Building Regulations 2000

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S
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Glazing – safety
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in relation to impact,
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opening and
ON cleaning

APPROVED DOCUMENT N
N
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APPROVED DOCUMENT IO N
R S
N1
V E
Protection against impact
N2 Manifestation E
of glazing
N3 LINand closing of windows,
Safe opening

N4
ON and ventilators
skylights
Safe access for cleaning windows etc
ISBN-10 1 85946 212 X
ISBN-13 978 1 85946 212 6
Stock code 56664

impact, opening and cleaning

© Crown copyright 2006 Glazing – safety in relation to
The Approved Documents are published by NBS for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
This publication has been approved by Ministers and has official status. Copyright in the www.thenbs.com

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contents, the cover, the design and the typographical arrangement of this publication rests
with the Crown unless otherwise stated. The contents of this publication may be reproduced
free of charge in any format or medium for the purposes of private research and study
or for internal circulation within an organisation. This is subject to the contents being
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reproduced accurately and not in a way that implies official status. Any publisher wishing
to reproduce the content of this publication must not use or replicate the ODPM crest

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or replicate the official version’s style and appearance, including the cover design, and
must not present their publication as being an official publication as this may confuse the
public. The reproduced material must be acknowledged as Crown Copyright and the title
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responsibility for the accuracy and comprehensiveness of any other versions.
Any other use of the contents of this publication would require a copyright licence. Please O

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co 9
in 19
Amendments to Approved Documents and
Compliance Guides 2010
All references to the Building Regulations 2000
(as amended) should be read as references to
the Building Regulations 2010.

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All references to the Building (Approved

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Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2000 should be
read as references to the Building (Approved

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Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010.
There have been no substantive requirements

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amendments to either set of regulations, but
please note the simplification of the definition of

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‘room for residential purposes’ in regulation 2 of

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the Building Regulations 2010. Please also note
that L1(c) has now become regulation 40.
The following tables will help you to find the new
regulation number for regulations which have
been re-numbered in the 2010 Regulations. For
any regulation number not included in the tables
below, the number of the regulation has not changed.

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Approved Document G Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency

1
Building Regulations
Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation
number number number number number number
in Building in Building in Building in Building in Building in Building
Regulations Regulations Regulations Regulations Regulations Regulations
2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010
2(2A)
2(2B)
2(3)
2(4)
12(7)

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13(2)(c)(iii)
12(8)
13(2)(ii)
20AA
20B
42
43
2(2C)
2(3)
2(5)
deleted
13(3)
13(5)
RS deleted
13(3)
20C(A1)
20C(1)
44(1)
44(2)
3(1)(g)
3(1)(h)
3(1)(h)
3(1)(g)
13(6)

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13(7)E 13(4)
13(5)
20C(2)
20C(3)
44(3)
44(4)
4(1A)
4(2)
4(2)
4(3)
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14(3)(aa)
14(3)(b)
14(3)(b)
14(3)(c)
20D
20E
27
37

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4A 23 14A 15 21(1) 18(1)
4B(1) 22 15 16 21(2) 18(8)
4B(2) deleted 16A 20 21(3) 18(2)
6(1)(cc) 6(1)(d) 16B 38 21(4) 18(3)
6(1)(d) 6(1)(e) 16C 39 21(5) 18(4)
6(1)(e) 6(1)(f) 17A 24 21(6) 18(5)
6(1)(f) 6(1)(g) 17B 25 21(7) 18(6)
6(1)(ff) 6(1)(h) 17C 26 21(8) 18(7)
6(1)(g) 6(1)(i) 17D 28 22 47
9(1A) 9(2) 17E(4) 29(5) 22B(1)(a) 48(1)(a)
9(2)
9(3)
9(3)
21(1)
17E(5)
17F
29(4)
30
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22B(1)(c)
48(1)(b)
48(1)(c)
9(4) 21(2) 17G 31

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9(5)
9(5A)
21(3)
21(4)
17H
17I
32
33
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22B(1)(f)
48(1)(d)
48(1)(i)
9(6)
12(2)
21(5)
12(1)

