England’s Building Safety Regulator has opened a review of rules covering stairs, handrails, windows and other building features, as research examines ways to reduce falls.
The call for evidence, which opened on 19 October 2026, asks whether England’s existing requirements and guidance remain effective. Members of the public can contribute alongside architects, builders, engineers and building owners. Responses close on 28 December 2026.
What is Part K?
Part K of the Building Regulations 2010 deals with protection from falling, collision and impact in and around buildings. Its accompanying guidance, Approved Document K, covers stairs, ladders, ramps, guarding, handrails, windows, doors, glazing and vehicle barriers.
The regulator says it has been more than 20 years since a substantial review of Part K and its guidance. The review is intended to identify possible gaps, unclear guidance and areas where further research or improvements may be needed.
What the stair-safety research found
A separate report published on 14 October 2026, prepared for the regulator by Rise and Going Consultancy, examined general access stairs and utility stairs, including those in buildings other than private homes.
For general access stairs, the report suggests that increasing the minimum horizontal step depth, known as the “going”, from 250mm to 300mm could sharply reduce the risk of overstepping while descending. It estimates a potential reduction in overall stair-fall risk of up to 80% in the circumstances considered.
That figure is a research-based assessment of potential risk reduction, not an observed 80% fall in injuries. It should not be applied to all domestic staircases or taken as a prediction of the number of accidents that would be prevented nationally. The report also identifies issues requiring further study, including the effects of some dimensional changes on people with walking disabilities.
Have any building rules changed?
No. This is an evidence-gathering exercise rather than a proposal to introduce immediate new legal requirements. Existing regulations and guidance remain in force. Any future changes to Part K or Approved Document K would require further consultation.
Who can have a say?
The regulator welcomes evidence and practical experience from professionals, building owners and managers, residents and anyone familiar with how buildings are used. The official online survey allows respondents to skip questions outside their knowledge and typically takes around 10 to 45 minutes.
Anyone unable to use the survey can email PartKCfE@buildingsafety.gov.uk. The closing date is Monday 28 December 2026.
What happens next?
The Building Safety Regulator will assess responses alongside existing safety research and decide which issues warrant further work. There is no confirmed timetable for regulatory changes, and the outcome may be additional research, revised guidance proposals or no change in some areas.
