What You Need to Know About Australian Regulations for Glass Balustrades

A continuous barrier is required where the fall is 1 meter or more from any trafficable surface, including:

NOTE: As per The National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standard AS1288:2021 if fall is more than 5 meters, the glass barrier has to consist of Toughened laminated safety glass (SGP glass) to meet the increased load and impact safety standards.

Barriers are not required for:

Openings must be small enough to prevent a 125mm sphere from passing through.

For stairs, openings are measured from the nosing line of the treads.

Barriers in non-habitable rooms (such as attics or storerooms) may allow:

Where falls exceed 4 meters, horizontal elements between 150mm and 760mm above the floor must not encourage climbing.

All barriers (except windows acting as barriers) must be structurally sound in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.1.

At least 865mm from stair nosings or ramp floors.

At least 1000mm on landings, balconies, corridors, and similar elevated spaces.

For stairway landings with winders (up to 500mm length), minimum height is 865mm.

Transition zones: Barriers may gradually increase from 865mm (stair/ramp) to 1000mm (landing).