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17J
17K
35
36
22B(1)(g)
22B(1)(h)
48(1)(j)
48(1)(l)
12(2A) 12(2)
L18 45 22B(1)(ha) 48(1)(m)

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12(4A) 12(5) 19 46 22B(1)(i) 48(1)(n)
12(5) 12(6) 20 19 22B(1)(j) 48(1)(o)
12(6) 12(7) 20A 41 22B(1)(k) 48(1)(h)
22B(1)(ka) 48(1)(k) J2A J3 J6 J7
22B(1)(l) 48(1)(e) J3 J4 L1(c) Regulation 40
22B(1)(m) 48(1)(f) J4 J5 Schedule 2A Schedule 3
22B(2) 48(2) J5 J6 Schedule 2B Schedule 4

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Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations
Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation
number number number number number number
in Building in Building in Building in Building in Building in Building
(Approved (Approved (Approved (Approved (Approved (Approved
Inspectors etc.) Inspectors etc.) Inspectors etc.) Inspectors etc.) Inspectors etc.) Inspectors etc.)
Regulations
2000
1
Regulations
2010
1 and 38
ION Regulations
2000
13(1)(d)
Regulations
2010
12(6)(c)
Regulations
2000
25(2)
Regulations
2010
25(3)
3 4

RS 13(2) 12(1) 25(3) 25(4)

4
8
3
10
VE 13(3)
13(4)
12(2)
12(3)
31A(a)
31A(b)
32(c)
32(c)
9
10(1)
11
9(5)
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13(6)
12(4)
12(5)
31A(c)
31A(d)
32(e)
32(f)
10(2)
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9(1) 13A 13 31A(e) 32(h)

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10(3) 9(2) 14 14(1) 31A(ea) 32(i)
10(4) 9(3) 15(1) 14(2) 31A(f) 32(j)
10(5) 9(4) 15(2) 14(3) 31A(g) 32(k)
11(1)(a) 8(1)(a) 15(3) 14(4) 31A(h) 32(d)
11(1)(c) 8(1)(b) 16 15 31A(ha) 32(g)
11(2) 8(2) 17 16 31A(i) 32(a)
11A 20(1) 18(1) 17(1) 31A(j) 32(b)
12 20(1) and (3) 18(2) 17(2) and (3) *Sch 3 7A Sch 2 8
12A 20(1) and (5) 18(3) 17(4) Sch 3 8 Sch 2 9
12AA
12B
20(1)
20(1)
18(4)
18(5)

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17(6)
Sch 3 9
Sch 4 7A
Sch 2 10
Sch 3 8
12C
12D
20(1) and (6)
20(1) and (2)
18(6)
19
RS 17(7)
18
Sch 4 8
Sch 6 5A
Sch 3 9
Sch 5 6
12E
13(1)
20(1) and (4)
12(6)
20
23A
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24
Sch 6 6 Sch 6 7

13(1)(b)

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12(6)(a)

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24 25(1)
13(1)(c)

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12(6)(b) 25(1) 25(2)

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Please note that some of the numbering and cross referencing in the forms in Schedule 1 has changed slightly.
*Sch =Schedule

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MAIN CHANGES IN THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS
1998 EDITION The following documents have been approved
and issued by the First Secretary of State for
This edition of approved Document N, Glazing the purpose of providing practical guidance
– safety in relation impact, opening and cleaning, with respect to the requirements of the Building
replaces the 1992 edition. The main changes are: Regulations 2000 (as amended).
Requirement N3
ION Approved Document A: Structure
2004 edition incorporating 2004 amendments
Approved Document K: Protection from falling
collision and impact
Safe opening and closing of windows etc: new
requirement to reduce the risk of injury when
RS Approved Document B: Fire safety
1998 edition incorporating 2000 amendments
adjusting windows, skylights and ventilators.

