A1.—(1) The building shall be constructed so that the combined dead, imposed and wind loads are sustained and transmitted by it to the ground—

(a) safely; and

(b) without causing such deflection or deformation of any part of the building, or such movement of the ground, as will impair the stability of any part of another building.

(2) In assessing whether a building complies with sub-paragraph (1) regard shall be had to the imposed and wind loads to which it is likely to be subjected in the ordinary course of its use for the purpose for which it is intended.

A2. The building shall be constructed so that ground movement caused by—

(a) swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil; or

(b) land-slip or subsidence (other than subsidence arising from shrinkage), in so far as the risk can be reasonably foreseen,

will not impair the stability of any part of the building.

A3. The building shall be constructed so that in the event of an accident the building will not suffer collapse to an extent disproportionate to the cause.

B1. The building shall be designed and constructed so that there are appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire, and appropriate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building capable of being safely and effectively used at all material times.

Requirement B1 does not apply to any prison provided under section 33 of the Prison Act 1952 (power to provide prisons etc).

B2.—(1) To inhibit the spread of fire within the building, the internal linings shall—

(a) adequately resist the spread of flame over their surfaces; and

(b) have, if ignited, either a rate of heat release or a rate of fire growth, which is reasonable in the circumstances.

(2) In this paragraph “internal linings” means the materials or products used in lining any partition, wall, ceiling or other internal structure.

B3.—(1) The building shall be designed and constructed so that, in the event of fire, its stability will be maintained for a reasonable period.

(2) A wall common to two or more buildings shall be designed and constructed so that it adequately resists the spread of fire between those buildings. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph a house in a terrace and a semi-detached house are each to be treated as a separate building.

(3) Where reasonably necessary to inhibit the spread of fire within the building, measures shall be taken, to an extent appropriate to the size and intended use of the building, comprising either or both of the following—

(a) sub-division of the building with fire-resisting construction;

(b) installation of suitable automatic fire suppression systems.

(4) The building shall be designed and constructed so that the unseen spread of fire and smoke within concealed spaces in its structure and fabric is inhibited.

Requirement B3(3) does not apply to material alterations to any prison provided under section 33 of the Prison Act 1952.

B4.—(1) The external walls of the building shall adequately resist the spread of fire over the walls and from one building to another, having regard to the height, use and position of the building.

(2) The roof of the building shall adequately resist the spread of fire over the roof and from one building to another, having regard to the use and position of the building.

B5.—(1) The building shall be designed and constructed so as to provide reasonable facilities to assist fire fighters in the protection of life.

(2) Reasonable provision shall be made within the site of the building to enable fire appliances to gain access to the building.

C1.—(1) The ground to be covered by the building shall be reasonably free from any material that might damage the building or affect its stability, including vegetable matter, topsoil and pre-existing foundations.

(2) Reasonable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by contaminants on or in the ground covered, or to be covered by the building and any land associated with the building.

(3) Adequate sub-soil drainage shall be provided, if it is needed to avoid—

(a) the passage of ground moisture to the interior of the building;

(b) damage to the building, including damage through the transport of water-borne contaminants to the foundations of the building.

(4) For the purposes of this requirement, “contaminant” means any substance which is or may become harmful to persons or buildings including substances which are corrosive, explosive flammable, radioactive or toxic.

C2. The walls, floors and roof of the building shall adequately protect the building and people who use the building from harmful effects caused by—

(a) ground moisture;

(b) precipitation including wind-driven spray;

(c) interstitial and surface condensation; and

(d) spillage of water from or associated with sanitary fittings or fixed appliances.

D1. If insulating material is inserted into a cavity in a cavity wall, reasonable precautions shall be taken to prevent the subsequent permeation of any toxic fumes from that material into any part of the building occupied by people.

E1. Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way that they provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and from adjoining buildings.

E2. Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way that—

(a) internal walls between a bedroom or a room containing a water closet, and other rooms; and

(b) internal floors,

provide reasonable resistance to sound.

