13th September, 2007

DRAFT FOR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

Guidelines on use of
Glass in Buildings
Part A: Human Safety

Prepared by:
Confederation of Construction Products and Services (CCPS)

Project Sponsored by:

All India Flat Glass Manufacturers Association (AIFGMA)

© No copying without CCPS permission

LIST OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A steering committee was formed to ensure the integrity of the process and the acceptance of the recommendations
of the committee by the industry. Four meetings of steering committee were organized in Delhi, Mumbai and
Bangalore. Apart from the meetings the draft was circulated and recommendations of the members of steering
committee was accepted by email, courier and post.
The role of steering committee was to:
1. Guide and support the secretariat in its functioning
2. Assist and advise and if possible share responsibility in background research, analysis, preparation of draft report
3. Review and confirm the draft report
4. Assist and advise on wider feedback to the draft report.
5. Review and confirm the final report

Below is the list of the members of the steering committee:

Mr. K.K. Trivedi Secretary General, AIFGMA, Delhi

Mr. Deependra Prashad, Architect, Secretary, International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture &
Urbanism (INTBAU), Delhi
Mr. Kunwar Narayan, Chief Operating Officer, AIS Glass Solutions Ltd., Delhi
Mr. Phillip Davies, Director, Dupont China Holding Co., Ltd., China
Mr. Sandeep Kashyap, Business Manager - India/ Pak., EI Dupont India Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon
Mr. Sharanjit Singh, Managing Director, GSC Toughened Glass Pvt. Ltd., Greater NOIDA
Mr. Paresh Misra HOD - Architectural Division, Gujarat Guardian Ltd., Delhi
Mr. N. G. Rao, National Head, Gujarat Guardian Ltd., Delhi
Mr. Amit Malhotra, Managing Director, McCoy Silicones Ltd., Delhi
Dr. Gerard Savineau, Architectural Applications Manager, Saflex Interlayers, France
Mr. Anand Jain, Project Manager, Saint Gobain Ltd., Chennai
Mr. Naren Kumar, Manager - Institutional Sales, Saint Gobain Ltd., Chennai
Mr. V. B. Sud, Business Manager, Solutia Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
Mr. Arun Sharma Managing Director, Trosifol, Delhi
Mr. Ashok Menon, Division Head - Construction Market Center, 3M India Ltd., Banglore
Mr. N. Gopinath, National Sales Manager, 3M India Ltd., Banglore
Mr. A. B. Bhalerao, Director, Garware Polyester Ltd., Aurangabad
Mr. Sandeep Chowdhry, Managing Partner, Al Karma, Delhi
Mr. Phil Murray, Technical Services Manager, CPFilms - Middle East, Africa, India
Mr. R. Subramanian, Director (Operations), Sejal Architectural Glass Ltd., Mumbai
Ms. Meeta Zaveri, Director, Gras Impex Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Mr. Prashant Yadav, Architect, SP Fabricators Pvt. Ltd., Banglore
Mr. P Ganesh, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Glass & Glazing Systems (P) Ltd., Kerala
Mr. Naveen Keswani, Managing Director, Aluplex India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Mr. S. C. Marwah, Vice President, Indo Alusys Industries Ltd., Delhi
Mr. Nimish Patel Architect, Abhikram, Ahmedabad
Mr. Balbir Verma Architect, Balbir & Associates, Delhi
Mr. Manjunatha Prasad, GM (Projects), Brigade Gateway, Bangalore
Mr. L. Venkatesh Architect, C.R Narayanan Rao Architects and Engineers, Chennai
Mr. Dhananjay Dhake, Architect, Construction Catalysers Pvt. Ltd., Pune
Mr. Vivek Sabherwal, Architect, Interior India, Delhi
Mr. K. Nagaraj, Architect, Jurong Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
Mr. Vijay Dahiya, Architect, Morphogenesis Architect Studio, Delhi
Mr. Nalin Sharma, Architect (Ex), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Delhi

3
Use of Glass in Buildings

Mr. S.C. Bhatia, Architect, Ex-Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Delhi
Mr. Mayank K. Tilak, Superintending Engineer (TAS)/ CSQ., CPWD, Delhi
Mr. V. D. Deewan, Chief Architect, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi
Mr. A. K. Jain, Commissioner Planning, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi
Mr. K.K. Mutreja Engineer-in-Chief, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi
Mr. V. K. Rustogi, General Manager - RE, National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd. (NBCC), Delhi
Mr. A. K. SinghalChief Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD) - Delhi, Delhi
Mr. B.L Moolchandani, Chief Engineer 1st, Rajasthan Housing Board, Jaipur
Mr., Sudhir Kumar, Addl. Chief Executive Officer, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, Uttar Pradesh
Mr.L. Mahesh, [Link] Manager-Planning, Skyline Builders, Cochin
Mr. Aprameya Kar, Architect, Unitech Ltd., Gurgaon
Mr. Nilabh Nagar, Architect, Architect Hafeez Contractors, Mumbai
Mr. Abhijit Ray, Architect, The Indian Institute of Architects, Delhi
Mr. Ashok B Lal, Architect, TVB School Of Habitat Studies, Delhi
Mr. Ashok Kumar, Architect Scientist - Housing & Planning, CBRI, Roorkee
Mr. Subir Saha, Professor School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Dr. Leon Jacob
Mr. Sthaladipti Saha, Deputy Design Head, Larsen & Toubro Limited | ECC Division,Gurgaon
Mr. Suhel, Managing Director, FG Glass, Mumbai
Mr. Feroz, Director, FG Glass, Mumbai
Yogesh Dutt, Director, Impact Safety Glass Works
Deepak Malik, Executive Director A BC Group
Mr. G. P. Savlani,CREDAI
Mr. Vivek Dubey, Marketing Head, Gold Plus
Mr. R. K. Gandhi, Chief Engineer, PWD (B&R), Haryana
Mr. Raj Kapoor, Architect, Department of Architecture, PWD (B&R), Haryana

