d1

D1 Access routes

Safety of entry/exit to the building and the safety of any internal or external stairs.

This clause ensures people can move safely into, within and out of buildings.  Access routes include the approach to the main entrance of a building, corridors, doors, stairs, ramps and lifts.

It sets out requirements for:

  • slip resistance, stair treads, handrails and cross falls
  • people with disabilities to carry out normal functions within buildings
  • the movement, loading and parking of vehicles.

Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.

Early childhood education centres

Early Childhood Education and Care Centres must meet Building Act and Ministry of Education requirements.

Read guidance about early childhood education centres

Building Code Regulations

The Building Code is published in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992.

The Building Code clauses include objectives, functional requirements and performance criteria. These are mandatory provisions that all new building work must comply with.

The acceptable solutions and verification methods provided on this page are deemed to comply with Building Code clause D1.

Clause D1 — Access routes

Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods

Current version

MBIE has historical versions of the code clause documents which can be located under 'Previous Versions' and 'Version History'. Alternatively if you cannot find the document you are looking for, you can send an email with the year and code clause you are after to info@building.govt.nz.

 

Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods (AS and VMs) were called compliance documents. Some still have the “compliance document” title but the AS or VMs they contain are valid and unaffected by the name change.

Standards

Standards are frequently referred to in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods. They provide practical information and guidelines for building solutions.

Over 120 building standards used for Building Code compliance are now available for free download.

See the free standards relating to Code Clause D1.

All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.

Guidance

These documents are provided for assistance. They are not intended as a means of establishing compliance with the Building Act or Building Code, and they do not have the same status accorded to Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods under the Act.

Related Determinations

Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding in relation to each case. Circumstances in one case may differ to others.

Related building products

All products, systems and construction methods that have achieved CodeMark status will be listed here with their most up to date certificate.

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: