New balustrade installation? The rules before you order could save you a lot of trouble and expense in rework later.
Minimum Height Requirements
Maximum Height: The minimum height for a domestic stair or landing is set at 900mm, this in most cases will mean that a handrail can be fixed at this height. However for commercial settings and for external balconies the minimum height is set at 1100mm.
Gap Size Limits
The gap between individual balusters must not be greater than 100mm. In testing this a 100mm sphere is used to simulate a child falling. It is also wise to avoid providing horizontal rails as these can act as footholds.
More on Metal Balustrades can be found at https://donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/metal-handrails-balustrades.
Edges and Finish
Metal balustrades can have projections or sharp rough edges, which can get caught up in clothing or lead to injury. Inspectors look at these as well as the balance of dimensional requirements. Therefore ensure that the finish to the balustrades that your selected fabricator supplies meets these requirements.
Getting Sign-Off
For most balustrade installations, building regulations approval will be required. A building notice of building or full plans application should be submitted to the local authority for the work. The fabricator’s specifications for the handrail and balustrade should be kept to hand for the visit of the building inspector.
Metal balustrades are a simple feature to get approved if they have been correctly specified and made.