings in separating walls D5.8 


Separating walls between flat or maisonette and protected lobby or protected zone D5.8 

Fire loads of compartments D intro 3 

Fire mains E10.4-8, (E10.7-8) 

Definitions 

Dry fire main A definitions 

Wet fire mains A definitions 


Shopping malls E10.6 

Fire reaction D intro 5, D1.3b, (D1.3) 

Internal linings D7.1-4, (D7.1, 7.2, 7.4) 

Fire resistance 

Ducts of passive stack ventilation systems K4.5 

Elements of structure D2.1 

Levels of fire safety performance D1.3a, (D1.3) 

Fire risk see High risk buildings; Places of special fire risk 

Fire spread see Spread of fire; Spread of fire to fuel tanks 

Fire tests D intro 8, D1.3, (D1.3) 

External cladding systems (D10.1) 

Thermoplastic materials (D7.2), (D9.1) 

Fire valves, Oil supply pipes F7.3, (F7.3) 

Fire-fighting E intro 4, E reg 13(1)(b), E10.1-12, (E10.1-2) 

Access E intro 1, E10.1, (E10.1) 

Indicator panels in shopping centres (E11.3) 

Vehicle access routes E intro 4, (E10.1) 

Application of Part E E1 

Equipment E intro 1 


Manual override of automatic opening ventilators (E2.11-12) 

Overriding controls for smoke and ventilation systems (D3.6-7) 

Structural fire precautions D intro 2 

Fire-fighting lifts E10.11, (E10.9, 10.11) 


Provision E10.4 table 


22

Fire-fighting lobbies E10.9, E10.11a, (E10.4, 10.9), (E10.9, 10.11) 


Fire-fighting outlets E10.4 

Dry fire mains E10.5-6 

Fire-fighting shafts E10.9-10, (E10.4, 10.9), (E10.9, 10.11) 


Enclosure D3.10 

Pressure differential control (E10.4, 10.9) 

Provision E10.4 table 

Wall and ceiling surfaces D7.1 

Fire-stops (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9) 

Concealed spaces D6.7, D6.9 


Junctions between walls and roofs (D3.16, 5.10) 

Service openings D3.14, D4.7, D5.8 

Sound transmission 

Joints between walls and roof (H2.1-3) wall types 

Timber frame walls with absorbent curtains (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

Fireplace opening areas (F4.5) diagram 2 

Flue sizes (F4.5) diagram 1 

Fireplace recesses 

Gas-fired combustion appliance installations (F6.16) 

Oil-fired combustion appliance installations (F5.12) 

Solid fuel combustion appliance installations F4.15-16, F4.21, (F4.17-19), (F4.21) 

Hearths location within (F4.19) 

Fitness of materials B intro, B reg 10 

Application of Part B B1 

Selection and use of materials and components B2.2, (B2.2) 

Fixed ladders see Ladders 

Fixed obstructions 


Storage areas E5.21 

Fixed plant or machinery, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Fixed seating 


Pedestrian protective barriers S4.3c 


Wheelchair spaces S intro 7, S reg 32(2), S2.6f, S2.10 

Fixtures not requiring warrants A reg 4, A schedule 2 

Flanking sound transmission H intro 2 

Walls (H2.1-3) wall types 1-2 

Flat roofs 

Avoiding ventilation of roof voids G intro 5 


Escape routes 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E5.9g 

Fire safety performance D11.11 


Houses E3.7 


Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) roof type 1 


Access Q intro 3, Q2.1, Q2.5-10, (Q2.10) 

Application of Part E E1.3 

Application of Part Q Q1.2 

Changing use of elements and sound transmission H1.3 

Definitions 

Flat A definitions 

Maisonette A definitions 

External walls past which there is an escape route D11.9 

Fire doors in separating walls D5.8 

23 



Automatic opening ventilators E2.11-12, (E2.11-12) 


Fire detection and alarm system (E2.14) 

Smoke ventilation of access corridors E10.14 


Non-combustible materials for separating floors D5.6 

Non-combustible materials for separating walls D5.7 

Unheated parts exempt from Part J J reg 22(2)(b) 

Flights see Stairs 

Floating layers, Sound insulation (H2.1-3) floor types 2-3 

Flood levels of drainage systems (M2.4) 

Flood water 

Drainage of sites G intro 3, G reg 16(2)(b), G2.2 

Reducing damage to buildings G Appendix 

Flooring 

Combustible material on outer face of chimneys F4.15d 

Resistance to impact sound transmission (H2.1-3) floor type 1 


Floors 



Insulation thickness 

Ground floors J Appendix A tables A12-14, examples 8-9 

Upper floors J Appendix A tables A15-17 



U-values 

Basement storeys J Appendix C 

Floors above unheated spaces J2.3 


Carbon emissions calculation method J8.9b 

Heat loss method J8.6a, J Appendix H 


Escape past openings E5.25 

Fire safety performance D2.1, (D1.3) 

Galleries D11.6 

Provision of cavity barriers D6.2, D6.8 

Hazards from combustion appliances 

Gas-fired F6.16 

Oil-fired F5.12 

Solid-fuel F4.18 

Impact sound transmission H reg 20(1) 

Internal transition units (Q2.7) 

Openwork and escape stairs E6.6 

Resistance to moisture from ground G2.6 

Specified constructions (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) floor types 

Walls (H2.1-3) wall types 1-3 

Ventilation of sub-floors (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

see also Separating floors 

Flow control devices, Space heating J11.2b 

Flue gases F intro 6 

Gas-fired combustion appliance installations F6.14-15 

Oil-fired combustion appliance installations F5.8, (F5.8) 

Small combustion appliance installations (F3.6) 

Flue-pipes F intro 3e 


Fixtures requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Gas-fired combustion appliance installations F6.1, F6.6, F6.9, (F6.6), (F6.9) 

Protection from products of combustion F6.11-13, (F6.11), (F6.13) 

Relationship to combustible materials F6.14-15 


24

Flues 


Large combustion appliance installations F2.1e 

Oil-fired combustion appliance installations F5.1, F5.7-8, (F5.7) 

Openings in compartment walls and compartment floors D3.14 

Openings in separating walls and separating floors D5.8 


Penetrations of floors and sound transmission (H2.1-3) floor types 

Small combustion appliance installations F3.3 

Solid fuel combustion appliance installations F4.1, F4.12-13, (F4.12) 

Back-entry appliances F4.6 

External fixing F4.9 

Separation from combustible materials F4.14 

Balanced, Fixtures requiring warrants A schedule 2 


Gas-fired combustion appliance installations F6.5 

Area of flues F6.7, (F6.7) 

Intermediate openings F6.8 

Outlets F6.10, (F6.10) 

Shared flues F6.5, (F6.5) 

Liners, Chimneys of small combustion appliance installations F3.5a 

Oil-fired combustion appliances installations F5.5 

Direction changes F5.10 

Outlet position F5.10, (F5.10) 


Small combustion appliance installations F3.8, (F3.8) 

Terminals and guards F3.4, (F3.4) 

Solid fuel combustion appliance installations 

Protection from combustion products F4.11, (F4.11) 

Removal of combustion products F4.4-8, (F4.8) 

Flue areas F4.5, (F4.5) 

Terminal outlets F4.10, (F4.10) 

Separation from combustible materials F4.15-16 

Fluorescent lamps see Lamps 

Foam systems of fire control (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 

Food premises 

Distance from dungsteads or farm effluent tanks R3.1c, (R3.1) 



Sanitary facilities (M4.4-5) 

Foulwater see Drainage systems; Wastewater 

Foundations 



Fuel conservation see Conservation of fuel and power 

Fuel oil storage tanks see Liquid fuel storage 

Fuels 

Small combustion appliances using more than one type F3.2 

Solid F reg 14, F4.1 

Fusible links, Activating shutters D3.14, (D3.14) 

G 

Galleries 


Escape stairs, External walls D11.8-9 

Floors 


Structural protection D2.1 



25 



Fixed seating E5.22 

Floor fixtures E5.22 


Storage areas with fixed obstructions E5.21 

Gaps 

Limiting air infiltration J5.1, J10.1, (J5.1), (J10.1) 

Limiting thermal bridging J4.1, J9.1, (J4.1), (J9.1) 

Edges of openings J Appendix D 

Sound insulation H intro 4, (H2.1-3) wall types 

U-value calculations J Appendix B 

Garages 

Disabled access S2.6g 




Ventilation of large garages K3.1, (K3.1) 

Ventilation of small garages K3.2, (K3.2) 

see also Domestic garages 

Garden huts 


Distance from boundaries D8.1b 



Gas pockets, LPG storage containers F reg 15(2)(b), F7.4 

Gas storage see Liquid fuel storage 

Gas-fired combustion appliance installations F6, (F6.2-7), (F6.9-11), (F6.13), (F6.16-17) 

Energy rating efficiency J Appendix G 

Geometric method, Unprotected area calculations (D8.1) 

Glazed doors 

Avoiding collisions with projections P2.1 

Disabled access S2.8c 

Dwellings Q3.5 

Indicative U-values J Appendix A table A1 

Principal entrances S2.4c 

Glazed screens, Situations in which hearing aids are necessary N2.2b 

Glazing 

Collision hazards P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(b), P2.2, (P2.2) 