Requirement E2 does not apply to—

(a) an internal wall which contains a door;

(b) an internal wall which separates an ensuite toilet from the associated bedroom;

(c) existing walls and floors in a building which is subject to a material change of use.

E3. The common internal parts of buildings which contain flats or rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent more reverberation around the common parts than is reasonable.

Requirement E3 only applies to corridors, stairwells, hallways and entrance halls which give access to the flat or room for residential purposes.

E4.—(1) Each room or other space in a school building shall be designed and constructed in such a way that it has the acoustic conditions and the insulation against disturbance by noise appropriate to its intended use.

(2) For the purposes of this Part—

“school” has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Education Act 1996; and

“school building” means any building forming a school or part of a school.

F1.—(1) There shall be adequate means of ventilation provided for people in the building.

(2) Fixed systems for mechanical ventilation and any associated controls must be commissioned by testing and adjusting as necessary to secure that the objective referred to in sub-paragraph (1) is met.

Requirement F1 does not apply to a building or space within a building—

(a) into which people do not normally go;

(b) which is used solely for storage; or

(c) which is a garage used solely in connection with a single dwelling.

G1.—(1) There must be a suitable installation for the provision of—

(a) wholesome water to any place where drinking water is drawn off;

(b) wholesome water or softened wholesome water to any washbasin or bidet provided in or adjacent to a room containing a sanitary convenience;

(c) wholesome water or softened wholesome water to any washbasin, bidet, fixed bath and shower in a bathroom;

(d) wholesome water to any sink provided in any area where food is prepared.

(2) There must be a suitable installation for the provision of water of suitable quality to any sanitary convenience fitted with a flushing device.

G2. Reasonable provision must be made by the installation of fittings and fixed appliances that use water efficiently for the prevention of undue consumption of water.

Requirement G2 applies only when a dwelling is—

(a) erected; or

(b) formed by a material change of use of a building within the meaning of regulation 5(a) or (b).

G3.—(1) There must be a suitable installation for the provision of heated wholesome water or heated softened water to—

(a) any washbasin or bidet provided in or adjacent to a room containing a sanitary convenience;

(b) any washbasin, bidet, fixed bath and shower in a bathroom; and

(c) any sink provided in any area where food is prepared.

(2) A hot water system, including any cistern or other vessel that supplies water to or receives expansion water from a hot water system, must be designed, constructed and installed so as to resist the effects of temperature and pressure that may occur either in normal use or in the event of such malfunctions as may reasonably be anticipated, and must be adequately supported.

(3) A hot water system that has a hot water storage vessel must incorporate precautions to—

(a) prevent the temperature of the water stored in the vessel at any time exceeding 100°C;

(b) ensure that any discharge from safety devices is safely conveyed to where it is visible but will not cause a danger to persons in or about the building.

(4) The hot water supply to any fixed bath must be so designed and installed as to incorporate measures to ensure that the temperature of the water than can be delivered to that bath does not exceed 48°C.

Requirement G3(3) does not apply to a system which heats or stores water for the purposes only of an industrial process.

Requirement G3(4) applies only when a dwelling is—

(a) erected; or

(b) formed by a material change of use of a building within the meaning of regulation 5(a) or (b).

G4.—(1) Adequate and suitable sanitary conveniences must be provided in rooms provided to accommodate them or in bathrooms.

(2) Adequate hand washing facilities must be provided in—

(a) rooms containing sanitary conveniences; or

(b) rooms or spaces adjacent to rooms containing sanitary conveniences.

(3) Any room containing a sanitary convenience, a bidet, or any facility for washing hands provided in accordance with sub-paragraph (2)(b), must be separated from any kitchen or any area where food is prepared.

G5. A bathroom must be provided containing a washbasin and either a fixed bath or a shower.

Requirement G5 applies only to dwellings and to buildings containing one or more rooms for residential purposes.

G6. A suitable sink must be provided in any area where food is prepared.

