Rules & Regulations

This section sets out the requirements for barriers, balustrades, handrails and railings used to protect exposed edges, changes in level, staircases and upper levels.

Where Barriers Are Required

Barriers must be provided to protect:

• exposed edges of landings;
• balconies; and
• any other changes in level exceeding 360mm.

A continuous handrail must be provided where there are two or more risers.

Handrail Requirements

Handrails must be non-climbable. They must have either:

• solid infill panels; or
• vertical guardrails that should be spaced no more than 100mm apart and must not have horizontal members between the vertical elements.

The minimum height of a handrail is 900mm, measured vertically from the pitch line of the staircase to the top of the handrail.

Handrails must continue around landings where necessary.

Handrails must not project more than 100mm into the required width of the staircase.

All projecting ends of handrails must be designed and constructed to prevent injury to people descending the staircase.

Upper Levels of Double Deck Stands

When the upper level of a double deck stand has been constructed, temporary or permanent railings must be installed to prevent falls from height.

The railings must protect all areas where there is a risk of falling.

Glass Walls on Upper Levels

Where floor-to-ceiling glass walls are installed on the upper level of a double deck stand and there is a risk of impact by an object, a railing or similar physical barrier must be installed alongside the glass wall.

See also

• Glass & Glazing for glass walls and glazing specifications.
• Double Deck / Two Storey Stands for upper-level construction requirements.
• Staircases for staircase dimensions, landings and access requirements.
• Working at Height for fall-prevention requirements during construction.