Safety Glazing and Building Code Requirements: A Quick Guide

What General Contractors, Architects, and Building Owners Need to Know

Safety glazing is a critical part of commercial building design and construction. Whether you’re working on a new office development, school, hospital, or retail space, understanding when safety glass is required under code can help you avoid costly delays, inspection issues, and liability risks.

At Ramos Industries, Inc., we help general contractors and architects across California and Arizona identify where tempered or laminated safety glazing is required and ensure it’s properly installed to meet IBC, CBC, and project-specific codes.

‍

What Is Safety Glazing?

Safety glazing refers to glass that is manufactured and tested to reduce the risk of injury when broken. It typically includes:

• Tempered glass – heat-treated to be 4–5 times stronger than standard glass
  
  
• Laminated glass – consists of two or more panes bonded with a plastic interlayer that holds shards in place
  
  

Both types are used in areas where glass breakage could lead to occupant injury, and where code specifically mandates safety glass based on location and use.

When Is Safety Glazing Required?

According to the International Building Code (IBC) and adopted local codes in California and Arizona, safety glazing is required in the following situations:

1. Glazing in Doors

• All glass within swinging, sliding, and fixed doors
  
  
• Includes storefront entrances, interior glass doors, and restrooms
  
  

2. Glass Adjacent to Doors

• If glass is within 24 inches of a door and meets height and size thresholds
  
  
• Common in lobbies, side lites, and entry vestibules
  
  

3. Large Glass Near the Floor

• Glass with a bottom edge within 18 inches of the floor and larger than 9 square feet
  
  
• Often found in retail windows, interior dividers, and full-height sidelites
  
  

4. Glazing in Wet or Humid Locations

• Required around bathtubs, showers, locker rooms, and similar areas
  
  
• Must be able to resist impact and environmental stress
  
  

5. Guardrails, Handrails, and Stair Landings

• Glass used as a guard or adjacent to elevated walking surfaces
  
  
• Common in high-end offices, schools, and mixed-use developments
  
  

6. Overhead Glazing

Skylights and other glass installed above occupants require safety glazing, typically tempered or laminated depending on the design and fall zone

‍

Tips for Staying Code-Compliant

✓ Review Shop Drawings Early

Confirm all glass types, edge conditions, and elevations during submittal and pre-construction phases

✓ Don’t Substitute Glass Without Approval

Changing from safety glass to annealed or untested glass can lead to inspection failures

✓ Use Labeled and Certified Products

All safety glass must be permanently labeled by the manufacturer to indicate compliance with ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201

✓ Coordinate with Other Trades

Ensure mullions, door hardware, and other components don’t interfere with required safety glazing locations

Why It Matters

Code compliance isn’t just about passing inspection. Safety glazing:

• Helps prevent serious injury from breakage
  
  
• Reduces legal liability for property owners and contractors
  
  
• Supports occupant confidence and overall building safety
  
  
• Is often required for occupancy permits and insurance approvals
  
  

Partner with Ramos Industries for Safety Glazing Solutions

Our team at Ramos Industries, Inc. brings deep expertise in code-compliant commercial glazing, including all required safety glazing types. We’ve installed thousands of square feet of tempered, laminated, and impact-rated glass in commercial buildings across California and Arizona.

We support our clients with:

• Code reviews and scope recommendations
  
  
• Accurate shop drawings and submittals
  
  
• Installation by trained, certified crews
  
  
• Coordination with inspectors and project teams
  
  

Need Help Navigating Safety Glazing Requirements?

Let us help you meet code the first time, avoid rework, and keep your project moving.

Visit www.ramosindustriesinc.com or contact us today to discuss your project and ensure your glazing package is fully compliant.

‍