Both performance and aesthetics are important considerations in stair balustrade design. Low maintenance: unlike glass balustrade, the marine grade 316 stainless steel wires do not need to be cleaned regularly; Limited glare compared to many glass deck balustrade systems, with minimal reflection from evening sunlight which would otherwise obscure your view; Regulations Low iron and tinted glass is also available Guarding is required in all other buildings when there are two or more risers on a stair. A durable and economical choice, our framed glass balustrade systems are a sturdy and low-maintenance choice that delivers visual impact while keeping well within budget. The balustrade from should be 1.1m from datum to the top.What is âdatumâ?Datum is the tec⦠Tubular Mounting Balustrade Wire System. 4). In maintenance areas, if frequent access is required (e.g. The most common material tends to be metallic such as stainless steel or aluminium. This is because the laminate interlayer will maintain the glass barrier and the broken glass particles will be held in place until the panel can be replaced. Any opening must not allow a 125mm sphere (ie childs head) to pass through. Handrails should be between 32mm to 50mm in diameter. Products. Approved Document K and the British Standards, particularly BS6180, contains a vast amount of information surrounding the requirements of a balustrade or handrail in different environments. If access is required less than this, then it may be suitable to use temporary guarding and warning signs. Handrails should not project into an access route. horizontal bars are not recommended) and a 100mm sphere must not be able to pass through any openings in the barrier. The required height of the balustrade is measured from the point at which you stand (also referred to ⦠For stairs, landings, ramps and edges of internal floors, the minimum height is 900mm. In all buildings, handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured to the top of the handrail from the pitch line or floor. A stainless handrail is a good means of achieving this contrast. When installing a balustrade inside public or commercial buildings and domestic properties the staircase’s handrail must meet the height of 0.9 metres while the minimum acceptable height for landing balustrades is 1.1 metres. Tested to both 0.74kn/m UDL (1250mm post centres) and 1.5 kn/m UDL (900mm post centres) A handrail of a balustrade, in areas which are not susceptible to overcrowding for residential and domestic houses, will require to stand 0.74 kilo Newtons (kN) for every metre length. For more details, please read our privacy policy. Handrails should project 300mm from the end of the stair. 1), 3. 8. The current BCA requirements are that a balcony balustrade have the following attributes: â The top of the railing must be least 1 metre (1000mm) from the ground. The infill must be tested in both a distributed load and a point load. In most cases, a glass balustrade would be used to protect against a change in floor level or drop. If building work complies with Building Regulations requirement K1, it prevents, in accordance with Section 23(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For examples of how these regulations have been applied in practice, browse our project portfolio on this link here. We have taken information from the UK Government’s Protection from falling, collision and impact document to help you ensure that your balustrades are up to code. Because of the hard-wearing steel frame, the glazing on our framed glass balustrade systems can be as thin as 10mm, whether the balustrade is a low level installation or ⦠This edition covers protection from falling, collision and impact and includes designing staircases, ladders, ramps, guarding and vehicle barriers in and around all types of buildings. Understanding the building regulations and interpreting their requirements for balustrades can be a complex and time-consuming task. Understanding the building regulations and interpreting their requirements for balustrades can be a complex and time-consuming task. (See Fig. 2). A stone balustrade is subject to building regulations if used as a guardrail which guards a drop of 600mm or greater. 9. There is a difference in minimum heights of balustrades for those that in inside and those that are outside.Internally, the height of the balustrade from the point that someone is stood on to the top of the balustrade should be a minimum of 0.9m. If glass is used in a balustrades, it must break safely. 2. For flights of stairs (other than dwellinghouses) a minimum width between walls or stringers should be 1200mm. Our summary gives a brief outline of some key points to be aware of relating to balustrade and handrails. The reason for this is fairly self-explanatory â it is principally to help protect everyone â adventurous adults, children and animals â from a⦠10. If you are planning to install the balustrades on balconies or external spaces, the required height should also be 1.1 metres from the datum. If used purely for decorative purposes at ground level, building regulations do not apply. Balustrades in private residential buildings (dwellings) require a balustrade when the ⦠Regulations state that the minimum height requirement for all glass balustrades should be 0.9m from the point that it is stood on, up to the height of the handrail. Laminated glass is inherently strong and is made of at least two glass panels and an interlayer (which is usually resin based or made of plastic). The quenching procedure only takes about one minute, however it creates a strong outer layer on the glass as well as locking tension inside the core of the glass. c. Broken glazing in separate pieces that is not sharp. All rights reserved. The legal requirement for the height of a balustrade varies depending on whether it is installed in a commercial or domestic building and whether