Balconies

Some building regulations have recently changed creating a difference in requirements between England and Wales. It is advisable to check with your local planning authority if you are in doubt as to your position.

Under building regulations, barriers for balconies must stipulate a height of 1.2 metres, however if you have an older balcony then it may be much lower than this. If the barrier on your balcony is below 1 metre, this is likely to constitute a potential danger, as for most people this would be below waist height.

All work around/on balconies must comply with the Work at Height Regulations and work must be planned, measures implemented and appropriate training provided. Where possible risks should be eliminated then reduced with engineering control measures with reliance on training and supervision where appropriate.

Risk assessments are advisable to establish what measures can be taken to reduce this risk. It may be that a suitable barrier could be installed, or an adequate guard rail fitted. The guard rail should be compliant with BS6180:1999 and therefore be of a height of at least 1 metre (1.2 metre where it crosses steps or other raised sections) and fitted with intermediate spacing bars (if required) which are such a distance apart that they do not allow a 100mm sphere to be able to be passed between them.

This is to prevent children being held fast by the guarding itself. More information can be found in the government approved document K, protection from falling, collision and impact.