H1.—(1) An adequate system of drainage shall be provided to carry foul water from appliances within the building to one of the following, listed in order of priority—

(a) a public sewer; or where that is not reasonably practicable,

(b) a private sewer communicating with a public sewer; or where that is not reasonably practicable,

(c) either a septic tank which has an appropriate form of secondary treatment or another wastewater treatment system; or, where that is not reasonably practicable,

(d) a cesspool.

(2) In this Part “foul water” means waste water which comprises or includes—

(a) waste from a sanitary convenience, bidet or appliance used for washing receptacles for foul waste; or

(b) water which has been used for food preparation, cooking or washing.

Requirement H1 does not apply to the diversion of water which has been used for personal washing or for the washing of clothes, linen or other articles to collection systems for reuse.

H2.—(1) Any septic tank and its form of secondary treatment, other wastewater treatment system or cesspool, shall be so sited and constructed that—

(a) it is not prejudicial to the health of any person;

(b) it will not contaminate any watercourse, underground water or water supply;

(c) there are adequate means of access for emptying and maintenance; and

(d) where relevant, it will function to a sufficient standard for the protection of health in the event of a power failure

(2) Any septic tank or holding tank which is part of a wastewater treatment system or cesspool shall be—

(a) of adequate capacity;

(b) so constructed that it is impermeable to liquids; and

(c) adequately ventilated.

(3) Where a foul water drainage system from a building discharges to a septic tank, wastewater treatment system or cesspool, a durable notice shall be affixed in a suitable place in the building containing information on any continuing maintenance required to avoid risks to health.

H3.—(1) Adequate provision shall be made for rainwater to be carried from the roof of the building.

(2) Paved areas around the building shall be so constructed as to be adequately drained.

(3) Rainwater from a system provided pursuant to sub-paragraphs (1) or (2) shall discharge to one of the following, listed in order of priority—

(a) an adequate soakaway or some other adequate infiltration system; or, where that is not reasonably practicable,

(b) a watercourse; or, where that is not reasonably practicable,

(c) a sewer.

Requirement H3(2) applies only to paved areas—

(a) which provide access to the building pursuant to requirement F3F4M1 (access and use), or F4M1 (access to and use of buildings other than dwellings), requirement M2 (access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings) F5F6, or requirement M4(1), (2) or (3) (access to and use of dwellings);

(b) which provide access to or from a place of storage pursuant to requirement H6(2) (solid waste storage); or

(c) in any passage giving access to the building, where this is intended to be used in common by the occupiers of one or more other buildings

Requirement H3(3) does not apply to the gathering of rainwater for reuse

H4.—(1) The erection or extension of a building or work involving the underpinning of a building shall be carried out in a way that is not detrimental to the building or building extension or to the continued maintenance of the drain, sewer or disposal main.

(2) In this paragraph “disposal main” means any pipe, tunnel or conduit used for the conveyance of effluent to or from a sewage disposal works, which is not a public sewer.

(3) In this paragraph and paragraph H5 “map of sewers” means any records kept by a sewerage undertaker under section 199 of the Water Industry Act 1991.

Requirement H4 applies only to work carried out—

(a) over a drain, sewer or disposal main which is shown on any map of sewers; or

(b) on any site or in such a manner as may result in interference with the use of, or obstruction of the access of any person to, any drain, sewer or disposal main which is shown on any map of sewers.

H5. Any system for discharging water to a sewer which is provided pursuant to paragraph H3 shall be separate from that provided for the conveyance of foul water from the building.

Requirement H5 applies only to a system provided in connection with the erection or extension of a building where it is reasonably practicable for the system to discharge directly or indirectly to a sewer for the separate conveyance of surface water which is—

(a) shown on a map of sewers; or

(b) under construction either by the sewerage undertaker or by some other person (where the sewer is the subject of an agreement to make a declaration of vesting pursuant to section 104 of the Water Industry Act 1991).

H6.—(1) Adequate provision shall be made for storage of solid waste.

