Glass in buildings — Selection and installation
Selects glass type and thickness for windows, doors and balustrades, including human-impact safety zones.
Overview
AS 1288 governs which glass goes where. It sets out human-impact safety zones (doors, sidelights, low-level glazing, wet areas), structural glazing under wind load, and balustrade glass requirements. It defines what 'Grade A safety glass' means and where it must be used.
Key Requirements
- Grade A safety glass (toughened or laminated) in doors, doors' sidelights, low-level windows, wet areas and shower screens.
- Glass thickness selected for wind load and span.
- Markings visible after installation (manufacturer, standard, grade).
- Balustrade glass requirements where used at level changes.
How it's used in the NCC
Called up by Part 8.3 and 8.4 of the ABCB Housing Provisions for human-impact safety glazing.
Practical Notes
- Common defect: standard float glass next to a hinged door (must be Grade A within the impact zone).
- Splash-back glass in kitchens needs to be toughened.
Where to obtain
The full text of AS 1288 is published by Standards Australia and must be purchased — typical price A$150–400 per part. Always work from the current edition referenced in the NCC, not an older one.