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Balustrades play a vital role in ensuring the safety of both residential and commercial spaces, particularly when children are present. With New Zealand Building Code requirements becoming increasingly stringent, it’s essential to understand not only how to meet these standards but also how to enhance child safety through thoughtful balustrade design.
What are toeholds?
A toehold refers to a potential foothold that children under six years old could use to climb a balustrade. While balustrade heights are primarily designed to protect adults from falls, the presence of toeholds between 150mm and 760mm above the finished floor level can pose a climbing risk to young children.
Complying with the New Zealand Building Code
The Building Code outlines strict requirements for barrier systems, especially in areas where falls could result in injury. All balustrades, whether used in residential or commercial settings, must adhere to the compliance standards laid out in Clause F4 of the New Zealand Building Code. These regulations ensure that any barriers prevent falls and mitigate the risk of climbing by young children.
Clause F4 specifically addresses barriers in areas where children under six years old may frequent. For these areas, the Code outlines several crucial requirements that focus on preventing children from falling or climbing over the barrier. Balustrades must not provide footholds or toeholds between 150mm and 760mm above the finished floor level, and they must have no openings wide enough to allow a 100mm diameter sphere to pass through.
Balustrades that protect against falls and climbing
In spaces frequented by children, it is especially important to choose barrier systems that serve a dual purpose: preventing falls and restricting the possibility of climbing. While traditional vertical balusters and inclined rails can make climbing difficult, solid infill panels offer an even better solution. These panels reduce the chance of children gaining a foothold and climbing over the barrier.
Toehold considerations based on MBIE’s Determination 2019/023
To offer further clarity on how to design barriers that reduce climbing risk, we’ve outlined key situations where ledges, upstands, and infills must be carefully considered. The following guidelines, based on MBIE’s Determination 2019/023, clarify what constitutes a toehold and how to comply with New Zealand's building regulations:
- L = Ledge - Any horizontal surface from inside the line of the glass or infill, that may form a toehold.
- H = Upstand Height.
- BH = Barrier Height.
Key scenarios to avoid toeholds:
- If the ledge is less than 100mm wide, and
– the upstand height is less than 150mm, or greater than 760mm above the finished floor level, then:
– No toehold is present, and the overall barrier height will be per Table 3.1. - If the ledge is greater than 100mm wide, and
– the upstand height is between 150mm and 760mm above floor level, then:
– the ledge is considered to be the finished floor level, therefore:
– No toehold is present and the overall barrier height will be per Table 3.1 from the height of the ledge. - If the ledge is less than 15mm wide, and
– the upstand height is between 150mm and 760mm above floor level, then:
– No toehold is present, and the overall barrier height will be per Table 3.1. - If the ledge is less than 15mm wide and has a 60° slope to the inner surface, and
– the upstand height is between 150mm and 760mm above floor level, then:
– No toehold is present, and the overall barrier height will be per Table 3.1 - If the ledge is between 15mm and 100mm wide, and
– the upstand height is between 150mm and 760mm above floor level, then:
– the barrier height must be at least 760mm above the height of the ledge, and the overall barrier height must be at least per Table 3.1.
By following these guidelines, architects and fabricators can ensure that the barrier complies with New Zealand Building Code F4/AS1, reducing the risk of children climbing or falling over.
Note: This situation is similar to fixed seating, as described in Figure 6 of F4/AS1
Additional Considerations:
- Any foothold or toehold close to or around the balustrade — such as AC wiring, AC covers, or fixed building items can be considered a toehold.
- If a nib or any other external toehold is present outside the barrier, fins or balusters should only have 35mm gaps to further restrict climbing opportunities.
These additional design features ensure that child safety remains a top priority, especially in homes, schools or public spaces where children may come into contact with balustrades.
Innovative solutions from UNEX
In response to the growing need for safer balustrades, UNEX Systems has developed an Anti-Toehold Bead for its Frameless Glass Panorama balustrade. This bead, featuring a 60° angle and a 25mm width, hooks onto both alignment and front covers, reducing the risk of toeholds while providing a sleek, modern finish.
Choose UNEX for compliant and safe balustrade solutions
Understanding and addressing toeholds on balustrades is essential for creating safe, compliant environments. UNEX Systems is committed to providing architects and specifiers with innovative solutions that meet New Zealand Building Code standards, ensuring that safety is never compromised in the pursuit of great design. By partnering with UNEX, you can confidently navigate the complexities of toeholds and deliver safer, more secure architectural projects.
For more information on our balustrade systems, or to discuss specific compliance needs, get in touch with the Unex team today.
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