(2) Adequate means of access shall be provided—

(a) for people in the building to the place of storage; and

(b) from the place of storage to a collection point (where one has been specified by the waste collection authority under section 46 (household waste) or section 47 (commercial waste) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990) or to a street (where no collection point has been specified).

J1. Combustion appliances shall be so installed that there is an adequate supply of air to them for combustion, to prevent over-heating and for the efficient working of any flue.

Requirements J1 and J2 apply only to fixed combustion appliances (including incinerators).

J2. Combustion appliances shall have adequate provision for the discharge of products of combustion to the outside air.

J3. Where a combustion appliance is provided, appropriate provision having regard to the design and location of the appliance shall be made to detect and give early warning of the release of carbon monoxide at levels harmful to persons.

Requirement J3 applies only to fixed combustion appliances located in dwellings.

J4. Combustion appliances and flue-pipes shall be so installed, and fireplaces and chimneys shall be so constructed and installed, as to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of people suffering burns or the building catching fire in consequence of their use.

Requirement J4 applies only to fixed combustion appliances (including incinerators).

J5. Where a hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney is provided or extended, a durable notice containing information on the performance capabilities of the hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney shall be affixed in a suitable place in the building for the purpose of enabling combustion appliances to be safely installed.

J6. Liquid fuel storage systems and the pipes connecting them to combustion appliances shall be so constructed and separated from buildings and the boundary of the premises as to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of the fuel igniting in the event of fire in adjacent buildings or premises.

Requirement J6 applies only to—

(a) fixed oil storage tanks with capacities greater than 90 litres and connecting pipes; and

(b) fixed liquefied petroleum gas storage installations with capacities greater than 150 litres and connecting pipes,

which are located outside the building and which serve fixed combustion appliances (including incinerators) in the building.

J7. Oil storage tanks and the pipes connecting them to combustion appliances shall—

(a) be so constructed and protected as to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of the oil escaping and causing pollution; and

(b) have affixed in a prominent position a durable notice containing information on how to respond to an oil escape so as to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of pollution.

Requirement J7 applies only to fixed oil storage tanks with capacities of 3,500 litres or less, and connecting pipes, which are—

(a) located outside the building; and

(b) serve fixed combustion appliances (including incinerators) in a building used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling,

but does not apply to buried systems.

K1. Stairs, ladders and ramps shall be so designed, constructed and installed as to be safe for people moving between different levels in or about the building.

Requirement K1 applies only to stairs, ladders and ramps which form part of the building.

K2. (a) Any stairs, ramps, floors and balconies and any roof to which people have access, and

(b) any light well, basement area or similar sunken area connected to a building,

shall be provided with barriers where it is necessary to protect people in or about the building from falling.

Requirement K2(a) applies only to stairs and ramps which form part of the building.

K3.—(1) Vehicle ramps and any levels in a building to which vehicles have access, shall be provided with barriers where it is necessary to protect people in or about the building.

(2) Vehicle loading bays shall be constructed in such a way, or be provided with such features as may be necessary to protect people in them from collision with vehicles.

K4. Provision shall be made to prevent people moving in or about the building from colliding with open windows, skylights or ventilators.

Requirement K4 does not apply to dwellings.

K5.—(1) Provision shall be made to prevent any door or gate—

(a) which slides or opens upwards, from falling onto any person; and

(b) which is powered, from trapping any person.

(2) Provision shall be made to ensure a clear view of the space on either side of a swing door or gate.

Requirement K5 does not apply to—

(a) dwellings, or

(b) any door or gate which is part of a lift.

K1. Stairs, ladders and ramps shall be so designed, constructed and installed as to be safe for people moving between different levels in or about the building.

Requirement K1 applies only to stairs, ladders and ramps which form part of the building.

K2. The following shall be provided with barriers where it is necessary to protect people in or about the building from falling—

(a) any stairs, ramps, floors and balconies and any roof to which people have access, and

(b) any light well, basement area or similar sunken area connected to a building.

Requirement K2(a) applies only to stairs and ramps which form part of the building.

