do not obstruct stair travel. Barriers are required inside your home where it is possible to fall one metre or more. They must be: At least 900 mm high (one metre if they are in a place where people are likely to congregate). Designed so that a child cannot get a foothold and climb onto them between the heights of 150 mm and 760 mm. Stairs constructed since 1992 also require side barriers where it is possible to fall more than one metre. Balconies, decks and mezzanines Since 1992, if the balcony or deck is one metre or more off the ground you have to provide a barrier. However it is worth considering putting a barrier on balconies or decks below one metre to prevent people simply walking off the edge. Timber-slatted decks and concrete patios. Timber-slat decks can be very slippery especially when wet, mossy or when it?s frosty. Grooved timber decking is more slip resistant in the wet than smooth timber, as long as you are walking against the grooves. Timber-slatted decks can be installed at the same level as the floor inside to give level access but you must have a gap of at least 6-12 mm between your wall cladding and the deck to allow for drainage and prevent water pooling. Any lip at the door sill or step down onto the deck should be easily distinguished by users. Windows opening onto decks and patios should not obstruct travel paths outside. Risk of falling from decks