SAFTI Introduces DVD about Fire-Rated Glass and Safety Issues

SAFTI FIRST, a manufacturer of fire-rated glazing and framing, has made available “A Fire and Impact Safety Case Study,” a DVD documentary created to help architects make informed decisions regarding safety and fire protection.

The program discusses the dangers of using traditional wired glass in doors, sidelites, and other high-traffic areas and explains the need for radiant-heat protection in facilitating safe egress. The program also highlights the newest code developments relating to the use of fire-rated glazing and the latest information on products that reduce the risk of injuries and protect schools and other facilities from potential liabilities.

“To this day, there is still a misconception that traditional wired glass is safe because the embedded wires give the impression that it is strong,” says William O’Keeffe, president and chief executive officer for SAFTI FIRST. “But in reality, it is weaker than annealed glass. When broken, the wires and shards of glass trap the limbs of those unfortunate enough to penetrate it.” Since traditional wired glass is the most commonly used fire-rated glazing product in schools, children sustain the majority of these injuries. In addition, traditional wired glass does not protect against the devastating effects of radiant heat, which can seriously injure occupants before they even have the opportunity to exit the building.

The codes also have updated the requirements for safety glazing.  In the 2003 IBC, wired glass meeting the lesser ANSI Z97.1 safety standard was given an exemption and allowed for use in non-Group E occupancies (see Section 24061.2 in the 2003 IBC). When the 2006 IBC was released, this exemption was removed. In effect, all glazing located in hazardous locations must now meet the more stringent CPSC Category I or Cat.egoryII federal safety standard for all new construction and for all types of occupancies. 

CLICK HERE for more information about the DVD.

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