To choose the right fall protection and railing, assess the risk of falling, how the area will be used, whether young children may be present, and how the entire railing structure is designed and anchored.
The requirements for railings and fall protection follow the building codes in effect where the railing is to be installed, and these may change over time. Therefore, always check which requirements apply to your project before you determine the height and design of the railing.
In this safety guide, we go over when fall protection is required, how balustrade height and design are assessed, what is important regarding areas where young children can play, and what you need to know about glass balustrades, load-bearing capacity, fixing, materials, documentation, and ongoing inspections.
Which three factors determine the safety requirements for a balustrade?
Three factors guide the assessment: the level of fall risk, who may be present at the site, and the structural conditions at the location where the railing is to be installed. The requirements at fall protection are based on the actual risk, the use of the area, and the height of fall, and comply with the building codes in effect at the site.
How high is the risk of falling?
Start by assessing where someone might fall and what consequences a fall could have. Stairs, ramps, balconies, external access walkways, roof terraces, and other recreational areas must have fall protection when there is a particular risk of injury.
The height and design of the guardrail must then be adapted to how the area is used and the potential fall height. The same type of guardrail may therefore need to be designed differently in different locations.
Who will use the space?
The next question is who can be expected to be there. For areas where younger children may be present without constant adult supervision, special requirements apply to the design of the railing.
In such areas, fall protection must, among other things, prevent climbing and limit the size of openings. This must therefore be taken into account as early as the design phase of the railing.
What are the conditions like at the site?
Finally, the structure itself must be evaluated. The foundation, fixings, railing infill, and any use of glass affect how fall protection needs to be designed and constructed.
If the glass is part of a fall protection, the glass surface and fixings must function together so that the structure prevents people from falling through where such protection is required. It is therefore not sufficient to evaluate a single component on its own.
Once these three questions have been answered, it is possible to determine which requirements are relevant to the location in question. The next section reviews the principles behind the requirements for guardrails and other fall protection measures.
What principles govern the requirements for balustrades and fall protection?
The requirements for railings and fall protection are based on three principles. Fall protection They are required where there is a particular risk of personal injury; their height and design are adapted to how the area is used and the size of drop height, and where young children may be present, special design requirements apply.
The details are determined by the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed. Therefore, there is no single height or design that fits all locations, so always check the requirements that apply to your project before deciding on the railing’s height, infill, and fixing.
Fall protection
The risk determines when protection is needed
Stairs, ramps, balconies, external access walkways, roof terraces, and other outdoor areas must be equipped with fall protection when there is a particular risk of personal injury.
The height and design must minimize the risk of falling, taking into account how the surface is used and the potential fall height. The structure must also be able to withstand the load that occurs when someone leans against or bumps into the railing.
Child safety
Special requirements apply in areas where young children may be present
In areas where younger children may be present without constant adult supervision, the railing must prevent climbing, have openings small enough that children cannot squeeze through, and avoid openings where a head or foot could get stuck.
This applies to both the gaps in the infill and the opening at the bottom edge of the railing. Exact dimensions must comply with the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed.
Existing building
Modifying an existing building requires a thorough assessment
When modifying an existing building, the requirements may differ from those that apply to new construction. Therefore, check what applies to the specific modification before selecting the railing.
If a solution needs to deviate from standard requirements, the assessment should be conducted by someone with the appropriate expertise and documented.
What do "safety class," "Eurocode," and "Balustradedesign's usage classes" mean?
Safety class, Eurocode, and use class describe three different things. The safety class refers to the level of safety a structural system must have, the Eurocodes are a design system, and Räckesbutiken’s use classes are its own guidelines for different railing configurations.
A+, A, B, and C are therefore not official safety classes. When evaluating a railing, the use class must always be compared with the load, usage, and safety requirements that apply at the actual location.
Building Codes
Safety class
The safety class describes the level of safety a structural system must have, taking into account the risk of serious personal injury if the structure fails.
The applicable safety class depends on the type of building and how it is used, and is determined in accordance with the building codes that apply where the building is located. The more people who are in the building and the more serious the consequences of a breach could be, the higher the security level required.
