The Approved Documents in England and Wales, the Scottish Technical Handbook in Scotland and the Technical Booklets in Northern Ireland set the standards and requirements for the design and construction of all buildings to ensure they are safe for people who are in or around them. They provide guidance on different aspects of a building’s design and construction.
The regulations cover all types of buildings and works including new buildings, conversions, renovations and extensions and include both domestic and non-domestic buildings.
Detailed regulations cover specific topics including: structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, energy performance, acoustic performance, protection against falls, electrical and gas safety. They also lay standards for drains, ventilation, protection against the ingress of water and protection against contamination including methane and radon gas.
A number of regulations apply more specifically to insulation. These relate to energy efficiency, ventilation, fire, moisture and overheating.
