Guidance on barrier design for Building Code clause B1

Introduction

This document brings together relevant information and recommendations for the design and construction of permanent barriers required in and around buildings. Find out about barriers to:

• decks, stairs and landings
• walls, glazing (including screens and full-height glazing), fences and other elements of buildings where these elements prevent a fall of one metre or more.

It does not cover swimming pool fences, which have additional requirements under the Fencing of Swimming Pool Act.

It looks at design criteria, loadings, different materials, and the supporting structure. It references all relevant Building Code clauses for barriers:

• B1 Structure
• B2 Durability
• D1 Access routes
• E2 External moisture
• F2 Hazardous building materials
• F4 Safety from falling

This was developed to replace the Acceptable Solution for timber barriers with design information to cover the range of barrier materials (including timber) currently used in the industry. B1/AS2 (Timber Barriers) was removed because timber properties and barrier loadings changed and made it obsolete.