Safety Glass

safety glass

Safety glass refers to glass that has been specifically designed to be less likely to break and less likely to inflict injury when it does break.
It also includes glass designed for strength or fire resistance.

Use of Safety Glass in Australia

AS1288 & AS2008 building codes, which were implemented in 2006, makes the use of safety glass a legal requirement in the following locations:

  • Bathroom areas (under 2m in height)
  • All door glass panels – including sidelights which are less than 300mm away from main door panel or under 1.2m in height
  • All glass panels under 1.2m in height
  • Glass panels surrounding stairs that are at a distance of 1000mm from either side of the stairs and 2000mm from the bottom of stairs
  • All glass panels which can be mistaken for an opening (eg. floor to ceiling glass panels)

Types of Safety Glass

Toughened glass and laminated glass are the two types of safety glass available.
Glass safety film, on the other hand, can be applied to existing windows and glass areas.
While laminated glass, toughened glass, and window film can all be used to meet Australian building regulations, it is important to choose the best one for your needs.

How to Identify Safety Glass

Labeling is required for all safety glass, including film used in safety glass areas.
The label will indicate the grade of safety glass (for example, A or B), the type of glass (laminated or toughened), and that it complies with the relevant building Standards (AS2008/AS1288).
If you are unable to find a mark and are unsure, you can call a licensed glazier to help you identify the glass type.