BCA Requirements for Balustrades and Handrails

Great article from the Australian Timber Database about the BCA requirements for timber balustrades and handrails.

They state that:

For all buildings, handrails and balustrades are required to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The BCA is primarily concerned with the safety of building users and occupants. Design and construction must therefore take into consideration both the strength and the durability of materials and components as well as the “geometric” constraints prescribed by the BCA to prevent people from accidentally falling through, under or over the balustrade.

They also refer to the Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF) who have published a Timber Information Bulletin (Timber Information Bulletin 2 – Handrails and Balustrades). The bulletin also contains a list of handrail sizes and spans, tables on the capacity of handrail connections and loads as well as details on connectors for balusters and infill.