Dwellings 



Maximum permitted areas for extensions J2.5d 



Indicative U-values for windows and rooflights J Appendix A tables A1-3 

U-values (J2.1) 


Plastics D7.1, (D7.1) 

Roofs and rooflights (D9.1) 

Going see Stairs 

Grace periods, Activation of alarms in shops (E11.3) 

Grease discharges into drainage systems M2.7, (M2.7) 


26

Greenhouses 






Greywater 


Discharges to ground M intro 2, M2.8b 

Infiltration systems M3.5-6, (M3.5-6) 

Grit interceptors M2.6-7, (M2.6-7) 

Ground assessment (M3.2), (M3.5) 

Ground floors 


Provision of cavity barriers D6.2 


U-values J Appendix C 

Carbon emissions calculation method J8.9b 

Heat loss method J8.6a, J Appendix H 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A tables A12-14, examples 8-9 

Ground hydrants E10.2-3, (E10.2) 

Ground storeys see Storeys 

Ground water 

Drainage of sites G intro 3, G reg 16(2)(a) 


Gypsum, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

H 

Handrails 

Access to buildings S2.3b 

Height of pedestrian protective barriers S4.3 table 

Measurement of stair width S3.4 

Stairs and ramps S3.20-24 

Flights of tapered treads S3.15, (S3.15) table 

Hangers, Timber floors (H2.1-3) wall types 1-3 

Harbours, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Hardcore G1.5, (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Harmful or dangerous substances 

Definition A definitions, G reg 16(4) 


Preparation of sites G intro 2, G reg 16(1)(a), G2.1, G Appendix 

Hatches see Access hatches 

Hazards P intro, P regs 27-8, P2, P3 

Application of Part P P1 

see also Accidents; Equipment malfunctions; Explosions 

Headroom, Stairs and ramps S3.25 

Health centres, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Hearing aid systems N2.2, (N2.2) 

Hearing impairments see Disabled people 

Hearths F intro 3e 

Gas-fired appliances F6.1, F6.16, (F6.16) 

Oil-fired appliances F5.1, F5.11-12, (F5.11-12) 

Solid fuel appliances F4.17-20, (F4.17-19) 

Construction of adjacent parts of buildings F4.18-19, (F4.19) 

Superimposed hearths (F4.18) diagram 2 

Heat dumping, Combined heat and power systems, Heating system efficiency (J11.1) 

Heat exchangers, Hot water service controls (J6.2), (J11.5) 

27 


Heat loss 

Edges of openings J Appendix D 

Method J intro 6, J8.5-6, (J8.5), J Appendix H 

Heat pumps, Heating system efficiency (J11.1) 

Heating systems see Space heating 

Height and depth, Measurement A schedule 5 

Helical stairs see Circular stairs 

High risk buildings 



see also Places of special fire risk 

High-bay storage see Storage buildings; Storage spaces 

Horizontal escape in buildings of purpose groups 2-7 


Circulation in confined spaces E5.21-22 

Doors across escape routes E5.19-20, (E5.19-20) 

Escape past openings in floors E5.25 

Escape routes E5.9-11 

Height E5.12 

Width E5.13-18 

Galleries E5.24 

Places of special fire risk E5.26 

Smoke control in corridors E5.23, (E5.23) 

Travel distance E5.1-8 



Dry fire mains E10.5 

Entrances to intensive therapy units D4.5 

Hospitals 

Access for fire-fighting (E10.1) 

Automatic fire detection and alarm systems (E11.2) 

Cavities above operating theatres D6.2-3 


Fire safety D intro 7 

Fire-fighting facilities E10.4-5 

Junctions between compartment walls and external walls D3.17 

Junctions between sub-compartment walls and external walls D4.8 

Means of escape E intro 6, E8.1-10, (E8.6) 

Escape routes E5.9, E8.3-5 

Number of exits E4.1 table 

Travel distances E5.3b 

Separating walls and external walls D5.11 

Separating walls and separating floors D5.1d, D5.3 

Sub-compartmentation D intro 4, D4.4-5 

Hot water 

Discharges P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(e), P2.6 

Service systems 

Commissioning J6.5, J14.1-2, (J14.1-2) 

Controls J6.2, J11.5, (J6.2), (J11.5) 

Information for occupiers J6.6, J14.2 

Insulation of pipes J6.3, J11.6, (J6.3-4), (J11.6) 

Storage vessels, Thermal insulation J6.4, J11.7, (J6.3-4), (J11.7) 

Unvented storage system malfunctions P intro 2, P reg 28, P3.1 (P3.1) 

Application of Part P P1.3 

Vessels, Definitions of storage packages and units (P3.1) 

Hotels see Buildings of purpose sub-group 2B 

Houses 


SAP energy ratings and carbon indexes J Appendix G 

Target U-value method illustrated J Appendix F 

Window, door and rooflight areas J Appendix E 


28


Means of escape from fire E3.1-3 

Purpose sub-group 1B E3.4-7 

Roofs of detached houses D9.1 table 

Separating walls of non-combustible materials D5.7 

see also Dwellings 

Humidity sensitive ventilation inlet grilles K4.4a 

Hydrants see Ground hydrants 

I 

Illuminated signs see Signs 

Illumination levels, Escape routes E9.1 

Impact sound H reg 20, H2.2-3, (H2.1-3) standards, test procedures 

Impairments see Disabled people 

Imposed loads C2.1 



Incinerators, Small combustion appliance installations F3.13 

Indicator panels, Fire-fighting accesses (E11.3) 

Industrial buildings 



Occupancy load factors for production areas A schedule 4 


Industrial processes, Insulation against heat loss J11.6-7 

Industrial stairs S intro 4, S3.1d, S3.26, (S3.26) 

Infiltration limitation J intro 8, J5.1, J10.1, (J5.1), (J10.1) 

Infiltration systems M3.5-7, (M3.2), (M3.5-7) 

Inflation equipment, Air supported structures E5.27d 

Inlet breechings, Dry fire mains (E10.8) 

Inner rooms 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E5.9f 



Emergency escape windows E2.17 

Houses E3.1 

Emergency escape windows E3.2 

Innovative products and processes (B2.2) 

Inspection openings (Flues) 

Gas-fired installations F6.8b 

Solid fuel installations F4.7c 

Institutional buildings see Buildings of purpose group 2 

Insulation see Sound insulating materials; Thermal insulation 

Integrally bunded tanks, Definition (F7.2c) table 

Intensive therapy units 

Entrances D4.5 

Location of hospital departments D5.3-4 

Interior lighting see Lighting 

Internal linings 

Fire spread D7.1-4, (D7.1, 7.2, 7.4) 

Sealing gaps (J5.1) 

Sound insulation 

Inclusion in calculations (H2.1-3) 

Inner leafs of external walls (H2.1-3) wall type 3 


Internal transition units (Q2.7) 

International standards see Standards 

Interstitial condensation G intro 6, G4.1, (G4.1) 

Inverted roofs see Warm deck roofs 

Isolating switches N2.1c 

29 


J 

Jambs, Compensating for additional heat losses J Appendix D 

Joints 

Factory-made chimneys F3.7c 



Joists 

Roof insulation thickness J Appendix A tables A4-5, examples 1-2 

Sealing around ends built into cavity walls (J5.1) 

Thermal bridging effects (J2.1) 

Projecting beyond surface of insulation J Appendix B2 

Use of hangers for support (H2.1-3) wall types 1-3 

Junctions between elements 

Cavity barriers D6.8-10 

Compartment walls and roofs D3.16, (D3.16, 5.10) 

Limiting infiltration (J5.1) 

Separating and compartment walls and floors D3.15 

Separating walls or floors and external walls D5.9, D5.11 

Separating walls or floors and separating walls D5.9 

Separating walls and roofs D5.10, (D3.16, 5.10) 

Sound insulation (H2.1-3) wall types, floor types 

Sub-compartment walls and external walls D4.8 

Thermal bridging 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, J9.1, (J9.1) 

Dwellings J4.1, (J4.1) 

K 

Kerbs 

Dropped S2.3c 

Raised S3.17b 

Kiosks E7.1, E7.4 

Kitchens 


Dwellings Q reg 29(1)(d) 

Cookers and activity spaces Q3.3 

Socket outlets Q3.9a 

Storage Q3.4 

Ventilation (K2.1) table 

Fire control systems in hospitals D5.3 


Passive stack ventilation K4.5 

Separation from sleeping accommodation in flats and maisonettes E2.20d 

Sub-compartmentation D4.2l 

L 

Laboratories, Sub-compartmentation D4.2g 

Ladders S intro 4, S3.1d, S3.26, (S3.26) 

Agricultural buildings S3.1e, S3.27, (S3.27) 


Escape routes E5.11, (E5.11) 

Vertical escape E6.2, E6.6 

Flats and maisonettes, Escape routes E2.4g 

Portable, Cleaning windows and rooflights P2.4, (P2.4) 

Lamps, Luminous efficacies (J12.1-2), J Appendix J 

Land in different occupations, Definition A definitions 

Landing valves, Fire mains (E10.7-8) 


30

Landings S3.18-19 

Escape stairs D11.8-9 

Mattress evacuation (E8.6) 

Wheelchair spaces E2.9, E6.7 


Passenger lifts (S2.6) 

