Moddex Handrail & Balustrade System Ensures Compliance at Auburn South Primary School
Client name:
– Boongalla Group
–Victorian School Board Authority (VSBA)
Location: Auburn South, Victoria
Project type: Educational Facility
Project Overview
Auburn South Primary School required a handrail and balustrade system for their newly constructed ramps. The project posed several challenges, particularly related to compliance with Australian Standard AS1428 and the VSBA requirements for accessibility. The Moddex team was contracted by Boongalla Group to provide over 100 metres of handrail that addressed both the safety and compliance requirements.
The primary goal was to ensure the ramps met the following standards, while also providing a safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Australian Standard AS1428
- National Construction Code (NCC)
- Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
- Additional design standards enforced by VSBA, which are found in the Building Quality Standards Handbook.
The Challenge
Before implementing Moddex’s handrails, Auburn South Primary School faced compliance challenges with accessibility routes, where handrails needed to meet the required standards. This was essential to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, could safely use the facilities.
Victorian schools must comply with standards issued by the VSBA. It is crucial for architects, access consultants, and builders to work together to make sure these standards are followed.
Finding a supplier capable of fully adhering to the strict standards set by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) can be a challenging task. Many suppliers may struggle to meet the detailed requirements for handrails and balustrades. For example – all required internal and external balustrades/barriers lacking purchase points (handrails or baseboards) must have a minimum height of 1500 mm (1.5m) above the finished floor level (FFL). You can read what you need to know about handrail and balustrade compliance for Victorian Schools here.
Moddex Solution
While Moddex takes pride in offering flexible solutions, they leave no room for error when it comes to compliance and safety.
To date, Moddex has supplied and installed their systems to over 300 schools across the state of Victoria. Moddex has earned a strong reputation for delivering solutions that meet VSBA standards, like the Basin Primary School and Miners Rest Primary School. Moddex is trusted for their ability to provide high-quality, compliant systems that ensure safety, accessibility, and durability. Their extensive experience in the education sector makes them a reliable partner for schools looking to meet both regulatory requirements and practical needs. You can read more about the requirements in their Mini Guide on Schools & Education
For the Auburn South Primary School project, Moddex worked with Boongalla Group to supply the following Moddex products:
- Assistrail Disability Handrails AR110, AR120, AR140, AR160
- Conectabal Balustrades CB10, CB50 and CB55 at 1500mm high and perforated to meet the standards required by VSBA
Several ramps required custom-designed balustrades at a height of 1500mm to comply with VSBA standards. To meet the school’s aesthetic needs, the balustrades were perforated, adding a visually appealing element. The balustrades were also galvanised, then powdercoated, not only providing a sleek, modern appearance but also ensuring compliance with Clause 5.4.3 to ensure long-term durability and resistance to wear and tear in an outdoor environment.
Want to find out more?
Moddex’s expertise in safety, compliance, and efficient installation ensured the project’s success, reinforcing our commitment to providing high-quality solutions for educational facilities.
Want to use Moddex products for your next project? Contact our team today!