Glass balustrade building regulations

The advantage of using glass for such a barrier means that it is completely transparent and clear, minimising disruption on views from within the building. Balconies, decks and balustrades victorian building. Protection from falling involves the fitting of safety measures on staircases, ramps and ladders, as well as advice about the positioning of balusters, vehicle barriers and windows to avoid injury. Glass and aluminium balustrades are safety barriers designed to prevent people falling from heights. These regulations cover balustrades on stairways, balconies, verandahs and other surfaces between levels. Uk regulations are unclear about what type of glass may be used. Bca regulations state that the balustrade must be 1 metre or more higher than the finished floor. Maximum recommended size for gates is 1200mm h x mm w and should consider wind conditions in the area. Highlights in this article we have tried to bullet point some key points which should be considered when complying with building regulations on your balustrade project. It is vital that when choosing a balustrade type, you only pick ones which meet the requirements set out by the building code. Its also important to know that there are different rules and regulations for different types of balustrades. In new zealand the balustrade height is governed by table 1 of section f4 safety from falling of the new zealand building. Whether you want to add a balustrade in a domestic or commercial setting, there are a number of regulations in place in the uk that determine what conditions your glass balustrade.

External windows to prevent people falling out of a building. Guideline building industry and policydeck, balcony and window safety march 2017 page 6 of 21 1. For example, in domestic situations a balustrade is required to protect against a difference in floor level that is greater than 600mm whereas in commercial properties this is reduced to a floor level change of 380mm. How to ensure your balustrade installation is up to code according to uk regulations 11032016 when installing balustrades in either a commercial, public or domestic building, there are a few regulations that must be recognised for the health and safety of the people in the building. A stairwell or stairway is a space where furniture is largely or totally absent, so balustrade. Alternatively, if you intend to install a glass balustrade on the exterior of your building, the minimum height to the handrail must be 1. Minimum recommended thickness is 8mm toughened safety glass. Building regulations juliet balcony,railings,balustrades. Balustrades or handrails are often made of concrete, steel and timber. The top of the balustrade also needs to be positioned between 900 and mm above the pitch line. Guide to installing balustrades up to nz building code. Human impact safety requirements from 1 june 2016, all new structural glass. There are further regulations that govern how high the balustrade. Glass balustrade building regulations railing london.

Balustrade regulations in australia all balustrades in australia are required to comply with the building code of australia bca parts 3. For a frameless glass balustrade, building regulation standards stipulate a minimum height requirement of 1. Balustrades glass barriers are used in buildings for a number of purposes and allow the maximum flow of light and view both inside and outside the structure. Stair balustrade design advice and technical guidance both performance and aesthetics are important considerations in stair balustrade design. Balustrades in private residential buildings dwellings require a balustrade when the difference in floor level is greater than 600mm. Commercial balustrade pure vista ltd market leaders in. Stair balustrade design advice and technical guidance. Glass balustrade glass balustrading panels glass stair. Regulations state that the minimum height requirement for all glass balustrades should be 0. Part k protection from falling, collision and impact. Glass balustrades and compliance with the building code of. Approved document k protection from falling, collision and impact date published.

Regulations and building practice for glass balustrades. A balustrade is needed wherever there is a drop of more than a metre, such as on a deck, staircase or balcony. The base of the structural glass balustrade, also known in some systems as the shoe profile, is the most critical part that requires much design attention. This is unlike building regulations elsewhere in europe which always specify laminated glass. Prices for standard uk building regulations juliet balcony no. Highlights in this article we have tried to bullet point some key points. We are often asked the question what is the code compliant balustrade height. Building code of australia bca for glass balustrade. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and functionality of balustrades and fencing, setting measures to prevent accidents and maximise safety in highrisk areas. Balustrades must be at least one metre high, measured from the adjacent finished floor surface.

Balustrades readers attention is drawn to the requirements in the national building regulations, regulation a2 1g, that proof of compliance shall be provided at the time of application for approval of the erection of a building. Handrail requirements will depend on location and use always liaise with your local building control to be certain. Balustrade height regulations you need to know elite. Glass balustrades feature staircases, balconies, balconies floors. Stylish and elegant, they are the perfect decorative feature for interior landings. Looking for a glass banister for your new staircase or for your existing staircase we have a number of solutions for you new online glass planner this enables you to design and order your glass balustrade panels online transforming or renovating your staircase with glass. The building regulations and supporting approved documents, identify the relevant building standards and minimum requirements that should be applied to the use and design of structural glass and balustrades as well as any building control checks. Decks and balconies balustrade requirements in queensland there are strict requirements for the design and construction of balustrades. And, these elements can even enhance how your space looks.

