Media outlets have recently reported glass balconies exploding in Melbourne apartments, as well as three separate glass balcony explosions at a multi-storey apartment late last year.
Recent raw footage shows the window exploding on the third floor and spreading glass on the balconies, cars and footpath below, putting people and everything in its path in danger.
The Age reported that the spontaneous glass breakage is linked to poor manufacturing. It is thought the balcony balustrades contained nickel sulfide, which can cause glass to explode when exposed to extreme temperature change, wind or other stresses.
The article went on to say that last year’s incidents of exploding glass, the builder could not provide any documents showing compliance with Australian standards.
A 2015 survey of 739 builders and trade contractors by the Housing Industry Association found that 94% of respondents believed that non-conforming building products create risks for their business. 32 per cent stated their companies had to replace supplied building materials used in a building project due to their failure to perform as intended. To read more about the survey results.
The Australian Glass and Glaziers Association (AGGA) states that balustrades must be made from Grade A toughened safety glass. If used at higher levels, Grade A toughened laminated safety glass must be used. The exact specifications depend on many variables, including the height it will be used at and the load it will be subject to. The Australian Standard that all glass balustrades must comply with is the AS 1288: Glass in Buildings—Selection and Installation.
The AGGA website states that to protect yourself, whether you are a home owner or a manufacturer of windows and doors, you must:
- ensure your glazier is properly qualified. Certified or Master Glazier status are the highest levels of skills recognition, but as a minimum, ensure your glazier is a member of AGGA and holds the required industry qualifications.
- check the glass you have installed is labelled regarding its compliance to the Standard(s).
- request a Compliance Certificate from the installer. AGGA Compliance Certificates provide assurance that the Australian Standards have been applied, appropriate insurance cover is held, and are backed by the national Industry Association.
These incidents highlight the need for compliance and safety issues awareness around non-compliant glass. Investigations into these incidents are currently ongoing.
