The document discusses the importance of glazing safety and outlines safety standards for glass used in residential construction according to the International Residential Code, which mandates the use of safety glass for various types of doors and windows in hazardous locations. It describes different types of safety glass including tempered, laminated, and impact-resistant glass, detailing their construction and benefits in terms of strength and safety. Additionally, it specifies conditions under which safety glass must be used, including proximity to walking surfaces and door openings.

1. GLASS & GLAZING
SAFETY
NUB INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH
AND SAFETY

2. Why Glazing Safety is important?
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

3. Glass Safety Standards
As per the International Residential Code, all glass or panels in fixed, operable,
swinging, sliding and bifold doors must be constructed from safety glass,
regardless of size.
In addition, any glass located adjacent to a door within a 24-inch arc of the
door must be constructed from safety glass.
If the bottom edge of the glass is less than 60 inches above the walking
surface.
The only exception to these rules is decorative glass. and any glass opening too
small for a 3-inch ball to pass through.
All glass located within 40 inches of an exterior or interior dwelling unit door be
tempered or burglar-resistant.
Doors and Transoms
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

4. …..Cont’d
Hazardous Locations
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

5. …..Cont’d
Fixed or operable windows must include safety glass if;
they measure larger than 9 feet square,
the bottom edge is less than 18 inches above the floor,
the top edge is more than 36 inches above the floor,
 and there is a walking surface within 36 inches of the glass. Tempered
glass is not required unless all four of these conditions are met.
Windows
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

6. …..Cont’d
Hazardous Locations
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

7. Other Areas
Stairs Wet Areas Balconies
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8. Types of Glass
Tempered Glass
Laminated Glass
Impact-Resistant Glass
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9. Tempered Glass
Manufacturers strengthen tempered glass by heating it to
1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, and then immediately cooling
down the surface with blasts of cold air. The center of the
glass stays hot, remaining liquid for a while longer before
solidifying. As the center of the glass cools down, it
compresses the glass edges and surfaces, which dramatically
increases the strength of the glass. This heat-treated glass is
flexible and takes about four times more force to break than
ordinary glass. When tempered glass, windows do break,
they tend to crumble into small, rectangular pieces instead
of shattering into sharp shards.
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

10. Laminated Glass
Another viable option for large windows includes
laminated safety glass. Laminated glass is made
from two sheets of glass that are tightly pressed
together and bound under heat. A 9/100-inch
layer of clear plastic material, usually polyvinyl
butyrate is sandwiched between two glass
sheets. This three-layered window tolerates
minor breaks without falling apart, and the
plastic holds the glass together if the glass in the
window actually cracks.
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018

11. Impact-Resistant Glass (Film coating)
An impact-resistant window contains a shatter-
resistant film applied to the surface of the glass.
The film keeps the glass shards in place should
the window break. For added safety, use impact-
resistant window frames along with impact-
resistant windows. Impact-resistant frames weigh
more than frames in standard windows because
they contain steel reinforcements and stiffeners
inside of the frame material to help the glass
absorb the force of a strong impact.
GLASS & GLAZING SAFETY2018