CROSS Safety Report
Concerns over welded wire mesh balustrade infill panels
Overview
A reporter has expressed their concern about the structural adequacy of some welded wire mesh balustrade infill panels that they have come across.
Key Learning Outcomes
For metalwork companies:
- Be aware that if an infill panel is to act as a structural barrier it should be designed to resist the required loadings and comply with the applicable building regulations
- BS6180 also provides helpful guidance on building temporary and permanent barriers in and around buildings to protect people
Full Report
Find out more about the Full Report
The Full Report below has been submitted to CROSS and describes the reporter’s experience. The text has been edited for clarity and to ensure anonymity and confidentiality by removing any identifiable details. If you would like to know more about our secure reporting process or submit a report yourself, please visit the reporting to CROSS-UK page.
A reporter has seen a number of metalwork companies selling balustrade mesh infill panels as 'off the shelf' items. The reporter has queried several of them as to whether they meet building regulation requirements for loading on infill panels of balustrades (both a point load and a uniformly distributed load). Several of them assured the reporter that they work but were not able to provide any data for this or they advised the reporter that they were non-structural and did not need to meet any loading requirements.
It seems that a lot of this material must be sold without the panels ever being designed or tested. The public would reasonably think that these panels are fit for purpose and meet building regulation requirements but the reporter cannot see how this would be the case with them usually consisting of 3mm wire at 50mm centres held onto uprights with a few clamps either side.
Submit a report
Your report will make a difference. It will help to create positive change and improve safety.
Our secure and confidential safety reporting system gives professionals the opportunity to share their experiences to help others.
Feedback
No feedback has yet been published for this page.
Expert Panel Comments
Expert Panels comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-UK Expert Panels page.
There are no Expert Panel comments on this report. The Expert Panels are only asked to comment on selected reports. These are normally reports where there is an opportunity for them to help you understand what can be learned from the report.