What is a balustrade?
Balustrades are formed by a series of small columns called balusters that is topped by a rail. This type of safety railing serves many functions, from preventing a person from the possibility of falling from a height, to contributing to the architectural aesthetics of a building. However, all balustrades must comply with the applicable Australian Standards and Building Codes to meet performance requirements.
Balustrade regulations and standards
The National Construction Code (NCC) dictates that in order to be allowed to design and specify a compliant balustrade, the following measures must be adhered to:
- The minimum barrier height is 865mm on a stairway or ramp and 1000mm in all other locations, with special provisions applying in front of fixed seating on a mezzanine or balcony within an auditorium in a Class 9b building.
- For floors more than 4m above the surface beneath, any horizontal elements within the barrier between 150 mm and 760 mm above the floor must not facilitate climbing.
- No fixed furniture or joinery is to be placed in close proximity to the balustrades.
To access the full regulations, visit the National Construction Code.
Conectabal® – Commercial Balustrades
Thanks to the many years of research and development, our pre-engineered modular balustrade systems are fully complaint with Australian standards and BCA regulations, which is one of the reasons architects specify Moddex from the get-go. Suitable for stairs, ramps and raised platforms, Conectabal offers a high safety load rating and will achieve compliance with every standard in any application.
Engineered to Suit Crowd Loading
Suitable for areas subject to over-crowding including stadiums, cinemas, grandstands, or shopping centres, Moddex Conectabal proprietary balustrades meets classifications C5 of AS1170.1, withstanding a crowd loading of 3.0kN/m.
Following extensive load testing at Melbourne Testing Services, a National Australian Testing Authority (NATA) accredited laboratory, Conectabal offers class leading strength for public and crowded areas.
Customisable
Besides serving the functional benefit of safety and complying with legal requirements, balustrades can lend a striking aesthetic appeal to buildings. Different finishing processes including powder coating offers a smooth, flawless finish, whilst ensuring strong durability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Mitigate risk and prevent falls from height
Raised platforms without a compliant barrier system poses a serious risk to an individual’s safety. Conectabal offers the ultimate protection to minimise the risk of falls from height in public areas, with our balusters at 100mm intervals to meet and exceed standards across Australia.
Need more information?
If you would like to discover how our products can help with your next project, call the Moddex team today on 1800 663 339 (Australia) or 0800 663 339 (New Zealand).