Building Regulations are set by the Government to protect the health and safety of people in and out of buildings, to promote energy saving and to make sure building works provide enough access and facilities for workers. The regulations cover the following areas of building construction:
- Part A: Structural stability, loading and ground movement
- Part B: Means of escape in case of fire, internal fire spread, external fire spread and access and facilities for the Fire Service
- Part C: Site preparation, dangerous and offensive substances and moisture resistance of floors, walls and roofs
- Part D: Toxic substances
- Part E: Sound insulation of walls, floors and stairs (this regulation only applies between dwellings and between dwellings and other buildings)
- Part F: Ventilation of buildings and preventing condensation in roofs
- Part G: Provision of bathrooms, safety of hot water storage and provision of sanitary conveniences and washing facilities
- Part H: Sanitary pipe work and drainage, cesspools and septic tanks, rainwater drainage and storage of solid waste
- Part J: Air supply to heat producing appliances and protection from risks of fire as a result of heat producing appliances, chimneys and flues
- Part K: Protection from falling on stairs, ladders and ramps. Protection for vehicles barriers and loading bays colliding with open windows, sky lights and ventilators
- Part L: Conservation of fuel and power, such as thermal insulation and the control of certain heating systems
- Part M: Access to and use of buildings such as sanitary conveniences and audience or spectator seating
- Part N: Protection for the impact of glazing, and the safe opening, closing and cleaning of windows, skylights and ventilators
- Part P: Electrical safety issues, such as design, installation, inspection and testing of fixed electrical installations in the home
- Reg 7: Materials and workmanship.
These regulations are completely separate from Town and Country Planning rules and regulations. Approval under Building Regulations does not give you planning permission and vice versa.