When Tempered Glass Is Required in Commercial Use

Common Commercial Locations Where Tempered Glass Is Required

Building codes require tempered glass in areas where people are more likely to bump into or fall against glass surfaces. These locations are called hazardous glazing areas, and safety glass helps reduce injury if breakage occurs.

Glass Doors and Entrance Systems

Tempered glass is almost always required in commercial doors and entry systems. These areas experience heavy foot traffic and frequent contact with glass surfaces.

Typical locations include:

• Fully glazed doors

• Sliding glass doors

• Storefront entrance doors

• Sidelights installed next to doors

In many building codes, glass in doors or within about 24 inches of a door edge must be tempered because of the higher risk of human impact.

Windows Near Floors

Glass located close to the floor can also be considered hazardous. People walking nearby could accidentally strike the glass, especially in busy commercial spaces.

Examples include:

• Large glass panels near walking surfaces

• Floor-to-ceiling windows

• Storefront and lobby glazing

Because these panels are easier to contact, tempered glass is often required to improve safety and meet code requirements.

Stairways, Landings, and Railings

Stairs and elevated areas are another common location where safety glass is mandatory. These spaces carry a higher risk of falls and accidental contact with glass surfaces.

Common applications include:

• Glass guardrails and balustrades

• Staircase side glazing panels

• Glass near ramps or stair landings

Using tempered glass in these areas helps ensure that if the glass breaks, it shatters into small granular pieces rather than sharp shards.

Wet Areas and Bathrooms

Wet environments increase the risk of slipping, which makes safety glazing especially important. For this reason, tempered glass is required in many commercial wet areas.

Typical examples include:

• Shower enclosures

• Glass panels near bathtubs or pools

• Spa and locker room partitions

Tempered glass improves safety in these spaces by reducing the chance of serious injury if the glass is impacted or broken.

Other Hazardous Locations Requiring Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is also required in many commercial areas where people move frequently or accidental contact with glass is more likely. In these locations, safety glazing helps reduce injury if glass breaks.

Common examples include busy commercial interiors, glass partitions, and public buildings where large glass surfaces are installed.

Typical locations include:

• Areas with heavy foot traffic such as shopping centers and office corridors

• Glass partitions used in commercial interiors and offices

• Public spaces like gymnasiums, schools, and government buildings

• Large glass panels installed along busy hallways or circulation areas

In general, tempered glass is required wherever there is a higher risk of accidental impact with glass surfaces.

Key Building Codes and Standards to Know

Several international and national standards regulate where safety glass must be used in buildings. These codes ensure that glass installed in hazardous locations meets strict strength and breakage safety requirements.

Important standards include:

• International Building Code (IBC) – widely used building regulation for commercial construction

• ANSI Z97.1 – safety glazing performance standard for architectural glass

• CPSC 16 CFR 1201 – U.S. federal regulation for safety glazing materials

• Local building codes and regional amendments

These standards define testing methods, certification labels, and performance requirements that tempered glass must meet before it can be used in commercial projects.

FAQs

1. Do commercial windows need to be tempered?

Not all commercial windows must be tempered, but tempered or safety glass is required in hazardous locations, such as near doors, floors, stairways, or high-traffic areas to reduce injury risk.

2. When should tempered glass be used?

Tempered glass should be used in doors, railings, large windows, glass partitions, and wet areas where impact or breakage could cause injury. It provides stronger and safer glazing.

3. At what height is tempered glass required?

Tempered glass is often required when the bottom edge of a window is less than about 18 inches above the floor, especially for large panes or areas near walking surfaces.

4. What type of glass is used in commercial buildings?

Commercial buildings commonly use tempered glass, laminated glass, and insulated glass units (double or triple glazing) for strength, safety, and energy efficiency.