Balustrade
/BAL-us-trayd/
Also known as: banister, handrail assembly, guard rail, stair rail, baluster rail
Definition
A complete railing system consisting of a handrail, vertical balusters, and a bottom rail or string, installed at the edge of a staircase, landing, balcony, or raised floor to prevent falls. Balustrades must meet minimum height and opening size requirements under Building Regulations.
In Practice
Part K of the Building Regulations sets out requirements: balustrades on stairs must be at least 900mm high measured from the pitch line, and at least 1100mm on landings, balconies, and flat roofs accessible to the public. Openings between balusters must not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through to prevent children becoming trapped. Timber balustrades are traditional; steel, glass, and cable systems are common in contemporary design.
UK Building Regulations
Approved Document K - Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact
Approved Document K sets the minimum heights and opening requirements for balustrades. Structural connections must be designed to resist the horizontal imposed loads specified in BS EN 1991-1-1.