What is Safety Glazing? Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 12:00 AM Safety Glazing What is Safety Glazing? A Comprehensive GuideSafety glazing material is an essential component in modern construction and design, encouraging the safety and security of people and property. By utilizing specialized materials, safety glazing provides enhanced protection against accidents, environmental hazards, and external impacts. In addition to safeguarding individuals, safety glazing material is used to help builders and glass fabricators meet safety performance requirements established by industry standards and regulations such as ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN/CGSB 12.1.Products certified by the Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC) have been tested to, and passed, one or more industry safety glazing standards. This reinforces that SGCC labelled products used in residential and commercial buildings meet performance characteristics designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of death and serious injury when the safety glazing material is broken by human contact. SGCC Certification does not cover forced entry, security, energy efficiency, acoustics, or weather (hurricane) related specifications.This blog will help you understand safety glazing's critical aspects, including its definition, materials, applications, and the importance of compliance. Whether you are a manufacturer, property owner, architect, or builder, understanding the nuances of safety glazing is vital for meeting safety standards.What is Safety Glazing?Safety glazing refers to specially designed materials, such as tempered glass, laminated glass, or polycarbonate, that minimize the risk of injury in the event of breakage or impact. Unlike traditional glass, safety glazing materials are engineered to either hold together upon impact or break into small, less harmful fragments, reducing the likelihood of severe injuries. Why Safety Glazing is EssentialSafety glazing is crucial for preventing life-threatening injuries caused by broken glass or accidents involving sharp edges. These materials are particularly effective in high-risk areas such as staircases, bathrooms, and busy commercial spaces where impact-related incidents are more likely to occur.Furthermore, safety glazing is vital for protecting against external hazards such as severe weather conditions, vandalism, or forced entry. It should be noted that these types of certifications are separate from SGCC Certification. Areas Where Safety Glazing is RequiredSafety glazing is typically mandated in areas where the risk of glass-related accidents is higher. Common applications include:Windows in public or residential buildings.Glass doors and partitions in offices and homes.Shower and bathtub enclosures.Glass railings and staircases.Compliance with safety glazing requirements reinforces that the product installed meets minimum safety standards. Safety Glazing RequirementsBuilding Codes and Safety StandardsSafety glazing materials must comply with a range of international and regional standards to meet optimal performance. Key standards include:ANSI Z97.1: Establishes safety performance specifications for architectural glazing materials, including impact tests and weathering requirements.CPSC 16 CFR 1201: A US federal standard addressing the safety of glass in architectural applications.CAN/CGSB 12.1: A Canadian standard focusing on tempered and laminated safety glass.These standards subject safety glazing materials to rigorous testing in a controlled environment to simulate real-world scenarios. Locations and Situations That Mandate Safety GlazingSafety glazing is required in areas deemed hazardous by the International Building Code (IBC) to minimize injury risks. These locations include:Doors (IBC 2406.4.1): All panels in swinging, sliding, or bi-fold doors require safety glazing, except for decorative glass or small openings.Adjacent to Doors (IBC 2406.4.2): Glazing within 24 inches of a door and less than 60 inches above the floor is hazardous unless separated by a wall or barrier.Windows (IBC 2406.4.3): Windows larger than 9 square feet, with a bottom edge under 18 inches and near walking surfaces, require safety glazing.Guards and Railings (IBC 2406.4.5): Glass used in railings, balusters, and panels must meet safety standards due to their high-impact exposure.Wet Areas (IBC 2406.4.5): Glazing near tubs, showers, and pools within 60 inches of the floor requires safety glazing for slip-prone zones.Stairways and Ramps (IBC 2406.4.6): Glass near stairs and ramps under 60 inches from the floor must be safety glazing.Stairway Landings (IBC 2406.4.7): Safety glazing is required within 60 inches horizontally and vertically of stairway landings.These codes mandate safety glazing will be installed where occupant safety is a primary concern. Compliance Tips for Property Owners and BuildersCompliance with safety glazing standards involves:Understanding Local Codes: Familiarize yourself with regional safety requirements.Choosing Certified Products: Look for materials certified by third-party organizations like the SGCC (Safety Glazing Certification Council). For certification to be valid, the correct permanent label must be present on the product.Collaborating with Professionals: Work with licensed contractors and manufacturers experienced in safety glazing installations. Safety Glazing Material: What Materials Are Used?Safety glazing materials are designed to meet stringent safety standards while addressing various functional and aesthetic needs. Each type offers distinct advantages, making