At Steel Studio we pride ourselves in only installing high quality, SANS compliant balustrades systems for all of our clients. By taking this approach we can ensure that they will receive a product that will last for years to come and will most importantly be safe for all that use it.
We recently investigated two cases of installations that did not comply with SANS (which you can read here) and have once again come across an installation that does not meet the standards set out by SANS. The installation as seen in the pictures below depicts the importance of working with a trusted balustrade installer and just how important it is to use the correct materials.
In this instance, an inferior stainless steel bar has been used as a pin connector and has been welded onto a stainless steel post. It is possible that the incorrect welding rod was also used doing the installation which can cause more damage to the balustrade system.
This is the work of inexperienced, unqualified installers and manufacturers. The fact that the airgaps between the rails are more than 100mm, and the wrong post size has been used clearly shows that this installation does not comply with SANS 10400 and SANS 10160. When considering a balustrade system, we urge homeowners to make sure that their contractors offer a range of balustrades that comply with SANS 10400 and SANS 10160 and not just SANS 10400 and that the safety of their installation should be of the highest priority.