Installation Requirements for Residential Properties
For single-family homes, internal balustrade installation must be at least 900mm high from floor level if the drop exceeds 600mm, such as on staircases or mezzanine balconies. This applies to all types of glass balustrades, ensuring protection from falls while maintaining visibility and light.
External structures require a minimum height of 1100mm, such as for balustrades to balconies or outdoor steps. If you're in Preston, Lancaster, Lancashire or Cumbria and planning to add a glass balustrade to your property, our installation service ensures your design complies with all relevant safety codes.
Commercial and Public Sector Compliance
In other buildings such as residential blocks, institutional, educational, office, public and retail environments, the required limit for fall protection is a 380mm drop due to higher risks of people being unfamiliar with their surroundings. All balustrades, glass balustrades and post & rail balustrades must be 900mm high on stairs and 1100mm in all other locations, both inside and outside. This includes Juliette balconies, which must offer fall protection of 1100mm from floor level. Whether you're managing a project in Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley or elsewhere across Lancashire and Cumbria, balustrade installation must account for public access standards and building classifications, all of which we handle as part of our professional service.
Key Safety Guidelines to Follow
According to Document K, no opening in the balustrade should allow a 100mm sphere to pass through to prevent entrapment, particularly of small children. Horizontal rails should also be avoided as these make the balustrade climbable. This makes glass balustrades an excellent option, with their smooth, non-climbable surfaces and bespoke design making them ideal for homes and facilities that prioritise child safety.
These guidelines are specifically for buildings that may be used by children under five years old, so they do not apply to workplaces, for example. Nonetheless, our installation service ensures all considerations are factored into your project from enquiry to completion, whether your property is located in Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith or anywhere throughout Lancashire and Cumbria.
Trust Wernfab for Compliant Installation
TThe above is just a snapshot guide, so please consult your local building control department and refer to Documents K and M, along with the relevant parts of BS6180 Barriers about Buildings. At Wernfab, we provide a fully managed glass balustrade installation service backed by deep regulatory knowledge and decades of experience. Serving homeowners, developers and commercial clients throughout Preston, Lancaster, Lancashire and Cumbria, we ensure your glass balustrades are installed safely, stylishly and fully in line with current UK regulations.