ISO 23234 and ISO 21542 security and accessibility standards
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 16 June 2021, ISO published two standards that give guidance to facilitate accessibility and security in the built environment.
[edit] ISO 23234: Buildings and civil engineering works – Security – Planning of security measures in the built environment
ISO 23234:2021 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works. The standard details requirements and recommendations to help organisations put plans in place to protect against undesirable intentional actions. It provides a well-structured template to identify requirements and develop appropriate security measures.
The document describes procedures that need to be implemented at different stages of a building or civil engineering project, and the competencies needed to achieve the desired result.
[edit] ISO 21542: Building construction – Accessibility and usability of the built environment
ISO 21542:2021 was developed by the subcommittee SC 16, Accessibility and usability of the built environment, of the ISO technical committee ISO/TC 59. The standard specifies a range of requirements and recommendations related to the usability and accessibility of buildings. These include access to buildings, circulation within buildings, exiting from buildings during normal conditions and evacuation in the event of a fire.
This revised version of the standard offers an improved structure for easier application as well as extra information about aspects such as vertical circulation, acoustics and emergency evacuation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
- Accessibility in the built environment.
- International Organisation for Standardisation ISO.
- ISO 22341:2021.
- RIBA approved CPD for crime prevention through design.
- Safety.
- Safety management.
- Security.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.