The Kankaanpää building control reminds housing companies and property owners of their responsibility to ensure the safety of glass structures and fall protection on balconies. In particular, the strength of glass railings installed before 2023 should be verified with the help of an expert.

According to the findings of the Finnish Accident Investigation Board (Otkes), many older glass balcony railing structures have serious strength deficiencies that can cause a fall hazard.

According to the new Construction Act, the building owner is responsible for ensuring that the building continuously meets safety requirements. If the housing company has glass balcony railings whose durability has not been recently verified, the building inspectorate recommends having them inspected by a qualified expert.

Do this if you have doubts about the safety of structures:

• Restrict use: If clear deficiencies are detected in the railing attachments or the condition of the glass, the use of the balconies in question must be prevented until the structures have been secured.
• Check the need for permission: Replacing or repairing balcony railings due to safety deficiencies may require a new building permit in accordance with the Building Act. building permitif the work significantly affects the safety or facade of the building.
• Always check in advance with the municipal building control department whether a permit is required for renovation work and the required structural plans.