In the context of commercial construction in Australia, a baluster is a vertical member that supports a railing or handrail in a balustrade system . A balustrade is a safety barrier designed to prevent falls from elevated areas, such as stairways, balconies, and raised floor levels .

Relevant Australian Standards

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is responsible for writing Australia's standardized building requirements, including the National Construction Code (NCC) . The NCC provides guidelines for the design and construction of balustrades in commercial buildings.

BCA Requirements

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) mandates specific requirements for balustrades in commercial construction, including:

•  Height: Balustrades must be at least 1 meter high .
•  Spacing: The spacing between balusters must not exceed 125mm to prevent large objects from passing through .
•  Design: The balustrade system must be designed to withstand various loads, including wind and impact loads [information is missing on specific load requirements].

Installation Requirements

A balustrade is required for any type of walkway, stairway, balcony, or deck where the floor level changes by more than 1000mm . Additionally, a handrail is required on at least one side of a stairway flight or ramp .

By complying with these Australian standards and BCA requirements, commercial builders and architects can ensure the safe design and construction of balustrades in commercial buildings.