Balustrade

What You Need to Know About Australian Regulations for Wire Balustrades

Barrier Heights

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).

Barrier Safety Requirements

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

(A)

Stairs, ramps, corridors, balconies, decks, and rooftops with general access.

(B)

Any defined path leading to a building.

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:

(A)

Retaining walls (unless part of an access path).

(B)

Windows or doors with built-in barriers.

Barrier Openings

Openings must be small enough to prevent a 125mm sphere from passing through. See image 4. The wire spacing must be in accordance with wire barrier requirements as below.

(A)

If using tension values, the tension must be measured with strain indicators as per Table 1.

(B)

If using deflection values as measurement, the deflection must be measured as per Table 2.

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

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

(A)

Openings up to 300mm.

(B)

If using rails, gaps must be 460mm or less.

NOTES:

(1)

LAY means if a strand is 1 x 19, then it has 7 strands with 7 individual wires in each strand.

(2)

If 3.2 mm wire used, loading rating of 3.0mm wire must be used.

(3)

X means the tension cannot be achieved for the post (upright) spacing due to safe load limits of the wire diameter.

Climb Prevention

Where falls exceed 4 meters, horizontal elements between 150mm and 760mm above the floor must not encourage climbing.Therefore, the wire rope must be installed vertical instead of horizontal to avoid climbing.

Barrier Load Requirements

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

Australian Standards

(A)

AS1288 contains balustrade and barrier requirements

(B)

NCC (National Construction Code) also contains barriers and handrails.

Handrail Height for glass balustrade

At least 865mm from stair nosings or ramp floors.

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).

Handrail Requirements

(A)

Handrail is required on at least one side of the staircase or ramp.

(B)

If handrail is running close the wall, there must be minimum 50mm clearance between handrail and wall.

Complete Safety Standarts

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