Overview
ABSTRACT
The use of unsuitable glass in a structure can have serious consequences, in particular for people safety. This article details the different types of safety glass, explains the regulations, specifies the different risks linked to glass fracture and its consequences. The objective of this article is to give all the information necessary to recommend and offer the most appropriate glass product according to its application and use.
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Read the articleAUTHOR
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Philippe GRELL: Technical and Marketing Director - Pilkington Glass Service France (NSG Group), Limay, France
INTRODUCTION
Since the 1980s, glass has undergone spectacular technological evolution in the building sector. It is used in both façade construction and interior decoration. Glass's transparency and contemporary design are obvious contributors to this boom. Choosing the wrong glass for the right application can have consequences for user safety. This article explains the different types of safety glass, and sets out all the provisions to be taken into account for the safe use of glass, depending on its application.
The first part of this article describes in detail the different types of safety glazing, and aims to facilitate the choice of glazing when safety features are required for the structure or parts of a building. All the French and European standards dealing with glass and safety are explained in the second part, to make the texts easier to understand. Glazing resistance is often verified by specific tests, which are discussed in detail. The various safety-related topics covered in the last section of the manual concern glazing types designed to withstand impacts, falling glass and falling people in buildings open to the public (ERP) and in premises governed by the French Labor Code. The requirements and criteria are defined in order to determine the type of glazing in accordance with the French standard. DTU 39 P5 . The use of safety glazing is discussed and advice given. Glazing that plays a role in protecting people during exceptional natural events (earthquakes, avalanches, cyclones, etc.) is defined. Glazing to protect people and property against vandalism, burglary, firearms and deflagration is also presented, with details given in accordance with current standards.
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KEYWORDS
glass products | glass fracture | wired glass | profiled glass
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Bibliography
Websites
French Federation of Glass Professionals http://www.ffpv.org
Verre Online, the French glass portal http://www.verreonline.fr
Geohazards :
...Events
Batimat – Reed Expositions: international construction show, held every two years in Paris (odd-numbered years). http://www.batimat.com
Equip'Baie Métalexpo – Reed Exposition: trade show for windows, closures and solar protection, held every two years in Paris (even-numbered years).
Standards and norms
- Building work – Glass and glazing work – Technical Specifications - NF DTU 39 P1-1 -
- Building work – Glazing and metalwork – General Criteria for the Selection of Materials (CGM) - NF DTU 39 P1-2 -
- Building work – Glazing and metalwork – Safety Memento - NF DTU 39 P5 -
- Sécurité des escaliers mécaniques et trottoirs roulants - NF EN 115 -
- Glass in construction – Safety glass – Testing...
Regulations
Article R 111-15 of the French Construction and Housing Code.
Article X 9 of the ERP safety regulations.
Order of March 22, 2004 issued by the French Ministry of the Interior, relating to the fire resistance of products, building elements and structures.
Arrêté du 3 août 1999, relative à la résistance au feu des produits, éléments de construction et...
Directory
Manufacturers – Suppliers – Distributors (non-exhaustive list)
Pilkington http://www.pilkington.fr
Saint-Gobain Glass http://www.fr.saint-gobain-glass.com
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