General News

DIY? Because anybody can! This line made famous by our own do-it-yourself goddess, Suzelle, does have some merit. DIY is often a job that anybody can do but there are exceptions.

Brain surgery comes to mind! So does trying to install your own balustrade to try and save a buck.  Like brain surgery, a balustrade design and installation is a job best left to the professionals.

Not that it is rocket science. Many DIY balustrade component options are available on the internet and from various suppliers in South Africa. But here’s the problem: Homeowners and those who don’t have the necessary knowledge purchase these components to save money on projects, yet they don’t realise their liability in the event of product failure.

Components are often being advertised as SABS approved which they aren’t. The components are often also not certified, tested or guaranteed in any way, form or manner. Just because you can do something, does not mean you should.

A proper safe balustrade is made up of certified components should be tested and certified by a registered structural engineer and assembled by professionals. Failing to stick to these rules may quickly turn your DIY into a DIE project!

Not many people are aware of the fact that a responsible balustrade installation is not only a nice-to-have – it is required by the South African legal system.  Any seller of balustrades needs to ensure that the installation is going to take place as per his detailed installation instructions. A professional structural engineer will need to test and sign off a Form 3: A Declaration by a competent person appointed to design a component or an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977, on completion, on the entire manufactured and installed system.

The supplier should furthermore have products that differentiate between the various loading requirements for the various occupancy categories as outlined by the local building code.

The same rings true to glass suppliers who supply panels to balustrade installers, not knowing the intended use and washing their hands on the liability for the sake of selling some product.

Only then is it a balustrade that you can trust, one that might just save a life.

If by now, you are wondering about the finer details that your balustrade-guy never told you about, our website is a veritable goldmine of information about safe and legal installations.  Here’s one you can read that asks the important question: “Is your Balustrade System Safe and Secure?”

If there is one thing South Africans know how to do, it is having a party!  We are warm and friendly people who enjoy socialising and are of the firm opinion that braaing should be an Olympic sport. 

This is the time of the year we get to enjoy our favourite pastime more often.  Warm sunny days with a few drinks and a braai while relaxing by the pool is almost ingrained in our DNA.  Adults adore it, kids cannot get enough of it, even our pets love the festive season.  Every other guest sneaks a little tidbit below the chair to Fido who has cleverly positioned himself there. Ah, sheer bliss. 

Living in this beautiful country of ours, the question on everyone’s lips around the festive season is always:  Is your home safe from…  

Very few of us pause to ask the question – Is your home safe for… 

Will it be safe for friends and family to bring their kids where there is no child safe enclosure around the pool.  Will it be safe for granny when she has to hold onto a balustrade that is not up to standard?  Will your balustrade support a guest who needs it after a few too many? Taking a few measures beforehand might save a life.  

Make sure that you are prepared to safely entertain your guests this festive season. If you have questions or doubts, click here to make certain your balustrade system is safe and secure. 

Understanding the concept of balustrades may also help and you can read more about that here

Most important, the Form 3

When the chops are on the braai and the sunscreen is on and you have ensured that all of the jolly holiday makers and their kids in your home are safe, then have a relaxing and wonderful festive season!

In the early 2000’s, Stainless Steel as a material for balustrade systems was the new kid in town. It fast became the specified material on large commercial projects and architects started incorporating stainless steel into their balustrade designs for homes and offices.

Back then, Steel Studio didn’t consider itself as a professional in balustrade safety regulations, but rather a professional in working with Stainless Steel and the quality of its craftsmanship and finishes. It was therefore accepted that we were not responsible for the design and safety engineering of the balustrade that architects put forward for their projects. Steel Studio would receive a design and would manufacture and install according to the architect’s specification trusting that the drawings received were done according to the set industry standard.

Up until 2010, balustrade contractors were indemnifying themselves from the balustrade designs and the risks involved with the safety of these designs. It was accepted that the architects who were the specifiers were the professionals and had the necessary tools to design a safe balustrade system.

On 10 October 2017, Hans Schefferlie issued a notice on behalf of the AAAMSA Group with regards to the replacement of glazing materials following recent wind damage caused by adverse weather conditions.

He makes note of Part A of the National Building Regulations, issued in terms of the National Building Regulations Building Standards Act 1977 and states that this Act requires in Regulation A1 (8) (a) that alterations shall comply with the requirements of the Act.