Structural design
Eurocode
The Eurocodes are European design standards that can be used to design structures and demonstrate that the requirements for load-bearing capacity, stability, and durability are met.
The Eurocodes are applied in accordance with the regulations in effect where the building is located. For railings, design calculations for the loads that may occur at the specific location are particularly important.
The Balustradedesign System
use class
A+, A, B, and C are Balustradedesign’s own performance classes and are intended to make it easier to interpret the selected railing configuration. They are not safety classes or usage categories in the building codes.
The use class may change when, for example, balustrade height, the section width, or other parts of the configuration are modified. Therefore, it must always be evaluated in conjunction with the requirements for the location where the railing will be used.
Balustradedesign's Performance Classes
How should A+, A, B, and C be interpreted?
The table summarizes the load level displayed for each usage class in Balustradedesign's system. The letter does not replace an assessment of the requirements at the specific location.
| use class | Load level | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | At least 1.0 kN/m | The highest reported load level in this overview of usage classes. |
| A | At least 0.5 kN/m | Suitability still needs to be assessed in light of the site's load requirements and the selected configuration. |
| B | At least 0.5 kN/m | The same specified line load does not mean that the class automatically fits into the same environment as A. |
| C | Restricted use | May refer to a special configuration for which the corresponding load level is not reported. |
The safety class and Räckesbutiken’s use class A+–C are two completely different systems. The use class can help in choosing a railing configuration, but it is the requirements for the specific building and its intended use that determine the load for which the structure must be designed.
What safety glass is required in a glass balustrade?
When the glass is part of a fall protection, the glass surface and fixings must be designed together so that a person cannot fall through the glass, even if someone bumps into it. The requirements for compliance are set forth in the building codes applicable where the railing is to be installed.
For a glass balustrade , therefore, it is the safety feature that determines the choice of glass. There is no single type of glass that suits every situation glass balustrades. Laminated safety glass is an example of glass that can protect against falling debris because the glass remains intact if it breaks.
The requirement
Glass and fixings need to prevent people from falling through
If a glass surface is positioned and designed in such a way that a person could fall through it, the glass surface and fixings must prevent falls through the glass, even if someone bumps into it.
One option could be a permanent guard in front of the glass surface that prevents anyone from bumping into the glass. The solutions that are acceptable are governed by the building codes in effect where the railing is to be installed.
Important difference
Falling through glass and cuts are two different risks
Laminated safety glass is an example of glass that can provide protection against falls through the glass surface because the glass layers remain bonded together even after breakage.
Protection against falling objects must be distinguished from protection against cut injuries. The positioning, fracture characteristics, and function of the glass must therefore be assessed based on the risks present at the site.
On-site assessment
When does the glass need to provide protection against falls?
The need for protection against falling through depends on where the glass is located and how high the drop is. Exact limits are specified in the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed.
Factors that reinforce one another
Or
Special risk of personal injury
This need may also arise when the positioning or design of the glass otherwise poses a particular risk of personal injury in the event of a fall through the glass surface.
Glass, fixings, and other components must function as a cohesive structure. Current requirements can be found in the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed.
What are the balustrade heights and glass requirements in different environments?
There is no general balustrade height or single type of glass that is suitable for all environments. The height and design of the railing must be assessed based on the location’s use and the height of fall, while the requirements for glass depend on factors such as location and the risk of falling through or cuts. The applicable requirements are set forth in the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed.
The table provides an overview of what is particularly important on a patio, balcony, staircase, at a Juliet balcony, and in public spaces. Several of these settings are discussed in greater detail later in the guide.
| Environment | Handrail height | Glass and safety |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | Assessed based on the risk of falling, how the deck is used, and how large drop height it is. | The location and function of the glass determine the requirements for protection against falling through glass and cuts. |
| Balcony | The height and design must minimise the risk of falling based on the balcony's use and drop height. | If the glass is part of fall protection, the glass, fixings and the rest of the structure must together provide sufficient protection against falling through. |
| Staircase and landing | The height of the railing is adjusted according to its use and the height of fall. The function of the handrail is assessed separately. | Glass is evaluated based on its location and the associated risk. In areas where younger children may be present, there are also specific requirements regarding the design of railings and openings. |
| Juliet balcony | The guard in front of the opening must be of a height and design that minimises the risk of falls. | If the glass functions as a fall protection, the glass and fixings must be evaluated as a single, integrated structure. |
| Public spaces | Here, too, height and design are determined based on use and the height of fall. | The safety function of the glass must be combined with the load requirements and other safety requirements that apply to the intended use of the premises. |
The environment alone does not determine the requirements. The final solution must always be evaluated based on the actual risk of falling, the intended use, drop height, and the design to be used.
