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UK building regulations, searchable and cited.

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Does a loft conversion need a protected stair?
EnglandEdition in force: ADB Vol 1, 2019 edition with 2020, 2022 and 2025 amendments2 clauses, 1 law, 1 guidance

Usually, yes. A loft conversion that adds a storey to a two-storey house means the new floor is more than 4.5 m above ground, so the stair from it should be a protected stairway leading to a final exit, or to two escape routes at ground level. An alternative is a fire-resisting enclosure with a separate escape window from the new room, but only in the limited cases the guidance sets out.

DiagramADB Vol 1, Section 2New loft storeyFirst floorGround floor> 4.5 mProtected stairwayFinal exitProtected stairway from the new storey to a final exit. Open the figure in the document.
Lawlegislation.gov.ukBuilding Regulations 2010, Schedule 1, Requirement B1Means of warning and escape. The legal duty: the building shall be designed so there are appropriate provisions for early warning and safe escape.Guidancegov.uk · para 2.20 to 2.23Approved Document B, Volume 1 (Dwellings), Section 2, loft conversionsOne way of meeting B1. Sets out the protected stairway and the alternative enclosure and escape-window arrangements for a new storey.
England
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EnglandApproved Documents A to T · 290WalesWelsh Approved Documents · 128ScotlandTechnical Handbooks 0 to 7 · 48N. IrelandTechnical Booklets · 23Full index
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max 42°2.0 mPitch and headroom, private stairApproved Document K, Section 1, Diagram 1.1 and 1.3Max pitch for a private stair?1 : 12 maxgoing up to 2 mrisehandrail 900 to 1000Ramp gradient by goingApproved Document M, Vol 2, Diagram 3 and Table 2Steepest ramp for a 2 m going?entrance≤ 9 mhabitable roomsTravel distance inside a flatApproved Document B, Vol 1, Section 3, Diagram 3.1Max travel distance in a flat?1001100external balcony, dwellingGuarding height and the 100 mm sphereApproved Document K, Section 3, Diagram 3.1 and 3.2Balcony guarding height for a flat?
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