QLD Balustrade response

There was an article on Page 3 of the Courier Mail today that suggested some shortcomings with Balustrades in Queensland, specifically listing concerns with their safety and the certification of requirements to meet the standard.

We wanted to assure you that whilst this article does highlight an important issue in the Glass and Glazing Industry it is absolutely not a situation that is “gathering dust” or been forgotten.  The AGWA has worked hard to provide updated clarity and requirements in the Standard.  Concurrently we continue to liaise with the QBCC, AIBS and other certifying and regulatory bodies to increase policing and awareness of concerns such as those highlighted in 2018. 

As many of you are aware the 2021 update of AS 1288 is due for release this month and a significant amount of work has been done on Section 7 to improve safety of glass balustrades in Australia. The update includes a normative load testing procedure that is now a requirement covering all types of barrier systems. There is also an additional requirement to limit the usage of non-laminated glass in barriers located 5 meters above ground level.

As we continue you to push this important issue – if you are aware of any projects that have recently installed or are currently installing non-compliant balustrades, please reach out to the technical team for us to investigate further.

If you have any further concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 9498 2768 or by email.