Quote: “Hence replacement glazing shall be executed strictly in accordance with SANS 10400-N: 2012 Edition 3 which states, inter alia, that safety glazing materials shall comply with SANS 1263-1 shall be used where:

All glazing for occupancy or building classification is A3 (places of instruction), E1 (place of detention), E2 (hospital), E3 (other institutional (residential buildings) and H2 (dormitory). Where such is associated with a building of occupancy classification A3, E1, E2 or E3 shall be safety glazing material that complies with the requirements of SANS 1263-1” Unquote

Replacement glazing NBR 10 November 2017

What does this mean for the balustrade industry?

All Glass Balustrade systems must be tested by a professional structural engineer to comply with:

SABS 0104 Edition 2 1991 – Handrailing and Balustrading (safety aspects)

SANS 10400-A: 2011 Edition 3 – NBR – General Principals and Requirements

SANS 10400-B: 2012 Edition 3 – NBR – Structural design

SANS 10400-D: 2011 Edition 3 – NBR – Public safety

SANS 10400-M: 2011 Edition 3 – NBR – Stairways

SANS 10400-N: 2010 Edition 3 – NBR – Glazing

SANS 10400-S: 2011 Edition 3 – NBR – Facilities for persons with disabilities

SANS 10400-T: 2011 Edition 3 – NBR – Fire protection

SANS 10160-2: 2011 Edition 1.1 – Self-weight and imposed loads

SANS 10160-3: 2011 Edition 1.1 – Wind actions

SANS 10137: 2011 Edition 4 – The installation of glazing in buildings

SANS 1263-1: 2006 Edition 3.1 – Park 1: Safety performance of glazing materials under human impact

 

Stainless Steel Post and Glass Balustrade Options for Residential and Commercial Applications:

Engineering calculations show that all balustrades that are framed two sides (uprights and glass clamps) requires a minimum of 10mm and possibly up to 20mm thick toughened safety glass dependent on the occupancy classification.

A Handrail is compulsory on this balustrade system.

 

Frameless Glass Balustrade Options for Residential and Commercial Applications:

Engineering calculations show that all balustrades that are frameless requires a minimum of 12mm and possibly up to 20mm thick toughened safety glass dependent on occupancy classification.

A Handrail is compulsory in the event that frameless glass is not fixed in a permanent concrete or steel channel.

 

Design with caution:

All glass balustrade systems must be designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer and in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements.

In line with structural engineer’s calculations and SANS 10160 loading requirements, all balustrades will be designed to comply with the relevant occupation categories as outlined in SANS 10160 eg. 0.5kN/m, 1kN/m, 1.5kN/m and 3kN/m.

All glass balustrade systems must withstand a 400 Joule soft body impact test.

A staircase is no longer just a platform of enabling you to travel from one level to the next. Besides the functional purposes of staircases, they have become an essential part and feature in the design of your new dream home.

Once you have decided together with your architect, what the functionality and position of the staircase will be, you can focus on the aesthetics and materials that will complete the staircase of your dreams.

Steel Studio offers a range of staircases to suit your design requirements. This range of staircases can be customised to suit literally any living space.

Click here to view our latest range of staircases.

Custom Steel Staircases:

The structure of these staircases are always manufactured out of steel, be it either stainless steel or mild steel. Additional elements are added to this staircase design e.g. timber or even laminated toughened safety glass treads. A custom, SANS compliant balustrade design is then selected to complete the structure.

Here are 4 of the most popular staircases in our range:

Double Laser-cut centre stringer staircase

Round Single Stringer staircase

Double Laser-cut outer staircase

Double Rectangular stringer staircase

The steel stringers that form the structural spinal column on these staircase designs can be manufactured out of stainless steel or mild steel. The tread finish can be customised to suit your preference and a wide range of SANS compliant balustrade designs is available to complete the staircase.

Steel Cage Formwork for Staircases:

This solution saves the building contractor plenty of time on site. Steel Studio has installation teams that specialise in rigging, manoeuvring and installing these range of staircases. You can now conveniently select the staircase of your dreams and a suitable SANS compliant balustrade system from the same supplier.

Here are 4 of the most popular staircases in this range:

Open Tread Staircases

Cantilever Staircases

Profile Staircases

Balustrade Wall Staircases

The structure of this staircase is manufactured out of steel cage formwork which must be filled with concrete and plastered to finish. The Steel Studio project manager will calculate and advise the building contractor of the quantities of the concrete for ordering purposes.

This staircase is manufactured in the Steel Studio Factory where after the completed structure gets installed on site within 1 to 2 days, saving the building contractor several days of on-site structural work and labour.

Introducing Steel Studio’s new range of Steel Cage Formwork for Staircases. This beautifully designed and engineered product will transform your living space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why should you consider this range of Steel Cage Formwork for Staircases on your next project?

