When applied to glass guards, the “strength” of glass can’t easily be defined solely based on whether it is laminated or tempered. Why can’t tempered glass be used for glass guards? Is laminated glass stronger than tempered glass? Note, top rails are not required for infill panels, where the glass is in a non-load-bearing position supported by fixed structural metal posts or rails. For versions of IBC prior to 2018, the building code official was required to issue a variance to permit a glass baluster without a top rail. Refer to NGA Use of Laminated Glass in Glass Railing Systems for more details. Only one exception to this requirement exists: if the glass baluster is laminated and has been tested to remain in place as a barrier after impact or breakage in accordance with ASTM 2353, then a cap or top rail is not required. This is intended to ensure that, should one of the glass baluster panels fail, the top rail will remain in place across the resulting opening. The code requires these types of installations to include a top rail which must be attached to at least three glass balusters. In these type of guards, the glass is structural or load-bearing. In all cases, the glass used in guards must have a minimum thickness of ¼ inch.Ī top, or cap, rail is required for glass baluster panels. Where this exception applies, guards may use fully-tempered, non-laminated glass if it meets the safety glazing requirements of Cat. The only exception to this requirement is where there is either no walking surface below them or any walkway below is permanently protected from the risk of falling glass. Accordingly, Section 2406.4.4 makes it clear that all glazing used in guards, “regardless of area or height above a walking surface shall be considered to be a hazardous location.” While this provision alone would permit the use of any approved “safety glazing,” Section 2407 imposes additional restrictions on the use of glass guards, thus requiring laminated and either fully tempered or heat-strengthened safety glazing. In addition to protecting people from falling from one level to a lower level in a building, the code also intends to protect occupants from the potential risk of broken glass falling from guards located above walking surfaces. Able to meet the safety glazing requirements of either Cat.Either fully tempered or heat-strengthened.Starting in the 2015 code, all glass used in guards and handrails must be: Infill panel, likewise, is not defined in the IBC, but is typically understood to be a non-load-bearing panel of material, such as a lite of glass, that occupies the space between supporting structural members of a guard system.ĭo glass guards have to be laminated? If so, are there any exceptions to that rule?.Baluster, while not specifically defined in the code, is typically understood to be a structural or load-bearing vertical panel in a guard system, such as a lite of glass.Handrail, defined in Section 202 of the IBC as a horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support (2018/20).Other related terms to understand and differentiate include: ASTM E2353 Standard Test Methods for Performance of Glass in Permanent Glass Railing Systems, Guards & Balustrades defines guardrail similarly. Instead, the IBC defines the term “guard.” A guard is defined in Section 202 as a building component or system of building components located at or near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to a lower level. While the term “railing” is used throughout the code, it is not defined in the building code. How does the building code define railings and glass guards? Learn more about resources included with NGA membership FAQs for glass railings and guards The Help Center is a resource included with membership. The technical services team at the National Glass Association has compiled answers to tough technical codes and standards questions in an easy-to-use, online help center. Use the following FAQ to navigate the changing requirements as states and local jurisdictions adopt new versions of the model code. The requirements for glass railings and guards have evolved over the past several building code cycles, and the 2021 International Building Code further clarifies the requirements with defined terms.
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