4
LIST OF SPECIAL INVITEES TO STEERING
COMMITTEE MEETINGS

During steering committee meetings, which were organized in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, it was decided to
involve the professionals from the building industry as special invitees to these meeting, so that wider feedback could
be taken. The following members participated in the deliberations as special invitees:

1. Mr. Ravindra Mudugu, Assistant Manager - Projects, Oberoi Constructions, Mumbai

2. Mr. Vivek Kulkarni, Assistant Manager - Projects, Oberoi Constructions, Mumbai
3. Ms. Manisha Thakur, Sr. Engineer - Projects, Oberoi Constructions, Mumbai
4. Mr. G. Naga Varma, AGM - Marketing, HNG
5. Mr. Gaurav Tyagi, Director, Shiv Shakti Float Glass Pvt. Ltd.
6. Mr. Sushil Padwal, Officer Purchase, Kalpataru, Mumbai
7. Mr. Bharat Gawde, Officer Purchase, Kalpataru, Mumbai
8. Mr. Uttaran B. Ray, Director and Architect, Impact Safety Design
9. Mr. Vijay G., Assistant Technical Manager, 3M India Limited
10. Mr. Pradeep Ramesh, Engineer, A. N. Prakash and Consultants
11. Mr. Pankaj Keswani, Managing Director, Alufit
12. Mr. A. C. Kadir Velu, Consulting Engineer
13. Mr. Srinivasan Desikachari, Architect, CREDAI
14. Mr. Giriyappa, Proprietor, Giriyappa and Associates
15. Mr. K R. Singh, Branch Manager, GSC Toughened Glass Private Limitd
16. Mr. Vineet Gupta, Territory Head, Gujarat Guardian Limited
17. Mr. T. Ravindran, Director, Instruct
18. Mr. Madan Lal, Director, Mahaveer Safety Glass
19. Mr. Javed Anwar, Managing Director, Milestone
20. Mr. Gaiwal, Assistant Engineer, Building Proposal Department of M.C.G.M., Municipal Corporation of Greater
Mumbai, Mumbai
21. Mr. Ingawale V. D., Executive Engineer, Building Proposal Department of M.C.G.M., Municipal Corporation of
Greater Mumbai, Mumbai
22. Mr. Susanta, Engineer, Natraj and Venkat
23. Mr. Raj Dilip, Sr. Architect, Natraj and Venkat
24. Mr. Motta Tarun, Joint Secretary, Practising Engineers and Architecture Town Planner Association (PEATA)
25. Mr. Vasim Sayed, Manager North, S. P. Fabricators
25. Mr. Nanda Kumar, Commercial Department, S. P. Fabricators
26. Mr. Praveen, EDM (South), S. P. Fabricators
27. Mr. Ajit Chnadrashekharan, Manager - Institutional Sales, Saint Gobain Glass
28. Mr. Jaubilant C., Architect, Saint Gobain Glass
29. Mr. Raj Gopal, Architect, Sundaram Architects
30. Mr. Prem, Sr. Vice President, Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibition.

5
FOREWORD

This document has been adopted by Confederation of Construction Products and Services (CCPS) and All India Flat
Glass Manufacturers Association (AIFGMA) on _______ October, 2007.

Since this document is a consensus standard, a steering committee was formed keeping in mind the integrity of the
process and the acceptance of the recommendations of the committee by the industry. The document was adopted
after the draft was finalized by the steering committee through a series of meetings held throughout India.

To cater to the needs of the present building industry, this document has been made keeping in mind the latest
International Standards and the building practices.

In preparing this standard assistance has been derived from:

- IS 2553 (Part 1) : 1990 - Safety Glass - Specification.

- IS 2835 : 1987 - Specification for Flat Transparent Sheet Glass (third revision)
- IS 875 - Codes for the Wind Loads. (for wind load calculations please refer to annexure 2)
- IS: 3548 - 1988 - Code of Practice for Glazing in Buildings
- IS: 10439 - 1983 - Code of Practice for Patent Glazing
- 16CFR Ch II (1-1-04 Edition) - Part 1201 - Safety Standards for architectural glazing materials.
- ANSI Z 97.1 - 1984 (R1994) - Safety Glazing Materials - Used in Buildings - Safety Performance Specifications
and Methods of Tests.
- AS: 2208:1996 - Safety Glazing Materials in Buildings
- AS 1288 - 2006: Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation.
- BS 6206 : Part 4 : 1995 - Specifications for impact performance requirements for flat safety glass and safety
plastics for use in buildings
- BS 6262, Part 4 - 1994 - Code of Practice for Glazing for Buildings - Safety related to Human Impact
- BS 6262: Part 6: 1997 - Code of Practice for Glazing for Buildings: Special Applications
- BS 952 - For nominal thickness of glass.
- BS 8000: part 7: 1990 - Workmanship on Building Sites - Code of Practice for Glazing
- BS 5516-1:2004: Patent Glazing and Sloped Glazing for Buildings - Code of Practice for Design and Installation.
- BS 8213: Part 4: 1990 - Windows, Doors and Rooflights: Code of Practice for the Installation of Replacement
Windows and Doorsets in Dwellings
- BS EN: 12600:2002 - Glass in buildings - Pendulum tests - Impact test method and classification for flat glass
- JIS R 3206: 1997 - Tempered Glass
- JIS R 3205: 1997 - Laminated Glass
- DIN 52 337 - Methods of testing flat glass for use in buildings - pendulum impact tests.
- Glass Association of North America Installation Guide.
CONTENTS
Foreword

