Rank: Guest 
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Hi Folks,
One place I am working we have an outside balcony that the managers would like to use for entertaining clients.
The main problems are that its 7 storeys up and whilst it has decent edge protection structually it only come 107cm above the floor.
I know that it should be with 110cm with reference to a working area, but am I missing something as this is a brand new building and I would have thought it should meet building regulations etc Are there any other considererations, I am concerned about people throwing objects off or falling off after drinking, but there must be many high restaurents etc with outside areas?
I have drawn a picture to show the area: http://www.siriussafety.co.uk/photos/balcony.jpg
I would appreciate any insights.
Thanks,
Mike
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi sirius
The only recommended guard rail heights given by the HSE relate to construction work but 107cms would be perfectly acceptable as the height of a balcony balustrade.
Search edge protection heights on the HSE website for more information on this particular subject.
I take it from your drawing that the edge protection is made of glass?
If so this tends to eliminate the problem of people sitting on the edge or placing objects on the top surface which can easily be inadvertently knocked off!
If the glass is fitted is of the correct standard of construction then my risk assessment would probably show any risk to be negligible.
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Rank: Guest
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Yes the edge protection is entirely glass (appropriately rated) the top of the glass is fitted with a tubular metal handrail it is not possible to place any objects ontop of the railings.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I thought that it was 110 cm. Have a look at Approved Document K section 3.1?
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Rank: Guest
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Yes - just looked at Document K.
Maybe we should turn our little pot plants into a hedge thats at least 110 high! :)
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Rank: Forum user 
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Can the tubular metal handrail be raised 3 cm that would solve the problem would it not
Frank
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Rank: Forum user
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Also check the load bearing of the balcony - was it designed to hold a lot of people?
Irene
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Rank: Forum user
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What about long planters bolted onto the railings with lots of flowers etc.
This would look nice and stop people going over.
Son of Skywalker
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Rank: Forum user
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Given that it's part of the building and not a work platform, I think you need to check the Building Regulations. However, if the building has gained a completion certificate, then it must be compliant, so first step would probably be to check out the completion certificate.
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Rank: Forum user
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I would advise you to talk to the District Surveyor about the load bearing of the balcony to work out the max number of people you would allow on it at any one time.
You also need to look at the fire alarm to see if you need to fit an external bell.
If you only have one door leading out onto the balcony and if people have over 9 meters to get back to the door then you might have to fit a second means of escape.
I opened up a balcony that sits on the 5th floor, whilst the balustrade was high enough there were still some risks, especially people lobbing things over the side or themselves for that matter. We overcame this by fitting bird netting raised on poles. Its not that noticeable, its also very strong and we don't have any bird problems.
Hope this helps
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