Laundries 

Fire control systems in hospitals D5.3 

Sub-compartmentation D4.2m 

Legionella, Contamination in mechanical ventilation systems K4.10, (K4.10) 

Legionnaires’ disease see Legionella 

Libraries, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Licensed betting offices, Occupancy load factors A schedule 4 

Lift wells, Compartmentation of buildings D3.12 

Lifts (S2.6) 

Avoiding controls affected by fire D3.13 

Escape routes E2.4a, E5.11a 

Height of entrance doors to flats and maisonettes Q2.9 


Sub-compartmentation of motor rooms D4.2h 

see also Fire-fighting lifts 

Light fittings with diffusers D7.1, D7.2, (D7.2) 

Lighting 

Conservation of fuel and power J intro 7, J12.1-3, (J12.1-3), J Appendix J 

Dwellings 

Controlling switches on stairs Q3.8 

Points Q reg 29(2), Q3.7-8 

Emergency E9.2, (E9.2) 



Flats and maisonettes, Communal areas, Switches Q2.10b, (Q2.10) 

Lightweight blocks 



Limestone, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Limited life buildings, Definition A definitions, A reg 5 

Limiting infiltration see Infiltration limitation 

Lintels, Minimum thermal resistance calculations J Appendix D 

Liquid fuel storage 

Application of Part F F1 

Fuel oil storage tanks F intro 1, F reg 15(1), F7.1-3, (F7.1-3) 

LPG cylinders not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

LPG tanks F intro 1, F reg 15(2), F7.4-5, (F7.4-5) 

Liquids retention, Hazardous materials D3.9 

Live fuel-effect gas appliances 

Air for combustion (F6.3) 

Relationship to combustible materials (F6.16) 

Removal of products of combustion (F6.7) 

Livestock accommodation 





Surfaces of unprotected zones D7.1 

Loading bays 

Conservation of fuel and power J Appendix H 

Plastics coverings (D9.1) 

Protective barriers not required S4.1b 

31 


Loads C intro 3, C reg 11(1), C2.1 


Definitions 

Dead load A definitions 

Imposed load A definitions 

Wind load A definitions 

Lobbies 

Entrances to intensive therapy units D4.5 

Internal lobbies accessible to disabled S2.9 

Protected 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, Vertical escape E6.2, E6.10, E6.13-14 


Fire doors in separating walls D5.8 

Flats and maisonettes E2.11, (E2.11-12) 

Escape stairs in different purpose groups E2.14 

Hospitals, Escape stairs E8.7 



Within protected zones D11.2 

see also Entrance lobbies; Fire-fighting lobbies 

Lockable doors 

Across escape routes (E5.19-20) 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-5 E5.20 



Separation of escape stairs D11.5 

Log-books, Conservation of fuel and power (J14.2) 

Low rise buildings see Single storey buildings; Small buildings 

Low-emissivity glazing, Indicative U-values for windows and rooflights J Appendix A tables A1-3 

LPG storage see Liquid fuel storage 

M 

Mains supply see Electrical installations 

Maintenance 

Access to storeys for plant, Escape stairs from topmost storeys E6.2 

Buildings not frequented by people A schedule 1 

Drainage systems discharging to wastewater treatment plant (M3.4) 

Fitness of materials B intro 1 

Flues and gas-fired installations F6.8b 

Flues and solid fuel appliances F4.8, (F4.8) 

Information for users on services systems J6.6, J14.2, (J14.2) 

Requirements affecting fitness for purpose B2.2 

Maisonettes see Flats and maisonettes 

Malls 

Automatic fire control systems (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 


Fire control rooms E10.12 

Fire detection and alarm systems E11.3, (E11.3) 

Fire spread on wall and ceiling surfaces D7.1 table 


Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation E6.9e 





Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation D3.7, (D3.6-7) 

Manual controls, Windows and rooflights P reg 27(1)(f), P2.7 


32

Manual operation 

Automatic opening ventilators (E2.11-12) 

Rolling shutters E10.16 

Manual override, Smoke and ventilation systems (D3.6-7) 

Manufacturing procedures, Selection and use of materials and components (B2.2) 

Mark of conformity see CE mark of conformity 

Masonry 

Joints, Thermal bridging (J2.1), J Appendix B 

Mass of leaf (H2.1-3) 


Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 



Thermal insulation thickness J Appendix A examples 4-6 

Masonry units 



Thermal conductivity J Appendix A table A18 

Materials 

Claddings (G3.1) wall type 3 

Designations for roof coverings (D9.1) 

Fire reaction (D1.3) 

Flue-pipes (F4.12), (F6.9), (F6.11) 

Non-combustible D2.3, (D1.3) table 3 

Chimney casings F3.7a 

Concealed spaces D6.2 

Core of sandwich panels D7.3 


Escape stairs D11.12 


More than 18 m above ground D10.2 

Near to boundaries D8.2 

Flue-pipe casings F6.12 

Separating floors D5.6 


Supporting fire-stopping materials (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9) 

Properties and safety of structure C intro 1) 

Providing firm surface for disabled (S2.3) 

Dwellings (Q2.4) 

Sound insulating (H2.1-3) wall types, floor types 

Thermal conductivity J2.1, (J2.1), J Appendix A table A18 

see also Fitness of materials 

Means of access see Access 

Means of escape from fire E intro, E reg 13 



Exits and escape routes E4.1-5 


Vertical escape E6.1-14 

Emergency escape windows E2.17, E3.2, (E2.17, 3.2) 

Enclosed shopping centres E7.1-8 

Flats and maisonettes E2.1-19, (E2.11-12), (E2.14) 

More than 4.5 m in height E2.20-23 


Houses E3.1-7 

Lighting E9.1-2 


Revolving, sliding or automatic doors (E2.4, 5.11) 

Smoke ventilation of escape routes E10.13-14 

33 


Measurement 

Clear opening width of doorways E5.15 

Operational energy consumption J Appendix K1.3.1 

Rules A schedule 5 

Sound insulation tests (H2.1-3) test procedures 

Stairs 

Rise and going S3.2 

Width S3.4 

Thermal conductivity (J2.1) 

Thermal transmittance (J2.1) 

Travel distances 



Mechanical ventilation see Ventilation 

Meeting rooms, Occupancy load factors A schedule 4 

Metals 

Flat roofs, Specified constructions (G3.1) roof type 1 

Lintels and minimum thermal resistance J Appendix D 

Pitched roofs, Specified constructions (G3.1) roof type 2 

Sheet metal walls and roofs J Appendix B4 

Structural work (C2.1)b 


Window frames 


Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, Elemental method J8.3 

Dwellings 




Mineral fibres 



Resilient layers (H2.1-3) floor types 2-3 

Resilient strips (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Mineral wool, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Misuse, Disproportionate collapse (C3.1) 

Mixed occupations, Separating walls and separating floors D5.1 

Mixed use 

Escape stairs serving flats and maisonettes and other accommodation E2.14 

Minimum number of sanitary facilities (M4.5) 

Separating walls and separating floors D5.1c 

Mobile homes, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Moisture resistance G reg 17, G2.5-6 

From ground G2.5-6, (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Precipitation G3.1, (G3.1) 

Mortar joints 



Thermal conductivity of mortar J Appendix A table A18 

Motor vehicle repair, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Mould see Condensation 

Mound filter systems (M3.6) 

Movement within buildings see Access 

Multi-storey buildings 

Compartments D3.2 


Fire safety performance D2.1 table 2 

Fire-fighting facilities E intro 4, E10.4 table 

Insulation within cavities of external walls D10.2 


34





Houses E3.1, E3.4-7 

see also Storeys 

Museums 



N 

National Application Document for Eurocodes C intro 4 

National standards see British Standards; Standards 

Natural air changes see Air changes 

Natural draught open-flued gas-fired appliances, Flue terminals (F6.10) tables 1-2 

Natural ventilation see Ventilation 

Net output ratings, Definition A definitions 

Newels see Stairs 

Noise see Sound transmission 

Non-combustible materials D2.3, (D1.3) table 3 

Chimney casings F3.7a 


Core of sandwich panels D7.3 


Escape stairs D11.12 




Flue-pipe casings F6.12 

Separating floors D5.6 


Used with fire-stopping materials (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9) 

Non-return shutters see Shutters 

Nosings see Stairs 

Notices served under section 11 

Access and facilities for dwellings Q reg 29(3) 

Access to and movement within buildings S reg 32(4) 

Means of escape from fire E reg 13(2) 

Resistance to transmission of sound H reg 21 

Sanitary facilities M reg 25(3) 

Storage of waste R reg 30(3) 

Structural fire precautions D reg 12(2) 

Notified bodies, Definition A definitions 

Notional boundaries D8.3 

Nuclear installations, Controlled by other legislation A schedule 1 

O 

Occupancy capacity A reg 7 


Capacity of escape stairs E6.4 

Circulation areas in buildings of purpose group 4 E5.22 

Communal rooms E2.7 


Exits from shops E7.2-4 

Exits to unprotected zones E4.3 

Fire doors across escape routes E5.18, E5.20 

Number of escape routes E intro 2 



Width of escape routes E5.13-14 

Shopping centres with malls E7.2-7 

35 


Occupancy hours 

Air conditioning and ventilation plant operation J Appendix K 

Artificial lighting J12.3, (J12.3) 