How do loads and fixings affect the safety of the railing?
The safety of a railing depends both on the load the structure must withstand and on how the forces are transferred to the load-bearing substrate. A strong post is therefore not enough if the fixings or the structure beneath the railing is too weak.
When designing a railing, the entire load path must therefore be verified, from the railing infill and post or profile to the fixings and the load-bearing structure.
Load
How does the load vary depending on usage?
The load on a railing depends on how the space is used. The more people who may move near the railing and the more crowding that may occur, the greater the demands placed on the structure. Exact values are specified in the building codes applicable to the location where the railing is to be installed.
Few people and quiet use
The railing is primarily subjected to stress from everyday use, such as when someone leans against it.
More people and more activity
More people can be near the railing at the same time, and the risk that someone will bump into it increases.
Goods and operations near the railing
Where cargo may accumulate or where equipment and operations are located near the railing, the load may be greater.
Congestion that can generate significant forces
In places where large numbers of people can gather in close proximity, the forces acting against the railing can be significant.
The load must be assessed based on actual use and then be carried by the entire balustrade structure, from the railing infill and posts to the fixings and load-bearing substrate.
Fixing
The load must be able to be transferred to the load-bearing structure
Fixing is the connection between the railing and the building’s or the deck’s load-bearing structure. The mounting surface and fixings must therefore be able to absorb and transfer the forces that arise when the railing is loaded.
01
Check the substrate
Fixing You need to ensure that the structure can support the load. On a timber deck, therefore, the structure beneath the decking must be evaluated, not just the surface layer itself.
02
Customise the fixings
Wood, concrete, and steel have different properties. Fasteners, positioning, and edge clearance must be adapted to both balustrade system and the actual substrate.
03
Track the entire load path
Check the path from the railing infill and post or profile through the fixings to the load-bearing structure. All components must be capable of transmitting the applicable load.
A railing is only as strong as its weakest link in the load path. The load requirement, the railing components, the fixings, and the load-bearing substrate must therefore be evaluated as a single, integrated structure.
Which material resists corrosion best outdoors?
There is no single railing material that is best for all outdoor environments. Powder-coated Aluminium is an easy-to-maintain option that does not develop the same type of rust as steel, while AISI 316 offers better resistance than AISI 304 when exposure to salt and chlorides increases.
In coastal or otherwise exposed environments, fixings, fittings, and other metal parts must also be selected with care. A aluminium balustrade may therefore be of particular interest when good durability and a limited need for recurring surface treatment are prioritized.
Powder-coated aluminium
Aluminium does not contain iron and therefore does not develop the type of rust that forms on steel. The powder coating also provides the surface with extra protection against the elements and wear and tear.
This material is well-suited for railings that will be exposed to the outdoors for a long time and where the need for periodic surface treatment should be kept to a minimum.
AISI 316
AISI 316 offers better corrosion resistance than AISI 304 in chloride-containing environments. This makes it more suitable when stainless steel is exposed to, for example, sea salt or de-icing salt.
Even AISI 316 must be selected and maintained according to the specific environment. stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, but not completely immune to corrosion.
AISI 304
AISI 304 has good corrosion resistance in many less exposed outdoor environments and can be an alternative where exposure to salt and chlorides is low.
However, when the levels of salt and chlorides increase, the material is more sensitive than AISI 316 and therefore needs to be evaluated more carefully.
What safety requirements apply to decking balustrades?
A deck requires fall protection when the difference in elevation and the conditions at the site pose a particular risk of personal injury. The specific requirements are determined by the building codes that apply where the deck is located, so there is no single standard that applies to all decks.