Scope 8

A. Safety Glass 8

B. Critical Locations 9

Table A: Safety Glass required in different buildings

with their locations 10

C. Application / Installation 12

D. Traceability of Safety Glass 13

Annexure 1: Sketches of examples for cases 1 to 5, table A 14

Annexure 2: Safety Glazing test requirement 16

Annexure 3:Correlation between Glass Area and Glass Thickness 18

Annexure 4: Thickness Calculation of Glass under load 20

Annexure 5: Definitions 22
Use of Glass in Buildings

The following are three products in the scope of this

1.0 Scope document that may be used in safety glazing provided
they meet the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
conditions and are marked accordingly. Also they
The scope of this guide is limited to the behaviour of must meet the requirements of traceability.
safety glass when subjected to various kinds of
human impact, precautions against risk of fall and 2.1.1 Toughened (Tempered) Safety Glass
falling glass. Conditions outside of 'human impact' A single piece of specially heat-treated or chemically
are outside the purview of this document. treated glass, with a stress pattern such that the piece
when fractured reduces to numerous granular
This guide does not assume that the safety glass used fragments, with no large jagged edges.
in accordance to this document will not be broken (IS 2553 (Part I: 1990) 3.1.2)
under all human impact conditions, rather:
- It will not be broken under most likely forms of 2.1.2 Laminated Safety Glass
human impact and Two or more pieces of glass held together by an
- Even if it breaks the likelihood of cutting or interleaving layer or layers of plastic materials. The
piercing injuries will be minimized by virtue of laminated glass will crack and break under sufficient
the protection given to the glass, or by the impact, but the pieces of glass tend to adhere to the
limited size or increased thickness, or by the plastic and do not fly. If a hole is produced, the edges
fracture characteristics of the glass. are likely to be less jagged than than would be the
This guide does not deal with the security of people case with ordinary glass.
or goods in relation to risks of: (IS 2553 (Part I: 1990) 3.1.2)
- Vandalism, riots, burglary or break in protection.
- Fire arm protection 2.1.3 Safety organic-coated glass
- Protection from explosion (terrorist attack) A glazing material consisting of a piece of glass
coated and permanently bonded on one or both sides
It also does not deal with protection of people in with a continuous polymeric coating, sheet or film,
case of natural disasters like Earthquakes, Hurricane, which meets the test requirements of the safety
Fire etc glazing standards
(AS 1288-2006)
This document also does not deal with plastic
glazing. This case is to be dealt with in other Precautions:
documents. All heat-treated glass is not safety glass and all
laminated, toughened and safety organic coated glass
2.0 Safety Glazing is not safety glass. Heat strengthened glass and
annealed glass are not classified as safety glass unless
laminated to meet the test specified for safety glass in
2.1 SAFETY GLASS
annexure 1 of this document. Glass laminated with
other than PVB may not classify the requirement of
Glazing material constructed, treated, or combined
safety glass.
with other materials so as to reduce, in comparison
with ordinary sheet, float or plate glass, the likelihood
Only glass that meets the test criteria as defined in this
of injury to persons by objects from exterior sources
document are expected to qualify as safety glass.
or by these safety glasses when they may be cracked
or broken.
All window films are not safety films unless they are
(IS 1382 - 1981)
of the required minimum thickness and type, and pass
the test standards defined in this document.

8
 impact than in others. These critical locations, some
3.0 Critical Locations of which have been shown in Table A, include the
following:
3.1 DEFINITION - In and around doors
- Panels mistaken for a doorway or opening
Part of a building most likely to be subject to - Panels at low levels in walls and partitions
accidental human impact. - Bathrooms
- Building associated with special activities, e.g
3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF CRITICAL gymnasia, enclosed swimming pools etc.
LOCATIONS - Schools and child care facilities
- Nursing Homes and aged care facilities
Where any glazing is within 1.5 meter above the floor
level of a building, it is considered likely to be Precautions should be taken to reduce the injuries that
subjected to human impact and, hence, shall comply can result from glass breakage by:
with the human impact safety requirements of this
guide. Safety glazing material should also be used: - Selecting glass of a suitable type, thickness and
size.
1. Where there is danger of falling infill glass - Enhancing a person's awareness of the presence of
materials from overhead glazing glass by making glass visible (manifestation).
2. The danger of falling due to a change in floor - Minimizing manual handling of large pieces of
level. glass during installation.
3. In case of balustrades, stairs and floors.
Based on the above facts and to avoid confusions
In some circumstances the requirements of other regarding the type of the glass for a particular location
Standards can exceed the requirements of this as mentioned above, this guide has given details on
guideline and, in such cases the higher requirement the basis of five cases found in common accidental
shall become applicable. cases.
(AS1288-2006, Glass in building - Selection and
Accident statistics show that the glazing in some Installation)
locations in buildings is more vulnerable to human

9
Use of Glass in Buildings

Table A - Safety Glass required in different buildings with their locations (to be read in association with notes only)

Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4 Case 5

Vertical walls - Risk Vertical walls - No Vertical walls - Horizontal or Glass acting as a
of fall but residual risk of fall Risk of fall Sloped Glazing balustrade / handrail
protection* or Hs > Hf < 1.5m & Hs < Hf >1.5m & Hs < Glass
0.75m 0.75m 0.75m