them suitable for specific applications in construction and design. Common Safety Glazing MaterialsSafety glazing materials are diverse, each offering unique advantages:Tempered Glass: thermally or chemically tempered to a surface and/or edge compression to meet the requirements of ASTM C1048 and designed to break into small fragments.Laminated Glass: Made by bonding glass with a durable interlayer that retains the fragments together upon breakage.Polycarbonate: A lightweight, synthetic material known for its impact resistance and flexibility. Benefits of Using Each MaterialTempered Glass: Offers exceptional strength and is ideal for high-impact areas like doors and railings.Laminated Glass: Provides soundproofing, UV resistance, glass retention when broken, and enhanced security.Polycarbonate: Lightweight and shatterproof, making it suitable for environments requiring maximum durability. Choosing the Right Safety Glazing MaterialSelecting the most appropriate safety glazing material depends on:Application:Residential Windows: Tempered glass is often selected for its strength and cost-effectiveness.Noise Reduction: Laminated glass is ideal due to its soundproofing qualities.Industrial or Security Needs: Polycarbonate is best for environments requiring maximum impact resistance.Safety Requirements:High-impact zones like staircases or public buildings benefit from laminated or polycarbonate materials for their resilience.Budget Considerations:While tempered glass is typically the most affordable, laminated glass would be preferred in applications where glass retention is required, and polycarbonate would be preferred in applications where the highest impact resistance is required. Types of Safety Glazing ProductsThe variety of safety glazing products allows for tailored applications, each addressing specific needs. Laminated GlassLaminated glass is made by combining a durable interlayer between two or more layers of glass. This construction prevents the glass from shattering into sharp pieces, making it ideal for skylights, storefronts, and locations where glass retention is important. Tempered GlassThermally tempered glass undergoes a rapid cooling process after heating, resulting in increased strength. Chemically tempered glass has been strengthened by an ion-exchange process to produce a compressive stress layer at the treated surface. When tempered glass is broken, it fractures into small pieces, reducing serious injury risks. Common applications include doors, shower enclosures and office partitions. Polycarbonate and Other Synthetic MaterialsPolycarbonate is a non-glass safety glazing option that offers unmatched impact resistance. It is often used in high-security settings like banks, prisons, and industrial facilities.Beyond basic clear laminated and tempered glass, there are some other glass variations which include:Frosted, Decorative, or Tinted Glass: Used for aesthetic appeal as well as safety.Insulating Glass Units (IGUs): When made with tempered and/or laminated glass, IGUs can be used in safety applications.Certified safety glazing products are searchable on the official SGCC website. They are also listed within the Certified Product Directory which is published biannually. Safety Glass Impact TestThe safety and durability of glazing materials is critical, especially in high-risk environments. Impact tests are a key evaluation process that verifies whether safety glass can endure real-world forces without posing a hazard. Here's an in-depth look at safety glass impact tests, their importance, and the standards governing them. What is a Safety Glass Impact Test?A safety glass impact test is a test designed to assess the ability of safety glazing materials to withstand human impact without causing serious injury. This test simulates real-world scenarios to confirm that the glass performs reliably. To certify products through SGCC, testing must be completed at an SGCC-approved testing lab. Key aspects of the impact test include:Simulated Conditions: Testing mimics scenarios when the glazing materials are broken by human contact. Breakage Behavior Analysis: The test examines how the glass reacts to impact, demonstrating that it fractures in a controlled manner to minimize serious injury risks.Applicable Standards: ANSI Z97.1 outlines the methods for the following: safety glazing impact, center punch fragmentation, thermal, and weathering tests. How Impact Tests Ensure Product SafetyImpact tests play a vital role in confirming the reliability of safety glazing materials, determining whether or not they meet or exceed established safety benchmarks. SGCC Approved-Laboratory Testing:o Tempered and Laminated Glass Testing (ANSI Z97.1 Impactor and/or Center Punch Test): Tempered and laminated glass must pass ANSI Z97.1 testing twice per year at an SGCC approved testing laboratory to remain certified. In this test, the glass is impacted by a 100 lb. impactor bag. If the tempered glass breakage does not occur upon impact, a center punch is used to break the glass sample. Particle and opening sizes are evaluated to meet stringent requirements established by the testing standard. 2. SGCC Mandated In-House Testing:o SGCC also mandates in-house quality assurance testing at manufacturing plants to monitor ongoing production. For tempered products, manufacturers must perform the ANSI Z97.1 Center Punch and/or Impactor test. For laminated products, manufacturers must perform the ASTM F3007 Ball Drop Test and/or ANSI Z97.1 Impactor Test. Tests must be performed regularly and results retained for at least 10 years. Additional details regarding these in-house tests and additional quality assurance requirements can be found on the SGCC website (Guidance for the SGCC Quality Assurance Production Testing SD-211). Biannual audits verify adherence to these requirements, and that products routinely meet the ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and/or CAN/CGSB 12.1 standards. 