VE 2000 edition incorporating 2000 and

2002 amendments
Approved Document L1A: Conservation of
fuel and power
Requirement N4

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Safe access for cleaning windows etc: new
Approved Document C: Site preparation and
resistance to contaminants and moisture
New dwellings
2006 edition

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requirement to reduce risk of injury when 2004 edition Approved Document L1B: Conservation of

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cleaning glazed surfaces. fuel and power
Approved Document D: Toxic substances
Existing dwellings
1992 edition incorporating 2002 amendments
2006 edition
Approved Document E: Resistance to the
Approved Document L2A: Conservation of
passage of sound
fuel and power
2003 edition incorporating 2004 amendments
New buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document F: Ventilation 2006 edition
2006 edition
Approved Document L2B: Conservation
Approved Document G: Hygiene of fuel and power
1992 edition incorporating 1992 and 2000 Existing buildings other than dwellings
amendments 2006 edition

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waste disposal
Approved Document M: Access to and use
of buildings

RS 2002 edition 2004 edition

VE Approved Document J: Combustion

appliances and fuel storage systems
Approved Document N: Glazing – safety in
relation to impact, opening and cleaning

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Approved Document J: 2002 Edition:
1998 edition incorporating 2000 amendments
Approved Document P: Electrical safety

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on the UK Implementation of European 2006 edition
Standards for Chimneys and Flues
Approved Document to support regulation 7:
2002 edition
Materials and workmanship
1992 edition incorporating 2000 amendments

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 N
Contents
PAGE PAGE

Use of guidance 2 DIAGRAMS

The Approved Documents 2 1. Critical locations in internal or
Limitation on requirements 2
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2. Annealed glass thickness/
6

Materials and workmanship 2

RS dimension limits 6
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992
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3
3.
4.
Dimensions and areas of small panes
Permanent screen protection
7
7

manifestations of glazing
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Protection against impact and
N 5. Height of ‘manifestation’ of large

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The Requirements N1 and N2 4
areas of transparent glazing 8

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6. Examples of door height glazing not
Guidance 5 warranting ‘manifestation’ 8
Performance 5 7. Height of controls 10
8. Safe reaches for cleaning 12
Section 1: Protection against impact 6
9. Ladders not more than 6m long 13
Critical locations 6
10. Ladders not more than 9m long 13
Reducing the risks 6
Safe breakage 6
Robustness 6
Glazing in small panes

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Permanent screen protection 7

Critical locations
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Section 2: Manifestation of glazing 8
8

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Permanent manifestation of glazing 8

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Alternative indications of glazing 8

The Requirement N3 ON
Safe opening and closing of windows, etc.
9

Guidance 9
Performance 9

Section 3: Safe opening and closing

of windows, etc. 10
Introduction to provisions 10
Location of controls
Prevention of falls
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10

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Safe access for cleaning windows etc.
The Requirement N4

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Guidance
Performance
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11
Requirement N4
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windows, etc. O
Section 4: Safe access for cleaning
12
Introduction to provisions 12

Standards referred to 14

Approved Document N Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning

1
N
Use of guidance
THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS product complying with an appropriate technical
specification (as defined in those Directives),
The Building Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/2531), a British Standard, or an alternative national
which come into operation on 1 January 2001, technical specification of any state which is a
replace the Building Regulations 1991 (SI
1991/2768) and consolidate all subsequent
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revisions to those regulations. This documentON contracting party to the European Economic Area
which, in use, is equivalent, or a product covered
by a national or European certificate issued by a

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is one of a series that has been approved and
issued by the Secretary of State for the purpose
European Technical Approval Issuing body, and

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of providing practical guidance with respect to
the requirements of Schedule 1 to and Regulation
the conditions of use are in accordance with the
terms of the certificate. You will find further
guidance in the Approved Document supporting
and Wales.
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7 of the Building Regulations 2000 for England Regulation 7 on materials and workmanship.

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At the back of this document is a list of all the Independent certification schemes

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documents that have been approved and issued There are many UK product certification schemes.
by the Secretary of State for this purpose. Such schemes certify compliance with the
Approved Documents are intended to provide requirements of a recognised document which is
guidance for some of the more common appropriate to the purpose for which the material
building situations. However, there may well is to be used. Materials which are not so certified
be alternative ways of achieving compliance may still conform to a relevant standard.
with the requirements. Thus there is no Many certification bodies which approve such
obligation to adopt any particular solution schemes are accredited by UKAS.
contained in an Approved Document if you
prefer to meet the relevant requirement in Technical specifications
some other way.
Other requirements
ION Building Regulations are made for specific
purposes: health and safety, energy conservation
and the welfare and convenience of disabled

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The guidance contained in an Approved Document
relates only to the particular requirements of the
people. Standards and technical approvals are
relevant guidance to the extent that they relate

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Regulations which the document addresses. The
building work will also have to comply with the
to these considerations. However, they may also
address other aspects of performance such as

Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

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requirements of any other relevant paragraphs in serviceability, or aspects which although they
relate to health and safety are not covered by

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There are Approved Documents which give the Regulations.

