Information on this page is a summary, not an authoritative statement of the law and is intended for guidance only. Reference should be made to the legislation for more detailed information.
Please note
Safety Glazing
Introduction
Since 1996, Regulation 14 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 has made the requirement for safety glazing in accordance with BS 6262 mandatory and retrospective.
British Standard BS 6262: Part 4: 2005 and Section N1 of Approved Document N (Glazing - safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning) of the Building Regulations requires that all glazing fitted in 'critical locations' in a building should either:
- Break safely, if it breaks
- Be robust or in small panes
- Be permanently protected with a screen or barrier
The following document sets out the minimum requirements for safety glazing in buildings.
Requirement for safety glazing
Any glass, plastics or safety films fitted in 'critical locations' must comply with EN12600, i.e. it must be safety glazing.
Diagram 1 below details 'critical locations' in internal and external walls as defined by BS 6262 and Section N1 of Approved Document N of the Building Regulations.
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| Diagram 1 |
All glazing in shaded areas to be safety glazing to EN12600.
Minimum requirements for safety glazing in low risk areas
All glazing in low risk areas shall comply with the minimum requirements of BS 6262 and Section N1 of Approved Document N see Diagram 1 above.
Requirements for safety glazing in areas of 'special risk'
In all buildings, or parts of buildings, where the planned activity or use generates a 'special risk' all glazing, regardless of position or height as defined by BS 6262 and Section N1 of Approved Document N, shall be deemed to be 'critical locations' and must comply with the glazing requirements set out in EN 12600.
Some glazed areas deemed to be 'special risk'
- All glazing in Special Schools and Pupil Referral units.
- All glazing in gymnasiums, sports halls or other areas where sports activities or ball games are likely to played.
- All glazing on unprotected elevations facing playgrounds / playing fields.
- All glazing below 1800mm from floor level (Schools and buildings used by children).
- All glazing in staircases below 1800mm from the treads and landings. (Schools and buildings used by children).
Over time, it is possible that the use of a particular building or areas change and may become areas of 'special risk'. It is the duty of all Premises Managers to undertake regular risk assessments of all areas to check that the standard of safety glazing reflects the use of the building. These standards are also based on reasonable standards of behaviour by the building users.
Standard of safety glazing
Safety filming to single glazing including the re-application of safety film
All glazing in the 'critical locations' and areas of 'special risk' detailed above and not marked as have been filmed or being toughened or laminated glass or other such material deemed to comply with the requirements of EN 12600 shall be treated with safety film to comply with EN 12600.
All safety film shall be fitted strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions to ensure compliance with BS 6262. The film shall be free of all dirt particles, fingerprints, scores and scratches, creases, air bubbles, etc and the edges shall be free of lifting. The edge gap shall be more than 5mm. All treated panes shall be suitably marked in accordance with EN 12600.
Click here to purchase safety window film.
Marking of safety glass and safety film
British Standard EN 12600 requires that each piece of safety glazing must be marked. We have some stickers designed for this purpose, which you can purchase when ordering safety film. Manifestation of glazing
In order to comply with the requirements of Section N2 of Approved Document N all areas of glazing in 'critical locations' in which people are moving and might not be aware of the presence of the glazing should be marked. Critical locations include large uninterrupted areas of transparent glazing, which form, or are part of the internal or external walls and doors. Manifestation may take the form of broken or solid lines, patterns or logos at appropriate heights and intervals.
Additionally Sections M1 and M2 of Approved Document M (Access to and use of buildings) requires all glass doors to be clearly defined with manifestation on the glass at two levels and contrasting visually with the background seen through the glass. See Approved Document M Section 2 paragraph 2.24 for further detail.
We have a wide range of designs available to meet the requirements.To purchase manifestations please click here.
Inspection of safety film
In order to perform as intended and offer the required level of protection, it is important that safety film is in good condition. In areas of heavy use such as along corridors and the like, it is possible that safety film could become damaged.
It is the duty of the Premises Manager to ensure that the condition of safety film is checked on a regular basis to ensure that it is still in good condition. Particular things to look out for include film that is scratched, torn, peeling away from the window, or milky or opaque in colour.
If you are concerned about the condition or age of existing safety film, or there are areas of glazing that should be filmed, please contact us and we will arrange to get the film checked and replaced.
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