The BCA does not provide a definition on what is climbable, so it is industry standard to refer to AS1926.1-Safety barriers for swimming pools being the Australian Standard for pool safety barriers. This standard sets out criteria for what may be considered climbable and non-climbable.
Clause 2.3.5 of AS1926.1-2012, in relation to barriers, states that no barrier shall incorporate a horizontal component with a top surface depth greater than 10mm nor any component that can be used as a handhold or foothold unless sloped 60 degrees from the horizontal plane.
This clause is designed to prevent occupants, generally children, from falling and getting injured. Falls are the largest contributor to hospitalised injuries and a leading cause of injury deaths in Australia.
One common issue, is the standoffs (I think it should be called the stand-ons). The pictures below show a number of different standoffs we have seen used on glazed balustrades. The first standoff (main image) shown above complies. The below examples would all fail to comply. The standoff sits out approximately 12mm and the chamfered edge is cut at an angle of approximately 45 degrees in lieu of the 60-degree angle required in the pool barrier standard.
It is our opinion, that the level of detail that should be shown on plans and specifications when designing a good building should include the design of the standoffs where glazed balustrading is to be used.
An additional note with glazed balustrading is to ensure the gap between the glazed panels is minimal (minimal is usually interpreted to be less than 10mm) or ideally non-existent, where there is a hob on the external face of the glazing. Leaving a gap between the glazed panels could see the hob considered as a climbable element and will see owners and builders left with costs to rectify the issue.
To find out more please contact Credwell at 02) 9281 8555 or info@credwell.com.au