Occupancy load factors A reg 7(1)(a), A schedule 4 

Occupations 

Definitions 

Different occupation A definitions 

Land in different occupation A definitions 


see also Mixed occupations; Mixed use 

Occupiers 


Log-books J14.2, (J14.2) 

Office buildings 




Energy efficiency (J13.1), J Appendix K 

Heat loss method J Appendix H 


Offices 

Dwellings above D5.6 




Oil discharges into drainage systems M2.7, (M2.7) 

Oil storage see Liquid fuel storage 

Oil-fired combustion appliance installations F5, (F5.2-4), (F5.7-8), (F5.10-13) 

Open access balconies 




Open fires, Minimum area of flues (F4.5) 

Open spaces see Public open spaces 

Open-flued combustion appliances 

Air for combustion or cooling F3.11, (F3.11) 

Fanned draught (F6.10) table 1 

Natural draught (F6.10) tables 1-2 

Ventilation of dwellings (K2.1) table 

Openings 

Cavity barriers D6.7, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Compartment walls and compartment floors D3.14, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 









Thermal bridging J9.1, (J9.1) 

Calculations of areas J2.5e 

Dwellings 


Limiting infiltration (J5.1) 



Thermal bridging J4.1, (J4.1) 


Thermal bridging at edges of openings, J Appendix D 

Doors from hospital street to adjoining compartment E8.10 

Escape route protection D11.1-5, D11.7-8 


36

Escape routes 

Doorways E5.15 

Headroom E2.3, E5.12 

Past openings in floors E5.25 

Smoke control in corridors E5.23 


Travel distances E5.3-4 

Fire safety performance of suspended ceilings (D1.3) 


Separation from flue outlets 

Gas-fired installations (F6.10) 

Oil-fired installations (F5.10) 

Sound transmission 

External walls and floors (H2.1-3) floor type 1 

Separating walls (H2.1-3) 

Sub-compartments D4.7 

Unprotected areas D8.1 

Ventilation of large garages (K3.1) 

see also Services 

Operating theatres 

Cavity barriers D6.2, D6.3 

Location of hospital departments D5.3-4 

Optimising controls, Space heating J11.3 

Organic matter, Preparation of sites G intro 2, G reg 16(1)(c), G2.3 

Orientation, Dwellings J3.9, J Appendix F 

Outdoor signs see Signs 

Outfalls, Discharges from drainage systems M2.9c, (M2.9) 

Outlets, Private wastewater treatment plant M3.2, (M3.2) 

Over-roof insulation see Thermal insulation 

Overcladding, Requirements for cavity barriers D6.2, D6.8 

Overcurrents see Electrical installations 

P 

Paint spray booths D3.8, (D3.8) 

Panels 

Rainscreen, Ventilated voids D6.5 

Solid masonry between (H2.1-3) wall type 3 

Parking garages see Garages 

Parking spaces see Car parking; Vehicle parking 

Partial cavity fill see Cavity fill (Partial) 

Particleboard see Wood based boards 

Partitions, Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 

Passenger conveyors 


Emergency stopping mechanisms P intro 3, P reg 27(1)(d), P2.5, (P2.5) 

Escape routes E2.4b, E5.11b 

Passenger lifts see Lifts 

Passenger shelters, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Passive stack ventilation K4.3-5, (K4.3) 

Dwellings K2.1c, (K2.1) table 

Pathology departments, Fire control systems D5.4e 

Paths, Access to dwellings (Q2.4) 

Paving materials 

Access to buildings (S2.3) 

Access to dwellings (Q2.4) 

Peak load effects C intro 3 

Peat see Fuels 

Pedestrian protective barriers see Protective barriers 

Pedestrian ramps see Ramps 

Pends D5.6 

Penetration by services see Services 

Percolation tests (M3.2), (M3.5-6) 

37 


Performance standards 

Fire safety D1.3, (D1.3) 

Sound insulation (H2.1-3) standards 

Period of validity of warrants A intro 4 

Periodic renewal, Practicable replacement B2.2 

Periods of fire resistance see Fire resistance 

Permanent ventilation see Ventilation 

Permanent ventilators see Ventilators 

Permissible areas see Areas 

Pharmacy departments, Fire control systems D5.4f 

Phenolic foam boards, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Physical impairments see Disabled people 

Piped infiltration systems (M3.6) 

Pipelines, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Pipes 

Connections for ground hydrants E10.3 


Outlets from hot water storage systems P intro 2, (P3.1) 


Service openings in cavity barriers D6.7c 

Service openings in walls and floors (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Compartment walls and floors D3.14d 

Separating walls and floors D5.8d 

Sub-compartment walls D4.7c 

Thermal insulation J6.3, J11.6, (J6.3-4), (J11.6) 

Wastewater and surface water drainage M intro 2, (M2.4) 

see also Flue-pipes 

Pitch see Stairs 

Pitched roofs 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A examples 1-2 

Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) roof type 2 

Slope and calculation of storeys C reg 11(3) 

Wall junctions (D3.16, 5.10) 

Places of safety E intro 2-3 


Places of special fire risk D3.8-9 


Escape routes 

Independence E4.4 

Inner rooms E5.9f 

Separation by protected lobbies E5.26 

Location of large combustion appliance installations F intro 8 

Smoke outlets from basement storeys (E10.15) 

Places of worship, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Plant 

Log books (J14.2) 

Top storey location, Width of escape stairs E6.2 

Plant rooms 

Escape routes 

Flats and maisonettes E2.1c 

Rooftop E5.9g 

Plaster 

Inclusion in sound insulation calculations (H2.1-3) 


Plasterboard 

Solid masonry between panels (H2.1-3) wall type 3 


Plastics 

Roof coverings and rooflights (D9.1) 

Windows and internal glazing D7.1, (D7.1) 

see also Thermoplastic materials 

Platform floors, Sound insulation (H2.1-3) floor type 3 


38

Platt, Accessible entrances Q2.6, (Q2.7) 

Polycarbonate sheet 

Roof coverings or rooflights (D9.1) 

Thermoplastic products (D7.2), (D9.1) 

Windows and internal glazing (D7.1) 

Polyurethane boards, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Porches 

Buildings attached to dwellings exemptions A schedule 1 



Portable ladders see Ladders 

Portal frames, Fire safety performance (D1.3) 

Powder systems of fire control (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 

Power supply, Smoke and heat ventilation systems (D3.6-7) 

Powered lifting platforms (S2.7) 

Precipitation resistance G reg 17(1)(b), G3.1, (G3.1) 

Presence detectors, Lighting controls (J12.3), J Appendix J 

Pressure jet burners, Removal of products of combustion from oil-fired appliances F5.5, F5.9 

Pressurisation, Corridors E5.23, (E5.23) 

Prestressed concrete structural work (C2.1) 


Principal entrance storeys 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 S2.6 

Dwellings Q intro 4, Q2.12 

Principal entrances see Entrances 

Private stairs see Stairs 

Products see Construction Products Directive; Fitness of materials 

Projecting joists, U-values of structures J Appendix B2 

Projections, Collisions P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(a), P2.1 

Proscenium openings D11.13, (D11.13) 

Protected circuits 


Lighting escape routes E9.1 


Protected doors, Definition A definitions 

Protected enclosures 



Flats and maisonettes E2.11, E2.19 

More than 5 m in height E2.20-21, E2.23a 

Houses of purpose sub-group 1B E3.4, E3.6 

Protected lobbies 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, Vertical escape E6.2, E6.10, E6.13-14 


Flats and maisonettes D5.8, E2.11, (E2.11-12) 

Separation of escape stairs in different purpose groups E2.14 

Hospitals, Escape stairs E8.7 



Within protected zones D11.2 

Protected zones E intro 2 



Horizontal escape E5.9, E5.24, E5.26 

Vertical escape E6.2, E6.6-14 

Calculation of unprotected areas (D8.1) 


Fire safety performance of enclosing structure D11.1 


Escape stairs E2.8-11 

Flats or maisonettes, Separating walls and floors D5.8 

39 


Hospitals 


Hospital streets E8.9a 

Separating walls and floors D5.1d 

Lighting E9.1-2 

Refuges for wheelchair users E intro 3c 

Wall dividing protected lobby from rest of protected zone D11.2 

Protective barriers S intro 3, S reg 32(3) 

Cleaning windows and rooflights (P2.3) 

Pedestrians S4.1-3, (S4.3) 

Vehicles S4.4-5, (S4.5) 

Public houses 

Artificial lighting J Appendix J 



Public open spaces, Definition A definitions 

Public roads see Roads 

Public sewers see Sewers 

Public toilets, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Publications, References A references 

Pugging see Deafening 

Pumping appliances 

Alternative sources of water (E10.2) 


Wet fire mains E10.7 

Purpose groups 

Classification A reg 6, A schedule 3 


PVC 

Thermoplastic products (D7.2), (D9.1) 

Windows and internal glazing (D7.1) 

Q 

Queuing areas, Occupancy load factors A schedule 4 

Quick response sprinklers see Sprinkler systems 

R 

Racking, Fixed obstructions and means of escape E5.21 

Radiator valves see Thermostats 

Radiators, Width of accessible corridors (Q2.11) 

