Regulations

Here are some simplified building regulation guidelines produced by DioMet. If you need specific information for your own construction project, please contact us for more info.

Balustrades are required by law to protect building users from falling at changes in level of more than 600mm in domestic dwellings and more than 2 risers in other buildings.

Handrails should be affixed at a height between 900mm & 1000mm above stair or ramp pitch line. Generally on landing areas and balconies the top of handrails should be a minimum of 1100mm above finished floor level. A circular handrail should be between 32mm and 50mm in diameter. DioMet use 42mm tubing as standard. 

If children are likely to be present, balustrades should not allow the passage of a 100mm sphere (This excludes the triangle formed by the tread & riser, EXCEPT in dwellings & flats) and should be designed in such a way as to discourage climbing.

A continuous handrail is generally required on both sides of a ramp, stair flights and all landings.

For disabled access, handrails should extend a minimum of 300mm beyond the top and bottom riser of a flight of stairs or end of ramp - providing it doesnt protrude into an access route.

A second handrail is required at 600mm above finished floor level on a ramp or staircase pitch line in buidings specifically designed for children.

Required balustrade loadings vary dependant on the building use or category. Balustrades for domestic dwellings must withstand a loading of 0.74kN and commercial applications must withstand 1.5kN with the exception of crowd surge potential i.e. football stadiums whereby the loading must withstand 3kN force.