Standards Development

Scope

This British Standard gives guidance on the design of balconies and terraces and their component parts.

Balconies and terraces covered within this British Standard can be at any height above lowest ground level, unless stated otherwise.

This British Standard defines Juliet guardings but covers their guarding elements only.

Certain aspects of this British Standard are not applicable to walkways, roofs, pedestrian surfaces and balconies intended for access only for maintenance. These include enclosure of balconies, arrangement of balconies, wind effects, inclusive design, safety (other standards apply), ventilation outlets and acoustic design.

This British Standard is not specifically intended to cover internal balconies, such as within a building atrium or covered courtyard, but relevant guidance herein can be used in the absence of guidance specific to such balconies.

Asset protection other than service life is not included within the scope of this British Standard.

Raised timber structures on support posts built into the ground and serving ground floor accommodation are considered raised pedestrian surfaces and outside the scope of this British Standard.

Purpose

It has been proposed the BS 8579 be revised to ensure that the standard is technically clarified and aligned with more recent standards such as BS 6229 and BS 9991.

Technical feedback has been received and to be considered by the committee panel and requests for standardization relating to decking are to be considered for consolidation.

The panel are currently looking for feedback for BS 8579, both in terms of what could be improved, added, and also what sections work well.