Protection From Falling – Do my windows require guarding?
Whether a window or door requires guarding under Approved Document K depends on the height difference between internal and external floor levels, the height of the window opening, and whether suitable guarding is already in place. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents and ensure that windows on upper floors remain safe for occupants.
Our Protection From Falling calculator helps you understand these requirements by guiding you through the key questions that determine if guarding is needed. The information we provide reflects our interpretation of current building regulations and is intended as a helpful tool.
For complete accuracy and full regulatory compliance, we recommend reviewing the official government documentation for Approved Document K.
Any window on an upper floor where the bottom of the window is below 1100mm from the internal floor level may need guarding capable of resisting the loads in BS EN 1991-1-1 (UK National Annex & PD 6688-1-1). Your local building control officer can confirm if guarding is required.
If glass is being used as guarding, we recommend using 6.8mm laminated glass for one pane and toughened glass for the remaining pane(s).
If a full load calculation is needed, it can be arranged via Colin's Sash Windows, but must be requested at the quote stage. Changes requested after order confirmation may incur additional costs.
