Interpretation #9162
Published October 03, 2025
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2023
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Chapter
- 3
- Section
- R308.4.5
- Topic
- Hazardous locations and the Safety Glass requirement
Question
If a hurricane rated window is at a shower or bathtub as defined as Hazardous location, does it need safety glass (tempered) Safety Performance Test, Class A per ANSI Z97.1 as the code states?
Answer Published 10/01/2025 at 8:08 AM
Impact rated glazing is not the same as safety glazing. Unlike tempered assemblies which typically break up into tiny cubes, impact rated assemblies, when "broken" can still produce sharp edges which can cause physical damage to a human. Unless the impact rated assembly is specifically assembled using safety glazing, it should not be considered as meeting the requirements for hazardous locations. Please see the attached commentary for additional information.
Commentary
Laminated glass may be certified for safety glazing with both plies being annealed glass, heat-strengthened glass, fully tempered glass or ANY combination of glass temper. The Code requires compliance with the ANSI Z97.1 standard for all safety glazing and that standard includes allowances for single panes of glass that are fully tempered AND laminated glass of any temper combination.
The rationale is that although annealed glass and heat-strengthened glass does break into larger shards, the plastic interlayer keeps the shards in place and therefore there is no danger of injury.
The bottom line is that laminated “hurricane” glass does not AUTOMATICALLY qualify for safety glazing, but as long as the glass fabricator performs the required testing and laser-etches the glass with the required “ANSI Z97.1” marking, that laminated glass will qualify as safety glazing