K3.—(1) Vehicle ramps and any levels in a building to which vehicles have access, shall be provided with barriers where it is necessary to protect people in or about the building.

(2) Vehicle loading bays shall be constructed in such a way, or to be provided with such features, as may be necessary to protect people in them from collision with vehicles.

K4. Glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact while moving in or about the building, shall—

(a) if broken on impact, break in a way which is unlikely to cause injury; or

(b) resist impact without breaking; or

(c) be shielded or protected from impact.

Requirement K5.1 does not apply to dwellings.

Requirement K5.2 does not apply to dwellings.

Requirement K5.3 does not apply to dwellings.

Requirement K5(4) does not apply to—

(a) dwellings, or

(b) any door or gate which is part of a lift.

K6.—(1) Provision shall be made to prevent any door or gate—

(a) which slides or opens upwards, from falling onto any person; and

(b) which is powered, from trapping any person.

(2) Provision shall be made for powered doors and gates to be opened in the event of a power failure.

(3) Provision shall be made to ensure a clear view of the space on either side of a swing door or gate.

Requirement K5(4) does not apply to—

(a) dwellings, or

(b) any door or gate which is part of a lift.

L1. Reasonable provision shall be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings by—

(a) limiting heat gains and loses—

(i) through thermal elements and other parts of the building fabric; and

(ii) from pipes, ducts and vessels used for space heating, space cooling and hot water services;

(b) providing fixed building services which—

(i) are energy efficient F9to a reasonable standard;

(ii) have effective controls; and

(iii) are commissioned by testing and adjusting as necessary to ensure they use no more fuel and power than is reasonable in the circumstances.

M1. Reasonable provision shall be made for people to—

(a) gain access to, and

(b) use the building and its facilities.

The requirements of this Part do not apply to—

(a) an extension of or material alteration of a dwelling; or

(b) any part of a building which is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained.

M2. Suitable independent access shall be provided to the extension where reasonably practicable.

Requirement M2 does not apply where suitable access to the extension is provided through the building that is extended.

M3. If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to be extended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension for sanitary conveniences

Requirement M3 does not apply where there is reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences elsewhere in the building, such that people occupied in, or otherwise having occasion to enter the extension, can gain access to and use those sanitary conveniences.

M4.—(1) Reasonable provision shall be made in the entrance storey for sanitary conveniences, or where the entrance storey contains no habitable rooms, reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences shall be made in either the entrance storey or principal storey.

(2) In this paragraph “entrance storey” means the storey which contains the principal entrance and “principal storey” means the storey nearest to the entrance storey which contains a habitable room, or if there are two such storeys equally near, either such storey.

N1. Glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact whilst moving in or about the building shall—

(a) if broken on impact, break in a way which is unlikely to cause injury; or

(b) resist impact without breaking; or

(c) be shielded or protected from impact.

N2. Transparent glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact while moving in or about the building, shall incorporate features which make it apparent.

Requirement N2 does not apply to dwellings.

N3. Windows, skylights and ventilators which can be opened by people in or about the building shall be so constructed or quipped that they may be opened, closed or adjusted safely.

Requirement N3 does not apply to dwellings.

N4. Provision shall be made for any windows, skylights, or ay transparent or translucent walls, ceilings or roofs to be safely accessible for cleaning.

Requirement N4 does not apply to—

(a) dwellings; or

(b) any transparent or translucent elements whose surfaces are not intended to be cleaned.

P1. Reasonable provision shall be made in the design and installation of electrical installations in order to protect persons operating, maintaining or altering the installations from fire or injury.

The requirements of this Part apply only to electrical installations that are intended to operate at low or extra-low voltage and are—

(a) in or attached to a dwelling;

(b) in the common parts of a building serving one or more dwellings, but excluding power supplies to lifts;

(c) in a building that receives its electricity from a source located within or shared with a dwelling; or

(d) in a garden or in or on land associated with a building where the electricity is from a source located within or shared with a dwelling.