H5 - Safe Movement and Access
Short Version
Most serious everyday building injuries are not dramatic events—they are simple slips, trips, and falls. Part H5 – Safe Movement and Access is aimed at reducing those risks by setting minimum requirements for how people move through and around a home.
H5 focuses on providing predictable, safe movement in everyday use, including:
- Stairs, ramps and landings
- Changes in level and hazards at edges
- Balustrades, barriers and fall protection
- Handrails and guarding that support safe use
The intent is to ensure that movement features are not just visually appealing, but safe for a wide range of users—children, older people, visitors unfamiliar with the home, and anyone moving quickly or carrying items.
Why a Performance Solution May Be Needed for Part H5
H5 Performance Solutions typically arise where design intent pushes beyond standard stair and barrier detailing such as feature stairs, space-saving layouts, open risers, winders, altered rise/going geometry, reduced landing dimensions, or bespoke balustrade systems. In these situations a Performance Solution is used to show that, despite being non-standard, the design still achieves equivalent safety outcomes through documented analysis, comparison, and risk controls.
Performance Solution Topics - H5
Non-standard stair geometry (including additional risers, altered rise/going, winders, or reduced landings) may require a Performance Solution to demonstrate equivalent safety for everyday use.
Reduced or zero-threshold transitions and other non-standard changes in level may require a Performance Solution to manage trip hazards and maintain safe movement across the interface.
Alternative balustrade or barrier designs (glass systems, cable balustrades, bespoke metalwork, seating ledges near edges) may require a Performance Solution to demonstrate effective fall prevention.
Unconventional handrail arrangements,discontinuities, or non-standard handrail geometry may require a Performance Solution to demonstrate safe support, continuity and usability.
Designs that depart from Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for ramps, landings, edge protection, or guarding to level changes may require a Performance Solution to demonstrate equivalent safe movement outcomes.
Want to read how we have helped out with H5 Performance Solutions?
Read about past projects we've helped out with below:
