SANS Code Brochure South Africa: Balustrade & Handrails Compliance Guide

SANS requirements for balustrades and handrails are easy to mix up. This guide is for architects, builders, contractors and property owners who need a clear route through the codes that usually apply to balustrades and handrails in South Africa.

It summarises the relevant SANS parts and terms. Use Download above to open the Value Fencing® brochure. It is not a substitute for the official SABS publications or for a competent person.

What are SANS codes?

South African National Standards (SANS) are published by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). The National Building Regulations (NBR) are the legal framework; SANS documents are the usual deemed-to-satisfy route for safety, function and structure. They apply to residential and commercial work.

Definitions

1. NBR (National Building Regulations) - legal framework for building safety and compliance in South Africa.
2. SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) - organisation that develops and maintains SANS documents.
3. SANS (South African National Standard) - published standard for building safety, materials and design.
4. Competent person - a person qualified by education, training and experience to assess compliance with the building regulations.
5. Competent person (glazing) - a glazing specialist recognised by a professional institute, with expertise in SANS 10137.
6. Rational assessment - assessment of a solution’s performance using calculations, research and accepted practice.
7. Rational design - design by a competent person using reasoning, calculations and technical standards.
8. Occupancy - the use assigned to a building or part of a building.
9. Deemed-to-satisfy requirement - a published method that is accepted as meeting the functional regulation.
10. Handrail - a support rail on a corridor, stairway or ramp to assist safe movement.

Index of documents in this brochure

1. SABS 0104 Edition 2 (1991) - safety aspects of handrailing and balustrading.
2. SANS 10400-A:2010 Edition 3 - general principles and requirements.
3. SANS 10400-B:2012 Edition 3 - structural design.
4. SANS 10400-D:2011 Edition 3 - public safety.
5. SANS 10400-M:2011 Edition 3 - stairways.
6. SANS 10400-N:2010 Edition 3 - glazing.
7. SANS 10400-S:2011 Edition 3 - facilities for persons with disabilities.
8. SANS 10400-T:2011 Edition 3 - fire protection.
9. SANS 10160-2:2011 Edition 1.1 - imposed loads.
10. SANS 10160-3:2011 Edition 1.1 - wind actions.
11. SANS 10137:2011 Edition 4 - glazing in buildings.
12. SANS 1263-1:2006 Edition 3.1 - human-impact safety of glazing materials.

Why these codes matter

Following the SANS parts that apply to balustrades and handrails supports:

• Structural safety - stability of the barrier.
• Legal compliance - reduced risk of enforcement action.
• Public safety - reduced risk of falls and related accidents.
• Durability - materials and details specified for the exposure.

Value Fencing® specifies PVC balustrades and handrails against the South African safety standards that apply to this work. Confirm heights, infill, loads and glazing with the brochure, the current SANS parts and, where required, a competent person.