A glass railing isn’t just a design element – above all, it’s a fall-protection barrier that must meet specific technical requirements. Before ordering a railing, it’s worth knowing which standards and parameters a contractor considers when designing a safe construction. These requirements apply whether we’re talking about a balcony railing or a stair railing.
What standards apply in Poland?
Railings, including glass railings, are subject to the requirements set out in the Polish Minister of Infrastructure’s regulation on the technical conditions buildings must meet, and – for the glass itself – to the PN-EN series of standards for safety glass (including PN-EN 12150 for tempered ESG glass and PN-EN 14449 for laminated VSG glass). These define, among other things, the minimum railing height, permissible loads, and the required type of glass depending on the application.
Minimum railing height
Railing height depends on the building’s function and the height at which it’s installed:
- In residential buildings – generally a minimum of 110 cm for level differences up to 25 m;
- For greater level differences or in public buildings – requirements may rise to 120 cm or more;
- The exact height for a specific building is determined at the design stage, taking into account the building’s purpose and local conditions.
What glass is used in railings?
Only safety glass is used for glass railings:
- Tempered ESG glass – impact-resistant; if broken, it shatters into small, low-injury fragments;
- Laminated VSG glass – two or more panes bonded with a PVB film; even after cracking, the fragments stay attached to the film, which is crucial in self-supporting railings, where the glass acts as a structural element.
In self-supporting railings, due to the lack of an additional safeguard such as a handrail or posts, laminated VSG glass of increased thickness is the standard – we cover this in more detail in our article on the differences between self-supporting and framed railings.
Who is responsible for compliance with the standards?
Selecting the right glass thickness, railing height, and mounting method should result from calculations tailored to the specific project – taking into account building height, expected loads, and location. That’s why every project starts with a measurement and technical analysis, not a selection from a ready-made price list.
Planning a glass railing installation and want to be sure it meets all safety requirements? Get in touch with us – we’ll prepare a design compliant with current standards.