The UK’s leading balustrade system manufacturer and installer, Sapphire Balustrades, has developed a RIBA approved CPD presentation - ‘Design Secrets for Creating Beautiful, Hard-wearing and Safe Balustrades and Handrails’. The presentation includes videos, technical drawings and photos developed to help architects and designers to create stylish, safe balustrade systems that also comply with all relevant regulations. Seminars are offered at Sapphire’s regional offices throughout the country, or at specifiers’ own premises by arrangement.

Sapphire’s presentation gives the designer advice on how to create individually styled balustrades and handrail systems using optimum materials, profiles, fixings and details. It also highlights some key design considerations, including positioning and size of handrails, as well as ideas of how ergonomics and aesthetics can be enhanced. Marketing Manager, Nick Haughton, explains: “We understand that creating an attractive balustrade solution whilst complying with all relevant regulations is sometimes a tall order. This CPD seminar draws on our two decades of experience and expertise to deliver practical design advice for architects and designers”.

Regulatory compliance is a key element of Sapphire’s CPD presentation, as failure to comply can have serious consequences. Apart from a potentially costly project delay if a design is refused by planners or building control, inappropriately designed or installed balustrades can result in fatalities or permanent injuries. Sapphire’s CPD addresses various common pitfalls and offers advice on all relevant aspects including regulatory compliance from issues such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) ‘not cold to touch’ rule for outdoor handrails, to the more complex British Standards relating to the use of toughened laminate glass and the minimum curve radii of toughened glass.

Diocesan Architects in Kent say Sapphire’s CPD has expanded the practice’s knowledge of balustrade systems using Sapphire’s comprehensive range. “Sapphire arranged a seminar for our Diocesan’s team of architects and technicians at our offices in Faversham. Although we are aware of regulations such as DDA, Sapphire’s CPD showed us the potential of differing balustrade solutions in terms of design and application, which will prove very useful on future projects”