NEW: Health & Safety update – balcony and barrier safety
Balcony safety: going beyond the minimum to prevent falls
Unfortunately, falls from heights are one of the most common causes of serious injury or death in the workplace or in public spaces – and balconies are a key concern. Whether in a hotel, office, apartment block, or leisure venue, owners and managers have a legal responsibility to make sure balconies are designed, maintained, and managed safely.
The Building Regulations Approved Document K and BS 6180 – on barriers in and about buildings explains the minimum standards for the design and height of barriers to prevent falls. Sadly, in practice, “minimum” doesn’t always mean good enough – and it’s a better idea to go above and beyond those standards. That’s the responsible approach to take.
We recommend you inspect and assess any raised balconies, balustrades and atria you have in your workplace. This is particularly important as we head towards winter, where you’re likely to see an uptick in slips, trips and falls, as well as more alcohol consumption.
Keep in mind that these regulations may differ in your local jurisdiction – but the important thing is to make sure all balconies and edges have been risk assessed in the first place.
What BS 6180 requires
BS 6180 defines the minimum heights for barriers depending on where they’re located and how the space is used:
| Location / Use | Minimum Barrier Height | Key Notes |
| Stairs, landings, ramps (inside buildings) | 900 mm | Measured above the pitch line or landing. |
| Balconies, terraces, roof edges, external walkways | 1100 mm | Applies to most workplaces, public, and residential settings. |
| Light wells or external drops | 1100 mm | Where there’s a risk of falling from ground level into a lower area. |
| Areas used by children | 1100 mm minimum | Barriers should be non-climbable with no gaps over 100 mm. |
| Seating areas (bars, restaurants, stands) | 800–1100 mm | Depending on layout and separation from the edge. |
These are the absolute minimum requirements. In areas where people might lean, gather, or drink alcohol, it’s a very good idea to exceed these requirements. For example, up your balcony barrier height from 1.1 metres to 1.2 or 1.3 metres and use materials that are much harder to climb – like glass or vertical balusters with no footholds.
Design and layout management: practical tips
Here are some top tips on how to keep people safe:
- Position furniture sensibly: Keep anything someone can climb – like tables, chairs, planters, or bins – at least 600 mm away from the barrier.
- Fix furniture where possible: Consider fixed seating or planters that can’t be moved closer to edges/barriers.
- Avoid climbable features: Vertical designs or materials like glass are harder to climb than horizontal rails or mesh.
- Manage visibility and access: Use lighting, clear sightlines, and signage to make edges obvious and discourage unsafe behaviour, especially at night.
- Restrict access when unsupervised: Lock balcony doors outside of opening hours or during bad weather.
- Review layouts regularly: If the space usage changes, make sure to reassess the risks and keep the new setup safe.
Maintenance and inspection
Over time, weather, corrosion, and repeated use can all impact the strength and safety of barriers. You should:
- Inspect balconies at least annually, or more often in coastal or high-use environments.
- Check for loose fixings, corrosion, cracked glass, or movement in the barrier structure.
- Keep clear records of inspections and maintenance.
- Act quickly if you spot damage – isolate unsafe areas until repairs are complete.
Why this matters
Even if a balcony meets required standards today, it can still become unsafe tomorrow if it’s poorly managed or maintained.
When you exceed the minimum standards, maintain a safe layout, and check your balconies regularly, you not only demonstrate strong safety leadership – you also protect people and your business from harm.
Need any help? If you have any questions about this topic please contact your consultant or email ask@citation.co.uk.