Type of Any Glass* Safety Glass Safety Glass LF LF

Glass

Examples Please refer to note 4 Doors Curtain Walls Roof (Skylight Balustrades
*Residual protection Side Panels Façade Roof) Balcony
is the protection Curtain Walls Spandrels Ceilings Handrail
provided to avoid the Glazed Area High Activity Bus Shelters Lifts
impact of human Doors in Bathroom, Area Floors
being to glass. It is a) Fully Framed High Risk Area Stairs
provided on the side b) Partially Framed Sloped Facade
of glass where there c) Frameless
are chances of Façade For definition of
Human impact. It can Windows sloped glazing
be achieved by Partitions please refer to
providing a sill annexure 4
structure or a grill
inside.
Also please refer to
recommendation
against falling of
glass.

*Safety glass is not

mandatory
For drawings of examples see anexure 1

10
NOTES TO TABLE A
Note 1: 'Hf 'corresponds to falling height in case of change in level and 'Hs' corresponds to the sill height.
Note 2: For definition's explanation of terms see annexure 5.
Note 3: In case of mirror glazing, it should confirm to the requirements of other safety glasses unless it is fully
backed by a solid material.
Note 4: If the smaller dimension of the pane is 250 mm or less and its area is 0.5 m2 or less, glass not conforming
to safety glass requirements may be used, provided that its nominal thickness is not less than 6mm.(applicable to
vertical glazing)
Note 5: Toughened or laminated safety glass or safety organic coated glass should meet respective test
requirements as mentioned in annexure 1 of this document to qualify as safety glazing.
Note 6: The effective toughened Float glass (TF) thickness and / or laminated Float glass (LF) and / or safety
organic coated glass configuration shall be determined case by case with regard to:
- Other solicitations (wind load, snow load, dead load, and human load)
- The overall dimension (length / width, or surface)
- The aspect ratio of the glass (length / width)
- The glazing fixing type (framing, bolted system, structural system etc.)
Note 7: If IGU is used in situations mentioned in this guide then any one of the following will apply:
i) If IGU is installed in areas subjected to human impact on either side then both the panes of the unit shall meet
the requirements of this guide. The maximum area specified may be multiplied by 1.5 provided that each of the
component glass of the unit otherwise complies with the relevant guidelines of this guide.
ii) In situations where access is restricted to one side of the unit, then only the accessible side should meet the
requirements of this guide without the application of above-mentioned factor of 1.5.
Note 8: Precautions against chances of injuries due to broken glass falling on people:
(a) Broken annealed glass falling on people can cause grievous or even fatal injuries; hence it is recommended to
use safety glass in locations other than defined in case 1 where the risk of people getting hurt by falling glass is
high.
(b) Toughened (tempered) glass has a safe breakage pattern, as it breaks and disintegrates into small and relatively
harmless particles. However thick toughened glass particles may stay interlocked and fall as lumps of these
multiple particles and can cause a minor or medium injury mainly due to the weight of the cluster.
(c) Laminated safety glass will generally not fall out of fixing. However, where laminated glass with both glasses
toughened, used for horizontal or sloped glazing is used, in case of failure of both toughened glasses, it may
crumple as a blanket and fall out of fixing. This factor needs to be considered while designing horizontal and
sloped glazing.
(d) Safety organic coated glass if broken will be difficult to penetrate provided that the covering is applied in
accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. (BS 6262, Part 4)
(e) Any broken glass in any glazing should be removed immediately on breakage.
(f) The strength of the glazing system should be such that it has the ability to hold glass in place and prevent it
from falling out as a whole.
Note 9: For inclusion of glass in furnitures the following standards ay be referred:
(a) BS 7499:1991 - Specification for inclusion of glass in the construction of furniture, other than tablesor trolleys,
including cabinets, shelving systems and wall hung or free standing mirrors.
(b) BS 7376:1990 - Specification for inclusion of glass in the construction of tables or trolleys.
(c) IS 7760:1985 - Specification for steel glass-front cabinet.
(d) BS EN 1727:1998 - Domestic furniture, storage furniture, safety requirements and test methods.
(e) BS EN 1153: 1996 - Kitchen furniture, safety requirements and test methods for built-in and free standing
kitchen cabinets and work tops.

11
Use of Glass in Buildings

3.3 LIST OF STANDARDS TO BE REFERRED which may be mistaken for doors);

FOR PROPER SELECTION 2. At low levels in walls and partitions.