1. The product and installation is a time saving solution for the building contractor.

Building contractors don’t have to deal with time constraints with on-site Staircase shuttering and manufacturing. These designs are manufactured in Steel Studio’s factory and thereafter installed on site in a 1 to 2 day time frame, depending on the intricacies of the staircase design. Manufacturing only commences once professional shop drawings are signed off by the client.

2. We strive for superior professionalism in our installation skills.

Not only are our installation team leaders qualified in professional rigging to ensure the proper manoeuvring of your new staircase, they also have the correct tools and skills to ensure a successful installation.

3. The convenience of being able to order a staircase and a balustrade system from Steel Studio.

In the past, clients were forced to source their steel cage formwork for their staircase from one supplier and their balustrades from another. Now, you have the convenience of a one stop shop. You can now get your dream staircase manufactured by Steel Studio and you can rest assured that your Steel Studio balustrades will be SANS compliant and designed with your safety in mind.

The 6 latest available designs in steel cage formwork for staircases are:

1. Balustrade Wall Staircases

This balustrade wall staircase formwork includes any conventional staircase design together with a wall framework instead of a steel or glass balustrade system. This design will complement the most elegant of interiors.

2. Cantilever Staircases

This cantilever staircase formwork will complement contemporary living spaces and offer structural stability designed with your safety in mind.

3. Conventional Staircases

These conventional staircase designs complement classic and contemporary living spaces. Together with a SANS compliant balustrade system the look will be complete.

4. Open Tread Staircases

Open Tread Staircases are the latest trend in contemporary living spaces. Complement this new staircase design with a stainless steel or frameless glass balustrade system in order to achieve a superior finish.

5. Profile Staircases

For a design with a difference, choose one of our profile staircases together with a stainless steel or glass balustrade system to complement your contemporary living space.

6. Staircases with Upstand

Our conventional staircase designs now come with an upstand to ensure a secure balustrade fixing surface. Guaranteeing you a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Whether you’re buying a previously owned home, or building a brand new home, built to your specifications, there are certain certificates of compliance that are compulsory as per National or Municipal by-laws. As the buyer you need to insist on receiving these compliance certificates before taking occupation of your new home. These certificates could save you from a lot of unforeseen repair costs in the future and can also protect you and your family from serious injuries.

Which certificates of compliance are required when buying your new home?

1. A Valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance:

   
   This certificate may be no older than 2 years and no alterations have been made to the installation during this time period. National Regulations stipulate that this certificate is compulsory in order to ensure that the electrical work has been completed to the South African National Standards and that it is safe for those utilising the structures’ electrical points and features.

2. A Valid Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance:

   
   This certificate may not be older than 2 years. National Regulations stipulate that if there is an electrical fence installed as a security measure on the property then you have to insist on an installation certificate from the electric fence contractor, from the seller or building contractor.

3. A Valid Gas Certificate of Conformity:

   
   This certificate may be no older than 5 years. National Regulations stipulate that this certificate is required to ensure that the installation complies with the Pressure Equipment Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (effective 1 October 2009)

4. Water Certificate:

   
   Municipal by-laws like those of Cape Town and other areas that suffer major water shortages, stipulate that a Certificate of Compliance of Water Installation is compulsory in order to ensure that the installation makes provision for water saving requirements by the local municipalities.

5. Beetle certificate:

   
   Municipal by-laws in coastal provinces stipulate that the Department of Agriculture has to be notified of the existence of wood destroying beetles in order to eradicate these to avoid the risk of spreading.

6. Form 3 for Balustrade Installations:

   
   The South African National Standards dictate that a Form 3 signed off by a professional structural engineer for the Balustrade Installation is compulsory. This Form 3 for a Balustrade Installation is as important as an Electrical or Gas Compliance Certificate when buying a previously owned or new home. The definition of a Form 3 – Declaration by a competent person appointed to design a component or an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977). A contractor that is unable to submit a Form 3 with his balustrade installation, is incapable of guaranteeing the safety and structural reliability of the system because it has not been tested and signed off by a professional structural engineer.

On a new build, you will not receive an occupation certificate should you not be in possession of the above certificates of compliance as stipulated by the National and Municipal by-laws. This includes the requirement to submit a Form 3 to the building inspector for the balustrade installation.

Looking at the above list of certificates of compliance you will note that the electrical, gas and electric fence certificates of compliance are required specifically to ensure the safety of those utilising the building. There is not enough emphasis in the industry on the requirement to insist on a Form 3 for your balustrade system that’s sole purpose is to protect those using the stairs and balconies from falling from dangerously high levels.

