In both old and new buildings glass is often used to “protect a change in level” so as to stop people falling. Such guarding may be a balustrade but can also be a lift shaft or a window/screen close to floor level. These situations are controlled by BS 6180 : 1999 : Barriers in and about Buildings and Approved Document K of the Building Regulations. The changes in floor level requiring protection depends on the type of building, whether domestic or non domestic.
Glazing in and around lift shafts is also covered by an additional standard BS EN 81: Safety Rules for the Construction and Installation of Lift, Parts 1 and 2.
In situations requiring guarding it is not sufficient to simply fit ‘safety glass.’ The glass must also withstand the loads appropriate to the building usage that are detailed in BS 6399 : Loading for buildings and may also require containment as detailed in Document K.
External barriers must also withstand the wind loads given in BS 6399 Part 2.
Full height barriers
A full height barrier may be formed wholly or partially from glass. (e.g. – storey height windows, atria glazing, lift shafts). In such a barrier the glass may be full height or may comprise one or more panes, one of which coincides with the ‘barrier height’ that is typically 800mm or 1100mm above the finished floor level.
Framing must provide at least 15mm of edge cover to two or four edges. Bolt fixed systems are also possible please consult our Technical Department with your specific requirements. See also lift shaft glazing.
Please refer to BS 6180: Barriers in and about Buildings for more detailed information on the requirements for full height barriers.