As per frameless balustrading, pool gates are subject to codes and regulations as listed. These codes are specific to safety issues pertaining to movement of humans between different levels of a building. From design through to installation we offer free advice on glass balustrades that will meet all uk glass and building regulations. The nz building code clause f4 says that a barrier is needed when someone could fall vertically one metre or more. Contemporary interior and exterior designs often include balustrades since they look exceptionally stylish. Renovators often tile or carpet floors without thinking about the fact that their flooring material raises the level of the finished floor without raising the level of the balustrade. Please note, additional standards apply regarding the reaction to fire classification of laminated glass. On the axiom center glazed glass front panels it shall be factory installed safety glass per cpsc and ohsa regulations with. The building code of australia bca 2014 for balustrade. The modern combination of stainless steel and glass. Approved document k includes advice on protection from falling, collision and impact. Frameless glass balustrade systems balustrade kits. The glass balustrade, like this one, gives the illusion of space and lets the light flow through.

Ensuring balcony safety and compliant glass express glass. It is important that you do your research first regarding the average price of glass balustrades, the building regulations regarding this type of balustrade, and even how the glass can meet the required basic load in order to prevent any accidents resulting from the glass balustrade. In terms of the national building regulations, glazing material must provide an appropriate level of protection in the case of human impact. A glass balustrade must comply with as1288 australian standard as12882006 as1288 sets out the procedures for the selection and installation of glass in buildings, subject to wind loading, human impact, and special applications such as overhead glazing, balustrades and glass. We supply free quotations from existing designs and architectural drawings or from an initial site survey. Glass balustrades are an excellent addition to any home. Balustrade building regulations what are the key factors to consider. We also adore this stair runner for a perfect finish. For example, safety glazing is required in doors and entrances, windows, bath enclosures, balustrades, shop fronts, stairways and other areas. Glass balustrade building regulations come into play when there is a change in floor level or drop, and they vary according to the specific application. Balustrade safety regulations in south africa sa best. Like all aspects of glass in buildings, frameless glass balustrading pool fences and gates are subject to strict standards and regulations many of which have to be cross checked for compliance. According to the south african bureau of standards sabs, balustrading. Approved document k includes advice on protection from falling.

Balustrade regulations in australia glass balustrade. The use of glass in the building industry is governed by building regulations, and british standard bs tests, of which the following are arguably the most important for internal usage, although as they are being constantly updated can never be complete. Guidance for structural glass and balustrade design labc. Building consent applications for glass barriers that were accepted before 1 june 2016 may use the old version of b1as1 amendment 12 to show compliance with the building code. As you would expect, we are fully up to date with the latest british standards and building regulations. Frameless glass specifications blog absolute balustrades. Balustrades rules and regulations you need to know about. A guideline for the use, inspection and maintenance of. The building code of australia bca advises that a handrail is required where there is the possibility of falling over one metre or more from a floor or building. If the fall is greater than one metre, an approved balustrade must be installed. In most cases, a glass balustrade would be used to protect against a change in floor level or drop. Compulsory for areas with drops over one metre, such as balconies, decks and stairways, homeplus balustrades comply with all nz building regulations.

Glass balustrades trade balustrade stainless steel. Glass balustrade building regulations pure vista ltd. The tempering or toughening of glass involves subjecting it to high heat, around 700c, and cooling is quickly, a process known as quenching. How to ensure your balustrade installation is up to code.

Luckily, you can align safety elements, such as balustrade systems, with your building s design. Fitting and technical information for balustrade systems. While as1288 2006 declared frameless balustrades noncompliant for protecting a fall of greater than one metre, sky glass provides an expertly engineered solution that meets all safety requirements. The basic idea is a strong u channel either made from two rsas back to back, or using aluminium designed extrusions. For example, in commercial situations, a balustrade is required to protect against a floor level change of 380 mm. A glass balustrade is the use of frameless glass as a protective barrier. Framed glass balustrades are tested to fully comply with uk building regulations bs6180.