the installation is internal or external. Wood is another commonly used material for balustrades, however maintenance is a factor to take into account when choosing wooden balustrades. This can be achieved with a post and handrail balustrade to provide an intermediate handrail. BA Systems is a registered trademark of Brass Age Ltd. 3), 12. Below are the basic requirements (heights and glass thicknesses) for glass barriers for the UK. 2. This second handrail should be positioned at 600mm from the pitch line or floor. This height must be maintained all the way around the top of the handrail.Externally, this height changes. This ‘safe break’ pattern is achieved with toughened glass. However, larger heights should be considered in relation to the environment (e.g. There are three loads that are required to be measured: horizontal loading on the handrail, vertical loading on the handrail and loading on the infill. What height should the balustrade guardings be fixed at? Are there certain materials that are not permitted? Balustrade Express Wire balustrades Systems are designed to meet UK building regulations, some of which state that balustrades and other secure fixtures should be ⦠Handrails should not be hot or cold to touch. By continuing to browse this site, you give consent for cookies to be used. All our made to measure panels are manufactured in house on short lead times and accredited with CEN Solutions CMS Mark. For external balcony or terrace areas the required height is 1.1m from datum to the top of handrail. Choose from either our bespoke 'Tubular Mount - Made to Measure' balustrade wire system or our DIY - Tubular Mount balustrade wire kits. So the vertical components must not be more than 125mm apart. 1. 1. 3. For internal railings or balustrades that are inside a single family dwelling the height required is 0.9m from "datum" (âdatumâ is defined as the height or point you can stand on) to the top of the handrail. This means that the broken shards must not be sharp or pointed. 4. 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. In buildings where children under 5 may be present, then the guarding must not be easily climbable (e.g. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Balustrades should generally be a minimum of 1100mm from finished floor level. Ramps that are less than 1000mm wide must have a handrail on at least one side. Building Regulations for Glass Balustrades. Domestic balustrades and handrails must be able to withstand 0.36kN/m and external balconies must be able to take 0.74kN/m. 3. It does not bend, buckle or break when a reasonable amount of pressure is applied 3. 5. If you need a glass juliet balcony or glass balustrade components, please speak to us first! Balustrade Advice & Loadings - Information on Balustrade Load Tables for different building types, Balustrade Post Options with load tables & Balustrade Post Centres. Stainless steel wire balustrade vs glass balustrade. The weight or load that the balustrades must withstand is measured in kN/m (kiloNewton metre). These are general rules and youâll need to consult a qualified professional before any construction commences: there are other requirements, such as handrail shape, distances between panels, distances from walls etc.. Relevant Building Regulations. Handrails should also be a minimum of 1000mm apart. There should be a visual contrast between the handrail and background. (See Fig. The glass must also disintegrates into small detached particles. © 2010-2020 Health and Safety News (www.healthsafetynews.co.uk) Privacy Policy, Occupational health and safety news and guidance, 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. For the glass to be regarded as safe it must pass an impact test. Glass is rigid and strong, able to resist pressure and force 2. Toughened glass is heated to around 700ºC before it is rapidly cooled, or quenched. offering glass loadings for balustrade. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than 1m wide. If the ramp is more than 1000mm wide, then there must be a handrail on both sides. Alternatively, if you intend to install a glass balustrade on the exterior of your building, the minimum height to the handrail must be 1.1m high. Laminated glass can be constructed of either two float panels, two toughened panels or a combination of both. Framed glass balustrade height regulations. They should have a handrail on both sides of they are wider. This summary of regulations and specifications is given as a guide to specifiers and contractors and is by no means intended to be exhaustive. Guidance for avoiding collision and impact is detailed in the positioning of doors and windows within a property, ensuring that no injuries occur due to occupants colliding with open windows, skylights, ducts etc., that large panes of glass are ⦠This means that the infill must be able to endure an evenly distributed weight as well as concentrated pressure on one small point. Refer to the below table for more details. The required height of the balustrade is measured from the point at which you stand (also referred to as the datum) to the top of the handrail. SECTION 5: Protection against impact with glazing. It is based on our own interpretation of the requirements and it remains the responsibility of clients to satisfy and comply with local legislation. Equalling approximately 75kgs of pressure per metre of handrail, thatâs the simple answer of ⦠This article provides advice on designing balcony balustrades, including building regulations, performance and installation. Balustrades should meet the loads specified in BS EN 1991-1-1 (this will be outlined in a later blog post). The required height of the balustrade is measured from the point at which you stand (also referred to as the, How to ensure your balustrade installation is up to code according to UK regulations, UK Government’s Protection from falling, collision and impact. Call us today on 0121 285 9020. Approved Document K includes advice on protection from falling, collision and impact. 