As mentioned above in the note 6, various factors The designer, or specifier, should take precautions to
like wind pressure, glass thickness, human load, reduce the risk of injuries from accidental human
aspect ratio, glazing type etc. needs to considered impact in these locations by:
before selecting the safety glass. Below given are
few standards available, which can be referred to 1. Selecting glazing of a suitable type, thickness and
correctly select the safety glass. size, primarily by reference to impact behaviour
and safety characteristics as established by testing
1. IS 2553 (Part 1) : 1990 - Safety Glass - in accordance with this guide;
Specification. 2. Providing mechanical protection* to glazing in
2. IS 2835 : 1987 - Specification for Flat critical locations;
Transparent Sheet Glass (third revision) 3. Enhancing a person's awareness of the presence of
3. IS 875 - Codes for the Wind Loads. (for wind glazing by incorporating manifestation as
load calculations please refer to annexure 2) mentioned in 4.4.
4. BS 952 - For Nominal Thickness of Glass.
5. ANSI Z 97.1 - 1984 (R1994) - Safety Glazing Glazing in locations other than critical locations is not
Materials - Used in Buildings - Safety likely to be subject to human impact and consequently
Performance Specifications and Methods of not likely to cause injury.
Tests. (BS 6262: Part 4: 1994)
6. AS 1288 - 2006: Glass in Buildings - Selection
and Installation. 4.2 DESIGN CONSIDERATION
7. BS 6262, Part 4 - 1994 - Code of Practice for
Glazing for Buildings - Safety related to Human The principle design considerations to be taken into
Impact account by the designer, or specifier, when selecting
8. EN 12600: 2002 - Glass in Buildings - Pendulum glazing should be:
Test - Impact test method and classification for
flat glass 1. The properties of materials, in particular their
breakage characteristics;
4.0 Application/Installation 2. The design of the building and its use, in particular
the number and likely behaviour of the people
expected to be in close proximity to the glazing in
4.1 GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATION
critical locations;
3. Requirements for fire, security and wind loading.
Many human impact injuries are due to failure to take
(BS 6262: Part 4: 1994)
reasonable safety precautions. Some materials, such
4. Structural integrity, thermal breakage, energy
as glass, may break under impact and cause injury.
efficiency and deflection, vision, sounds and other
Most people are aware of this and treat such materials
consideration.
with due care. However a person's ability to perceive
this potential risk and to cope with it can vary. Safety
4.3 INSTALLATION OF GLASS
standards are therefore based on a number of factors
including the assumption of a reasonable level of
For guidance on installation of glass please refer to
awareness and behaviour and also suitable product
following standards
design and choice of materials.
- IS: 3548 - 1988 - Code of Practice for Glazing in
Buildings
Accident statistics show that glazing in some
- IS: 10439 - 1983 - Code of Practice for Patent
locations in buildings is more vulnerable to human
Glazing
impact than in others. These critical locations are:
Apart from the above Indian Standards the following
may be referred:
1. In and around doors (particularly in side panels
- BS 8213: Part 4: 1990 - Windows, Doors and
* see annexure 5 for definition

12
 Rooflights: Code of Practice for the Installation of at any part.
Replacement Windows and Doorsets in Dwellings ii) The width of the glazing is not greater than 500
- BS 6262: Part 6: 1997 - Code of Practice for mm at any part (this applies to overall panel
Glazing for Buildings: Special Applications assembly - not individual glass pieces in case of
- BS 8000: part 7: 1990 - Workmanship on Building faceted glazing)
sites - Code of Practice for Glazing iii) Within 700 mm of the floor there is no glazing.
- AS 1288 - 2006; Section 8 and 9 - Glass in
Buildings - Selection and Installation The glazing is provided with at least one fixed glazing
- BS 5516-1:2004: Patent Glazing and Sloped bar, firmly attached to the styles to locate and protect
Glazing for buildings - Code of practice for design each face of the glass. At least one glazing bar shall be
and installation. located with its upper edge not less than 500 mm and
- Glass Association of North America Installation its bottom edge not more than 1000 mm above the
Guide. floor level. The glazing bar shall have a face width not
less than 40 mm ± 3 mm.
In case of installation of safety films at site it should
be verified that they are free from defects or Broken lines or patterns using company logo may be
imperfection, any foreign contaminants may be acceptable form of marking provided it meets the
removed with industrial razors and neutral cleaning other criteria set in this guideline.
solutions. It should also be noted that in case the glass (AS:1288-2006, PP 68-69)
receives scratches or any defects while installation of
safety films that glass should be removed or rejected.
5.0 Traceability of Safety
4.4 MANIFESTATION Glass
Presence of glass in a door, side panel or a panel
capable of being mistaken for a doorway or opening, Either a label that cannot be removed and reused or a
which are not made apparent by transoms, colonial permanent mark on the glass surface shall mark all the
bars, other components of glazing system, or other panels of safety glass according to BIS Standards.
decorative treatment, such as being opaque, or
patterned, the glass be marked to make it visible. Each panel shall be marked with the ISI mark as
prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS),
Marking shall be in the form an opaque band not less manufacturers name, registered trademark or code of
than 20mm in height and located so that the vertical the manufacturer or supplier, type of safety glass
distance from the floor level is not less than 700 mm material, the standard or guidelines to which the
from the upper edge of the band and not more than safety glass has been tested and the grade of test
1200 mm to the lower edge of the band. classification.
(AS:1288-2006, PP 70)
The band shall be such that it is readily apparent and
it can be achieved by contrasting the band with "All Safety glazing shall be procured from a certified
background or by increasing height of band. Safety manufacturers and product shall confirm to relevant
glazing cannot be substituted by making the glass standards.
visible by marking.
The Steering Committee recommends the I glass (All
A band or marking is not required where any one of India Flat Glass Manufacturers' Association) and the
the following applies: CCPS should come up with the recommendation for
i) Height of the glazing is not greater than 1000 mm the establishment protocol for the above.

13
Use of Glass in Buildings

Annexure 1: Sketches of examples for cases 1 to 5, Table A

CASE 1: Vertical walls - Risk of fall but residual protection or Hs > 0.75m

CASE 2: Vertical walls - No risk of fall; Hf < 1.5m & Hs < 0.75m

14
CASE 3: Vertical walls - Risk of fall; Hf >1.5m & Hs < 0.75m

CASE 4: Horizontal or Sloped Glazing

CASE 5: Glass acting as a balustrade / handrail

15
Use of Glass in Buildings

Annexure 2: Safety Glazing Test Requirement

This annexure sets out test requirements for TEST REQUIREMENTS

classification of safety glazing materials for use in
buildings. The test requirements are designed so as If the glazing materials satisfy the relevant impact
to promote safety and to reduce or minimize the (or fragmentation test for toughened glass) test
likelihood of cutting and piercing injuries from performance requirements in addition to all other
human impact. appropriate tests to be carried out as listed in the
table below, these materials can be classified as
Thickness Test: For thickness test please refer to safety glazing material.
Indian Standard 'IS 2553 (Part 1:1990)'.

