DOT "safety" glass - warning

[Inspector Gadget]

Our office has seen a rather alarming influx of people using DOT-rated safety glass in such things as residential guards on decks. Below is an image found in the exit door of a Part 3 building under construction. In all cases, the installer/distributor has stated "you're the first one to complain about such things," which might be smoke in the colon ....

BUT it's worth raising for discussion.



I also, earlier this year, had an issue with a glass-filled residential door from (IIRC) Belgium that had Euro markings. In that case, the manufacturer was able to state that the glass also met ANSI Z97.

EDIT: Part 3 reference is 3.3.1.19(7) which refers to 9.6.1.4

 

[arwat23]

This seems like it's just cheaper Chinese (automotive) glass that probably meets the standards set out by building code. If it's considered safe for a car, it's (probably) safe for a residential door or guard.

Edit: But I'd still force the installer / supplier to prove it meets what's specifically called out for in code.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

This seems like it's just cheaper Chinese (automotive) glass that probably meets the standards set out by building code. If it's considered safe for a car, it's (probably) safe for a residential door or guard.

Edit: But I'd still force the installer / supplier to prove it meets what's specifically called out for in code.

The tests for DOT glass and ANSI Z97.1 glass are *entirely* different.

DOT glass is tested with a small object dropped from a large height; ANSI Z97 glass is a large object dropped from a small height. Totally different tests.

And I'm not going to put my career at risk by approving something that may not, in fact, be suitable for the job.

 

[arwat23]

The tests for DOT glass and ANSI Z97.1 glass are *entirely* different.

DOT glass is tested with a small object dropped from a large height; ANSI Z97 glass is a large object dropped from a small height. Totally different tests.

And I'm not going to put my career at risk by approving something that may not, in fact, be suitable for the job.

Yeah, I know (well, assumed) they were different. And like I said, I wouldn't approve it either. But I'm willing to bet that it can pass the tests it's suppose to test to because a car is subject to a lot of stress (and the glass, assuming it's windshield glass serves a structural component in vehicles too). They just need to show me that it can, otherwise they're going to have to replace it.

I wonder how much the savings are using this glass over the glass they should be using...

 

[tmurray]

Ask them what jurisdictions have accepted this glass and call them to ask how they did it.

Either you will get a good answer on how to proceed with your situation, or the other person might get a heads-up that they are missing something in their inspections.

As a funny storey, I was looking at an alternative solution for another jurisdiction and the professional indicated that the product had been used for an identical application already in that jurisdiction. However, the building department was able to confirm that the product had in fact not been used. The quality of the remainder of the alternative solution was at about the same level.

 

[Sifu]

Opportunity for a photo from my archive: I have written on the forum about it before. Contractor INSISTED it was tempered. I said no marking=no safety glazing. A label showed up. So did a hammer. Give him SOME credit though, he put scotch tape over the label maker sticker for a little added credibility. Just can't make this shlt up.

 

[Joe.B]

Opportunity for a photo from my archive: I have written on the forum about it before. Contractor INSISTED it was tempered. I said no marking=no safety glazing. A label showed up. So did a hammer. Give him SOME credit though, he put scotch tape over the label maker sticker for a little added credibility. Just can't make this shlt up.
View attachment 17014

Somebody used a hammer to prove it wasn't tempered glass? That's hilarious. It would have been even more hilarious if it actually was tempered...

 

[e hilton]

Somebody used a hammer to prove it wasn't tempered glass? That's hilarious. It would have been even more hilarious if it actually was tempered...

As long as you don’t strike an edge, a smooth faced hammer isn’t going to pop the glass. Hit it 3-4 times and call it good.

 

[ICE]

Here's the label from above, rotated.

 

[Sifu]

Somebody used a hammer to prove it wasn't tempered glass? That's hilarious. It would have been even more hilarious if it actually was tempered...

Owner got mad enough at the contractor after a few months of excuses and lies he invited me over after the new windows were finally installed to witness it. I never said it wasn't safety glazing, hair splitting to be sure but I was careful to say only that it wasn't marked as safety glazing, but still a little afraid of the egg on my face it it was safety glazing. I'm sure I would have been fired if that were the case. I had done my homework though, even spoke directly to the manufacturer of the individual glass panes. He said that while he couldn't guarantee a pane or two doesn't slip through the cracks, internally they absolutely do not consider it safety glazing unless it is etched. As the MFR they backed me 100%.

 

[ICE]

2403.1 Identification. Each pane shall bear the manufacturer’s mark designating the type and thickness of the glass or glazing material. The identification shall not be omitted unless approved and an affidavit is furnished by the glazing contractor certifying that each light is glazed in accordance with approved construction documents that comply with the provisions of this chapter. Safety glazing shall be identified in accordance with Section 2406.3.

Each pane of tempered glass, except tempered spandrel glass, shall be permanently identified by the manufacturer.The identification mark shall be acid etched, sand blasted,ceramic fired, laser etched, embossed or of a type that, once applied, cannot be removed without being destroyed.


Tempered spandrel glass shall be provided with a removable paper marking by the manufacturer.

2406.3 Identification of safety glazing. Except as indicated in Section 2406.3.1, each pane of safety glazing installed inhazardous locations shall be identified by a manufacturer’s designation specifying who applied the designation, the manufacturer or installer and the safety glazing standard with which it complies, as well as the information specified in Section 2403.1. The designation shall be acid etched, sandblasted, ceramic fired, laser etched, embossed or of a type that once applied, cannot be removed without being destroyed. A label meeting the requirements of this section shall be permitted in lieu of the manufacturer’s designation.


Exceptions:
1. For other than tempered glass, manufacturer’s designations are not required, provided that the building official approves the use of a certificate, affidavit or other evidence confirming compliance with this code.
2. Tempered spandrel glass is permitted to be identified by the manufacturer with a removable paper designation.