Radon protection measures (G2.1), G Appendix 

Rafters, Insulation between and over J Appendix A tables A4-5, example 1 

Railway stations, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Rainscreen panels D6.5 

Rainwater see Surface water 

Raised kerbs see Kerbs 

Ramps S intro 3, S3.16-17 

Access between storeys of dwellings Q2.13 

Access to dwellings (Q2.4) 

Disabled access S2.7a 

Handrails S3.20-24 



Reasonably practicable, Definition A definitions 

Reception rooms 



Record stores 

Hospitals D5.4d 


Recycling see Waste management 

Reed beds, Infiltration systems (M3.6) 


40

Refrigeration plant, Conservation of fuel and power J13.1, J Appendix K 

Refuges for disabled people E intro 3c, E2.9, E6.7 

Relevant standards 

Compliance A reg 9 


Relief air openings, Gas-fired installations F6.8a 

Remote control of lighting (J12.3) 

Removal of contaminants G Appendix 

Renders 

Inclusion in sound insulation calculations (H2.1-3) 

Masonry walls and resistance to precipitation (G3.1) 


Replacement practicability B2.2 

Replacements of fixtures or appliances not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Rescue see Fire-fighting 

Residential accommodation see Buildings of purpose group 2; Dwellings 

Resilient materials (H2.1-3) floor types 1-3 

Resistance to moisture see Moisture resistance 

Restaurants 

Disabled access S2.6h 



Sanitary facilities (M4.4-5) 

Retailing see Buildings of purpose group 4; Shopping complexes; Shops 

Revolving doors S2.4d 




Ribbed floors, Sound insulation (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Rise see Stairs 

Risers see Stairs 

Risks see Accidents; Equipment malfunctions; Explosions; Hazards 

River flooding see Flood water 

Roads 

Access to dwellings Q intro 1, Q reg 29(1)(a), Q2.1, (Q2.1) 

Definition of public road A definitions 

Roof access hatches see Access hatches 

Roof coverings 

Fire precautions D9.1, (D9.1) 

Junctions between walls and roofs (D3.16, 5.10) 

Flue terminal outlets (F4.10) diagram 2 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A table A7, examples 1-3 

Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) roof types 


Roof space 

Cavity barriers D6.1, D6.3, D6.10 

Changes in wall construction (H2.1-3) test procedures 

Conservation of fuel and power J3.2, J Appendix A table A7 examples 1-2 


Dwellings and integral or attached garages D5.2 

Factory-made chimneys F3.7b, (F3.7) 

Insulation of passive stack ventilation K4.4b 


Ventilation in flat roofs G intro 5 

Rooflights 

Access to manual controls P reg 27(1)(f), P2.7 

Cleaning P reg 27(1)(c), P2.3-4, (P2.3-4) 





Heat loss method J8.5-6, (J8.5) 

41 


Roofs 

Dwellings 




Fire precautions D9.1, (D9.1) 

Thermoplastic materials D7.1, D7.2, (D7.2), (D9.1) 


Access P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(g), P2.8, (P2.8) 

Buildings of sub-purpose group 2A with lower roof abutting external wall D10.3 

Condensation prevention G intro 5 


Escape routes 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E5.9g 



Houses E3.7 


Fire spread from adjoining buildings D9.1, (D9.1) 

Impact sound transmission H intro 2, H reg 20(2), H1.4 

Junctions with compartment walls D3.16, (D3.16, 5.10) 

Junctions with separating walls D5.10, (D3.16, 5.10) 

Junctions with walls, Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 


Slope and number of storeys C reg 11(3) 


Thermal insulation thickness J Appendix A tables A4-7, examples 1-3 

Treated as rooms for purpose of Part E E1.4 

Two buildings on land in same occupation D8.3b 

Ventilators (D3.6-7) 

Room thermostats 

Central heating controls J6.1a, J11.3a, (J6.2), (J11.5) 

Ducted warm air heating E2.24e 

Room-sealed appliances 


Gas-fired (F6.10) 

Oil-fired F5.3, F5.6 

Rooms, Definition A definitions 

Run-off see Surface water 

S 

Safe-life structures (C2.1) 

Safety controls see Equipment malfunctions 

Safety curtains D11.13, (D11.13) 

Escape from stage and auditorium E4.5 

Safety devices, Unvented hot water storage systems P intro 2, P reg 28(1), (P3.1) 

Safety factors C intro 2 

Sand, Deafening (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Sandstone, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 



Sanitary accommodation 

Buildings ancillary to dwellings exceptions A schedule 1 

Buildings other than dwellings M4.6-9, (M4.4-5) 

Bedrooms M4.8, (M4.8) 

Changing cubicles M4.7, (M4.7) 

Watercloset cubicles M4.6, (M4.6) 


General requirements for toilets M4.10 


see also Bathrooms; Shower-rooms; Toilets; Washrooms 


42

Sanitary facilities M intro 5, M reg 25 

Activity space M4.3 

Application of Part M M1 

Buildings other than dwellings M4.4-5, (M4.4-5) 

Minimum facilities for staff M4.4, (M4.4) 


Disabled people M intro 6 

Buildings other than dwellings (M4.4-5) 

Dwellings Q intro 5 

Accessibility M intro 6, M4.3 

Dwellings M4.1-3, (M4.1-2) 

Minimum number (M4.1) 


General requirements for toilets M4.10 

SAP energy ratings J intro 4, J Appendix G 

see also Seasonal efficiency of domestic boilers 

Sarking, Combustible material on outer face of chimneys F4.15d 

Schools, Sanitary facilities M intro 1, M reg 25(2), (M4.5) 

Scottish Environment Protection Agency M intro 4, (M2.9), (M3.2), (M3.5-6) 

Screeds 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) floor types 1-2 


Sealing contaminated land G Appendix 

Sealing devices and systems 

Fire-stopping (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9) 

Service openings (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Seals 

Lightweight aggregate blocks (H2.1-3) wall type 3 

Limiting air infiltration (J5.1) 

Seasonal efficiency of domestic boilers 





Seating see Fixed seating 

Secondary glazing see Glazing 

Selection and use of materials and components B2 

Practical replacement B2.2 

Self-closing fire doors, Definition A definitions 

Separating floors 





Ignored in calculating U-values J2.4 

Junctions with walls D5.9 


Openings D5.8 

Provision D5.1-5 

Sound transmission H intro 2, H1.3, (H2.1-3) wall types, floor types 

Separating walls 





Garages ancillary to dwellings D5.2b, D5.7c 

Ignored in calculating U-values J2.4 

Junctions with roofs D5.10, (D3.16, 5.10) 

Junctions with walls and floors D5.9, D5.11 


Openings D5.8 

Provision D5.1-5 

Sound transmission intro 2, H1.3, (H2.1-3) wall types, floor types 

43 


Separation distances 

Dungsteads or farm effluent tanks from dwellings or food premises R3.1c, (R3.1) 

Fire spread D intro 6 

Buildings ancillary to dwellings D8.1b 


Duration of external walls D2.1 table 2, D8.1-2 

From adjoining buildings D9.1 




LPG storage containers F7.4-5, (F7.5) 

Oil storage tanks F7.2, (F7.2) 

Wastewater treatment systems M3.1d, (M3.1) 

Septic tanks M3.1-4, (M3.1-4) 

Discharges from drainage systems M2.8b 



Sequence controls, Multiple boiler installations J11.3e 

Service corridors, Escape from shops E7.6-7 

Services 

Commissioning J6.5-6, J14.1-2, (J14.1-2) 

Energy efficiency J13.1, (J13.1) 



Information for occupiers J14.2, (J14.2) 

Insulation of pipes and ducts J6.3, J11.6, (J6.3-4), (J11.6) 

Openings 

Cavity barriers D6.7, (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Compartment walls and compartment floors D3.14 

Definition of service opening A definitions 


Sub-compartment walls D4.7 

Sealing penetrations (J5.1) 


Timber frame walls with absorbent curtains (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

see also Hot water; Lighting; Space heating 

Sewage treatment works 


see also Wastewater treatment plant 

Sewers 

Discharges from drainage systems M2.8a, M2.9b 


Shafts 

Smoke venting D3.11 

Basement storeys (E10.15) 

see also Fire-fighting shafts 

Shared residential accommodation 


Non-combustible materials D5.6, D5.7, D8.2 

Protected zones D11.1 

Sheathing, Resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall type 3 

Sheds, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Shelters (Exempted classes) 

Road or rail passenger A schedule 1 

Within curtilage of dwellings A schedule 1 

Shelving, Fixed obstructions and means of escape E5.21 

Shielding LPG tanks (F7.5b) table, diagram 1 

Shingle roof coverings, Flue terminal outlets (F4.10) diagram 2 


44

Shopping complexes 

Creches E7.8 


Fire control rooms E10.12 

Fire control systems (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 

Fire detection and alarm systems E11.3, (E11.3) 

Fire spread on wall and ceiling surfaces D7.1 table 


Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation E6.9e 






Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation D3.7, (D3.6-7) 

Warnings of fire E intro 1, reg 13(1A) 

Width of circulation areas E5.22c 

Shops 

Display lighting (J12.3) 

Dwellings above D5.6 

Sales areas A schedule 4 



Width of circulation areas E5.22c 

Within enclosed shopping centres 

Activation of alarms (E11.3) 



