Safety Glass
Safety glass is glass with additional safety features that make it less likely to break, or less likely to pose a threat when broken. Common designs include toughened glass and laminated glass.
Toughened glass is processed where by the glass is heat treated to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Toughened glass is stronger and more durable than normal glass, and when broken, it crumbles into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. The granular chunks are less likely to cause injury.
Laminated glass holds together when shattered because, in the event of breaking, it is held in place by a laminated interlayer, which is placed between two or more layers of glass. The interlayer keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces. Laminated glass is normally used when there is a possibility of human impact or where the glass could fall if shattered.
Many homes and businesses have old glass that doesn’t comply with the current Australian standards, presenting a security or safety risk. Replacing low level glass panels and glass doors with safety glass will bring your home or business in line with current building requirements.
Jim’s Glass offers a complimentary inspection service to assess your home or business, and can provide you with a written report and arrange to upgrade any non-compliant glass panels. Once an inspection is completed and any upgrades completed, Jim’s Glass is authorised to issue a certificate of compliance that the glass in your home or business is compliant with Australian Standards.
Kidsafe Australia have a fact sheet regarding child safety and glass. Download the factsheet here.