Stairs, Ramps & Barriers
For new buildings and for buildings subject to major refurbishment, the requirements for glazing when incorporated in the designs of stairs, ramps and barriers can be found in the regional Building Regulation Documents.
England and Wales
The Building Regulations 1998 Part K Stairs, Ramps and Guards.
Approved Document K Stairs, Ramps and Guards 1998 Edition gives general guidance on the interpretation of the requirements.
When glazing is used as guarding for stairs, parapets or as balustrades it must be capable of withstanding the loadings and satisfy minimum height requirements given in the Guarding Design Table. The glazing should also be designed with reference to Approved Document N Glazing – Materials and Protection.
Further guidance on the appropriate loads on infill panels can be obtained from BS 6180: 1999 'Code of practice for protective barriers in and around buildings'.
Guarding should be provided where it is necessary for safety reasons to guard the edges of any floor including window, gallery, balcony, roof (including rooflights) and other openings to which people have access (unless for maintenance) such as light walls, basement areas and any sunken area next to a building.
Where buildings are likely to be used by children under 5 years old, the guarding should be designed to prevent young children becoming trapped by the guarding. A 100mm diameter sphere must be unable to pass through any gap in the guarding. It must be designed so that children can not readily climb up it.