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guidance on each of the Parts of Schedule 1 When an Approved Document makes reference
and on Regulation 7. to a named standard, the relevant version of
the standard is the one listed at the end of the
publication. However, if this version has been
LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTS revised or updated by the issuing standards
In accordance with Regulation 8, the requirements body, the new version may be used as a source
in Parts A to K and N of Schedule 1 to the of guidance provided it continues to address the
Building Regulations do not require anything relevant requirements of the Regulations.
to be done except for the purpose of securing
The appropriate use of a product which complies
reasonable standards of health and safety for
with a European Technical Approval as defined in
persons in or about buildings (and any others
the Construction Products Directive will meet the
who may be affected by buildings or matters
connected with buildings).
ION relevant requirements.
The Department intends to issue periodic
MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP
RS amendments to its Approved Documents to reflect
emerging harmonised European Standards.

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Any building work which is subject to the
requirements imposed by Schedule 1 to theE Where a national standard is to be replaced by a
harmonised European Standard, there will be a

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Building Regulations should, in accordance
with Regulation 7, be carried out with proper
co-existence period during which either standard
may be referred to. At the end of the co-existence

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materials and in a workmanlike manner.

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You may show that you have complied with
period the national standard will be withdrawn.

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Regulation 7 in a number of ways. These include
the appropriate use of a product bearing CE
marking in accordance with the Construction
1
As implemented by the Construction Products Regulations 1991
Products Directive (89/106/EEC)1 as amended (SI 1991/1620).
by the CE Marking Directive (93/68/EEC)2, or a
2
As implemented by the Construction Products (Amendment) Regulations
1994 (SI 1994/3051).

Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning Approved Document N

2
USE OF GUIDANCE N
The Workplace (Health,
Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 contain some requirements

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which affect building design. The main requirements
are now covered by the Building Regulations,

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but for further information see: Workplace health,
safety and welfare, The Workplace (Health, Safety

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and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Approved Code
of Practice and Guidance; The Health and Safety

ISBN 0 11886 333 9.

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Commission, L24; Published by HMSO 1992;

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The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)

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Regulations 1992 apply to the common parts
of flats and similar buildings if people such as
cleaners and caretakers are employed to work in
these common parts. Where the requirements of
the Building Regulations that are covered by this
Part do not apply to dwellings, the provisions
may still be required in the situations described
above in order to satisfy the Workplace Regulations.
Mixed use development
In mixed use developments part of a building
may be used as a dwelling while another part

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has a non-domestic use. In such cases, if the
requirements of this Part of the Regulations for

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dwellings and non-domestic use differ, the
requirements for non-domestic use should
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apply in any shared parts of the building.
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Approved Document N Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning

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N1/2 PROTECTION AGAINST IMPACT AND MANIFESTATION OF GLAZING
The Requirements
This Approved Document deals with the following
Requirement from Part N of Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations 2000.

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Requirement
RS Limits on application

Protection against impact

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N1.  Glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact

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whilst moving in or about the building, shall:

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(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.
Manifestation of glazing
N2.  Transparent glazing, with which people are likely to Requirement N2 does not apply to dwellings.
come into contact while moving in or about the building, shall
incorporate features which make it apparent.

