Manitoba Building Code for Glass Railings

The Manitoba Building Code for glass railings provides specific guidance for homeowners for the installation and use of glass railing systems. This regulation allows for widespread use of glass guard railings within Manitoba, giving users unobstructed views from their balconies and decks.

It offers protocols for glass selection and structural fabrication that meet the needs of residential, commercial, and public buildings. Strict adherence to these building safety regulations increases the durability of railings and overall user well-being without affecting the beauty of glass guardrails.

Therefore, this article is an excellent starting point for building owners looking to use glass railings for their home or office projects. Keep reading to learn about essential glass railing requirements and compliance guidelines.

Introduction to the Manitoba Building Code

The Manitoba Building Code (MBC) is a set of building safety rules designed to ensure public safety through strict construction standards. First established in the 1970s, this guideline helps ensure all buildings within Manitoba adhere to the same safety compliance guidelines.

Since its inception, the MBC has always been based on the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), providing a yardstick for construction safety regulations. The current version of the Manitoba Building Code is based on the 2020 NBC and came into effect on January 1^st, 2024.

The MBC is also influenced by the code published by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), which reviews building, plumbing, and fire safety regulations. As such, the 2024 Manitoba Building Code grants installers more freedom when designing glass railing systems.

Furthermore, the administration and enforcement of the MBC is the responsibility of the Building Code Section of Inspections and Technical Services. Some of the roles of this department include:

• Issuing construction and installation permits;
• Building inspections;
• Examination and approval of building plans;
• Regular review of provisional building codes to enhance building safety regulations.

Glass Guardrails Safety Regulations Overview

The design and installation of glass railing systems are based on specific compliance guidelines within the Manitoba Building Code. These glass railing safety regulations mandate the provision of guardrails on decks, stairways, mezzanines, and other platforms based on specific requirements.

Glass railing systems not only improve the beauty of buildings but ensure users do not fall when using decks and stairways. Guard railings must withstand pressure from the human body and be continuous around elevated platforms.

As a result, glass railing requirements in Manitoba require the following building safety compliance guidelines.

• All decks, balconies, stairways, porches, and platforms elevated more than 610 mm (24 inches) above the finished floor must have guard railings.
• Exterior stairways with 4 or more risers require guardrails.
• Glass guard railings must not have openings or attachments that facilitate climbing.
• Except in industrial buildings, glass railing systems must not have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.

Specific Glass Guard Railing Requirements

Glass guardrails have specific safety regulations, defining glass panel and railing system height specifications. These glass railing requirements provide standards for the installation and safe use of railings within Manitoba.

Glass Specifications

The Manitoba Building Code specifies information regarding glass composition, thickness, and certification requirements as highlighted below.

• Glass in guard can either be laminated or tempered safety glazing conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M glass railing requirements, or wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M glass safety regulations.
• Glass panels for guard rails should have a thickness of 6 mm (0.2 inches) or more depending on use.
• Glass panels can be tinted, clear, shaded, or colored as long as they conform with the glass railing regulations earlier stated.

Height Specifications

The MBC provides minimum height requirements for glass railing systems to ensure safety. The requirements below minimize the likelihood of users falling over railings.

• Glass guardrails for decks and similar platforms must be at least 914 mm (36 inches) high when the elevation is less than 6 ft from the finished ground.
• Platforms built more than 6 ft from the finished ground must have glass railing systems of at least 1067 mm (42 inches) in height.

These height requirements apply to residential and public areas. However, the Manitoba Building Code provides stricter height guidelines for pool enclosures.

Pool Enclosure Compliance Guidelines

The risk of children drowning necessitates the need for pool enclosure compliance guidelines in Manitoba. So, building owners must secure permits before constructing/installing in-ground or above-ground pools, hot spas/tubs, or similar outdoor structures with a capacity of 600 mm (2 ft) of water or more.

Below are the glass railing requirements for pool enclosures.

• Fencing must be at least 1500 mm (59 inches) high with a maximum height of 2000 mm (79 inches).
• Openings in glass pool enclosures should not exceed 100 mm (4 inches).
• The only wide openings allowed are gates, which must be the same height as the fences. Similarly, these gates must not allow children to crawl underneath by maintaining the same opening limitation as the enclosure.
• The Manitoba Building Code requires gates to have self-closing and self-latching mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access to the pool.
• There must not be any openings or projections on the glass railings that allow for climbing.
• The thickness of the glass used for the pool enclosures should be not less than 12 mm (0.5 inches).

Mandatory inspections are required before putting water in pools with a capacity of 600 mm (2 ft) in depth. Also, all enclosures and gates must be in place before the final inspection from a government inspector.

In situations where inspectors require the addition or removal of features in or around the pool enclosure, building owners must take steps to mitigate the problems identified.

Installation, Maintenance, and Inspection Guidelines

The Manitoba Building Code for Glass Railings provides guidelines and recommendations for the installation and use of glass railing systems. Implementing the following strategies should help building owners maintain user safety.

• Glass railing installations must only be done by professionals who can securely install railing structures and glass panels.
• Installers should only use high-quality products like screws, hinges, and spigots.
• Building owners should perform regular inspections to look for loose fittings, chips, or cracks.
• Problems detected during periodic inspections should be immediately addressed to prevent accidents.

Conclusion

Glass railings can beautify and bring out the best of any balcony, deck, or stairway. However, these guardrails must be designed and installed using standard regulations to ensure building safety.

The Manitoba Building Code guides the use of glass railing systems in houses, offices, and public spaces. It highlights the requirements necessary for the design and installation of glass railings to ensure the safety of users.

The MBC specifies glass panel and height requirements for framed and frameless glass railings. It also alludes to installation, maintenance, and inspection of glass railing guidelines necessary for residential and commercial buildings.

Manitoba Building Code FAQs       

What is the glass railing code in Manitoba?

The Manitoba Building Code specifies guidelines for glass railing design and installation. It requires all decks, porches, and stairways to have a minimum glass railing system of 914 mm (36 inches) high.

What is the minimum thickness for glass railings?

A glass panel for a guardrail should be at least 6 mm (0.2 inches) thick.

What kind of glass is used for railings?

Glass panels used for railings must be laminated, tempered, or wired safety glazing.