Approved Document Q (Security – Dwellings)

Q1 Unauthorised Access (1st Oct 2015)

This document deals with the security of easily accessible* windows and doors installed within new build dwellings/flats in England and excepted energy buildings in Wales only. It includes extensions to existing properties as well as material change of use of a building or part of it.

For compliance, easily accessible windows and doors will need evidence to demonstrate the product has been ‘manufactured to a design that has been shown by test to meet the security requirements of British Standards publication PAS 24’, or equivalent enhanced security testing. Being a member of a certification scheme approved by Secure by Design is deemed to satisfy the requirements of Document Q. For glazing requirements, see comments below.

Please be aware, the same hardware specified within the Liniar Part Q Manual should be used for compliance. If UKAS accredited testing has been undertaken using different hardware independent of Liniar, this may be used instead.

As yet, replacement windows and doors are not included in this document.

*Easily accessible:

• A window or doorway, any part of which is within 2m vertically of an accessible level surface such as the ground or basement level, or an access balcony, or
• A window within 2m vertically of a flat or sloping roof (with a pitch of less than 30°) that is within 3.5m of ground level.
• If a dwelling is accessible via a garage door, either the interconnecting door or the garage door must be a secure doorset.

Additional door hardware:

• If a letter plate is to be fitted, it should have a maximum aperture of 260mm x 40mm and be located and/or designed to hinder anyone attempting to remove keys with sticks and/or insert their hand. Alternatively, a TS008:2012 accredited letter plate may be installed.
• Main entrance doors should include a door viewer, clear glass or means of identifying callers.
• Main entrance doors should include a door chain or limiter, except in warden controlled areas.

Glazing: (from PAS 24) – 4.2 Infill medium requirements:

• Where doorsets, coupled side panels and windows adjacent to doorsets contain glass, each glazed area shall include at least one pane of laminated glass meeting the requirements of BS EN 356:2000, Class P1A, and be glazed in accordance with BS 6262.
• Where windows contain glass and non-key unlocking hardware, each glazed area shall include at least one pane of laminated glass meeting the requirements of BS EN 356:2000, Class P1A, and be glazed in accordance with BS 6262.
• BS EN 356:2000 Class P1A requires 6.8mm laminate glass for compliance, NOT 6.4mm.