Where glass is used overhead or at low levels, or in and around doors, windows and screens, the relevant standards must be met in order to protect against accidental human impact. For example, this would apply if a child were to run into a patio door.

There are two main types of safety glass:

• Toughened glass is up to five times stronger than ordinary glass and breaks into small, safe granular pieces when broken.
• Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass bonded together with a clear plastic interlayer. When broken, it cracks but stays in position, reducing the risk of injury.

The required impact resistance classification is determined by the location and size of the glass. Your local glazier or glass merchant can advise you. If in doubt, request EN 12600 Class 2 or 1 for most locations. Additional considerations apply to glass intended to protect against a change in floor level, such as that found on external balconies or staircases.