Human impact

As described in AS-1288-2006 Glass in buildings, glass panels considered subject to human impact are those situated within 2000mm of the ground level. As some glass in buildings is in more vulnerable areas, the current Australian Standards breaks this up into four main groups, high risk, medium risk, low risk and no risk. The major factor governing each glass panel classification is the likelihood of a person impacting with it, resulting in injuries caused by broken glass. The most critical locations include the following:

• In and around doors
• Glass that can be mistaken for a doorway
• Low level glazing
• Bathrooms and spa rooms
• Sports or special activity buildings
• Aged care facilities
• Schools and childcare centres

In most cases Grade A Safety Glass is required for these types of glazing, however thicker annealed glass can be used in some smaller panels in special circumstances.