Note: Attention is drawn to the following:

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Regulation 3 defines building work. Glazing
RS
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which is installed in a location where there was
none previously as part of the erection, extension
or material alteration of a building, other than an

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exempt building, is building work and is subject
to the Requirements of Part N. The installation of
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replacement windows or glazing (e.g. by way of

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repair) is not building work but its supply may be
subject to consumer protection legislation.
Approved Document B: Fire safety includes
guidance on fire-resisting glazing and the reaction
of glass to fire.
The Approved Document for Part K: Protection
from falling, collision and impact covers glazing
which forms part of the protection from falling
from one level to another, and which needs to
ensure containment as well as limiting the risk of
sustaining injury through contact. Recommendations
are made for the heights up to which protection

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from falling should be provided and for means of
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achieving containment.
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Protection against impact and manifestation of glazing Approved Document N

4
 N1/2
Guidance
Performance
Requirement N1
0.1 In the Secretary of State’s view, Requirement

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N1 will be met by adopting, in critical locations,
measures to limit the risk of sustaining cutting
and piercing injuries.

RS
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0.2 The most likely locations for impacts
leading to such injuries are in doors and door side
panels and at low level in walls and partitions.

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In doors and door side panels, the risk is at its
greatest between floor and shoulder level, when
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near to door handles and push plates: especially

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when normal building movement causes doors
to stick. Hands, wrists and arms are particularly
vulnerable. An initial impact between waist and
shoulder level may be followed by a fall through
the glazing, resulting in additional injury to the
face and body.
0.3 In walls and partitions, away from doors,
the risks are predominantly at low level. At that
level, children are especially vulnerable.
0.4 Glazing in critical locations would be
considered reasonably safe were its nature such

be relatively harmless.
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that, if breakage did occur, any particles would

RS
0.5 The requirement may also be met if the

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glazing is sufficiently robust to ensure that the
risk of breakage is low, or if steps are taken to

Requirement N2
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limit the risk of contact with the glazing.

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0.6 In the Secretary of State’s view, Requirement

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N2 will be met by including, in critical locations,
permanent means of indicating the presence of
large uninterrupted areas of transparent glazing.
0.7 The existence of large uninterrupted areas
of transparent glazing represents a significant
risk of injury through collision. The risk is at its
most severe between areas of a building or its
surroundings which are essentially at the same
level and where a person might reasonably
assume direct access between locations which
are separated by glazing.

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0.8 In such locations, some means should be
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adopted to make glazing more apparent or visible
to people using the building.
RS
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Approved Document N Protection against impact and manifestation of glazing

5
N1/2
Section 1: Protection against impact
Critical locations In terms of safe breakage, a glazing material
suitable for installation in a critical location would
1.1 The following locations may be considered satisfy the requirements of Class C of BS 6206
‘critical’ in terms of safety; or, if it is installed in a door or in a door side
a. between finished floor level and 800mm

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above that level in internal and external walls
panel and has a pane width exceeding 900mm,
the requirements of Class B of the same standard.
and partitions (see Diagram 1);

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b. between finished floor level and 1500mm
Robustness

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above that level in a door or in a side panel,
close to either edge of the door (see Diagram 1).
1.4 Some glazing materials, such as annealed
glass, gain strength through thickness; others such

Reducing the risks

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strong. Some annealed glass is considered suitable
for use in large areas forming fronts to shops,
1.2
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Glazing in critical locations should either, showrooms, offices, factories and public buildings.

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a. break safely, if it breaks (see paragraph 1.3); or
b. be robust or in small panes (see paragraphs
1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 and Diagrams 2 and 3); or
Reasonable glass thickness/dimension limits for
annealed glass which may be used in these locations
are shown in Diagram 2 (see also paragraph 2.1).

c. be permanently protected (see paragraphs

1.7 and 1.8 and Diagram 4).
Diagram 2 Annealed glass thickness/
Safe breakage dimension limits
1.3 Safe breakage is defined in BS 6206:1981 See para 1.4
Specification for impact performance requirements
for flat safety glass and safety plastics for use in

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buildings: clause 5.3, and is based on an impact
test which requires the result of the impact to be
limited to creating:

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a. a small clear opening only, with a limit to the

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size of the detached particles; orE
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b. disintegration, with small detached particles; or
c. breakage resulting in separate pieces that are
not sharp or pointed.
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Diagram 1 Critical locations in internal and external walls
See para 1.1

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Protection against impact Approved Document N

