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GOCUBE - Does Your Glass Comply?

AS/NZS 1288 & AS/NZS 2208: Does Your Glass Comply?

Let us explain…

The principal function of the Australian and New Zealand Standard 1288, primarily a construction standard, is to enable the general public to be provided with safe glass products and to ensure constructions and renovations are of a high standard.

The dangers of glass windows and doors have been underestimated in the past, but now considerations have been made to protect individuals in the home and workplace. Window manufacturers and builders must produce windows and doors which comply with legislation and the wind design load measurement appropriate for each individual building. The standard has 3 principal sections, (i) reduction in the risk of injury resulting from human impact with glass, (ii) safety of glass with various wind loadings and (iii) installation of glass.

The Australian and New Zealand Standard 2208 specifies how various types of glass are to be tested and the categories for which they can be approved, e.g. ‘GRADE A: Safety Glass, GRADE B: Safety Glass, etc. This standard applies to all safety glazing materials for use as required by, the aforementioned, AS/NZS 1288. The standard classifies glass into various grades of safety glass and standard glass.

There are several areas in which the glass must comply to be issued with the AS/NZS 2208, i.e. thickness, impact test, fragment test and weather test. It is understood that under extreme circumstances the glass will undoubtedly break, but it is at this point when the standard is at its most significant, as the characteristics of the break, i.e. size and sharpness of shards, are viewed as the principle issue.

Why is this relevant to you?

The standards detailed above have been in existence for some time, yet up-until now have not been enforced. Recently the NSW Department of Community Services, DOCS, passed a new Children’s Service Regulation, in effect from 30th September 2004. In brief, the regulation requires that from the given date, 30/09/04, all new facilities must now meet requirements set out in the AS/NZS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208, and that all existing facilities must comply before
1st January 2006.

It is expected that in a short time many more buildings will also be expected to comply with the stated standards. Be ahead of the rest, familiarise yourself with the product which is the solution… Safety and Security Film; supplied and professionally installed by GOCUBE.

This film can be installed on existing glass to upgrade the standard of the glass to ‘ Grade A; Safety Glass’ and therefore comply with the standards without having to replace the glass. When you have buildings where there is doubt regarding the glazing type, why not invite us to do a glass inspection? Using the Merlin Laser Gauges we can ascertain the glazing types and thicknesses, and advise the most cost effective method of upgrading to meet compliance standards. This inspection would be free of charge; alternatively you are able to purchase the Merlin Laser Gauges from us.