3. Safety Validation: Materials that pass these impact tests demonstrate compliance with safety standards like ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN/CGSB 12.1. These tests establish that the materials perform reliably under specified conditions, providing safety assurance for general applications. 4. Frequency and Monitoring: SGCC requires tempered glass to be tested in-house once per shift on the first batch of each product thickness produced, and laminated glass samples to be collected weekly and tested in-house monthly. These tests measure consistent product quality during production. Additionally, manufacturers must maintain detailed records for a minimum of 10 years, which are reviewed during biannual SGCC audits to verify compliance. Understanding Safety Glazing Labeling and Marks of CertificationSafety glazing materials often feature labels and certifications that signify compliance with recognized standards. These markings provide consumers and regulators with confidence in the material’s reliability and safety.Impact Rating Labels:Labels include information about the material's compliance with standards such as ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and/or CAN/CGSB 12.1.Impact rating labels can be present on materials that are self certified or certified through a third party certification program like SGCC.SGCC Certification:The Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC) oversees that materials meet stringent quality benchmarks.SGCC-certified products undergo twice-yearly audits and independent testing to maintain compliance, offering assurance for manufacturers and users.Consumer Assurance: These certifications validate the durability, safety, and compliance of the material, making them essential for high-stakes applications. Impact rating labels may be present, but only safety glazing materials bearing complete SGCC labeling requirements can be considered SGCC certified. Conclusion + SGCC CertificationSafety glazing minimizes serious injury risks by either holding broken pieces together or shattering them into small particles. Safety glazing has become an important consideration in modern construction and design with a wide range of materials and applications. Safety glazing caters to the diverse needs of builders, manufacturers, architects, and property owners.For products requiring certification for human impact, always look for SGCC-certified safety glazing materials. By selecting the right safety glazing materials, you can create safer spaces.
What is Safety Glazing? A Comprehensive GuideSafety glazing material is an essential component in modern construction and design, encouraging the safety and security of people and property. By utilizing specialized materials, safety glazing provides enhanced protection against accidents, environmental hazards, and external impacts. In addition to safeguarding individuals, safety glazing material is used to help builders and glass fabricators meet safety performance requirements established by industry standards and regulations such as ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN/CGSB 12.1.Products certified by the Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC) have been tested to, and passed, one or more industry safety glazing standards. This reinforces that SGCC labelled products used in residential and commercial buildings meet performance characteristics designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of death and serious injury when the safety glazing material is broken by human contact. SGCC Certification does not cover forced entry, security, energy efficiency, acoustics, or weather (hurricane) related specifications.This blog will help you understand safety glazing's critical aspects, including its definition, materials, applications, and the importance of compliance. Whether you are a manufacturer, property owner, architect, or builder, understanding the nuances of safety glazing is vital for meeting safety standards.What is Safety Glazing?Safety glazing refers to specially designed materials, such as tempered glass, laminated glass, or polycarbonate, that minimize the risk of injury in the event of breakage or impact. Unlike traditional glass, safety glazing materials are engineered to either hold together upon impact or break into small, less harmful fragments, reducing the likelihood of severe injuries. Why Safety Glazing is EssentialSafety glazing is crucial for preventing life-threatening injuries caused by broken glass or accidents involving sharp edges. These materials are particularly effective in high-risk areas such as staircases, bathrooms, and busy commercial spaces where impact-related incidents are more likely to occur.Furthermore, safety glazing is vital for protecting against external hazards such as severe weather conditions, vandalism, or forced entry. It should be noted that these types of certifications are separate from SGCC Certification. Areas Where Safety Glazing is RequiredSafety glazing is typically mandated in areas where the risk of glass-related accidents is higher. Common applications include:Windows in public or residential buildings.Glass doors and partitions in offices and homes.Shower and bathtub enclosures.Glass railings and staircases.Compliance with safety glazing requirements reinforces that the product installed meets minimum safety standards. Safety Glazing RequirementsBuilding Codes and Safety StandardsSafety glazing materials must comply with a range of international and regional standards to meet optimal performance. Key standards include:ANSI Z97.1: Establishes safety performance specifications for architectural glazing materials, including impact tests and weathering requirements.CPSC 16 CFR 1201: A US federal standard addressing the safety of glass in architectural applications.CAN/CGSB 12.1: A Canadian standard focusing on tempered and laminated safety glass.These standards subject safety glazing materials to rigorous testing in a controlled environment to simulate real-world scenarios. Locations and Situations That Mandate Safety GlazingSafety glazing is required in areas deemed hazardous by the International Building Code (IBC) to minimize injury risks. These locations include:Doors (IBC 2406.4.1): All panels in swinging, sliding, or bi-fold doors require safety glazing, except for decorative glass or small openings.Adjacent to Doors (IBC 2406.4.2): Glazing within 24 inches of a door and less than 60 inches above the floor is hazardous unless separated by a wall or barrier.Windows (IBC 2406.4.3): Windows larger than 9 square feet, with a bottom edge under 18 inches and near walking surfaces, require safety glazing.Guards and Railings (IBC 2406.4.5): Glass used in railings, balusters, and panels must meet safety standards due to their high-impact exposure.Wet Areas (IBC 2406.4.5): Glazing near tubs, showers, and pools within 60 inches of the floor requires safety glazing for slip-prone zones.Stairways and Ramps (IBC 2406.4.6): Glass near stairs and ramps under 60 inches from the floor must be safety glazing.Stairway Landings (IBC 2406.4.7): Safety glazing is required within 60 inches horizontally and vertically of stairway landings.These codes mandate safety glazing will be installed where occupant safety is a primary concern. Compliance Tips for Property Owners and BuildersCompliance with safety glazing standards involves:Understanding Local Codes: Familiarize yourself with regional safety requirements.Choosing Certified Products: Look for materials certified by third-party organizations like the SGCC (Safety Glazing Certification Council). For certification to be valid, the correct permanent label must be present on the product.Collaborating with Professionals: Work with licensed contractors and manufacturers experienced in safety glazing installations. Safety Glazing Material: What Materials Are Used?Safety glazing materials are designed to meet stringent safety standards while addressing various functional and aesthetic needs. Each type offers distinct advantages, making them suitable for specific applications in construction and design. Common Safety Glazing MaterialsSafety glazing materials are diverse, each offering unique advantages:Tempered Glass: thermally or chemically tempered to a surface and/or edge compression to meet the requirements of ASTM C1048 and designed to break into small fragments.Laminated Glass: Made by bonding glass with a durable interlayer that retains the fragments together upon breakage.Polycarbonate: A lightweight, synthetic material known for its impact resistance and flexibility. Benefits of Using Each MaterialTempered Glass: Offers exceptional strength and is ideal for high-impact areas like doors and railings.Laminated Glass: Provides soundproofing, UV resistance, glass retention when broken, and enhanced security.Polycarbonate: Lightweight and shatterproof, making it suitable for environments requiring maximum durability. Choosing the Right Safety Glazing MaterialSelecting the most appropriate safety glazing material depends on:Application:Residential Windows: Tempered glass is often selected for its strength and cost-effectiveness.Noise Reduction: Laminated glass is ideal due to its soundproofing qualities.Industrial or Security Needs: Polycarbonate is best for environments requiring maximum impact resistance.Safety Requirements:High-impact zones like staircases or public buildings benefit from laminated or polycarbonate materials for their resilience.Budget Considerations:While tempered glass is typically the most affordable, laminated glass would be preferred in applications where glass retention is required, and polycarbonate would be preferred in applications where the highest impact resistance is required. Types of Safety Glazing ProductsThe variety of safety glazing products allows for tailored applications, each addressing specific needs. Laminated GlassLaminated glass is made by combining a durable interlayer between two or more layers of glass. This construction prevents the glass from shattering into sharp pieces, making it ideal for skylights, storefronts, and locations where glass retention is important. Tempered GlassThermally tempered glass undergoes a rapid cooling process after heating, resulting in increased strength. Chemically tempered glass has been strengthened by an ion-exchange process to produce a compressive stress layer at the treated surface. When tempered glass is broken, it fractures into small pieces, reducing serious injury risks. Common applications include doors, shower enclosures and office partitions. Polycarbonate and Other Synthetic MaterialsPolycarbonate is a non-glass safety glazing option that offers unmatched impact resistance. It is often used in high-security settings like banks, prisons, and industrial facilities.Beyond basic clear laminated and tempered glass, there are some other glass variations which include:Frosted, Decorative, or Tinted Glass: Used for aesthetic appeal as well as safety.Insulating Glass Units (IGUs): When made with tempered and/or laminated glass, IGUs can be used in safety applications.Certified safety glazing products are searchable on the official SGCC website. They are also listed within the Certified Product Directory which is published biannually. Safety Glass Impact TestThe safety and durability of glazing materials is critical, especially in high-risk environments. Impact tests are a key evaluation process that verifies whether safety glass can endure real-world forces without posing a hazard. Here's an in-depth look at safety glass impact tests, their importance, and the standards governing them. What is a Safety Glass Impact Test?A safety glass impact test is a test designed to assess the ability of safety glazing materials to withstand human impact without causing serious injury. This test simulates real-world scenarios to confirm that the glass performs reliably. To certify products through SGCC, testing must be completed at an SGCC-approved testing lab. Key aspects of the impact test include:Simulated Conditions: Testing mimics scenarios when the glazing materials are broken by human contact. Breakage Behavior Analysis: The test examines how the glass reacts to impact, demonstrating that it fractures in a controlled manner to minimize serious injury risks.Applicable Standards: ANSI Z97.1 outlines the methods for the following: safety glazing impact, center punch fragmentation, thermal, and weathering tests. How Impact Tests Ensure Product SafetyImpact tests play a vital role in confirming the reliability of safety glazing materials, determining whether or not they meet or exceed established safety benchmarks. SGCC Approved-Laboratory Testing:o Tempered and Laminated Glass Testing (ANSI Z97.1 Impactor and/or Center Punch Test): Tempered and laminated glass must pass ANSI Z97.1 testing twice per year at an SGCC approved testing laboratory to remain certified. In this test, the glass is impacted by a 100 lb. impactor bag. If the tempered glass breakage does not occur upon impact, a center punch is used to break the glass sample. Particle and opening sizes are evaluated to meet stringent requirements established by the testing standard. 2. SGCC Mandated In-House Testing:o SGCC also mandates in-house quality assurance testing at manufacturing plants to monitor ongoing production. For tempered products, manufacturers must perform the ANSI Z97.1 Center Punch and/or Impactor test. For laminated products, manufacturers must perform the ASTM F3007 Ball Drop Test and/or ANSI Z97.1 Impactor Test. Tests must be performed regularly and results retained for at least 10 years. Additional details regarding these in-house tests and additional quality assurance requirements can be found on the SGCC website (Guidance for the SGCC Quality Assurance Production Testing SD-211). Biannual audits verify adherence to these requirements, and that products routinely meet the ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and/or CAN/CGSB 12.1 standards. 3. Safety Validation: Materials that pass these impact tests demonstrate compliance with safety standards like ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN/CGSB 12.1. These tests establish that the materials perform reliably under specified conditions, providing safety assurance for general applications. 4. Frequency and Monitoring: SGCC requires tempered glass to be tested in-house once per shift on the first batch of each product thickness produced, and laminated glass samples to be collected weekly and tested in-house monthly. These tests measure consistent product quality during production. Additionally, manufacturers must maintain detailed records for a minimum of 10 years, which are reviewed during biannual SGCC audits to verify compliance. Understanding Safety Glazing Labeling and Marks of CertificationSafety glazing materials often feature labels and certifications that signify compliance with recognized standards. These markings provide consumers and regulators with confidence in the material’s reliability and safety.Impact Rating Labels:Labels include information about the material's compliance with standards such as ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and/or CAN/CGSB 12.1.Impact rating labels can be present on materials that are self certified or certified through a third party certification program like SGCC.SGCC Certification:The Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC) oversees that materials meet stringent quality benchmarks.SGCC-certified products undergo twice-yearly audits and independent testing to maintain compliance, offering assurance for manufacturers and users.Consumer Assurance: These certifications validate the durability, safety, and compliance of the material, making them essential for high-stakes applications. Impact rating labels may be present, but only safety glazing materials bearing complete SGCC labeling requirements can be considered SGCC certified. Conclusion + SGCC CertificationSafety glazing minimizes serious injury risks by either holding broken pieces together or shattering them into small particles. Safety glazing has become an important consideration in modern construction and design with a wide range of materials and applications. Safety glazing caters to the diverse needs of builders, manufacturers, architects, and property owners.For products requiring certification for human impact, always look for SGCC-certified safety glazing materials. By selecting the right safety glazing materials, you can create safer spaces.