6
PROTECTION AGAINST IMPACT N1/2
Glazing in small panes Permanent screen protection
1.5 In the context of this Approved Document, 1.7 If, as part of a design solution, glazing in a
a ‘small pane’ may be an isolated pane, or one of critical location is installed behind permanent
a number of panes contained within glazing bars, screen protection, the screen should:
traditional leaded lights or copper-lights.
a. prevent a sphere of 75mm from coming into
1.6 Small panes should have a smaller dimension contact with the glazing;

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not exceeding 250mm and an area not exceeding
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0.5m² each measured between glazing beads or
b. be robust; and

RS
similar fixings. Annealed glass in a small pane
should not be less than 6mm nominal thickness,
c. if it is intended to protect glazing that forms
part of protection from falling, be difficult

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except in traditional leaded or copper-lights in
which 4mm glass would be acceptable, when fire
to climb.
1.8 Glazing in a critical location which is
are shown in Diagram 3.
INE
resistance was not a factor. Typical installations
afforded permanent screen protection does
not, itself, need to comply with Requirement N1.
L The principles of screen protection are shown

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in Diagram 4.
Diagram 3 Dimensions and areas of
small panes
See paras 1.5 and 1.6

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Diagram 4 Permanent screen protection
See paras 1.7 and 1.8

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Approved Document N Protection against impact

7
N1/2
Section 2: Manifestation of glazing
Critical locations same level but separated by transparent glazing
and a person might reasonably have the impression
2.1 Manifestation of glazing is only necessary
that they are able to walk from one part to the
in critical locations in which people moving in or
other without interruption.
about the building might not be aware of the

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presence of the glazing and may collide with it.
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‘Critical locations’ include large uninterrupted
Permanent manifestation of glazing

RS
areas of transparent glazing which form, or are
part of, the internal or external walls and doors
2.3 Permanent manifestation of large
uninterrupted areas of transparent glazing is only

or other non-domestic buildings.

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of shops, showrooms, offices, factories, public necessary when other means of indicating the
presence of the glazing are not used. These other

INE
2.2 The risk of collision is most severe when
two parts of the building, or the building and its
means may include mullions, transoms, door
framing or large pull or push handles.

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immediate surroundings, are essentially at the 2.4 Where ‘manifestation’ is necessary, it may

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take the form of broken or solid lines, patterns
or company logos at appropriate heights and
intervals (see Diagram 5).
Diagram 5 Height of ‘manifestation’ of 2.5 Diagram 6 includes examples of a number
large areas of transparent of methods of indicating the presence of glazing.
glazing
Alternative indications of glazing
See para 2.4
2.6 Examples of installations of glazing which
would not normally warrant ‘manifestation’ include:
a. door height transparent glazing less than

ION 400mm in width;

b. door height transparent glazing with a rail at

RS a height of between 600mm and 1500mm

above finished ground or floor level;

VE c. a single pane glazed door with substantial

framing; or

INE d. a single pane glazed door which either is not

framed or has very narrow framing, but is
L provided with large easily seen push or pull

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plates or handles.

Diagram 6 Examples of door height glazing not warranting ‘manifestation’

See paras 2.5 and 2.6

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Manifestation of glazing Approved Document N

8
SAFE OPENING AND CLOSING OF WINDOWS, ETC. N3
The Requirement
This Approved Document deals with the following
Requirement from Part N of Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations 2000.

ION
Requirement
RS Limits on application

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Safe opening and closing of windows, etc.

INE
N3.  Windows, skylights and ventilators which can be opened
by people in or about the building shall be so constructed or
Requirement N3 does not apply to dwellings.

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equipped that they may be opened, closed or adjusted safely.

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Note:
Attention is drawn to the Workplace (Health,
Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Compliance with Building Regulation requirement
N3 would, in accordance with Section 23(3) of
the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974,
prevent the service of an improvement notice

ION
with regard to the requirements for opening,
closing or adjusting windows, skylights and

RS
ventilators in Regulation 15(1) of the Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

VE
Guidance INE
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Performance
Requirement N3
In the Secretary of State’s view, Requirement N3
will be met if windows, skylights and ventilators
which open can be operated safely.

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Approved Document N Safe opening and closing of windows, etc.

