Balustrades are formed by a series of small columns called balusters that are topped by a rail. This type of safety railing serves many functions, including protecting a person from a potential fall from a height, and 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) mandates that the following measures must be adhered to when designing and specifying a compliant balustrade:

  • 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 150mm and 760mm 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 compliant with Australian standards and BCA regulations – also one of the many reasons why 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 overcrowding including stadiums, cinemas, grandstands, or shopping centres, Moddex Conectabal proprietary balustrades meet 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 powdercoating 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 pose 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.

Image: CB10 Standard Balustrade. For level applications above one metre (FFL)