Test Laminated Toughened Safety Standards to be referred

Safety Glass Safety Glass* Organic-coated
Glass

Impact / Resistance YES YES YES AS: 2208:1996

to shock BS EN: 12600:2002
BS 6206 : Part 4 : 1995
ANSI Z97.1 - 1984
16CFR Ch II (1-1-04 Edition)
JIS R 3206: 1997
JIS R 3205: 1997
DIN 52 337
IS 2553 (Part 1:1990)

Fragmentation - YES - IS 2553 (Part 1:1990)

Boil YES - - IS 2553 (Part 1:1990)

Accelerated - YES AS: 2208:1996

Weathering and ANSI Z97.1 - 1984
Ageing Test 16CFR Ch II (1-1-04 Edition)

Fracture and YES - YES IS 2553 (Part 1:1990)

Adhesion Test

Light Stability Test YES - YES IS 2553 (Part 1:1990)

In the above table 'YES' indicates test to be conducted.

* For toughened safety glass impact or fragmentation test shall be carried out.
Boil test for heat strengthened and toughened laminated glass can use laminates from ordinary annealed glass manufactured
simultaneously.
(AS: 2208:1996, p 13)

16
DESCRIPTION OF TESTS REQUIRED TO Specimens are exposed, under specified conditions, to
CLASSIFY GLASS AS SAFETY GLAZING light from an artificial light source. After exposure,
MATERIAL safety films are then subjected to the Charpy Impact
Test. Safety film backed glass is subjected to a tensile
Determination of Thickness test test and an adhesion test. Comparing the test results of
This test determines the thickness of a glazing the exposed specimens with those of unexposed
material. The glazing material is measured at specimens assesses the effect of the radiant exposure.
specified locations with a vernier calliper or The following standards may be followed:
micrometer. AS: 2208:1996; ANSI Z97.1 - 1984; 16CFR Ch II (1-
IS 2553 (Part 1:1990) may be followed for the test. 1-04 Edition)

Impact test Ageing Test

This test determines the resistance of glazing material This test is carried out for determining the effect of
to impact by penetration method. The specimen is accelerated ageing on safety glazing materials.
supported vertically in a steel frame and an impact Specimens are exposed under specified conditions to
shot bag is released from a pre-determined height to warm, humid and dry cycles and then subjected to
strike the specimen at the centre. The height is impact test. Comparing the impact test results of
progressively increased until fracture occurs. exposed specimens with those of unexposed
The following standards may be referred for the test: specimens assesses the effect of the accelerated
AS: 2208:1996; BS EN: 12600:2002; BS 6206 : Part ageing.
4 : 1995; ANSI Z97.1 - 1984; 160CFR Ch II (1-1-04 The following standards may be followed:
Edition); JIS R 3206: 1997; JIS R 3205: 1997 AS: 2208:1996; ANSI Z97.1 - 1984
DIN 52 337;
Boil Test
Resistance to Shock Test This test determines the effect of exposure of safety
In this test the toughened safety glass is given a glazing material to temperature and humidity
sudden shock with a smooth surface steel ball of 63.5 conditions by boiling. The specimens are immersed in
mm in diameter from a height of 100 cm. hot water and then boiling water for a specified period
IS 2553 (Part 1:1990) may be followed for the test. of time and inspected for bubbles or other defects.
IS 2553 (Part 1:1990) may be followed for the test.
Fragmentation Test
This test determines the fracture characteristics of Fracture and adhesion test
toughened safety glass or other glazing materials. The Laminated glass is given sudden punch and the
specimen is laid horizontally on a surface that fragments from the under surface are collected and
supports it over its entire area, and is broken by a weighed.
punch applied at a predetermined location. The IS 2553 (Part 1:1990) may be followed for the test.
numbers of particles of broken glazing material
within a given area are counted. Light Stability Test
IS 2553 (Part 1:1990) may be followed for the test. The purpose of this test is to ensure that the glazing
material is resistant to the effects of exposure to light
Weathering Test encountered in service.
This test is carried out to determine the effect of IS 2553 (Part 1:1990) may be followed for the test.
radiant exposure on safety glazing materials.

17
Use of Glass in Buildings

Annexure 3: Correlation between maximum glass area and glass

thickness (impact load)
A: FOUR SIDES FRAMED GLASS In case of glass panels supported on all four sides
In case of framed glass panels supported on four sides starting above grater than equal to 750 mm or a
starting between the finished floor level and less than protection / transom / chair rail is in place
equal to 750mm as described in case 2 & case3 given permanently from the finished floor level as given in
in table A the maximum allowable area of the glass Case 1, table A, the thickness of annealed glass shall
panel is as follows: be with in the permissible maximum area as defined
below.
The maximum area of the normal or annealed glass
less than equal to 0.5 m2

The maximum area of the safety glass with respect to

its thickness shall be with in the permissible
maximum area as defined in the table below.

