Safety & Tests
Are our balustrades safe enough for residential and commercial use?
At Balustradedesign, safety is a central focus throughout our product development. Our balustrades are designed and manufactured in our own facility in Ängelholm, Sweden, and their safety is based on several different tests. This page gives an overview of how we test and manufacture our balustrades, and highlights the most important considerations when installing a balustrade, especially in elevated areas such as balconies.
Tests carried out on our balustrades
For our glass balustrades, impact tests are carried out in accordance with the regulations of Balkongföreningen i Norden (the Nordic Balcony Association). These tests are designed to make sure the construction can withstand the loads that can occur in real environments.
We also carry out our own tests to make sure that materials, fixings and glass hold the right level over time:
- Tensile tests: Assess the material’s resistance to pulling or stretching, simulating the force from leaning or accidental load.
- Impact tests: Simulate a person falling or colliding with the balustrade, to check that the structure can absorb the impact.
Certified manufacturing
Through our own design and production, we have control over the quality of every balustrade we deliver. Every order is made to your specifications and delivered with a Declaration of Performance.
The manufacturing process is certified in accordance with EN 1090-1 and follows the applicable Eurocodes for load-bearing capacity and performance. Production is continuously monitored by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), which is responsible for external control of traceability, quality and the manufacturing process.
The following systems are manufactured in this way:
- Prime
- Arcus
- Forma
- Retro
- Color
- Tenso
- Linea
- Linea Step
- Flow
- Breeze
The Declaration of Performance and other documentation are available under the Technical Information tab for each product.
Balustrade use classes – A, B or C
When designing your balustrade, our use classification (A, B or C) provides guidance on where it is suitable to install. The classes are based on UK building regulations and standards such as BS 6180, combined with our own product testing. Factors such as height, section width and component choices affect the class. You can see the class as a recommendation that helps you choose the right solution for your environment.
Typical requirements based on location:
- Outdoor installations: Minimum balustrade height 1100 mm
- Indoor installations: Minimum balustrade height 900 mm
- Residential areas: Minimum linear load 0.74 kN/m
- Public areas: Minimum linear load 1.5 kN/m
- Arenas/shopping centres: Minimum linear load 3.0 kN/m
If you are designing a balustrade for a public or commercial project, please contact our team for professional guidance.
What the classes mean
Class A
Suitable for all residential environments and public spaces such as offices, restaurants and shops. Withstands at least 0.74 kN/m in linear load. Glass elements are made of safety glass to prevent injury in case of impact.
Class B
Recommended for areas with a fall height between 0–1 metre. Withstands at least 0.5 kN/m in linear load. If glass is included, it is safety glass.
Class C
Intended for installations at ground level. Glass elements (if included) are made of safety glass.
A configuration may be rated Class C if it deviates from our tested standard and is customised by request. This means the specific setup has not been fully tested.
