Small children like to climb. If they do it on a balcony things can quickly get dangerous. To avoid this there are a number of rules which must be obeyed when building and using a balcony.
Barred balustrade: Balconies on old buildings frequently have pretty bars. The disadvantage: they are very easy to climb and are therefore not safe for children. To solve this problem the TÜV Technical Inspectorate recommends that the bars be securely covered.
Horizontal struts: Horizontal struts are like a ladder and therefore provide an excellent climbing frame for children. In the construction of a new balcony horizontal struts should be excluded from the planning right from the start. On existing balconies the same applies as for bars: cover the struts up and make them impossible for small children to climb on.
Vertical struts: Vertical bars can also represent a danger. They should be at most twelve centimetres apart so that neither the head nor body of a child can pass through. This is also required by law.
Beware of climbing aids: A child's imagination knows no limits - especially if it wants to climb up something. Chairs, tables, drink crates and flower tubs can quickly be used as climbing aids. After enjoying breakfast or an evening celebration on the balcony anything which could be used as a climbing aid should as far as possible be removed. Better to be safe than sorry.
Floor and door: On a new balcony the parents can not only have a childproof balustrade installed, they can also make sure that the floor covering is safe for children. This should be non-slip so that the little ones can for example play safely in socks.
Barred balustrade: Balconies on old buildings frequently have pretty bars. The disadvantage: they are very easy to climb and are therefore not safe for children. To solve this problem the TÜV Technical Inspectorate recommends that the bars be securely covered.
Horizontal struts: Horizontal struts are like a ladder and therefore provide an excellent climbing frame for children. In the construction of a new balcony horizontal struts should be excluded from the planning right from the start. On existing balconies the same applies as for bars: cover the struts up and make them impossible for small children to climb on.
Vertical struts: Vertical bars can also represent a danger. They should be at most twelve centimetres apart so that neither the head nor body of a child can pass through. This is also required by law.
Beware of climbing aids: A child's imagination knows no limits - especially if it wants to climb up something. Chairs, tables, drink crates and flower tubs can quickly be used as climbing aids. After enjoying breakfast or an evening celebration on the balcony anything which could be used as a climbing aid should as far as possible be removed. Better to be safe than sorry.
Floor and door: On a new balcony the parents can not only have a childproof balustrade installed, they can also make sure that the floor covering is safe for children. This should be non-slip so that the little ones can for example play safely in socks.