Table C
Nominal Thickness Maximum allowable area
(mm) (sqm)

4mm 0.8
5mm 1.2
6mm 2.1
8mm 3.2
Table B 10mm 4.4
12mm 6.3
Type of Nominal Maximum
Glass Thickness allowable
(mm) area (sqm) B: TWO / THREE SIDES FRAMED GLASS
In case of glass panel supported on two/ three sides
4mm 2
starting` less than equal to 750 mm or has a protection
5mm 3
4 from the finished floor level as given in Case 1, table
Tempered 6mm A, then annealed glass can be used in following cases
6
Safety Glass 8mm else tempered or laminated glass shall be used
8
10mm 10
12mm Table D
Nominal Maximum Maximum
Laminated 6 2 Thickness allowable height allowable glass
Safety Glass 8 3 (mm) of glass (m) area (sqm)
10 5
12 7 6mm < 1.2 0.9
8mm > 1.2 to < 1.6 1.8
In case of laminated glass the thickness of PVB in not accounted 10mm > 1.6 to < 2 2.7

18
In case of non-framed or frameless glass panel In all above cases and in cases wherein the glass area
toughened safety or laminated safety glass shall be exceeds 7.5 m2 it is recommended to check and
used. The thickness of safety glass and corresponding determined thickness of the using finite element
maximum permissible area is given in the following analysis under wind load as per IS 875 for external
table E: glazing and / or loads given in table H in case of
Table E internal glazing or glazing wherein there are chances
of human impact
Nominal Thickness Maximum allowable area
(mm) (sqm)
C: POINT SUPPORTED GLASS
For point fixed system the glass area and glass
6 3
thickness shall be determined by the specific strength
8 4.5
analysis and type of point fixing hardware.
10 6
12 7.5

19
Use of Glass in Buildings

Annexure 4: Glass Thickness Calculation (wind load)

A. Wind load calculations Pnet = Pd /Pf

Wherein, Pf is the pressure factor dependent on the
The thickness of the glass supported on all four side type of glass as shown in the table E.
to be used in façade, window panels is governed by
the following factors: Table F: The values of the pressure factor Pf
S. No Glass type Pf
i. Area to be covered by the window panel.
1. Normal (Annealed) 1.00
ii. Aspect ratio of window panel (length / breadth) or
2. Laminated 0.80
(longer side / shorter side).
3. Tempered 2.5
iii. Effective wind pressure at the window height
4. Insulating 1.50
iv. Strength/load bearing capacity of glass to be used.
5. Heat Strengthened 1.60
The empirical relation between the wind pressure, Table G: SNT and Corresponding 'k' values
area of the glass panel and the required glass
thickness is as follows: 'T' 'k' 'T' 'k'
3 mm 1.683 10 mm 1.578
Pnet * A = 200.0 * Tk (T < 6 mm) 4 mm 1.732 12 mm 1.583
Pnet * A = 200.0 * Tk + 1900 (T > 6 mm) 5 mm 1.753 15 mm 1.579
Wherein, 6 mm 1.765 19 mm 1.569
Pnet = Net design wind pressure (N/m2) 8 mm 1.570 25 mm 1.569
A = area of glass panel (m2)
T = SNT of the standard nominal thickness (mm),
k = is a constant as shown in table G Limiting Aspect Ratio (ARMAX)

Determining Pnet: The design of the thickness using empirical relation in

as detailed above will be valid upto a limiting aspect
The wind pressure computation is based on the ratio ARmax. The value of ARmax for different SNT of
procedure given in IS: 875 (Part-3) 1987, (Reaffirmed
1997). glass is shown in the following table H

Table H: SNT and Corresponding 'k' values

Net wind pressure (Pd), may be defined using the
following equation: SNT ARmax SNT ARmax
3 mm 7.3 10 mm 4.9
Pd = Pz x Cp 4 mm 6.8 12 mm 4.3
5 mm 6.5 15 mm 3.8
where, Cp = Net pressure coefficient as per IS: 875 6 mm 6.3 19mm 3.3
8 mm 5.9 25 mm 2.9
(part. 3) 1987
2
Pz = Design wind pressure at height 'Pz' (N/m ) as per
Side panels, partitions etc on the sides of the
IS: 875 (part. 3) 1987.
walkway, which can be subjected to human impact,
need to be designed considering guarding loads given
Depending upon the type of processed glass used net
in table I. For four sided supported glass panel you
design wind pressure (Pnet) can be calculated as given
can calculate the glass thickness required by inserting
below: this loads in place of wind load.

20
Table I: In case of side panels - Design loads in
different buildings

Type of Line load UDL (infill) Point

Buildings UDL KN/ sq m Load
KN/m run KN

Residential 0.36 0.5 0.25

Office 0.74 1 0.5

Building,
Hotels,
Hostels,
Library,
Museum,
Hospital &
Schools

Cinema, 3.0 1.5 1.5

public
buildings
& points of
assembly

Where UDL means Uniformly Distributed Load

B. Other Areas
For other areas refer to the previous clauses.

21
Use of Glass in Buildings

Annexure 5: Definitions
For the purpose of this guide the definitions given below will apply:

