We have a large shed with a mezzanine floor which we will use for storage etc... We have installed a staircase rather than a ladder..It has bolts into the floor and the wall etc..(so technically it could be called removable if necessary).
Do we need a balustrade? It has a wall on one side all the way up, and it comes up against a wall as it gets higher on the other side. However there is an area on one side that has no balustrade etc from the floor to a height of 2.3 metres. the area to the side of this is a hall of 900m wide before the wall.

To my way of thinking - if it had a ladder there would be no balustrade at all....but not sure if we need one?

For safety reasons I would want a balustrade but for ease of storing large items it could get in the way and be a pita!! Would something like a length of lightweight chain/rope/etc which is removable, work for you? Then when you want to move large, bulky items into the storage area you could temporarily remove the chain/rope/etc then refit it again later. Maybe it could be held in place with carabiners etc.

All I can come up with at the moment...will be interesting to read other's suggestions.

A potential fall of more than 2m is considered a high risk situation.

If a workman or visitor to your house fell you could have a negligance claim against you. If you fell in addition to the injuries the insurer may have a get out due to negligence contributing to the injury