Make a balcony child safe in Hong Kong

There are relatively large spaces between the steel railings on my balcony. How can I safeguard them from my toddler who is starting to climb?

The easiest approach would be to block the gaps with clear perspex. That way you won't block out light of any existing view. Perspex comes in 5mm thick sheets measuring 1.2 metres by 2.4 metres. Make a simple sketch of your railing area.

Mark the height and width of the perspex needed and take your drawing to one of the perspex shops along Lockhart Road in Wan Chai or Do Hay Plastic Advertising Company, 19 Gage Street, Central (tel: 2541 0719).

The shop will cut the perspex to size and finish the edges for you. To attach to the railings. drill holes at the corners of the perspex with a 6.5mm drill bit. Thread pieces of steel wire through the holes and tie around the rails.

Alternatively, you can drill holes directly into the railings and fix the perspex on with self-tapping screws (screws that create their own thread). Make sure the holes are a size smaller than the screws. All materials can be purchased from Wing Lee Hardware, 154 Wellington Street, Central (tel: 2544 2345).

What Are Hong Kong's Building Regulations for Balcony Safety?

This is something every parent in Hong Kong needs to understand, because the regulations are quite specific and the consequences of non-compliance are serious -- both legally and in terms of child safety.

Under Hong Kong's Buildings Ordinance and the associated building regulations, there are clear requirements for balcony barriers:

• Minimum railing height -- Balcony railings must be at least 1,100mm (110cm) high. Many older Hong Kong buildings have railings that are only 900mm or even 800mm -- these do not meet current standards and should be raised or supplemented with additional barriers.
• Maximum gap between balusters -- The gap between vertical bars should not exceed 100mm (10cm). This is designed to prevent a child's head from fitting through. However, many balconies in older buildings have gaps of 120-150mm, which is wide enough for a small child to squeeze through.
• No climbable elements -- Railings should not have horizontal bars or ledges that a child could use as a ladder. Unfortunately, many Hong Kong balconies feature decorative horizontal elements that are essentially a climbing frame for a determined toddler.
• Window grille requirements -- The Buildings Department requires that window grilles be installed in any residential unit above the first floor where children under 16 live. Landlords are obligated to allow tenants to install grilles, and tenants who remove grilles can be held liable.

If your balcony does not meet these requirements, you should address it immediately. The Buildings Department takes fall prevention seriously, and for good reason -- falls from height remain one of the most serious risks for young children in Hong Kong's high-rise environment. For a comprehensive guide to all aspects of childproofing, see my article on making your entire home child safe.

What Balcony Safety Products Are Available in Hong Kong?

Beyond the perspex panel solution described above, there are several other approaches depending on your balcony type, budget, and whether you own or rent:

• Clear perspex panels (5mm) -- My recommended solution for most situations. Cost: HK$80-120 per panel cut to size from the perspex shops on Lockhart Road in Wan Chai. Pros: maintains light and views, very strong, easy to clean. Cons: can scratch over time, shows fingerprints, may yellow slightly after several years of UV exposure.
• Safety netting -- Heavy-duty nylon or polypropylene netting designed for balcony safety. Cost: HK$150-300 per running metre. Pros: quick to install, allows airflow (important in Hong Kong's humid climate), less expensive than perspex. Cons: less aesthetically pleasing, can sag over time, needs replacing every 3-5 years as UV degrades the material.
• Stainless steel mesh panels -- A premium option that looks modern and is virtually indestructible. Cost: HK$500-800 per panel. Pros: will last decades, typhoon-proof, looks smart on modern buildings. Cons: most expensive option, requires professional installation.
• Polycarbonate sheets -- Similar to perspex but more impact-resistant and UV-stable. Cost: HK$300-500 per sheet. Pros: stronger than perspex, better UV resistance, available in tinted versions for sun protection. Cons: slightly more expensive, harder to cut at home.
• Bamboo or reed screening with backing mesh -- For village houses and lower-rise properties where aesthetics are important. The visible bamboo looks natural while the steel mesh behind it provides the actual safety barrier. Cost: HK$200-400 per running metre including both layers.

Whichever option you choose, the key is that it must be securely fixed. A safety panel that comes loose in a typhoon is itself a hazard. I use stainless steel fixings throughout -- standard steel will rust within months in Hong Kong's salt air, particularly in coastal areas like The Peak and the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Important considerations for renters: If you are renting, you may be reluctant to drill into the railings. In that case, the wire-tie method for perspex panels (described above) is ideal because it leaves no permanent marks. Safety netting can also be attached with cable ties and removed when you move out. Always discuss any modifications with your landlord first, but most landlords in Hong Kong are supportive of child safety modifications.

Do not forget about furniture placement on the balcony. Never position chairs, tables, planter boxes, or storage boxes near the railings -- children will climb on them. Keep all balcony furniture low and away from the edges. This is simple common sense but it is remarkable how often I visit homes where a planter box has been placed right next to a railing with wide gaps.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Installing a small perspex panel with wire ties is a manageable DIY job. However, I strongly recommend professional installation for:

• High-rise balconies (above the 5th floor) -- Working at height on the exterior of a building carries serious risks. A dropped tool or panel could injure someone below, and you need to ensure the fixings are absolutely secure.
• Large balconies or wrap-around terraces -- These require multiple panels that need to be precisely aligned and securely joined. Gaps between panels are themselves a hazard.
• Railings that need modification -- If your railings are below the required 1,100mm height, or if horizontal elements need to be covered, this is structural work that should be done by someone experienced.
• Stainless steel mesh installation -- This requires specialised tools and precise measurement to get a taut, clean finish.

A full balcony safety installation typically costs HK$1,500-5,000 depending on the size of the balcony and the materials chosen. I carry perspex, polycarbonate, and safety netting in my van and can usually complete the job in a single visit. For a complete overview of all child safety services, visit our dedicated section.

Balcony safety is not something to cut corners on. Every year in Hong Kong there are tragic incidents involving children and balconies. The small investment in proper safety barriers gives you peace of mind and lets your children enjoy the outdoor space safely.

Last updated: March 2026