Why older glass can be a problem
Many older homes may have windows and doors fitted with annealed glass, often referred to as float glass. When this type of glass breaks, it can fracture into large, sharp pieces that can cause serious injury.
Safety glass is designed to reduce this risk and is required in certain situations around the home. The requirements aren't simply based on when your house was built - they depend on factors such as the size and position of the glass and where it's installed.
What is safety glass?
Two common types of safety glass are toughened glass and laminated glass.
Toughened glass is heat-treated to make it stronger than annealed glass. If it breaks, it shatters into many small pieces rather than large, sharp shards.
Laminated glass is made from two or more layers of glass with a strong plastic interlayer between them. If it breaks, the pieces tend to remain attached to the interlayer rather than falling away as large, sharp fragments.
Where is safety glass important?
Safety glazing is particularly important in doors and areas close to doors, where people may come into contact with the glass. Certain larger or low-level windows and other types of glazing may also need to meet specific safety requirements.
Because the requirements depend on the specific installation, you can't always tell simply by looking at a window whether it needs to be safety glass, which is why you should always contact a trusted glazier with the experience and knowledge to get it right.
Not sure what you have?
If you're unsure what type of glass is fitted to your windows or doors, a qualified glazier can check it for you. They can identify the existing glass and advise whether it is suitable for its location or whether it should be replaced with safety glazing.
It's a simple home-safety check that could help prevent a nasty injury and give you some peace of mind.
Sources:
Australian Building Codes Board
Building and Energy (WA)