Opposing frontages D5.5 

see also Buildings of purpose group 4 

Shower-rooms 

Trickle ventilators K4.1b, (K4.1) 


Showers see Sanitary facilities 

Shutters 

Compartment floors D3.14, (D3.14) 

Compartment walls D3.14 


Travel distances E5.3a 

Escape routes E2.4d, E5.11d 


Sub-compartment walls, Travel distances E5.4a 

Sight impairments see Disabled people 

Signalling and control centres, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Signs 

Accessibility of roofs P2.8, (P2.8) 

Air supported structures E5.27c 

Directional E intro 7 

Fire exits E intro 7 



Smoke outlets from basements (E10.15) 

Sills, Calculating areas of openings J2.5e 

Silt discharges into drainage systems M2.6-7, (M2.6-7) 

Simple geometry method, Unprotected area calculations (D8.1) 

Single storey buildings 

Dry fire mains E10.5-6 

Fire safety performance of portal frames (D1.3) 


see also Air supported structures 

45 


Site drainage G intro 3, G reg 16(2), G2.2, G2.4, (G2.2) 

Sites 


Preparation G intro 1-3, G reg 16, G2, (G2.1-2), G Appendix 


Skirtings, Floors with floating layer (H2.1-3) floor type 2 

Slates 

Roof coverings (G3.1) roof type 2 

Wall claddings (G3.1) wall type 3 

Sleeper walls, Underfloor ventilation (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Sleeping accommodation 

Buildings of purpose group 2, Occupancy capacity A reg 7(2)(a) 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, Sanitary accommodation for disabled M4.8, (M4.8) 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A, Sub-compartmentation D4.2-3 


Cavities above ceilings D6.4 


Dwellings Q reg 29(1)(c), Q3.1-2 

Exceptions to exempted classes A schedule 1 




Alternative exits for maisonettes E2.23 

Separation from kitchens and other apartments E2.20d 


Smoke alarms in shared residential accommodation (E11.2) 

Sliding doors 


Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 E5.11f 

Flats and maisonettes E2.4f 

Slumber loads, Solid fuel boilers (J11.5) 

Small buildings 

Artificial lighting J12.1c 


Space heating controls (J11.3) 

Structure (C2.1) 

see also Single storey buildings 

Smoke alarms 

Compliance with EC Directives B intro 4 


Dwellings E11.1a, (E11.1) 

Shared residential accommodation (E11.2) 

Smoke dampers, Activation in enclosed shopping centres (E11.3) 

Smoke detectors 

Activating self-closing fire doors (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7, 11.1-5) 

Automatic opening ventilators (E2.11-12) 

Ducted warm air heating in flats and maisonettes E2.24f 


Smoke and fumes D reg 12(1)(b) 

Corridor division E5.23 

Fire safety performance of walls D11.4 

Corridor pressurisation E5.23, (E5.23) 

Definitions 

Electro-magnetic or electro-mechanical device susceptible to smoke A definitions 

Smoke alarm A definitions 

Exhaust ventilation 

Alternative escape in enclosed shopping centres E6.9e 


Emergency lighting and smoke filled reservoirs (E9.2) 

Purpose group 4 buildings D3.6-7, (D3.6-7) 


46

Fire detection and alarm systems 

Buildings of purpose group 2 E11.2, (E11.2) 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2A (E11.2) 

Buildings of purpose sub-group 2B (E11.2) 

Dwellings E11.1b, (E11.1) 

Flats and maisonettes E2.14b, (E2.14) 

Shopping complexes E11.3, (E11.3) 

Fire-fighting shafts E10.9b, (E10.4, 10.9) 

High level outlet above stage D11.15, (D11.15) 

Recirculated air in ducted warm air heating systems E2.24 

Smoke venting shafts D3.11 


Ventilation of basement storeys E10.15, (E10.15) 

Ventilation of escape routes E10.13-14 

Smoke outlets 


Exhaust ventilation systems (D3.6-7) 

Separated stage and stage area D11.15, (D11.15) 



Soakaways, Discharges from drainage systems M2.9, (M2.9) 

Socket outlets 


Dwellings Q reg 29(2), Q3.9 

Soffits above open access balconies and access decks E2.13 

Soft floor coverings, Resistance to impact sound transmission (H2.1-3) floor type 1 

Solar gains, Conservation of fuel and power, Target U-value method J3.4, J3.8-10, J Appendix F 

Solid fuel combustion appliance installations F4, (F4.2-3), (F4.5), (F4.8), (F4.10-12), (F4.17-19), (F4.21) 

Solid fuels see Fuels 

Solid ground floors 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A table A12, example 8 

U-values J Appendix C table C1 

Solid walls 


Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 1, 3 

Thermal insulation J Appendix A table A10 

Solid waste containers, Provision of hard-standing R2.1 

Solid waste storage R intro 

Application of Part R R1 

Dungsteads and farm effluent tanks R reg 31, R3.1-2, (R3.1-2) 

Dwellings R reg 30(1), R2, (R2.3) 


Separating walls and separating floors D5.2a, D5.6, D5.7 

Solum 

Prevention of vegetable growth G2.3 

Reducing evaporation from ground G2.5 


Sound insulating materials 



Cavity walls (H2.1-3) wall type 2 

Floating layers (H2.1-3) floor types 2-3 

Resilient (H2.1-3) floor types 1-3 

Soft coverings (H2.1-3) floor type 1 

Sound transmission H intro, H regs 19-21 

Application of Part H H1 

Specified constructions (H2.1-3) wall types, floor types 

Test procedures (H2.1-3) test procedures 

Space cooling 

Conservation of fuel and power J13.1, J Appendix K 

Insulation of pipes and ducts J11.6, (J11.6) 

47 


Space heating 



Commissioning systems J14.1-2, (J14.1-2) 

Controls J11.2-4, (J11.3), (J11.5) 

Efficiency of systems J11.1, (J11.1) 

Information for occupiers J14.2 

Insulation of pipes and ducts J11.6, (J11.6) 

Dwellings J intro 3 

Commissioning systems J6.5-6 

Controls J6.1, (J6.1) 

Elemental Method J3.2 

Information for occupiers J6.6 

Insulation of pipes and ducts J6.3, (J6.3-4) 


SAP energy ratings J Appendix G 


Regulation 22 not applicable J reg 22(2) 

Dwellings Q reg 29(1)(f), Q3.6 

Flats and maisonettes, Ducted warm air systems E2.24 

Regulation 28 not applicable P reg 28(2)(b) 

Special care baby units, Location of hospital departments D5.3-4 

Special waste R intro 4 

Specialised buildings, Exempted classes A schedule 1 

Specialist process lighting J12.1 

Specifications as standards (B2.2) 


Airborne sound and impact sound (H2.1-3) wall types, floor types 

Resistance to moisture from the ground (G2.3, 2.5-6) 


Spectator accommodation see Fixed seating 

Spiral stairs S3.15, (S3.15) 

Escape stairs (S3.15) 

Spirituous liquor stores, Gangways E5.21 

Sports stadia 




see also Buildings of purpose sub-group 5B 

Spread of fire D intro 5-6, D reg 12(1), (D1.3) table 3 

From adjoining buildings D9.1, (D9.1) 


On external walls D10.1-3, (D10.1) 

To adjoining buildings D8.1-3, (D8.1) 

Spread of fire to fuel tanks F reg 15, F7.2-5, (F7.2-5) 

Springs 

Location of infiltration systems (M3.7) 

Oil storage tanks (F7.2c) table 

Sprinkler systems (D2.1, 5.1, 5.3-4, 8.1) 


Stability (Structure) C reg 11(1), C2.1, (C2.1) 

Fire precautions D reg 12(1)(a) 

Stages and stage areas 

Direction of air movement in event of fire D11.14, (D11.14) 

Escape route independent from that for auditorium E4.5 

Escape of smoke and hot gases in event of fire D11.15, (D11.15) 

Separation D11.13, (D11.13) 

Staggering, Improving sound insulation H intro 3, (H2.1-3) wall type 2 


48

Stair wells 

Calculations of floor area J2.5c 


Stairlifts 

Fitting to stairs in dwellings S3.4c 


Wheelchair platform (S2.7) 

Stairs S intro 3-4 

Access between storeys of dwellings Q2.13 

Agricultural buildings S3.27, (S3.27) 

Application of Part S S3.1 

Definitions 

Flight A definitions 

Private stair or ramp A definitions 

Tapered tread A definitions 

Disabled access S2.7b, (S2.7) 

Handrails S3.20-24 



Industrial S3.26, (S3.26) 


Length of flights S3.10 

Measurement S3.2, S3.4 

Open rises S3.8, (S3.12) 

Openings in compartment floors D3.14, (D3.14) 

Private stairs 

Basement storeys E3.6 

Flats at storey height of more than 4.5 m E2.21 

Rise, going and pitch of flights S3.3-9 

Risers and nosings S3.10-11, (S3.11) 

Sound insulation of common stairs (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

Tapered treads S3.1-3, S3.12-15, (S3.12), (S3.15) 

Width S3.4 

see also Escape stairs 

Standard Assessment Procedure, Conservation of fuel and power J intro 4, J Appendix G 

Standards 

Fire reaction D1.3 (D1.3) 