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N3
Section 3: Safe opening and closing of
windows, etc.
Introduction to provisions
3.1 This Approved Document sets out some
ways of complying with the requirement.
ION
Location of controls
3.2
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a. Where controls can be reached
without leaning over an obstruction
they should not be more than 1.9m

INE
above the floor or other permanent
stable surface provided to give
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access. Small recesses, such as

ON
window reveals, should be ignored.
b. Where there is an obstruction the
control should be lower, e.g. not more
than 1.7m, where there is a 600mm
deep obstruction (including any
recess) not more than 900mm high.
See Diagram 7.
c. Where controls cannot be positioned
within safe reach from a permanent
stable surface, a safe means of
remote operation, such as a manual or

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electrical system should be provided.
Prevention of falls

RS
3.3 Where there is a danger of the operator

VE
or other person falling through a window above
ground floor level, suitable opening limiters

INE
should be fitted or guarding should be provided
(see Approved Document K, Protection from
falling, collision and impact).
L
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Diagram 7 Height of controls
See para 3.2

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Safe opening and closing of windows, etc. Approved Document N

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 N4
The Requirement
This Approved Document deals with the following
Requirement from Part N of Schedule 1 to the
Building Regulations 2000.

ION
Requirement
RS Limits on application

VE
Safe access for cleaning windows etc.

INE
N4.  Provision shall be made for any windows, skylights, or
any transparent or translucent walls, ceilings or roofs to be
Requirements N4 does not apply to:

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safely accessible for cleaning.
(a)  dwellings, or

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

Note:
Attention is drawn to the Workplace (Health,
Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Compliance with Building Regulation Requirement

N
N4 would, in accordance with Section 23(3) of

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the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974,
I
prevent the service of an improvement notice

RS
with regard to the requirements for cleaning
windows and skylights, etc. in Regulation 16 of

VE
the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992.

INE
Guidance NL
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Performance
Requirement N4
In the Secretary of State’s view, Requirement N4
will be met if provision is made for safe means
of access for cleaning both sides of glazed
surfaces where there is danger of falling more
than two metres.

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Approved Document N Safe access for cleaning windows, etc.

11
N4
Section 4: Safe access for cleaning windows, etc.
Introduction to provisions
Diagram 8 Safe reaches for cleaning
4.1 This Approved Document sets out some
ways of complying with the requirement. See para 4.2

4.2 Where glazed surfaces cannot be cleaned

safely by a person standing on the ground, a
I
floor or other permanent stable surface, theON
S
requirement could be satisfied by provisions such
R
as the following:

VE
a. Provision of windows of a size and design

NE
that allow the outside surface to be cleaned
safely from inside the building (see Diagram
I
L
8). Windows which reverse for cleaning

ON
should be fitted with a mechanism which
holds the window in the reversed position.
Additional guidance is given in BS 8213-1
Windows, doors and rooflights (Approved
Document K contains guidance on minimum
sill heights).
b. Provision of an adequate area of firm level
surface, in a safe place, to allow use of portable
ladders not more than 9m long (measured
from the ground to the upper support). Where
ladders up to 6m long will be used, normal
soil will provide a suitable standing surface

ION
(see Diagram 9); where ladders over 6m long
will be used, suitable tying or fixing points
should be provided (see Diagram 10).
RS
VE
c. Provision of walkways at least 400mm wide,
either with guarding at least 1100mm high, or
with anchorages for sliding safety harnesses
(see Diagram 10).
INE
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d. Provision of access equipment such as

ON
suspended cradles or travelling ladders,
with attachments for safety harnesses.
e. Provision of suitable anchorage points for
safety harnesses or abseiling hooks.
f. Only in circumstances where other means
cannot be used, space for scaffold towers
should be provided, and located so that
glazed surfaces can be cleaned.

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Safe access for cleaning windows, etc. Approved Document N

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SAFE ACCESS FOR CLEANING WINDOWS, ETC. N4
Diagram 9 Ladders not more than
6m long
See para 4.2

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Diagram 10 Ladders not more than
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9m long
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See para 4.2

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Approved Document N Safe access for cleaning windows, etc.

