The standard “ANSI Z97.1 Safety glazing materials for use in buildings - Safety performance characteristics and test methods” developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) describes the technical specifications and test methods for the safety properties of safety glazing materials (glass materials designed to reduce the possibility of cutting and piercing injuries and increase safety when broken by human contact) used for all building and architectural purposes.
The purpose of this standard is to establish minimum safety performance characteristics for safety glazing materials. This standard provides a basis for use as a reference standard by building code officials, architects, designers, specifiers, and others, as well as safety standards for adoption in regulations by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Approval of a material under this standard constitutes acceptance of its safety characteristics and maintenance of those characteristics. It is not to be construed as an evaluation of its durability or appearance as a glazing material.
The conformity of a material to this standard indicates the minimum acceptable safety characteristics of the material in use. However, this conformity should not be construed as an assessment of its durability or appearance as a glazing material. Furthermore, this standard does not specify the conditions under which safety glazing materials should be used. This standard does not address the methods used in the installation of safety glazing materials. A condition of conformity of a material to this standard is that it is manufactured uniformly so that it consistently exhibits these safety characteristics. Monolithic annealed glass, monolithic heat strengthened glass, monolithic chemically strengthened glass, monolithic wired glass (not fire resistant) and monolithic fire resistant wired glass are not considered safety glazing materials within the scope of this standard.
In short, the ANSI Z97.1 standard is the American national standard for safety glass used in buildings. Safety glass materials promote safety and reduce injuries through their design. End users see whether their safety glass materials meet the standard by using the ANSI Z97.1 marking. This marking can be found on a wide variety of glass materials, from bathroom doors to glass in escalators. The standard also covers the properties and test methods for safety glass materials used for windshields, windows, and partitions in land and sea vehicles and aircraft.
Safety glass is specially toughened and reinforced to protect people. This type of glass is designed to reduce the risk of injury if it breaks or shatters. Safety glass is designed to keep people safe during accidents. It helps reduce the risks that come with broken glass, either by preventing or limiting damage.
The main safety glass materials include: tempered glass, laminated glass, patterned glass, curved glass, organic coated glass, mirrored glass and plastic glass materials.
According to the table titled “Test groups for safety glass materials” in the ANSI Z97.1 standard, the following test requirements must be met depending on the glass type:
According to this standard, the sample evaluation criterion for impact test type 1 is that the vertical sample, through which a 76 mm diameter sphere can pass, does not tear, cut or open. For type 2, the 10 largest crack-free particles are selected and weighed, and the average thickness is used to determine the maximum allowable weight. For type 3, the hardness and strength of the sample are determined. For type 4, there must be no fracture.
Interpretation of results for centre punch fragmentation: The total weight of the 10 largest crack-free fragments should not exceed the equivalent weight of 254 mm square of the original test specimen.
Thermal testing is performed to determine the possible effect of exposure to high temperature and humidity conditions for long periods of time.
The purpose of the abrasion test according to this standard is to determine whether the degradation of the interlayer has occurred during the exposure period. No blisters or delamination or any cracks should appear more than 13 mm from the outer edge of the sample.
The ANSI Z97.1 standard requires all safety glazing materials, including wired glass, to meet Class A or Class B impact test requirements.
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