A safe balustrade is designed for the fall risk at its location, can withstand the loads it may face and is fixed to a load-bearing structure. The entire system – posts, infill, fixings and substrate – needs to work together. Safety cannot be determined by any single material or dimension.
The balustrade’s height and design must suit how the space is used and the possible fall height. It should withstand people leaning or bumping against it. Fixings must reach a load-bearing part of the structure, not just decking boards or paving slabs. Where young children may be present, the design should discourage climbing and avoid openings they could pass through. Check the requirements that apply at the installation site.