If you are buying a previously owned or new home and the home has a staircase, double volume area or balconies, including any area internally or externally that has a change in level of 1meter or more, then there has to be a balustrade to act as fall protection. In order for you to be sure that the balustrade is manufactured from compliant materials and installed in a compliant manner, you would have to insist on the Form 3 signed by a professional structural engineer.

Insisting on the above list of compliance certificates including your Form 3 for the balustrade installation will protect you from unforeseen future costs and potentially serious injuries.

Frameless Glass Balustrades have become the architectural finish of choice among professionals in the international and local building space.

Today’s modern structures have dictated stretched boundaries on designs when incorporating frameless glass into balustrade projects on some of the world’s most prestigious commercial buildings and residential projects. The challenge for professionals has been to find specialist balustrade contractors that are able to design and supply a frameless glass balustrade that would fit the professional’s brief, however artistic it may be and still be able to comply with the National Building and Safety Regulations.

Here are some inspiring frameless glass balustrades on prestigious buildings around the world that have pushed the boundaries of design:

1. 12mm Toughened safety glass attached by means of solid cast stainless steel side fix brackets and a custom manufactured timber handrail
2. Frameless Glass Balustrades consisting of curved, laminated, toughened safety glass attached to the custom staircase via structural custom stainless steel component
3. 12mm Toughened safety glass fixed into a permanent cast concrete channel that runs along the edge of the staircase, including a custom toprail consisting of stainless steel concave tubing.

It is important to note that not all designs and materials shown in the above examples are necessarily successfully manufactured in all countries due to limitations in skills and machinery. However by consulting with a specialist frameless glass balustrade contractor in your area, similar materials and components could achieve a comparable aesthetic finish.

The most important factor to consider when designing and purchasing your new frameless glass balustrade is that a balustrade is a structural element of the building and that the system must be safe for its intended use. The only way to ensure that your balustrade system is safe is to Insist on a Certified Engineers Form 3 from your balustrade contractor.

A Frameless Glass Balustrade without a Certified Form 3 is not Safe!

 

As the South African Building Industry becomes more and more regulated, Home and Building Owners are often finding themselves on the wrong side of the law in terms of their balustrade installations. Unfortunately, unsuspecting Owners automatically assume that balustrades, being a safety feature in their new home or building, should comply with the National Building Codes. They also accept that the balustrade system they are paying hard earned money for is safe for those utilising the building. Building Owners who don’t Insist on a Certified Engineers Form 3 upon completion of their balustrade installation will have no guarantee that their balustrades are structurally sound and safe for its intended use, which is to protect those utilising the building, from falling from elevated and dangerous levels.

What is a Certified Engineers Form 3?

The Form 3 is a document that is a declaration by a competent person, appointed to design a component or an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations: SANS 10400 – A:2010 and the Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).
In layman’s terms, a balustrade contractor must submit a Certified Engineers Form 3 for every balustrade installation they have installed. This Form 3 needs to be completed and signed off by a professional, structural engineer with a professional indemnity policy in place.

Why Should You Insist on a Form 3 on completion of your balustrade project?

Your safety and the safety of those living or working in your new home or new building is of utmost importance. It is the building Owner’s responsibility to Insist on a Certified Engineers Form 3 on completion of their balustrade installation, and also before the Form 4 or occupation certificate can be issued.

If a contractor is unable to provide this Form, you can be assured that your balustrade system has not been tested and signed off by a professional structural engineer, thus leaving you and those utilising your building in a dangerous and unsafe situation, exposing you to the risk of personal liability.

The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act are very specific in stating that the building inspector needs to have this Form 3 for any structural element in the building before submitting an occupation certificate. Unfortunately, some building inspectors have been ignorant around this specialised trade and are completely unaware of what complies and what doesn’t comply in terms of balustrade codes and regulation.

You, as the building owner now have the tools in order to ensure that your balustrade installation consists of the right material thicknesses and that it has been installed to the South African National Safety Standards by a professional balustrade contractor, in order to keep you safe from possible dangerous situations.

When deciding on your next balustrade contractor, don’t allow price to be your only deciding factor. A cheap balustrade system is just that. Insist on a Certified Engineers Form 3 before paying for your balustrade installation.

To the naked eye the difference between Frameless and Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrades may seem insignificant. However, these two balustrade systems are vastly different in terms of their structural fundamentals and even though a Semi-Frameless is a less expensive option than a Frameless Glass Balustrade, they both offer uninterrupted views that enhance your staircase, balcony or pool deck area. [Read more…] about Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrades