SGCC Certificate Program

What is the Safety Glazing Certification (SGCC)  Program?

Overview of the Program

The SGCC Program is a comprehensive safety glazing certification designed to ensure that glass and glazing products meet stringent safety standards for human impact. It provides manufacturers, builders, architects, and consumers with confidence in the quality and performance of glazing materials used in various applications. Through this certification, products undergo rigorous testing to comply with specific safety standards, safeguarding  people from the dangers associated with impact related glass breakage.

Purpose of the SGCC Program

The primary goal of the SGCCProgram is to establish a trusted and standardized way to certify safety glazing products through independent, third-party, review. By ensuring that glazing materials meet safety requirements, it helps reduce the risk of serious injuries from glass breakage upon impact,  while promoting high-quality  manufacturing practices.

Role in Safety Glazing Certification

The SGCCProgram plays a vital role in the overall safety of glazing materials. By adhering to well-established safety standards such as ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN/CGSB 12.1, SGCC verifies that certified products undergo routine practical safety tests, providing manufacturers,  architects, builders, and consumers with peace of mind.

History and Evolution

Origins of SGCC

The Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC) is a not-for-profit organization. It was founded in 1977 with the aim of creating a reliable, consistent certification process for safety glazing products. Over the years, it has evolved into an internationally recognized certification program that is relied on within the industry..

Growth of the Certification Program

The SGCC Program has expanded outside of the United States and Canada since it first launched, now reaching safety glazing manufacturers all over the world. Today, it is recognized as a symbol of trust and quality in the glazing industry, ensuring that certified products adhere to the highest safety standards.  There are more than 600 certified SGCC licensees within the program.

Why is the SGCC Program Important?

The SGCC Program is integral in ensuring the safety and compliance of glazing products, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers alike.   Third-party review affords building owners, builders, architects, engineers, and consumers with an extra degree of risk reduction.

Ensuring Safety in Glazing Products

The SGCC Program plays a crucial role in minimizing the risks associated with glass breakage upon human impact. By adhering to rigorous safety standards, certified products reduce the chances of serious injury or caused by other glazing materials.

Protecting Consumers from Glass Breakage Risks

This certification helps protect consumers from the potential hazards of glass breakage, which could otherwise lead to serious injuries.

Enhancing Product Quality and Performance

Through the SGCC Program, manufacturers are encouraged to improve the quality and performance of their glazing products. Compliance with strict standards ensures that certified products meet or exceed expectations in terms of reliability.

Facilitating Industry Compliance

The SGCC Program helps manufacturers and builders comply with national and international regulations, contributing to a safer building environment.

Adherence to ANSI, CPSC, and CAN/CGSB Standards

SGCC-certified products comply with safety glazing standards, including ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN/CGSB 12.1. These standards ensure that products meet the necessary performance requirements for safety glazing.

Meeting The International Building Code (IBC)

The SGCC Program ensures that products meet The International Building Code, making it easier for manufacturers to sell products across the U.S.

Supporting Manufacturers

The SGCC Program not only protects consumers but also benefits manufacturers by offering a clear path to certification and increasing market access.

Streamlining the Certification Process

The program simplifies the certification process by providing clear guidelines and access to SGCC-approved laboratories for testing. This ensures that manufacturers can efficiently obtain certification without unnecessary delays.

Increasing Market Access and Credibility

SGCC certification enhances a manufacturer's credibility and market access, providing a competitive advantage by signaling product quality and safety to consumers and industry professionals.

Key Features of the SGCC Certificate Program

Certification Standards

SGCC-certified products meet the highest safety standards, ensuring reliability for consumers and builders alike.

ANSI Z97.1 Compliance

This standard ensures that glazing products reduce the risk of serious injury from glass breakage.

Product Testing and Verification

The SGCC Program includes thorough product testing to ensure compliance with all required safety standards.

Initial Certification Testing

Initial testing is conducted to verify that a product meets all safety and performance requirements before certification is granted.

Routine Bi-Annual Testing

To maintain certification, products undergo routine testing two times per year to ensure ongoing compliance.

Quality Assurance

SGCC emphasizes the importance of quality assurance to ensure that certified products continue to meet safety standards.

Production Testing Requirements

Licensees must implement regular in-house production testing to ensure safety glazing products meet performance and safety standards. Testing includes (at minimum):

• Tempered Glass: ANSI Z97.1 Center Punch and/or Impactor Test - As a minimum, testing shall occur on the first of each product thickness per shift. Additional testing may be appropriate. 

• Laminated Glass: ASTM F3007 and/or ANSI Z97.1 Impactor Test - During regular production periods, a minimum sample collection (3- 12”X12” specimens, see page 3) shall be completed weekly, and actual testing occurs at least monthly. Sample collection must be traceable to specific production run(s). For ASTM F3007 testing, sampling and testing shall occur as a minimum on the thinnest product(s) produced at time of collection. Evaluation shall occur and drop height selection as a minimum shall be in accordance with ASTM F3006.  

Testing records must be maintained for 10 years.

Maintenance of Certification through Audits

To maintain SGCC® certification, manufacturers must undergo audits twice per year. These audits review testing records, witness production tests, and evaluate a plant’s quality assurance program. Non-compliance with quality assurance program requirements can result in revocation of certification, enforcing  ongoing product quality and safety.

How to Obtain SGCC Certification?

Steps in the Certification Process

To obtain SGCC certification, manufacturers must follow a structured process that includes application submission, product testing at an approved SGCC testing facility, and compliance verification.

In order for a product to be certified in the SGCC certification program, we must receive the following four (4) things:

1. A Signed License Agreement;

2. A Completed SGCC New Licensee Application & Pre-issued Number Form (SD-06);

3. A Passing test report(s) (Report test date must not be older than 60 days at time of submittal to SGCC); and

4. Payment for appropriate certification fees

Testing Report(s) & Invoicing 

Once passing test results have been achieved, the report(s) should be forwarded to SGCC for review by the testing laboratory. (Note that prototype testing will be invoiced by the laboratory) Test reports are valid for initial certification if the report date is within 60 days. Once SGCC receives the passing test report(s), an Invoice for the appropriate certification fees will be sent to you from SGCC. Upon receipt of payment of this invoice, SGCC will issue the appropriate SGCC number(s), and authorize you to use the SGCC logo and number on your product(s).

After authorization to label, the SGCC logo and number must only be applied to product(s) of fabrication as the prototype sample(s). All correspondence, invoicing, and communication regarding this process shall be coordinated through the SGCC office.

Product Sample Testing and Approval

To obtain certification, manufacturers must submit samples of their products for testing. These samples undergo detailed inspections to verify their compliance with relevant safety and performance standards, such as ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, and CAN CGSB 12.1 for glazing materials. The approval of these product samples is critical for demonstrating product quality and adherence to industry norms.

Compliance with Production Standards

Manufacturers must demonstrate consistent adherence to production standards, which include:

• Material Quality: Certified materials must meet performance ratings for human impact, and for some products, weathering, etc.

• Manufacturing Processes: Consistent, repeatable processes ensure quality.

• Testing Protocols: Ongoing testing ensures products continue to meet safety standards.

This is verified through regular inspections and testing.

Labeling Certified Products

Once certification is granted, manufacturers are required to label their products accordingly. 

Proper Use of SGCC Numbers and Labels

It is important to remember that the SGCC program not only tests your ability to properly fabricate the product, but also your ability to properly label the product. Non-compliance with the program can occur both for failing test results and for improper labeling.

To be certified under the SGCC® program, the label must be permanently affixed to each safety glazing product. It should include the SGCC® number, applicable standards (ANSI Z97.1-2015, 16 CFR 1201(and category), CAN/CGSB 12.1), nominal thickness(tempered only), impact class (A or B), and certified size (U or L). Laminated glass does not require thickness labeling. 

These requirements are minimum requirements for SGCC® Certification. It is the licensee’s responsibility to determine if other jurisdictions, standards, and codes have additional requirements such as type of glass.  Please see the Certified Products Directory for full labeling requirements.

Ensuring Traceability in the Market

The SGCC® label ensures traceability by linking the product to its place of manufacture. It must be applied at the time and place of manufacture and cannot be transferred once certification is granted. For cut from products, distributors need written permission from the primary manufacturer to use the SGCC® label, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.

SGCC’s Role in the Certification Program

Independent Third-Party Verification

SGCC’s administrator serves as an independent third-party verifier, ensuring that all products meet safety and performance standards.

Ensuring Consistency in Testing

SGCC maintains consistent testing requirements, reinforcing that certified products meet high standards.

Validating Manufacturer Compliance

SGCC verifies that manufacturers are complying with safety standards, promoting product reliability and safety.

SGCC Approved Testing Laboratories

SGCC works with accredited testing laboratories to conduct independent testing on glazing products.

Role of Accredited Testing Centers

Approved testing laboratories play a critical role in ensuring that products meet SGCC’s stringent safety standards. Manufacturers only get certified when the product is tested at ane SGCC-approved testing facility.

Routine Monitoring of Compliance

SGCC® has three main responsibilities: conducting an independent routine sampling and testing program, approving and registering the design of a licensee's label, and revoking the licensee's right to use the label if certified products fail to meet the required specifications.

Resources for the SGCC Program

Downloadable Guidelines

SGCC provides helpful resources, including guidelines on how to navigate the certification process.

SGCC Procedural Guide

ANSI, CPSC, and CAN/CGSB Standards Documentation

Educational Materials

SGCC offers educational resources to help manufacturers, builders, and architects understand the importance of certification.

Importance of Certification for Safety Glazing

How SGCC Supports Manufacturers and Builders

Contact SGCC

For more information regarding: 

Certification Support and Assistance

Inquiries for Manufacturers and Architects

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