Sound insulation (H2.1-3) standards 

Standby power supply see Electrical installations 

Standing capacity 

Escape stairs E6.4b 

see also Occupancy capacity 

Steam see Discharges of steam or hot water 

Steel 

Open-sided car parks (D1.3) 




Stepped elevation, Improving sound insulation H intro 3, (H2.1-3) wall type 2 

Steps 

Access to dwellings Q2.1 

Profiles (S3.11) 

Sloping gangways S3.28 

Sterilising and disinfecting units, Fire control systems D5.4c 

Stone chippings, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

49 


Storage buildings 




Storage spaces 


Factory-made chimneys F3.7b, (F3.7) 

Hospitals D5.3-4 

Means of escape where fixed obstructions E5.21 




Stores (Domestic) 


Distance from boundaries D8.1b 



Kitchens Q3.4 

Storey selector buttons see Tactile storey selector buttons 

Storeys 

Accessible to disabled 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 S2.6-7 

Dwellings Q intro, Q2.11-13 

Accessible entrance storeys Q intro 4, Q2.11-12 

Sanitary facilities M4.3 

Basement storeys 

Compartments D3.3-4 


Fire-fighting facilities E10.4 table, E10.10 



Escape stairs E6.3, E6.12 



Houses E3.1, E3.3 

Protected enclosure E3.6 

Smoke ventilation E10.15, (E10.15) 


U-values (J2.1), J Appendix C 

Calculating number C reg 11(3) 

Definitions 

Basement storey A definitions 

Ground storey A definitions 

Storey A definitions 

Upper storey A definitions 

Escape stairs connecting multiple levels in a single storey E6.6 

Escape stairs only escape route E6.2 

Escape stairs serving multiple storeys E6.4b 

Maximum areas D2.1 table 2 



Separating walls and floors in hospitals D5.1d 


50

Upper storeys 

Compartments D3.2 


Fire spread on external walls D10.2 

Fire-fighting facilities E10.4 table 





Flats and maisonettes E2.15-16, E2.20-24 



Houses E3.1 

Topmost storeys used for plant maintenance E6.2b 

Rainscreen cladding D6.5 


Strapping, Combustible material on outer face of chimneys F4.15d 

Stringers see Stairs 

Strong rooms, Smoke ventilation of basement storeys E10.15 

Structural elements see Elements of structure 

Structural Eurocodes C intro 4 

Structural fire precautions D intro, D reg 12 

Application of Part D D1 

Concealed spaces D6 

Escape route protection D11.1-15 

Buildings of purpose group 2-7 E5.9g 


More than 4.5 m high E2.20-21, E2.23a 


Fire spread on external walls D10.1-3, (D10.1) 

Fire spread from adjoining buildings D9.1, (D9.1) 

Fire spread on internal linings D7, (D7.1, 7.2, 7.4) 

Fire spread to adjoining buildings D8, (D8.1) 

Protection principles D2.1-2 

Use of non-combustible materials D2.3 

Structure C reg 11 

Application of Part C C1 

Disproportionate collapse C reg 11(2), C3.1, (C3.1) 


Stability C reg 11(1), C2.1, (C2.1) 

In fire D intro 1, D reg 12(1)(a) 

Steel framed open-sided car parks (D1.3) 

Studs 

Cavity barriers (D1.3) table 1 

Thermal bridging of insulation J Appendix B 

Sub-compartment walls 



Measuring travel distances E5.2c 

Hospitals D4.4, D4.8 

Openings D4.7 

Ducts (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

51 


Sub-compartments D intro 4, D4.1-8 




Hospital streets E8.9c 

Subsoil drainage of sites see Site drainage 

Suitability for purpose B intro 2, B2.2, (B2.2) 

Summerhouses 




Superimposed hearths see Hearths 

Surface condensation G intro 6, G4.2, (G4.2) 

Risk at edges of openings J Appendix D6 

Surface soil, Preparation of sites G intro 2, G reg 16(1)(b), G2.3 

Surface spread of fire 


Reaction to fire (D1.3) table 3 

Surface water, Definition A definitions 

Surface water drainage M intro 2-3, M reg 24, M2.2, (M2.2) 

Discharges M2.9, (M2.9) 

Surgeries, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Suspended ceilings, Fire safety performance of floors (D1.3) table 2 

Suspended ground floors 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A tables A13-14 example 9 


U-value calculations J Appendix C 

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems M intro 3, M2.2a, (M2.2) 

Discharges from drainage systems M2.9a, (M2.9) 

Swimming pools 


Enclosures exempted A schedule 1 

Enclosures and fire spread D8.1 

Covered by air supported structures E5.27 

Plastics roof coverings (D9.1) 



Switching 

Artificial lighting 

Communal areas of flats and maisonettes Q2.10b, (Q2.10) 

Conservation of fuel and power (J12.3), J Appendix J 

Controlling points serving stairs Q3.8 

Isolating switches N2.1c 

T 

Tactile call buttons, Passenger lifts (S2.6) 

Tactile storey selector buttons, Passenger lifts (S2.6) 

Tanks 


Waste products from waterless closet M2.8b 

see also Farm effluent tanks; Liquid fuel storage; Septic tanks 

Tapered treads see Stairs 

Target U-value method J intro 3, J3.1, J3.4-10, Appendix F 

Technical Standards 



Telephone kiosks, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Temperature 

Dwellings Q3.6a 

Stored hot water P intro 2, P3.1 

Temperature controls see Thermostats 

Temperature relief valves, Hot water storage systems (P3.1) 


52

Temporary buildings, Exempted classes A schedule 1 

Tents, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Termini (travel), Purpose groups A schedule 3 

Tests 

Extract fans (F3.11) 

Harmonised methods A references 


Temperature of back, sides and top of oil-fired appliances (F5.13) 

Temperature beneath oil-fired appliances (F5.11) 

Wastewater and surface water drainage M2.5, (M2.5) 

Worksmanship (B2.1) 

see also Acoustic tests; Fire tests; Percolation tests 

Thatched roof coverings, Flue terminal outlets (F4.10) diagram 2 

Theatres see Auditoria; Buildings of purpose sub-group 5A 

Thermal breaks 



Target U-value method J3.8 

Thermal bridging 

Calculating U-values (J2.1), J Appendix B 

Limiting at junctions and around openings 

At the edges of openings J Appendix D 

Buildings of purpose groups 2-7 J9.1, (J9.1) 

Dwellings J4.1, (J4.1) 

Thermal conductivity J2.1, (J2.1) 

Common building materials J Appendix A table A18 

Thermal cut-outs, Hot water storage systems (P3.1) 

Thermal insulation J intro 8 

Basement floors J Appendix C 

Cavity closers J Appendix D 

Ceilings instead of cavity barriers D6.6 






Heat loss method J Appendix H 

Hot water storage vessels J6.4, J11.7, (J6.3-4), (J11.7) 

Materials J Appendix A table A18 

Over-roof G intro 5 

Passive stack ventilation K4.4b 

Pipes and ducts J6.3, J11.6, (J6.3-4), (J11.6) 

Specified constructions for roofs (G3.1) roof type 1 

Specified constructions for walls (G3.1) 

Structures with repeating thermal bridges J Appendix B 

Thicknesses for U-values J2.1, (J2.1), J Appendix A 

Thermal resistance 

Difference between bridged and bridging materials (J2.1) 

Minimum path at openings J Appendix D 

U-value calculations 

Elements containing repeating thermal bridges J Appendix B 

Ground floors and basements J Appendix C 

Thermal transmittances see U-values 

Thermoplastic materials 

Ceilings D7.1c, D7.2, (D7.2) 

Light diffusers D7.1, D7.2, (D7.2) 

Roof coverings (D9.1) 

Rooflights D7.1, D7.2, (D7.2), (D9.1) 

Thermostats J6.2b, J11.4, (J6.2), (J11.5) 

Room thermostats J6.1a, J11.3a, (J6.2), (J11.5) 

Ducted warm air heating E2.24e 

Thermostatic radiator valves J6.1, J11.2b, J11.3a 

53 


Thresholds see Entrances 

Throats (combustion appliances), Definition (F4.3) table 

Ties 


Timber frame wall with absorbent curtain (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

see also Cavity walls 

Tiles 

Roof coverings (G3.1) roof type 2 


Wall claddings (G3.1) wall type 3 

Timber 

Flat roof structures (G3.1) roof type 1 

Floating layers, Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) floor type 2 

Floors 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) floor types 3-4 


Framed buildings, Chimneys or flue-pipes for gas installations (F6.6) 

Framed walls 


Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall type 4 

Floors (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Thermal bridging of insulation J Appendix B example 1 

Thermal insulation thickness J Appendix A table A11, example 7 

Inner leafs of cavity walls, Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall type 1 

Joists 

Supported by hangers (H2.1-3) wall types 1-3 

Thermal bridging (J2.1) 

Projecting beyond surface of insulation J Appendix B2 

Pitched roofs (G3.1) roof type 2 


Studs 

Cavity barriers (D1.3) table 1 

Thermal bridging of insulation J Appendix B 

Suspended ground floors 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A table A13, example 9 

Resistance to moisture (G2.3, 2.5-6) 


Time switching, Lights (J12.3) 

