This guideline has been developed to help building owners and occupiers, builders and inspectors carry out inspections on balustrades, decks and balconies in order to check the safety of these structures.

The guideline may be useful for industry professionals. However, the information is not a replacement for technical standards used by industry.

Owners and managers of non-residential buildings with a deck or balcony, such as restaurants, hotels and clubs, may also find this guideline relevant.

The guideline also provides useful advice about safety issues associated with elevated floors and openable windows.

In recent years a number of deaths and serious injuries have occurred as a result of falls from decks, balconies and windows, or from the collapse of decks and balconies.

Statistics from pre-purchase inspection agencies suggest that approximately six per cent of Australian houses have a timber deck or balcony and about two per cent of these may cause potentially fatal injuries if they collapsed or if the balustrade or railing failed. These numbers are estimated to be even higher in Queensland where, due to our unique climate, timber decks are a major feature of many homes. Some of these decks may have been constructed inadequately or illegally and could now be in danger of collapse.

Building owners especially need to consider risks and consequences arising from an injury or death associated with a failing balustrade or deck, which is shown to be in poor condition or illegally built.

If you own a building with a balcony or deck—whether it is made from timber, metal, concrete or another material—you should ensure it is inspected carefully for decaying timbers, unstable balustrades, corrosion and cracking of concrete.