Health and safety legislation stipulates that all commercial buildings with full-height glass must have some form of manifestation on the glass for public and employees’ safety.
The rules and regulations for glass manifestations are set out in two official documents: Regulation 14 ‘windows and transparent or translucent doors, gates and walls’ of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and also in the HM Government Building Regulations, Section K (protecting from falling, collision, and impact).
Amongst a wealth of complicated jargon, there are a few key principles to take note of. The documents state that glass in critical locations must be built from safety glass and clearly marked with manifestations of one one form or another, between specific heights.
Glass Manifestation Regulations
WINDOW GRAPHICS
DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT K
What Type Of Glazing Doesn't Require Manifestation?
Certain glass installations won’t require the use of glass manifestation, usually because
their size, shape, or position means they don’t pose a significant risk to the public.
This includes things such as windows, thin glass panels and glass barriers built with rails below a specific height.
How Do The Regulations Affect Me?
It is the legal responsibility of the building owner and the occupier to ensure that all glazing complies with the above regulations.
Glass entrance doors and glazed screens will satisfy the requirement if;
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a) they are clearly defined with manifestation on the glass at two levels, 850 to 1000mm and 1400 to 1600mm above the floor, contrasting visually with the background seen through the glass (both from inside and outside) in all lighting conditions;
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b) manifestation takes the form of a logo or sign at least 150mm high (repeated if on a glazed screen), or a decorative feature such as broken lines or continuous bands, at least 50mm high;
Manifestations are there simply to ensure people don’t walk into the glazing (or worse, through it). As such, there are specifically defined ‘critical locations’ that do require safety markings.
This is arguably a little confusing, but put simply, glazing installations that will require manifestations are:
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tall and/or large and wide
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could potentially pose a risk to the public if they aren’t clearly demarcated.
Failing to meet Health and Safety regulations can result in severe penalties.
From standard frosted squares, circles and bands to company logos Glazing Films can assist you from choose the correct type of manifestation from the design stage right through to installation. To arrange a site survey, or for advice, information, samples or a no obligation installation quote, contact us on 01207 284 284 or email enquiries@glazing-films.co.uk.