When a fall protection is required, the height and design of the railing must limit the risk of falling, taking into account how the deck is used and the size of drop height. Where younger children may be present, the design must also prevent climbing and ensure that children do not fall through or get stuck.
Rate the deck
Three questions that determine how fall protection should be designed
Finns en särskild fallrisk?
Assess the difference in elevation along with the deck’s design and how people can move around on the surface. A small difference in elevation does not automatically mean that a railing is required, but the threshold is determined by the building codes that apply where the deck is located.
How will the deck be used?
The height and design of the railing need to be adapted to how the deck is used and how large drop height it is. A large living space, for example, may need to be assessed differently than a small space with more limited use.
Can younger children stay there?
If younger children are expected to be on the deck without constant adult supervision, specific requirements apply to the design of the railing. The infill, openings, and the bottom edge of the railing must be designed so that children cannot climb over, fall through, or get stuck.
What safety requirements apply to balcony balustrades?
A balcony requires fall protection when drop height and the circumstances pose a particular risk of personal injury. The height and design of the railing must then be adapted to how the balcony is used and the actual drop height.
There is no single height that suits all balconies, and the requirements are based on the building codes that apply where the balcony is located. In areas where young children may be present, there are also specific design requirements intended to prevent climbing, falling through, and the risk of children getting stuck in openings.
When younger children can stay here
How do you design a child-safe balcony balustrade?
In areas where younger children are likely to be present without constant adult supervision, four aspects of the railing’s design are particularly important. Exact dimensions must comply with the building codes in effect where the balcony is located.
Avoid footholds on the lower part of the balustrade
The lower part of the balustrade should be designed to prevent younger children from climbing on it. Avoid horizontal sections that could serve as footholds.
Limit the width of the openings
Vertical openings in the infill must be narrow enough that a young child cannot squeeze through the railing.
Limit the opening towards the floor
The clearance between the bottom of the railing and the balcony floor must be small enough that a child cannot crawl under the railing or get stuck there.
Avoid openings where children could get stuck
Horizontal openings above the lower part of the railing must be designed so that a child cannot get their head or foot stuck. Certain opening sizes are particularly risky, and the specific requirements are set forth in the building codes that apply where the balcony is located.
What safety requirements apply to stair balustrades and handrails?
On a staircase, the balustrade and handrail serve different safety functions. The balustrade is designed to prevent falls where there is a particular risk of personal injury, while the handrail provides support for balance while walking.
The number of handrails a staircase requires depends on the staircase’s width, how it is used, and the building codes that apply where the staircase is located. Fall protection, and handrails must therefore be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The balustrade
Protects against falls
The handrail or other fall protection must have a height and design that minimizes the risk of injury, taking into account how the staircase is used and the size of the drop height.
The structure must also be able to withstand the load that occurs when someone leans against or bumps into the railing. Railing infill, posts, or profiles and fixings must therefore work together.
Handrail
Supports balance
The handrail must be positioned and designed so that it is easy to grip and runs as continuously as possible along the staircase.
A handrail that stands out clearly against the surrounding surfaces is easier to find and use. In some buildings, there are specific requirements for this, and these requirements are governed by the building rules that apply where the staircase is located.
The function of the handrail
Support must be available throughout the movement
The handrail must provide useful support before beginning to walk up the stairs, along the entire flight of stairs, and when the movement is completed.
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Start
A secure handhold must be available before movement begins
The handrail must be designed to provide support before the user begins moving up or down the stairs.
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Along the stairs
The handrail must be easy to grip and unbroken
The handrail should run as continuously as possible along the stairs and be positioned and designed so that it is easy to grip . Interruptions in handrail make it more difficult to maintain a firm grip throughout the entire movement.
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At the end
Support needs to be available at the end of the movement
The handrail must also be designed so that the user has support when the movement on the stairs ends and the transition to the floor or the next step occurs.
A staircase balustrade and a handrail may be parts of the same structure, but they serve different purposes. The railing reduces the risk of falling, while handrail provides balance support during movement.
What balustrade requirements apply in public and commercial settings?
In public and commercial settings, balustrades must be designed based on how the space is actually used. An office, a store, and a space where large crowds may gather may therefore need to withstand different levels of load.