Area The area of a panel between sightlines after glazing, calculated using the sight size.
Annealed Glass Another term for "ordinary" glass, most commonly used for float glass
Aspect Ratio The ratio of a longer side of panel to its shorter side.
Balustrade A low wall forming a parapet to a stair, ramp, balcony, raised level, or a change in
level.
Back Putty The portion of the putty remaining between the glass and the depth of the rebate
after the glass has been pushed into position.
Beads or Glazing Beads A strip of wood, metal or other suitable material attached to the rebate to retain the
glass.
Bite The width of silicone used to bond the fin or frame member to the edge of the glass
panel.
Bedding Putty The compound placed in the rebate of the opening into which the glass is bedded.
Bent Glass Flat glass that has been shaped while into hot cylindrical or other curved shapes.
Bevelling The process of edge finishing flat glass to a bevel angle.
Block (Setting Block) A small piece of wood, lead or other suitable material used between the edges o f
the glass (generally the bottom edge only) to centralize the glass in the frame
(frequently called a setting block).
Chair Rail A fixed glazing bar, or rigid push bar, that provides protection from human impact.
Clear Glass Transparent Glass
Distance Piece A small piece of wood, lead or other suitable material used to locate the glass
between the bead and the back of the rebate, and prevent lateral movement.
Door A hinged, sliding or otherwise supported openable barrier providing entrance to and
exit from a building, corridor or room. Doors may be framed or unframed.
Double Glazing Glazing that incorporates two panels, separated with an air space, for the purpose
of sound insulation or thermal insulation or both.
Edge Polished Usually applied to flat glass, the edges of which have been polished after cutting.
Edging Grinding the edge of flat glass, to a desired shape or size.
Exposed Edge A glass edge that is not covered.
Faceted Glazing Flat panes of glass installed vertically at an angle to each other, to form a faceted
curve.
Fin A piece of glass positioned and fastened to provide lateral support.
Flat Glass A general term covering sheet glass, float glass and various forms of rolled and
plate glass.
Float Glass A form of flat glass produced by reheating the continuous ribbon of glass whilst it
floats over a bath of molten metal.
Frame A structure manufactured from timber, metal, glass or other durable material or
combinations of materials such as glass fins and structural sealant, supporting the
full length of a glazed panel edge.
Frameless Glazing See unframed glazing.
Front Putty The compound forming a triangular fillet between the surface of the glass and the
front edge of the rebate.
Fully framed glazing Panels that have all edges framed.
Glass An inorganic, non-metallic material produced by the complete fusion of raw
materials at high temperatures, into a homogeneous liquid, which is then cooled to
a rigid, condition essentially without crystallization.
Glazing The securing of glass in prepared openings in windows, door panels, partitions and
the like.

22
Guarding Glass used to prevent people falling wherever there is a change in floor level by
means of a permanent barrier.
Heat Strengthened Glass Glass which has been heated past its softening point and chilled rapidly to increase
its strength and make it thermally safe, but which breaks like annealed glass.
Heat Strengthened
Laminated Safety Glass Laminated Safety Glass utilizing two or more panels of heat-strengthened glass in
the makeup.
Infill balustrades Balustrades in which the supported glass resists an infill pressure and / or point
load applied to the glass panel.
Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) The standard configuration for residential and commercial windows consisting of a
sealed unit of two panes of glass separated by a metal spacer.
Internal Partition An interior dividing wall or such portion of an interior dividing wall that is not a
door, side panel, shopfront or atrium wall.
Laminated Glass A composite material consisting of two or more sheets of glass permanently bonded
together by a plastic interlayer material.
Laminated Safety Glass Laminated glass that satisfies the requirements for a safety glazing material
according to this guide.
Maximum Thickness The thickness of a panel of glass at the maximum thickness tolerance.
Manifestation Any technique for enhancing a person's awareness of the presence of transparent
glazed areas.
Mechanical Protection
to Glazing
Minimum Thickness The thickness of a panel of glass at the minimum thickness tolerance.
Mirror A piece of glass silvered on one side.
Nominal Thickness A numeric designation used for reference purposes that indicates the approximate
thickness of glass.
Non-residential Buildings Buildings other than those defined above such as hotels, hostels, motels, shops,
offices, schools, public assembly buildings, and factories and those parts of the
residential buildings common to a group of dwellings such as common circulation
areas in blocks of two or more flats.
Safety organic-coated glass A glazing material consisting of a piece of glass coated and permanently bonded on
one or both sides with a continuous polymeric coating, sheet or film, which meets the
test requirements of the safety glazing standards
Pane Single piece of glass cut to size for glazing
Panel An assembly containing one or more panes.
Partly framed glazing Panels that have one or more edges unframed.
Rebate The part of a surround; the cross section of which forms an angle into which the
edge of the glass is received.
Residential Buildings Buildings and such portions of buildings used as separate dwelling houses and flats,
but not incorporating common circulation areas in blocks of two or more flats.
Residual protection It is the protection provided to avoid the impact of human being to glass. It is
provided on the side of glass where there are chances of Human impact. It can be
achieved by providing a sill structure or a grill inside.
Shower doors, shower
screens and bath enclosures the panels, doors or windows a enclosing or partially enclosing a shower or bath.
Side Panel A panel (operable or inoperable) located adjacent to a doorway. It may or may not
be in the same plane as the doorway.
Window Sill Solid wall (Brick or concrete wall) starting from the finised floor level to the base
of first window or structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal
metal/wooden forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure
Sloped overhead glazing Glazing that is inclined at less than 75 degrees to the horizontal and located, wholly

23
Use of Glass in Buildings

or partially, directly above an area that may be used by people.

Span The dimension between supports. For panels supported on all four edges, it
corresponds to the smaller of the sight size dimensions.
Spandrel That portion of the exterior wall of a multistory commercial building that covers
the area below the sill of the vision glass installation.
Toughened laminated
safety glass Laminated safety glass utilizing two panels of toughened safety glass in the make
up.
Unframed glazing Panels without framed edges.
Wardrobe doors Doors that provide access to built in storage areas, excluding those fitted to pieces
of furniture that are not built into the building.

24