Approved Document Q FAQs - Security
Building regulations consist of a series of approved documents labeled A-Q. These approved documents set out the recommended building practices for a building project and cover a wide variety of topics for refurbishment, extension and new build projects. Every project being signed off by building regulations must adhere to these approved documents.
What is Approved Document Q?
The government released Approved Document Q in October 2015. Its purpose is to ensure a high standard of security for door and window products being installed into a newly built property.
Do all doors and windows have to comply with Approved Document Q?
No. Approved Document Q only refers to newly built properties and therefore isn’t relevant for any replacement doors or windows. When any part of a door or window is vertically within 2m of an accessible level surface e.g. the ground, a balcony or a flat/sloping roof (with a pitch less than 20 degrees and within 3.5m of the ground).
What qualifies a product to comply with Approved Document Q?
Each product must be tested to, and comply with, the high security requirements of British Standards PAS 24:2012/2016.
What is the British Standard PAS 24:2016?
British Standards PAS 24:2016 is an industry recognised rule set and test procedure which qualifies that door and window products reach a high-level of security. The procedure was designed to challenge the ability of door and window products to resist physical attack and covers all aspects of the product.
What are the current building requirements for wheelchair access?
In order for a property to meet regulations for wheelchair access, there needs to be a level threshold entrance door of 15mm maximum with chamfered or rounded edges.
Are Origin Bi-fold Doors wheelchair friendly?
Origin offer two threshold options: weathered and non-weathered. Non-weathered threshold is another term for a level threshold, meaning there is no step between indoors and outdoors. This is ideal for wheelchair access. However, it will not be able to protect your bi-fold doors and home against the elements.
The weathered threshold option that Origin provides will protect your home against driving rain and winds, but has an upstand of 14mm. Therefore, with a weathered threshold, you can still benefit from protection against the weather while still meeting wheelchair access requirements.
With both weathered and non-weathered thresholds, a channel will need to be created for the bottom track to be sunken into.
Find out more about bi-folding door thresholds.
Does the Origin Window qualify for Approved Document Q?
Yes. All Origin Window products have been tested to, and have passed, the requirements of British Standards PAS 24:2012/2016, with the addition of a P1A certified glass unit. Weight limitations apply when using P1A rated glass.
Does the Origin Bi-fold Door qualify for Approved Document Q?
Yes. All door set configurations will qualify. Doors with external keyed locking may have to upgrade to a TS007 3-Star high security keyed locking barrel (available as an option) with P1A certified glass installed.
Does the Origin Bi-fold with an even number of door leaves going in the same direction need keyed locking to qualify?
No. As the handle can only be operated from the inside it doesn’t need keyed locking.
Does the Origin Residential Door qualify for Approved Document Q?
Yes. With the simple addition of a P1A certified glass unit and/or the Origin Residential Door panel. If it is the main entry door to the property, a door viewer/spy hole should be installed. The Origin Residential Door comes fitted with a TS007 3-Star barrel as standard.
Do all keyed locking barrels need to be a 3-star high security option?
No. It only applies if it can be operated from the outside. Internal locking only can be a standard keyed locking or thumb-turn cylinder.
