Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of serious injury and death in workplaces and public spaces — and balconies are a key concern. Whether in a hotel, office, apartment block or leisure venue, owners and managers have a legal duty to make sure these areas are designed, maintained, and managed safely.
The key benchmarks are Building Regulations Approved Document K and BS 6180 – Barriers in and about buildings, which set out the minimum standards for the design and height of barriers that prevent falls. But in practice, minimum doesn’t always mean sufficient — and exceeding these standards is often the safest and most responsible approach.
We recommend you inspect and assess any raised balconies, balustrades and atria you have in your premises, particularly in preparation for the winter months where increased slips, trips, falls, or alcohol consumption are more likely to occur.
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 build | 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 may lean, gather, or consume alcohol, it’s best practice to exceed them — for example, increasing balcony barrier heights to 1.2–1.3 metres and using materials that discourage climbing, such as smooth glass panels or vertical balusters with no footholds.
Design and layout management: practical tips
- Position furniture sensibly. Keep tables, chairs, planters, and bins at least 600 mm away from the barrier to prevent climbing.
- Fix furniture where possible. In bars, restaurants, or public terraces, consider fixed seating or planters that can’t be moved closer to the edge.
- Avoid climbable features. Horizontal rails or mesh infills may invite climbing — choose vertical designs or smooth glass instead.
- 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’s use changes, reassess the risks and make sure the setup remains safe.
Maintenance and inspection
Over time, weather, corrosion, and repeated use can all compromise 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 remedial works.
- Act quickly on damage — isolate unsafe areas until repairs are complete.
Why this matters
A balcony that meets the standard today can become unsafe tomorrow if it’s poorly maintained or poorly managed. Exceeding the minimum standards, maintaining a safe layout, and carrying out regular checks all demonstrate strong safety leadership — and protect both people and your business from preventable harm.
For guidance on balcony safety or any other Health & Safety issue, call us on 0114 244 4461.
