DG Scott, the specialist fabrication arm of the Corden Group, were appointed to design, manufacture and install a bespoke balustrading system for a primary school project. The installation required a tailored, safety-led solution to prevent climbing risks and ensure full compliance with building regulations.
Background
The client required the supply and installation of bespoke balustrading to a set of external steps used daily by primary school pupils. As the specialist fabrication arm of the Corden Group, DG Scott took responsibility for the design, fabrication and installation of the bespoke balustrade system.
The Challenge
The staircase provided access to an elevated pathway situated at the top of a flood bank, an environment that created an additional risk, especially for younger children.
There were a number of key challenges, that needed addressing, including:
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Fall-prevention – Students could potentially climb onto the side wall of the staircase, presenting a significant fall risk from height.
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Rear access – There was the possibility of children climbing the backside of the wall, meaning the design needed to block any opportunity for climbing.
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Gaps in standard balustrades – With standard round-tube balustrades, small children can squeeze between the mid-rail and top-rail. Building regulations required the balustrade panels to be positioned above the wall level, meaning complete restriction of movement and climbing potential was essential.
The project demanded a safe and regulation-compliant design that eliminated climbing risks from all angles.
The Solution
DG Scott’s engineering team carried out a full site inspection to assess measurements, check ground conditions and understand the space limitations. Using these insights, they engineered a tailored solution that addressed every element of the brief.
Key aspects of the solution included:
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Wrap-around protection – A bespoke balustrade design that wrapped around the side wall of the stairs to prevent students from climbing onto the wall surface.
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Laser-cut infill panels – Custom, laser-cut steel panels were installed between the mid-rail and top-rail to remove climbing gaps entirely.
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High-visibility finish – All panels were fabricated in-house by DG Scott, galvanised for longevity and powder-coated in bright yellow for visibility and safety.
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Specialist installation:
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Panels were fixed into the paved areas via core drilling and secured with polyresin mortar.
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On the grass verge, posts were set securely in excavated holes using postcrete for stability.
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This combination of design, fabrication, and installation provided a solution that was both durable and completely tailored to the site.
The Outcome
The completed balustrading system now provides enhanced safety and complete climb-prevention for the pupils using the staircase and elevated pathway.
The wrap-around design and anti-climb infill panels ensure there are no areas where students can attempt to climb or squeeze through, significantly reducing risk and bringing the installation in full alignment with building regulations.
The bespoke DG Scott solution has delivered a secure, long-lasting, and high-visibility safety barrier, giving the school confidence that pupils can move safely around the site.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner for bespoke metalwork, contact our friendly team. Our engineers can design, manufacture and install a solution that fits your site perfectly.
Find out more about our balustrades.