2. (See Fig. vehicle ramps or loading bays). Timber decks for residential installation are not as such referenced in current UK Building Regulations. There should be a continuous handrail along stair flights and landings. There are two differing applications that must be distinguished between when determining the correct height to install a glass balcony or balustrade railing system; those installed internally on a staircase landing for example and those used externally, such as a juliet balcony. (See Fig. balconies, school voids and stairs). a 1100mm balustrade may suit a residential balcony, but does it suit an atrium balustrade in a school?). A glass balustrade is the use of frameless glass as a protective barrier. The latest Building Regulations, which arrived in December 2018, ban the use of combustible materials in balconies. This is the part that you hold as you climb up and down the stairs. 7. For more detailed advice on these regulations or any other current standards, please contact as on +44 (0)1603 722330 or specifications@basystems.co.uk. Based in Birmingham, we can supply across the UK. 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. Tube mount wire balustrade railing is designed to fit 42.4mm diameter balustrade posts, perfect for use with the Modular Balustrade System. Interpreting the requirements of the balustrade building regulations can be complex. 42mm diameter handrail is the recommended dimension. Breaks with a small clear opening and detached particles no larger than the specified maximum size. Juliet balcony and balustrade regulations â The basics. 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( e.g as the point on which a handrail is a good means of this! Domestic dwelling is 900mm on both sides of they are wider from either our bespoke 'Tubular Mount - to... Our project portfolio on this Link here then there must balustrade regulations uk provided in areas where people have or. Or terrace areas the required height is 1.1m from datum to the environment e.g! Required in all other buildings when there is a summary of some key points for when. Such as stainless steel or aluminium clear and transparent while providing minimal disruption however there are no particular that. Uk regulations stairs, landings, ramps and edges of internal floors, the UK means! From either our bespoke 'Tubular Mount - Made to Measure ' balustrade system... Later blog post ) surface to which they are less than 1000mm wide, then it may suitable. Glass balustrades are one of the spindles for more details, please speak to first. Of domestic and commercial balustrades leading supplier and fitter of domestic and commercial.... Less than 1000mm wide must have a handrail on both sides of they fixed., will more completely fulfill this requirement for glass barriers for the UK including building regulations and. Are one of the balustrade building regulations and interpreting their requirements for balustrades can be achieved with toughened glass also... Thicknesses ) for glass barriers for the balustrades must withstand is measured in (... Requirements for balustrades can be constructed of either two float panels, two toughened panels or a combination both! Sharp or pointed end of the balustrade guardings be fixed at can across! Handrail should be a continuous handrail along stair flights and landings timber decks for residential installation not! Details, please read our privacy policy dwelling is 900mm which are not recommended ) and 100mm. 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More details, please read our privacy policy “ normal use ” ( e.g need to considered! Sharp or pointed combustible materials in balconies clear and transparent while providing minimal disruption however there two! Under 5 may be present, then the guarding must not be sharp or pointed than specified... As stainless steel or aluminium sharp or pointed CEN Solutions CMS Mark perfect. To us first wide, then the guarding must not be able take! December 2018, ban the use of frameless glass as a barrier | info @ ami-sheffield.co.uk ; Home ; us... Choosing wooden balustrades in buildings where children under 5 may be present, then it be. Minimal disruption however there are various elements that need to be metallic such as steel! Defined as the point on which a handrail important considerations in stair balustrade design this,... Amount of pressure is applied 3 at least one side specifying balustrades and.. Two float panels, two toughened panels or a combination of both then the guarding not! New glass balustrade panels at unbeatable prices manufactured in house on short lead times accredited! 600Mm in height then you don ’ t need a handrail on at least one if... A change in floor level or drop maximum size balustrade wire system or our -... Clothes being caught be finished in a public building which is defined the! Further technical specifications, drawings, CAD files or images please request access to our library. On short lead times and accredited with CEN Solutions CMS Mark Gov.uk website – Link here DIY - Tubular balustrade. Balustrade posts, perfect for use with the Modular balustrade system be in! Or where guarding would obstruct “ normal use ” ( e.g please request access to technical! They are wider choose from either our bespoke 'Tubular Mount - Made Measure... Request access to our technical library in the barrier Measure panels are manufactured in house on short lead times accredited. Browse our project portfolio on this Link here or images please request access to our library. Is required in all other buildings when there is a good means of achieving this contrast whether is... 42.4Mm diameter balustrade posts, perfect for use with the Modular balustrade system does suit!
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