A public or commercial environment is not, in and of itself, a separate load category. Instead, the design load is determined by how the space is used, in accordance with the building codes that apply where the building is located, and the entire railing structure must be able to transfer the load to the load-bearing substrate.
Load
How do balustrade loads differ between types of use?
the load on a balustrade increases depending on how many people may move along it and how much crowding may occur. The table shows four common situations. Exact values are determined by the building codes in effect where the balustrade is to be installed.
| Type of activity | Load | Examples of use |
|---|---|---|
| Residential and office space | Lower | Low occupancy and quiet use, such as in residential and office buildings. |
| Stores and community centres | Higher | More people and more activity, for example in shops and assembly areas. |
| Warehouses and working areas | High | Areas where goods may accumulate or where equipment and operations are located near the railing. |
| Stora folksamlingar | Very high | Areas where large crowds can gather and exert considerable force on a balustrade. |
Who is responsible for ensuring that the railing meets safety requirements?
During the design and construction phases, it is primarily the person who commissions the construction or modification who is responsible for ensuring that the railing and the structure of which it is a part meet the applicable requirements. This applies even when the design, delivery, or installation is carried out by others.
The division of responsibility among the parties involved is governed by the regulations that apply where the building is located. After completion, the building must be maintained so that the railing’s safety function is preserved over time.
Division of responsibilities
It is important to distinguish between three roles
During the construction phase
The person commissioning the construction bears primary responsibility
Anyone who commissions construction or modification work is responsible for ensuring that the work and the design on which it is based meet the requirements. For a railing, this means, among other things, that the construction, sizing, fixing, and foundation must work together.
In the project
Other stakeholders have different roles
Designers, manufacturers, contractors, and other consultants can assist with design, delivery, installation, and inspection. They contribute their expertise and skills, but the division of responsibility among them is governed by the regulations in effect where the building is located.
After completion
The owner must maintain the safety function
The building must be kept in good condition and maintained so that its technical characteristics are essentially preserved. For the railing, this means, for example, that damage, loose fixings, corrosion, and changes in the substrate must be monitored.
What documentation is required for a balustrade?
The documentation must make it possible to verify the conditions for which the railing was designed, which properties of the materials and components are relevant, and which inspections have been performed.
Exactly which documents are required depends on the project and on the regulations that apply where the building is located. For a railing, it is particularly important that the load, the environment in which it will be used, drop height, fixing, and the load-bearing substrate can be linked to the chosen design, and that the results of relevant inspections are documented.
Documentation trail
Three areas to document and track
Design
The design assumptions must be clearly stated
The design must be documented so that it can be verified. For a railing, for example, the documentation may include the service environment, the design load, drop height, the selected dimensions, fixing, and the load-bearing substrate to which the structure is to be anchored.
Product characteristics
It must be possible to evaluate materials and components
The properties of construction products and materials that the design requires must be identifiable and verifiable. For a railing, this may include, for example, glass, posts, or profiles, fasteners, and other components that together affect the safety function.
Check
It must be possible to see what has been checked
The results of the inspections conducted must be documented. The documentation must show that the requirements have been verified and how the inspection was carried out. Depending on the project, the documentation may include, for example, inspection notes, photographs, reports, or other relevant documents.
How often should a balustrade be inspected and maintained?
A railing should be inspected after installation, on an ongoing basis during use, and after any events that may have affected the structure. There is no standard inspection interval that applies to all railings.
The frequency of inspections and maintenance depends, among other things, on the materials, usage, exposure to the elements, and the environment where the railing is located. Also, follow the care and maintenance instructions that apply to the specific railing and its components.
Ongoing inspections
When should the balustrade be inspected?
Inspection requirements change over the course of the railing's service life. Start with installation, monitor the structure during use, and perform an additional inspection if anything may have affected the railing.
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After installation
Make sure the structure is stable
Check that posts or profiles, fixings, and the rail infill are installed as intended and that no parts have been damaged during installation.
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During use
Adapt the inspections to the environment
An outdoor railing that is exposed to the elements, salt, or heavy use may need to be inspected more frequently than a railing in a protected indoor environment. The frequency of inspections should be based on the railing’s actual conditions.
