Espoo’ Building Control Unit advises properties to ensure the safety of fibre cement boards used in balcony railings

The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland issued an accident threat notification on 21 May 2026 concerning fibre cement boards used in balcony railings. Strength tests confirmed that fibre cement boards are not suitable as fall protection or for preventing falls.

Fibre cement boards have been widely used in Finland in balcony railings, particularly in apartment buildings constructed between the 1960s and 1980s. The Building Control Unit advises housing companies and other property owners to take action to ensure the safety of balcony and terrace railings if fibre cement boards have been used as fall protection.

The Building Control Unit also advises these housing companies to consider restricting the use of balconies and terraces until the safety of the fall protection structures has been verified. The building owner is responsible for ensuring that the building is safe to use.