Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
Part K (Approved Document K) sets minimum standards for stairs, handrails and guarding. For dwelling stairs: max 220mm rise, min 220mm going. Handrail height: 900-1000mm. Guarding required at edges over 600mm drop: 900mm internal, 1100mm external balconies. Safety glazing required in critical locations. Part K 2013 is the current edition for England.
What Does Part K of the Building Regulations Require for Stairs and Handrails?
Direct answer
What are the stair and handrail regulations under Part K?
Part K (Approved Document K, gov.uk): dwelling stairs max 220mm rise, min 220mm going, pitch max 42 degrees. Handrail height 900-1000mm for dwellings. Guarding required at edges over 600mm: 900mm internal floors, 1100mm external balconies. Safety glazing required in critical locations (doors, low-level panels).
Calculate stair dimensions
Rise: max 220mm for dwellings. Going: min 220mm for dwellings, 250mm for non-domestic. Check: 2 x rise + going should be between 550mm and 700mm.
Check handrail height
Measure from the pitch line (top of treads) to the top of the handrail. Must be 900-1000mm for dwellings.
Specify guarding where required
Any edge with a drop over 600mm needs guarding. Height: 900mm internal floors, 1100mm external balconies. No horizontal members between 150-800mm (climbable by children).
Use safety glazing in critical locations
Doors, low-level glazing and sidelights need toughened or laminated glass to BS 6206 or equivalent.
Get Building Control approval
Submit plans showing Part K compliance before work starts.
| Stair type | Max rise | Min going | Handrail height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private dwelling stairs | 220mm | 220mm | 900-1000mm |
| Common stairs (non-domestic) | 190mm | 250mm | 900-1100mm |
| Loft conversion stairs (space saver) | 220mm | 145mm alternating | 900-1000mm |
| External steps | 150mm | 300mm | 900-1000mm (if 3+ steps) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Part K of the Building Regulations?
Part K of the Building Regulations (Approved Document K) covers protection from falling, collision and impact. It sets minimum standards for stairs, ramps, guarding (handrails and balustrades), vehicle barriers, and protection against impact from glazing. Part K applies to new dwellings, extensions to dwellings and new non-domestic buildings. The current edition is Approved Document K 2013, which applies to all building work in England.
What are the stair regulations under Part K?
Under Part K, the key stair requirements for private dwellings are: maximum rise of 220mm per step, minimum going (horizontal depth of tread) of 220mm, pitch angle not exceeding 42 degrees. For common areas and non-domestic stairs: maximum rise 190mm, minimum going 250mm. Open risers are permitted in dwellings but the gap between treads must not exceed 100mm if children under 5 might use the stairs. Handrails are required for stairs with more than 3 steps.
What height must handrails be under Part K?
Under Part K for private dwellings, handrail height must be between 900mm and 1000mm measured vertically from the pitch line of the stair or from the floor for landings and ramps. For non-domestic stairs: 900mm to 1100mm. Handrails must be provided on at least one side of stairs with a width of less than 1m, and on both sides if the width exceeds 1m. Handrails should be graspable (ideally circular section with 40-50mm diameter).
What are the guarding requirements for balconies and edges?
Under Part K, guarding (barriers or balustrades) is required at the edge of any floor, gallery, balcony, roof or other area where there is a drop of more than 600mm. Minimum guarding heights: 900mm for internal floors (excluding stairs), 1100mm for external balconies and flat roofs accessible to people, and 800mm for the base of a staircase. Guarding must not be climbable by children -- horizontal members between 150mm and 800mm above floor level should be avoided.
What glazing standards apply under Part K?
Part K requires that critical glazing locations (fully glazed doors and panels, glazing within 300mm of floor level in doors, and glazing in side panels within 300mm of door edges) must use safety glazing (toughened or laminated glass) or be protected by permanent screens. The risk level is classified as low impact, medium impact or high impact, with different glazing specifications required. Standard float glass is not permitted in critical locations.
Primary sources
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