Regulations Explained

Building Regulations are published by the Department of Communities and Local Government under the powers provided in the Building Act 1984, and apply in England and Wales. The current edition of the regulations is the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended) and building projects are required to comply with them unless they are exempted. the Building Regulations exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of building and ensure energy conservation and access to and use of buildings.

Building Regulations 2000 (as amended)

These are a set of minimum requirements designed to secure the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings, and to conserve fuel and energy in England and Wales. It applies mainly to new building work, but there are some circumstances, such as a material change of use, which require improvements to be made to an existing building.

The Approved Documents

The Approved Documents give guidance on how to meet the requirements of the regulations. The level of safety and standards acceptable are set out as guidance in the approved documents. Compliance with the detailed guidance of the approved documents is evidence that the regulations themselves have been complied with. Alternative ways of achieving the same level of safety are also acceptable. Just because an approved document has not been complied with does not necessarily mean that the work is unsafe. The circumstances of each particular case are considered, when an application is made that adequate levels of safety will be achieved. This flexible approach means that the building regulations are adaptable to allow innovative design and the variation of circumstances of each particular building.The approved documents may be purchased from the The Stationery Office book store or from The Building Bookshop.  They are as follows:

Part A – structure

Part B – fire safety

Part C – site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture

Part D – toxic substances

Part E – resistance to passage of sound

Part F – ventilation

Part G – hygiene

Part H – drainage and waste disposal

Part J – combustion appliances and fuel storage systems

Part K – protection from falling, collision and impact

Part L – conservation of fuel and power

Part M – access to and use of buildings

Part N – glazing- safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning

Part P – electrical safety