Internal Partition Safety & Security
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.
Protection from accidents
There are a number of locations in the home where a barrier may be needed. Barriers are used to protect you from changes in level. The minimum defined difference in height requiring a barrier in the home is 600 mm (BS 6180). While this may seem like a significant drop, it is recognised that homeowners are generally familiar with the layout of their homes.
You may choose to install a barrier for smaller height differences. A barrier must be able to withstand a load as defined in another standard.
The load varies according to the perceived risk. For example, outside balconies have to withstand greater loads than internal staircases and galleries.
Glass can be used in barriers to allow vision and light through.
There are several basic designs and fixing methods. Professional advice should be sought when installing barriers.