Tobacco smoke K intro 6 

Toilets M4.10 




Transmission of sound see Sound transmission 

Travel distances 

Air supported structures E5.27a 


Independence of escape routes E4.3 


More than 4.5 m in height E2.20-21 

Hospitals E8.8-9 


Treads see Stairs 

Trickle ventilators see Ventilators 

Troughed metal deckings, Specified roof constructions (G3.1) 

Turnstiles, Escape routes E2.4c, E5.11c 


54

U 

U-values J2.1, (J2.1), J Appendix A 

Basement storeys J Appendix C 


Carbon emissions calculation method J8.8-9 

Elemental method J8.3 


Calculations using the Combined Method J Appendix B 


Dwellings 



Maximum permissible J3.12 



Floors above or walls adjoining unheated space J2.3 

Ground floors J8.6a, J8.9b, J Appendix C 

Measurement (J2.1) 

Windows, doors and rooflights in the elemental method J Appendix E 

Underfloor space, Ventilation (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Underground buildings 

Exempted buildings ancillary to dwellings A schedule 1 


Underground drainage see Drainage systems 

Underground structures (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

see also Basement storeys 

Unheated buildings, Conservation of fuel and power J reg 22(2)(a) 

Unheated spaces 

Conservation of fuel and power J reg 22(2)(b) 

Floor areas J Appendix C4 

U-values of floors above or walls adjoining J2.3 

Unprotected areas D intro 6 

Calculations (D8.1) 

Permitted levels D8.1 

Unprotected zones 


Emergency lighting E9.2 table 

Exits from rooms with occupancy capacity of no more than 100 persons E4.3 


Unvented hot water storage systems see Hot water 

Upper storeys see Storeys 

Use see Existing buildings; Mixed use; Purpose groups 

Used water see Greywater 

Utility rooms, Ventilation for dwellings (K2.1) table 

V 

Vapour control layers (G3.1) wall type 3, roof types 

Vapour control membranes, Sealing (J5.1) 

Vegetable matter see Organic matter 

Vehicle parking 

Pumping appliances E10.7-8, (E10.2, 10.8) 

Ventilation K1.3 

see also Car parking; Car parks 

Vehicle protective barriers see Protective barriers 

Ventilated voids 

Framed walls and resistance to precipitation (G3.1) wall type 3 

Rainscreen panels D6.5 

55 


Ventilation K intro, K reg 23 

Air for combustion F intro 6 



Solid fuel appliances F4.3, (F4.3) 

Air for cooling 



Application of Part K K1 

Auditoria air movements in event of fire D11.14, (D11.14) 

Buildings other than garages K2.1, (K2.1) 

Conservation of fuel and power K intro 3 

Drainage systems M2.3, (M2.3) 

Ducts through fire resisting construction (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Fan replacements not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Fire-fighting shafts (E10.4, 10.9) 

Garages 

Large K3.1, (K3.1) 

Small K3.2, (K3.2) 

Mechanical K4.6-10, (K2.1), (K4.9-10) 

Conservation of fuel and power J intro 7, J13.1, (J13.1) 


Mixed modes of natural and mechanical J Appendix K 

Natural K4.1-5, (K2.1), (K4.1), (K4.3) 

Roof void in flat roofs G intro 5 

Smoke and fumes 


Corridors providing escape from flats and maisonettes E2.12, E10.14, (E2.11-12) 



Fire-fighting shafts (E10.4, 10.9) 

Protected lobbies in flats and maisonettes E2.11, (E2.11-12) 

Smoke and heat exhaust systems D3.6-7, (D3.6-7) 

Alternative escape E6.9e 

Basement storeys E10.15f, (E10.15) 




Solid waste storage (R2.3) 

Sub-floors (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Underfloor space (G2.3, 2.5-6) 

Volume K1.3 

Ventilators 



Corridors providing escape from flats and maisonettes E2.12, E10.14, (E2.11-12) 


Escape stairs E10.13a 

Fan replacements not requiring warrants A schedule 2 

Grilles in ceilings (D3.6-7) 

Height K4.2 

Opening areas (K2.1) 

Permanent (K3.2) 


Protected lobbies in flats and maisonettes E2.11, (E2.11-12) 

Rooms opening into conservatories K4.1a 

Smoke reservoirs (D3.6-7) 

Trickle K4.1b, (K2.1), (K4.1) 


Vermin, Securing solid waste storage R2.3, (R2.3) 


56

Vertical escape in buildings of purpose groups 2-7 

Protected zones E6.6-14 

Width of escape stairs E6.1-5 

Vision panels P2.1 

Voice alarm systems, Mall areas (E11.3) 

Volatile substances discharged into drainage systems M2.7, (M2.7) 

Volume 

Measurement A schedule 5 

Ventilation K1.3 

W 

Waiting rooms, Occupancy load factors A schedule 4 

Walkways, Impact sound transmission H reg 20(2), H1.4 

Walls 

Cavity barriers D6.1-2, D6.8 


Adjoining unheated space J2.3 

Insulation thickness J Appendix A tables A8-11, examples 4-7 




U-values of basement storeys J Appendix C 

Construction differing only in roof space (H2.1-3) test procedures 

Corridor division for smoke control E5.23 



Dividing protected lobby from rest of protected zone D11.2 

Escape across flat roofs or access decks D11.11, E3.7, E5.9g 


Fire spread on internal linings D7.1, (D7.1) 


Height and exceptions to exempted classes A schedule 1 

Mass of leaf (H2.1-3) 

Openings for ventilation of large garages (K3.1) 




Separation of rooms from escape stairs D11.5 

Sound insulation constructions (H2.1-3) wall types 

Floors (H2.1-3) floor types 

see also Cavity walls; Compartment walls; External walls; Separating walls 

Wardrobe space Q3.1 

Warehousing see Storage buildings; Storage spaces 

Warm air ducts, Thermal insulation J6.3, J11.6, (J6.3-4), (J11.6) 

Warm deck roofs G intro 5 

Specified constructions (G3.1) 

Warnings 

Activation of shutters sealing compartment floors (D3.14) 

Discharges of hot water J11.7 

Fire E intro 1, E reg 13(1A), E2.14b, E11.1-3, (E2.14, 11.1-3) 


Roof access P2.8, (P2.8) 

Warrants A intro 4 

Not required for fixtures A reg 4, A schedule 2 

Staged applications M intro 5 

Washbasins see Sanitary facilities 

Washrooms, Escape stair protected zones E6.8 

Waste chutes, Sound insulation H1.4 

Waste containers R2.1, (R2.3) 

Waste management R intro 2, R2.1 

57 


Wastewater 


Inspection and sampling treated water M3.1, (M3.1) 

see also Drainage systems 

Wastewater treatment plant 

Discharges from drainage systems M2.8 


Private systems M3.1-4, (M3.1-4) 


Water 

Contamination prevention 

Dungsteads and farm effluent tanks R reg 31, R3.1b, (R3.1) 

Oil storage F reg 15(1)(b), (F7.2c) table 

Storage of solid waste from dwellings R reg 30(2)(c) 

Locating infiltration systems (M3.5), (M3.7) 

Supply for fire-fighting E intro 4, E10.2-3, (E10.2) 

see also Hot water 

Water service pipes 

Connections for ground hydrants E10.3 

Service openings in walls and floors (D3.14, 4.7, 5.8, 6.7) 

Water works, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Watercloset compartments see Toilets 

Watercloset cubicles M4.6, (M4.6) 

Waterclosets see Sanitary facilities 

Waterless closets M intro 2, M4.2, (M4.2) 

Waste products M2.8b 

see also Sanitary facilities 

Weather compensating controls J11.3d 

Weatherboarding (G3.1) wall type 3 

Weighted impact sound improvement (H2.1-3) floor type 1 

Wet fire mains see Fire mains 

Wetland infiltration systems (M3.6) 

Wheelchair platform stairlifts (S2.7) 

Wheelchair users see Disabled people 

Wind loads C2.1 



Winders see Stairs 

Window access systems P2.3c, (P2.3) 

Window frames 


Buildings of purpose groups 2-7, Elemental method J8.3 

Dwellings 






58

Windows 

Access to manual controls P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(f), P2.7 

Cleaning P intro 2, P reg 27(1)(c), P2.3-4, (P2.3-4) 




Combining natural and mechanical ventilation J Appendix K 



Monitoring daylight (J12.3) 

Dwellings 




Target U-value method J Appendix F 


Thermal bridging at edges of openings J Appendix D 

Dwellings Q reg 29(1)(e), Q3.5 

Emergency escape (E2.17, 3.2) 


Houses E3.1-3 

Escape stair ventilation E10.13 

Plastics D7.1 


see also Rooflights 

Wood based boards 

Expansion of chipboard (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Floating layers of cement bonded particleboard (H2.1-3) floor type 3 


Wood fuel see Fuels 

Wood wool slabs, Thermal conductivity of materials J Appendix A table A18 

Workmanship B intro 6, B reg 10, B2.1 (B2.1) 

Application of Part B B1 

Safety of structure C intro 1) 

Sound insulation H intro 4, (H2.1-3) floor type 3 

Works of civil engineering, Exempted classes of buildings A schedule 1 

Workshops see Industrial buildings 

Z 

Zoos, Purpose groups A schedule 3 

59 



60

Technical Standards - Scottish Government

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