Understanding the Safety Requirements for Glazing in Wet Surface Areas (Section R308.4.5) - Florida Specific

The presence of glass near wet surfaces such as tubs, showers, and swimming pools introduces a significant safety concern. Slips and falls are more likely in these environments, increasing the risk of injury from falling into and breaking nearby glazing. Section R308.4.5 of the residential building code addresses this risk by identifying these locations as hazardous and requiring safety glazing in specific scenarios. This is Florida specific. How does your jurisdiction measure up?

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What Does the Code Say?​

Section R308.4.5 identifies glazing near wet surfaces as hazardous when the bottom exposed edge of the glass is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above any standing or walking surface. This applies to glazing adjacent to or enclosing the following areas:

• Hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms
• Bathtubs and showers
• Indoor or outdoor swimming pools

The requirement extends to both single-pane and multi-pane glass.

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Exceptions to the Rule​

The code allows for two notable exceptions:

1. Horizontal Distance Exception: Glazing located more than 60 inches horizontally from the edge of tubs, showers, or swimming pools does not require safety glazing.
2. Sacrificial Panes in Laminated Glass: In laminated insulating glass units, if the exterior pane is sacrificial (not exposed to hazardous wet surfaces), safety glazing is not required for the interior pane. This recognizes the impact resistance provided by the laminated layer.

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Why the Change Matters​

Historically, the application of glazing provisions near wet surfaces has been a source of confusion. While it was clear that glazing directly enclosing wet areas needed safety glazing, ambiguity existed regarding glazing positioned horizontally from these features. Early versions of the code established a 60-inch buffer zone for swimming pools, which was later expanded to tubs and showers.

The 2010 Florida Building Code, Residential (FBCR) introduced the horizontal measurement for tubs and showers, merging these rules into a single section in subsequent code editions. However, inconsistencies in interpretation persisted, particularly regarding whether the rule applied to all glazing within the 60-inch zone or only to glazing directly facing the wet area.

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Clarifying the Language​

The latest update to Section R308.4.5 seeks to address these discrepancies by incorporating the term “adjacent” alongside “facing” to define glazing locations. This aligns with language used in other sections of the code, such as provisions for glazing near stair landings. By specifying that the rule applies to glazing adjacent to wet areas, the intent is to ensure comprehensive protection, recognizing that slips and falls can occur in any direction.

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Practical Implications​

The revised language provides clearer guidance to code officials, designers, and builders, ensuring consistent enforcement. Specifically:

• Horizontal Zone Protection: The 60-inch horizontal buffer is now explicitly applied to all glazing adjacent to wet areas, regardless of orientation.
• Safety Glazing Requirement: Any glass within this zone must meet safety standards unless protected by a barrier or falling under one of the exceptions.

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Understanding the New Exception for Laminated Glass​

The introduction of the exception for sacrificial panes in laminated glass units acknowledges advancements in glass technology. Laminated glass units typically include one pane that provides impact resistance (often the interior pane) and a sacrificial exterior pane that can crack without compromising safety. This exception mirrors provisions in the Florida Building Code, Building (FBCB), ensuring alignment between residential and commercial standards.

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The Bottom Line​

Section R308.4.5 underscores the importance of preventing injuries caused by glass in wet environments. The updates aim to clarify and standardize the application of safety glazing requirements, reducing the potential for misinterpretation. By addressing historical ambiguities and recognizing advancements in glass technology, the code promotes a safer built environment for homeowners and occupants.