Impact Safety and Barriers
For new buildings, and for buildings subject to major refurbishment, glazing requirements for critical locations are given in a combination of Building Regulations and British Standards publications.
The relevant Building Regulations for England and Wales is:
- The Building Regulations England and Wales Part N 'Glazing – materials and protection'. Approved Document N Glazing – materials and protection, gives technical guidance. Par K gives guidance on stairs, ramps and barriers.
There are relevant British Standards:
- BS EN 12600 (formerly BS 6206) 'Specification for Impact Performance Requirements for Flat Safety Glass and Safety Plastics for use in Buildings'
- BS 6262: 'Code of practice for glazing for buildings' Part 4 'Safety related to human impact'
- BS 6180 Code of practice for barriers
The various Building Regulations and British Standards have been written separately and at different times. As a result of this, even though the intentions may be the same, the wording and presentation will vary.
However, if the recommendations in BS 6262: 'Code of Practice for Glazing in Buildings' Part 4 'Safety related to human impact' are followed, the current requirements of Building Regulations in all three regional areas of the UK for the glazing of critical locations will be satisfied.
Where glazing may also perform the function of guarding (protection against falling through) then the recommendation of the following regulation should also be considered:
To download regulations parts K and N for England and Wales click here.
To download regulations for Northern Ireland technical booklet H click here.
To download regulations for Scotland technical handbook 4 click here.