This week we’re looking at toughened glass and when it is a requirement. Toughened glass (sometimes referred to as tempered or safety glass) is basically glass that has been through a process to increase the strength (resistance to impact) and the way it breaks (into small blocks rather than shards as you would expect from regular plate glass).
In 2013 the government updated their building regulations part K to include the old part N. You can find the latest document here, but below we have summarised the basics!
In order to comply with current building regulations, you need to ensure that any glazing people are likely to come into contact with, should either be shielded appropriately so as to prevent a sphere of 75mm from coming into contact with the glazing, resist impact without breaking, or break in a way that is unlikely to cause injury.
These areas are referred to as ‘critical locations’ and include any glazed area upto and including 800mm from ground level and any glazed area in a door upto and including 1500mm from ground level.
In a domestic environment, such as our homes, shielding the glass is most likely unrealistic, so toughened glass would be the ideal solution.
There are different classes of toughened glass available and the class will need to be appropriate for the space you need glazed. For example, you may find that glass required for a larger glazed area will need to comply with different British and European Safety Standards than that required for a smaller area.
You will of course also find toughened glass in shower doors, bath screens, or used as a back splash in kitchens and bathrooms, or perhaps in the more ‘Grand Designs’ type homes, maybe even glass staircases!
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