Glass Safety Film (Regulation 14)

All of our glass safety film upgrades glass and glazing to BS 6206 and BSEN 12600, to meet Building Regulations N1- Regulation 14.

The Building Regulations K4 state if- Glazing, with which people are likely to come into contact whilst moving in or about the building, shall:

(a) if broken on impact, break in a way which is unlikely to cause injury; or (b) resist impact without breaking; or (c) be shielded or protected from impact. High-risk glass is identified as glass in doors and door side panels, glass where a fall can occur after an impact and also any low-level glass as children are especially venerable.

The solution is to either remove and re-glaze (expensive and disruptive) or have high-quality and cost-effective clear safety film applied with little disruption to staff and routines within a building.

Certified window safety films will upgrade the existing glass in situ, to reinforce glass and retain dangerous shards in the event of breakage, enabling you to conform to current glazing regulations and provide safety protection to occupants.

WHAT IS REGULATION 14?

Regulation 14 states that;

  1. “Every window or other transparent or translucent surface in a wall or partition and every transparent or translucent surface in a door or gate shall, where necessary for reasons of health and safety:
  2. be of safety material or be protected against breakage of the transparent or translucent material;
  3. be appropriately marked or incorporate features so as, in either case, to make it apparent.”

HOW DOES REGULATION 14 AFFECT ME?

The regulation expects action “where necessary for reasons of health or safety”. A survey must therefore be undertaken to assess every window or other transparent or translucent surface in a wall, partition, or door or gate to establish whether there is a risk of anyone being hurt if people or objects come into contact with it, or if it breaks.

If there is no risk, no further action is required. If there is a risk then action will be necessary to comply with the regulation. You will be required to:

  1. Reduce the likelihood of glass breakage occurrence by increasing glass visibility.
  2. Reduce the effects of glass breakage when i does occur by ensuring that the glass breaks safely.

Failing to meet Health and Safety regulations can result in severe penalties.

WINDOW FILM… AN IDEAL SOLUTION

Increase Glazing Safety

The application of safety window film to existing glazing to upgrade it to be in accordance with EN12600 (2B2) safety standards is still the most widely used method since Regulation 14 was implemented in 1992. Safety window films are completely clear and virtually undetectable when installed.

Increase Glazing Visibility

The application of decorative window film or manifestation can also help to achieve compliancy by increasing the visibility of the high risk glazing. It may be in the form of broken or solid lines, patterns, or company logos.

Solar Tints have many years of experience in providing accurate, unbiased guidance on this and other glass related safety legislation.

We can adapt our reports to include only glass within critical locations or expand our details to incorporate other areas of concern identified in other glass safety related legislation and guidance.

Recommendations are presented in a clear form with costing provided for compliance including the application of Safety Window Film and/or, if required, glass replacement.

Contact us to find out more about how this legislation affects you and the solutions available to assist you in complying with your obligations.