Hong Kong Regulations

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 8

Changes in level

(1) At the outer edge of all balconies, verandahs, staircases, landings or
projections, or where there is a difference in adjacent levels greater than
600 mm, protective barriers shall be provided to restrict or control the
movement of persons and vehicles.

(2) Protective barriers provided under this regulation to restrict or control
the movement of persons shall be-

   (a)  designed and constructed to minimize the risk of persons or objects
        falling, rolling, sliding or slipping through gaps in the barrier, or
        persons climbing over the barrier;

   (b)  at a height above the higher of the adjacent levels of not less than
        1.1 m; and

   (c)  constructed as to inhibit the passage of articles more than 100 mm in
        their smallest dimension.

(3) At the outer edge of all balconies, verandahs, floors, accessible roofs,
or similar areas, the lowermost 150 mm of the protective barrier shall be
built solid, but this subregulation shall not apply to roofs where no access
is provided to the roof other than such access as may be necessary for
maintenance work.

(3A) (a) As regards a place of public entertainment, in addition to those of
subregulations (1) to (3), the requirements of paragraph (b) shall apply.

   (b)  The protective barrier provided at the outer edge of any upper tier
        shall be-

        (i)    constructed so that any horizontal surface is inclined towards
               the seating at an angle of 30 degrees and is concave in
               section; or

        (ii)   provided in such other manner as will allow only small articles
               to be placed on such barrier and will ensure that articles are
               not liable to fall to any tier or area below. (L.N. 195 of
               1996)

(4) This regulation shall not apply to a stage in an assembly hall, a loading
bay in a factory, or spaces within domestic premises for occupation by one
family. (Enacted 1990)