Barrier & Balustrade Testing

Accredited load testing for barriers and balustrades- ensuring spectator safety and compliance with the Green Guide.

Kiwa CMT provides specialist barrier and balustrade testing for sports stadia, arenas, residential and commercial buildings. Testing follows the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide) and BS 6180. Our expert team delivers in-situ load testing and factual reporting to help stadium operators, designers, and contractors meet regulatory requirements and safeguard spectators.

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What is Barrier & Balustrade Testing

Ensuring Safety and Compliance with the Green Guide

Barrier and balustrade testing involves applying controlled loads to handrails, guardrails, and crowd barriers to verify their strength, stability, and compliance with the Green Guide and BS 6180. Testing is performed in situ, with results documented in detailed reports for building control, safety certification, and client assurance.

Our inspections help prevent crowd-related incidents and support safe standing initiatives.

Our services include:

  • Static and dynamic load testing as specified by the Green Guide
  • Testing of crush barriers, balustrades, handrails, and perimeter fencing
  • Photographic documentation and clear, factual reporting
Story

Safe Standing at West Bromwich Albion FC

We’re proud to support the future of fan safety and stadium innovation. Kiwa working with our partners GL events UK recently carried out testing of safe standing barriers at West Bromwich Albion Football Club in accordance with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) directive — ensuring 5% of total installed seat places meet the latest safety standards. This work aligns with the Green Guide (6th edition) — the definitive guide to safety at sports grounds — and reflects our commitment to helping clubs meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

Story

Safe Standing at Lingfield Park Racecourse

We’re proud to support the future of fan safety and racecourse innovation. Kiwa working in partnership with Lingfield Park racecourse recently carried out a risk assessment and testing of barriers and guard rails at Lingfield Park racecourse in accordance with Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) directive - ensuring compliance to the latest safety standards. This work aligns with the Green Guide (6th edition) — the definitive guide to safety at sports grounds — and reflects our commitment to helping racecourses meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

Why Choose Kiwa CMT

Trusted Testing for Sports Stadia and Public Venues

National Coverage

Nationwide site testing

Standard Driven

Compliance with the Green Guide and BS 6180

Expert Team

Experienced technicians and engineers with sports stadia expertise

Fast turnaround

Reports typically delivered within 5 working days

Proven track record

We work with with Premier League, EFL and major event venues

Trusted Reputation

Backed by Kiwa’s reputation for impartiality and technical excellence

Our Testing Process

How Barrier & Balustrade Testing Works

    Scoping

    Initial consultation and review of stadium/building drawings/specifications

    Site Preparation

    On-site mobilisation and equipment setup

    Testing

    In-situ static and dynamic load testing to regulatory requirements

    Reporting

    Photographic documentation and factual reporting

    Professional Assessment

    Recommendations for remedial action if required

Business Benefits

Why Barrier & Balustrade Testing Matters

Compliance:

Meet statutory and Green Guide requirements for spectator safety

Safety:

Protect spectators, staff, and the public

Risk Reduction:

Identify weaknesses before failure occurs

Evidence:

Provide robust documentation for safety certification and insurance

Efficiency:

Streamline approval and handover processes
Who We Work With

Supporting Sports Stadia and Public Venues

• Stadium and Arena Operators

• Safety Officers and Event Managers

• Contractors and Developers

• Architects and Specifiers

• Local Authorities and Building Control

Standards & Regulations We Work To

Our barrier testing services are delivered in line with the most recognised safety standards and regulatory frameworks for sports stadia and public venues

Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide, 6th Edition)

The industry standard for stadium safety, published by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).

BS 6180:2011 (Barriers in and about buildings)

Specifies requirements for barriers used to protect people from falling.

BS EN 13200-3:2018 (Spectator Facilities – Part 3: Separating Elements)

Covers design and performance requirements for crush barriers and handrails.

Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) Requirements

Specific directives for safe standing, barrier strength, and crowd management.

Stadium-specific safety protocols and engineering specifications

Including bespoke requirements from clubs, consultants, and local authorities.

“Kiwa working with our partners GL events UK recently carried out testing of safe standing barriers at West Bromwich Albion Football Club in accordance with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) directive."

Safe Standing at West Bromwich Albion FC
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Green Guide?

A: The Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide) sets out the standards for the design and testing of barriers and crush barriers in sports stadia to ensure spectator safety.

Q: What types of barriers do you test?

A: We test crush barriers (including safe standing), balustrades, handrails, perimeter fencing, and other crowd control structures.

Q: What loads are barriers tested to?

A: Barriers are tested to static and dynamic loads as specified in the Green Guide and BS 6180:2011, reflecting real-world crowd pressures.

Q: How quickly can I get my test report?

A: Standard turnaround is approximately 5 working days following completion of testing. A rapid turnaround service is available on request.

Q: Can you support safe standing installations?

A: Yes, we work with partners like GL events UK to ensure compliance and safety.

Q: What types of venues do you work with?

A: Football stadiums, racecourses, rugby grounds, arenas, motorsport and multi-use venues.

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Contact

Ensure Spectator Safety and Compliance with Kiwa CMT

Partner with Kiwa CMT for trusted, independent barrier and balustrade testing -protecting people and ensuring your venue meets the highest safety standards.  

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