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After an incident
Don't wait until your next scheduled inspection
Inspect the railing after severe impacts, collisions, renovations adjacent to fixing, or if any part begins to move, become deformed, or otherwise deviate from its previous condition.
Be sure to check, in particular,
Inspect the entire structure
Check for movement at posts, profiles, and fixings, damage to the railing infill, cracks or edge damage to the glass, visible corrosion or wear, and changes in the substrate to which the railing is anchored.
What should you check before ordering a balustrade?
Before placing your order, you need to be clear about the intended use of the location, the risk of falls, drop height, the dimensions, and fixing. Also check whether young children can be present there and whether the material is suitable for the environment where the railing will be installed.
Before placing an order
Check these six points
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Decide how the space will be used
Consider whether the railing will be installed on, for example, a deck, balcony, staircase, or other outdoor area, and who will typically use that space.
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Assess the risk of falling and the height of fall
Determine where there is a particular risk of injury from a fall and the height of the drop. This affects how the height and design of the fall protection system need to be assessed.
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Consider whether young children may be present
If younger children are expected to use the area, the railing’s climbing potential and openings must be taken into account as early as the design phase.
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Check the dimensions of the finished space
Measure where the railing will actually be installed, using existing levels and surfaces as a reference. Check lengths, corners, level differences, and other factors that affect the railing's positioning.
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Find out what the railing should be anchored to
The fixing must be adapted to the supporting structure. Therefore, check the material and construction of the substrate and determine where fixing can be placed before deciding on the railing's dimensions and installation.
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Adapt the material to the environment
Consider whether the railing will be installed indoors or outdoors and how much it will be exposed to factors such as weather, moisture, salt, and repeated wear and tear.
Once factors such as intended use, fall risk, height of fall, dimensions, child safety, surface conditions, and the environment have been clarified, there is a significantly better basis for choosing the right railing and planning fixing.
Which balustrade is best suited to your situation?
Once you have a clear understanding of the intended use, fall risk, drop height, dimensions, fixing, and the environment, you can compare our railings and choose a solution that suits the location. If you need help making your choice, customer service can assist you further.
What do you need to know about balustrades and fall protection?
Here are brief answers to frequently asked questions about when fall protection is needed, balustrade height, child safety, glass balustrades, and handrails.
How do I know what requirements apply to my balustrade?
The requirements are determined by the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed and depend, among other things, on the type of building, how the space is used, and the potential fall height. If you are unsure, you can contact your local building authority or a structural engineer before choosing a railing.
When is a balustrade or other fall protection required?
Stairs, ramps, balconies, external access walkways, roof terraces, and other outdoor areas in or adjacent to buildings must be equipped with fall protection where there is a particular risk of personal injury resulting from a fall. The specific requirements are set forth in the building codes applicable to the location where the railing is to be installed.
How high does a balustrade have to be?
There is no single height that suits all railings. The height and design of the guardrail must be adapted to how the area is used and the size of the drop height, so that the risk of injury is minimized. The required height is specified in the building codes that apply where the railing is to be installed.
How should a balustrade be designed in an area where children are present?
In areas where younger children may be present without constant supervision, the railing must prevent climbing and have openings small enough that children cannot squeeze through. This applies to both the gaps in the railing panels and the opening at the bottom of the railing. Also avoid openings where a child’s head or foot could get stuck. Exact dimensions must comply with the building codes in effect where the railing is to be installed.
Does a glass balustrade always have to have laminated safety glass?
It depends on where the railing is installed and how the glass is incorporated into fall protection. Where someone could fall through the glass, the glass surface and fixings must work together to prevent a fall through. Laminated safety glass is an example of glass that can protect against a fall through, since the glass remains intact if it breaks.
Does a staircase need to have handrail on both sides?
The number of handrails a staircase requires depends on the staircase’s width, how it is used, and the building codes that apply where the staircase is located. The handrail provides support for balance, while the balustrade protects against falls, so the two need to be assessed separately.
Who is responsible for ensuring that a railing meets the requirements?
During the design and construction phases, it is primarily the party commissioning the construction or modification who is responsible for ensuring that the railing and the design on which it is based meet the applicable requirements. This also applies when the design, manufacturing, or installation is performed by others.
