Part Q - Security

Publication title: Approved Document Q: Security - Dwellings (2015 Edition)
Date published: March 2015
Date valid from: 1 October 2015

Summary

Approved Document Q contains guidance on security in new dwellings, including measures taken to avoid any unauthorised entrance to dwellings and flats within a building. 

Download

The Merged Approved Documents¹

A consolidated version of the individual Approved Documents published by the government, now presented as a single, searchable PDF.

Previous version

• Approved Document Q: Security - Dwellings (2015 edition)² (PDF)

This is the first edition of the Approved document.

Changes to this version

This edition of Approved Document Q: Security - Dwellings supports requirement Q1 of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. Requirement Q1 applies only in relation to new dwellings and provides that reasonable provision must be made to resist unauthorised access to any dwelling; and any part of a building from which access can be gained to a flat within the building.

The approved document sets out reasonable standards for doors and windows to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar by being both sufficiently robust and fitted with appropriate hardware.

This approved document took effect on 1 October 2015 for use in England. It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions (No. 2) Order 2009³.

It does not apply to work started before 1 October 2015, or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date provided the work is started on site before 1 October 2016.

1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-regulations-and-approved-documents-index#approved-documents
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443221/BR_PDF_AD_Q_2015.pdf
3. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/3019/contents/made