13
N
Standards referred to
BS 6206:1982
Specification for impact performance
requirements for flat safety glass and safety
plastics for use in buildings. AMD 4580 1984,
AMD 5189 1986, AMD 7589 1993, AMD 8156 –
replaced by AMD 8693 1995.
ION
BS 8213-1:1991

RS
Windows, doors and rooflights. Code of practice

V
and doors (including guidance on cleaningE
for safety in use and during cleaning of windows

materials and methods).

INE
(Withdrawn and superseded by BS 8213-1:2004
L
Windows, doors and rooflights. Code of practice

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for safety in use and during cleaning of windows
and doors (including guidance on cleaning
materials and methods.)

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Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning Approved Document N

14
MAIN CHANGES IN THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS
1998 EDITION The following documents have been approved
and issued by the First Secretary of State for
This edition of approved Document N, Glazing the purpose of providing practical guidance
– safety in relation impact, opening and cleaning, with respect to the requirements of the Building
replaces the 1992 edition. The main changes are: Regulations 2000 (as amended).
Requirement N3 Approved Document A: Structure

ION
2004 edition incorporating 2004 amendments
Approved Document K: Protection from falling
collision and impact
Safe opening and closing of windows etc: new
requirement to reduce the risk of injury when
RS
Approved Document B: Fire safety
1998 edition incorporating 2000 amendments
adjusting windows, skylights and ventilators.
2002 amendments
VE
2000 edition incorporating 2000 and Approved Document L1A: Conservation of
fuel and power
Requirement N4
Safe access for cleaning windows etc: new
INE
Approved Document C: Site preparation and
resistance to contaminants and moisture
New dwellings
2006 edition
requirement to reduce risk of injury when 2004 edition
L Approved Document L1B: Conservation of

ON
cleaning glazed surfaces. fuel and power
Approved Document D: Toxic substances
Existing dwellings
1992 edition incorporating 2002 amendments
2006 edition
Approved Document E: Resistance to the
Approved Document L2A: Conservation of
passage of sound
fuel and power
2003 edition incorporating 2004 amendments
New buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document F: Ventilation 2006 edition
2006 edition
Approved Document L2B: Conservation
Approved Document G: Hygiene of fuel and power
1992 edition incorporating 1992 and 2000 Existing buildings other than dwellings
amendments 2006 edition

waste disposal
ION
Approved Document H: Drainage and Approved Document M: Access to and use
of buildings
2002 edition
RS 2004 edition

VE
Approved Document J: Combustion
appliances and fuel storage systems
Approved Document N: Glazing – safety in
relation to impact, opening and cleaning
2002 edition

INE
Approved Document J: 2002 Edition:
1998 edition incorporating 2000 amendments
Approved Document P: Electrical safety

L
Guidance and Supplementary Information – Dwellings

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on the UK Implementation of European 2006 edition
Standards for Chimneys and Flues
Approved Document to support regulation 7:
2002 edition
Materials and workmanship
1992 edition incorporating 2000 amendments

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NL
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 Building Regulations 2000
Published by NBS, part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, and available from:
RIBA Bookshops Mail Order
15 Bonhill Street
London EC2P 2EA

Fax orders: 020 7374 2737

Email orders: sales@ribabookshops.com
I N
Telephone orders/General enquiries: 020 7256 7222

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Or order online at:
RS
www.thebuildingregs.com

VE The Building Regulations 2000

INE Glazing – safety in relation to impact,

L
ON opening and cleaning

APPROVED DOCUMENT N
N
RIBA Bookshops
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ION APPROVED DOCUMENT

RS
VE N1 Protection against impact

INE N2 Manifestation of glazing

L N3 Safe opening and closing of windows,
ON N4
skylights and ventilators
Safe access for cleaning windows etc
ISBN-10 1 85946 212 X
ISBN-13 978 1 85946 212 6
Stock code 56664

impact, opening and cleaning

© Crown copyright 2006 Glazing – safety in relation to

I N
The Approved Documents are published by NBS for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

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S
contents, the cover, the design and the typographical arrangement of this publication rests
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or replicate the official version’s style and appearance, including the cover design, and

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must not present their publication as being an official publication as this may confuse the
public. The reproduced material must be acknowledged as Crown Copyright and the title

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Any other use of the contents of this publication would require a copyright licence. Please

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