Balustrade Safety for Parents of Toddlers: Five Essential Tips
If you are adding a balustrade to a deck, a balcony or the side of a staircase and you have toddlers, you need to think about safety. If you want to avoid injury and liability, check out these essential safety tips:
1. Make sure your balustrades are at least a metre high
If you are installing a balustrade along a high balcony or staircase, make sure it is at least a metre high. Most toddlers would have a very hard time climbing onto the upper rail of the balustrade if it is at least that height.
Reaching this height is especially important on upper level structures, but you don't need to worry about it as much if the balustrade is just used to separate two areas that are the same level.
2. Opt for vertical rather than horizontal slats
In most cases, balustrades features vertical slats. However, if you want a more innovative design, you may be tempted by horizontal slats – stay away from them. Horizontal slats are basically like ladders to the top of your railing, and an active toddler can easily climb them.
If you want circles or other patterns in your railing, make sure the design doesn't look inviting to climbers.
3. Avoid openings wider than 125mm
Whether you are designing a balustrade or opening a window, any openings larger than 125 mm can be dangerous for children. If you don't want toddlers to get their heads stuck in your balustrade, make sure all openings are less than this in width or diameter.
4. Modify existing balustrades with wire mesh panels
If you are not in the market for a new balustrade, there are ways you can modify your existing one to make it safer. This idea is also true if you have bought an antique piece of railing – you can enjoy its old fashioned look but make it safer with the right modifications.
To eliminate the threats associated with horizontal slats or too wide openings, buy a mesh panel to install over your balustrade. While mesh is a relatively affordable option, you can also substitute grid-shaped panels in the same material as your balustrade.
5. Tighten your balustrade on a regular basis
You've taken steps to prevent kids climbing onto or slipping through your balustrade, but in spite of that, toddlers may still stand next to it, grab it and shake it back and forth. In many cases, toddlers move and mess with things without even realising they are doing that.
So this natural curiosity doesn't turn deadly, make sure your balustrade is adequately secure. Tighten its mounting hardware on a regular basis.
For more information, contact a local fencing and balustrade installation company like Diamond Balustrades & Fencing Pty Ltd.
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