Approved Document D: Toxic substances
England-focused reference checklist
Editorial source review: 2026-10-17
https://saeedazarshab.com/articles/england-building-regulations/approved-document-d/

INDEPENDENT GUIDANCE — not project-specific legal/design advice or a compliance certificate. Check the official current requirements and applicable transition.

Part D has a specific focus: protecting people from toxic fumes associated with insulating materials in cavity walls. It is not a general code for every hazardous substance on a construction site. Read it with the product information and with the separate workplace controls required for the activities being undertaken.

WHAT TO CHECK
[ ] Check whether the proposed material and use fall within the scope of Part D.
[ ] Obtain the product information and evidence required by the responsible designer.
[ ] Assess the installation conditions and interfaces relevant to preventing harmful emissions into the building.
[ ] Check separate worker-exposure requirements, including COSHH where applicable.
[ ] Keep a clear record of the accepted product, location, installation and any subsequent change.

RECORDS TO KEEP
- Product specification and relevant safety information
- Design/technical acceptance and change records
- Installation details and location records

WHEN TO GET SPECIALIST HELP
Ask the responsible designer and competent health-and-safety adviser about uncertain material emissions or worker exposure. Do not diagnose an exposure risk from a product name alone.

SCOPE AND EDITION
Official attachment is labelled 2010 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments. Applicable version remains project-dependent. Part D is not a complete workplace hazardous-substances regime. Consider COSHH separately for construction activities.

OFFICIAL SOURCES
GOV.UK — Approved Document D
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/toxic-substances-approved-document-d

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. Original practical summary by Saeed Azarshab.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/