Barrier Loads and Guarding

What You Need to Know About Glass Barrier Loads and Guarding

Building architectural features that balance beauty and safety is an art form, especially with modern structural designs with barriers that incorporate glass. Using glass as part of a barrier or guarding load has become more common in shaping today's new build homes and home extensions, offering a visually striking alternative to heavier, traditional materials. At Solarlux by Reveal, we specialise in world-renowned glazing solutions that exceed industry standards for glass barrier loads, as outlined in Building Regulations Approved Document K and BS 6180.

By leveraging our in-depth knowledge and expertise in these methods of risk assessments, we proudly provide superior glass products that embody elegant form and advanced function - all designed for spaces where safety and style are paramount. Learn more about glass barrier loads and all the technical measures that must be considered in glass barrier construction.

The Purpose of Glass Barriers

Glass barriers are engineered to promote safety by preventing people from falling, where the glass is greater than 600mm and the barrier is lower than 800mm (1100mm is recommended though) through a glass barrier i.e. the glass within a window. Their primary role is to provide resilient containment capable of withstanding expected forces without bending excessively or compromising the structure's integrity. Glass barriers are incorporated to eliminate risks associated with falling, slipping, or rolling through any gaps within the structural framework or its panels.

Building Regulations for Glass as a Barrier

At Solarlux by Reveal, we strictly rely on the precise guidelines outlined in Building Regulations Approved Document K and BS 6180 for glass barrier loads and guarding.

It's critical that the detailed design of any products used, the applicable test certificates and the fixings need to be designed uniquely to each and every position on the house they are used, especially edge fixing distances, to minimise the risk of harm, serious injury or fatality.

Approved Document K

Regulations set by Approved Document K dictate the framework for static and impact loads that glass barriers must withstand to ensure safety. Document K sets out protection requirements for barriers, either by integrating a separate barrier or through containment - a system made of anti-shatter safety glass that will not break under a specified load, even under significant force.

To reinforce environmental safety in dwellings, handrails and other types of guarding are also outlined as a requirement for any free standing or infill barrier protecting a fall of higher than 600 millimetres. Guarding in non-residential environments should prevent falls from heights greater than two stairs or 380 millimetres if outside a stairwell.

BS 6180

BS 6180 specifies the imposed loads that glass barriers must endure, depending on the structure's intended use. These standards underline the importance of selecting materials and systems appropriate for the setting. Table 2 of BS 6180 defines the minimum load values for various types of occupancy, ensuring each barrier aligns with the unique demands of its environment.

While a line load of 0.36 kN/m is typically sufficient in single-family homes, high-traffic venues like theatres, stadiums and cinemas often require a line load capacity of 3.0 kN/m to accommodate increased crowd pressure.

Solarlux by Reveal - Your Architectural Glazing Partner

Solarlux by Reveal offers cutting-edge glazing systems that align directly with governmental net zero targets and outperform industry benchmarks. Every Solarlux product is engineered with precision to deliver long-lasting performance, energy efficiency, and durability. As an acclaimed specialist glazing company, we stand at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Explore our product catalogue or contact us today to transform your project with expertise you can trust.