I haven’t posted much about traditional wired glass lately, but the hazard continues to be present in existing schools and other facilities. I have an article on it in this month’s Construction Specifier in case you need a refresher.
The Hazards of Traditional Wired Glass
by Lori Greene, AHC/CDC, CCPR, FDAI, FDHI, CFPE
For decades, traditional wired glass—with its crisscrossed wires creating diamonds or squares—was installed in buildings around the world. Thanks to its ability to remain intact even when broken, it was the first and, for years, only form of glazing available for fire door assemblies in schools, hospitals, and other buildings.
Over time, this glazing became known as ‘safety glass’—a name that would persist long after it was found to cause severe and often life-threatening injuries when subjected to human impact. Its reputation for safety has been reinforced by its appearance and the common misconception the wire mesh makes the glass stronger. In reality, the exact opposite is true.
Click here to continue reading…
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Is there a printable copy of this article?
I don’t have a reprint of this article, but would this one from Doors & Hardware work for you? http://idighardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/May13-Breaking-Tradition-Wired-Glass.pdf
– Lori
Great, that works, now I have to decide how far to take this and how much the decision makers are willing to spend. I have a very large old office building built in 1927, with at least 75 stairwell doors that are half glass. It appears to me that I should have some sort of plan in place to do the right thing. Even though it would appear that we are not mandated to change the glass, it’s probably the right thing to do.
There is film that can be applied to the existing glass which would be less expensive than replacing the glass. That might be a good compromise for you. I know a glass consultant if you need advice.
– Lori
date of the seminar… “July 22th” (twenty-tooth???)
Oops! I do make typos occasionally!
I thought the average person’s mouth had a total of 32th (thirty-tooth..er… teeth) see, now you got me going…