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for schools
Handbook of
2010 EDITION
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can represent a potential for problems. Realizing this, the International Code Council (ICC) decided to lift the long-standing impact exemption for wired glass. Now, all fire-rated glass in K-12 schools and athletic facilities, when used in hazardous locations (doors, sidelites, etc.), must meet the higher impact requirements. This is a monumental shift, having far-reaching implications. The following pages answer some of the most common questions that have been raised because of this change.
2010 EDITION
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48-inch drop
This represents 400 ft/lb of impact, and is called Category II by the Federal CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission). It is the highest level of required impact safety. This represents the impact of a full-grown adult running into the glass with insignificant or no injury. With few exceptions, all tempered or laminated safety glass in use today falls into this category. More important, there are numerous products available today that meet this impact rating and also offer high levels of fire protection.
18-inch drop
This represents 150 ft/lb of impact, and is called Category I by the CPSC. Glass that can only meet this test is limited to a maximum size of 9 square feet per lite (or less). This roughly represents the expected impact from an 85 lb child running into the glass.
12-inch drop
This represents only 100 ft/lb of impact and was created as an exception for wired glass. It indicates the glass may only withstand the impact of a very young child. This impact level, which could only protect very small children, is now prohibited from use in ALL types of buildings (including educational facilities) per IBC 2006.
2010 EDITION
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2010 EDITION
What special considerations should be taken into account when choosing fire-rated glazing for schools?
Schools are unique in the construction industry, because they raise several issues that typically do not arise with other occupancies. High Activity Educational facilities are subject to greater activity than a typical office building. The constant movement of students throughout the day means that impact safety must be a high priority. Abuse School hallways and common areas are likely to be defaced, either intentionally or unintentionally. The fire-rated glazing chosen should be durable. Products relying on a surface film for impact safety may not be the best choice for these locations. Maintenance For building and life safety (not to mention legal considerations), damaged products must be replaced or repaired in short order. Be sure the product you choose will be durable and available locally. Longevity Schools are expected to operate for many years. Since school construction and maintenance budgets are tight, it is very important that building products stand up over time.
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When should I use the thick glass that is a barrier to heat transfer?
These products are typically used where large expanses of glass are required, i.e., where glazed areas exceed 25% of the wall area. Their ability to block heat transfer can prove invaluable when protecting exit corridors. And the benefit of blocking heat is sometimes considered, even when heat blockage is not required by building codes. Due to the need for special cutting and processing equipment, delivery must be direct from the manufacturer. This extended lead time is a consideration if glass requires immediate replacement. With a typical thickness of at least 3/4", frames and glazing stops may require modification to ensure proper assembly. Having said that, there are many times when such a product is the best choice. In those instances, we recommend Pilkington Pyrostop. Pilkington Pyrostop is available in a broad range of make-ups for interior and exterior use, with ratings from 45-minutes up to 2 hours.
2010 EDITION
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2010 EDITION
Product
Fireglass 20
20 min.
Pilkington
Pyrodur
20 min.
Wired Glass
45 min.
+ Least expensive option - Institutional appearance - Low impact resistance - Limited sizes + Moderate initial investment
WireLite
45 min.
WireLite NT
90 min.
THIN
+ Surface-applied fire-rated film + Cat. I and II impact safety + Withstands thermal shock + Passes hose stream test - Possible abuse to surface film + Heat resistance of ceramic - Low impact resistance
FireLite
90 min.
FireLite NT
3 hrs.*
+ Surface-applied fire-rated film + High impact resistance - Possible abuse to surface film
FireLite Plus
3 hrs.*
FireLite IGU
3 hrs.* +
THICK
Pilkington
Pyrostop
2 hrs.
+ Floor-to-ceiling glass designs + Reduces heat transfer + Tested as a wall - Can be heavy
*For doors. Consult product literature for maximum ratings in other openings.
+ In an IGU make-up.
2010 Technical Glass Products. FireLite and FireLite Plus are registered trademarks of Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. Pilkington Pyrostop and Pilkington Pyrodur are registered trademarks of Pilkington plc. WireLite is a registered trademark of Technical Glass Products. Technical Glass Products, One Source. Many Solutions., Fireglass and Fireframes are registered trademarks of Technical Glass Products.