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Toughened or tempered glass is commonly used in the
manufacture of products such as stove tops and hobs, cookware, tableware and
shower screens.
It is made by a process of heating glass to a molten
state at about 600 degrees Celsius followed by sudden chilling by compressed
air.
This cooling process causes the surface to contract
rapidly, forming a rigid outer layer around the glass rendering it much stronger
than conventional glass and far more resistant to impact stress and temperature
change.
Toughened glass can break
A break in a shower screen can occur when a small
chip or weakening in the hard outer layer of the glass disturbs its surface
tension causing it to burst inwards or implode. This can occur without warning.
Fortunately, the implosion of toughened glass
products usually results in small blunt cube-like granules that are far less
dangerous than the jagged shards produced when ordinary glass breaks.
Nevertheless, it is still dangerous if an implosion
occurs when a person is in or near the shower at the time, due to the relatively
large mass of glass and the fact that the body is largely unprotected in this
situation.
Standards for shower screens
Planning
NSW administers the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The BCA requires shower
screens and shower doors to comply with the requirements of two Australian
Standards:
- AS 1288:1994, Glass
buildings-Selection and installation and
- AS/NZS
2208:1996, Safety glazing materials in buildings.
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AS 1288
includes information on the selection and installation requirements for glass in
buildings, including toughened glass, as well as human impact safety
requirements. The Standard specifies that glass used in shower screens is glazed
in either Grade A (toughened and laminated) safety glass or Grade B (wired)
safety glass. The minimum thickness of framed toughened glass is 4mm; the
minimum thickness of partly framed and frameless toughened glass is 6mm. AS/NZS
2208 details the test requirements for glass including toughened
glass.
Care and maintenance of toughened glass shower screens
Manufacturers often include an accompanying leaflet
advising consumers how to care for their glass and hardware. It is important to
follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The potential risk of glass implosion
can be minimised if the glass and hardware (hinges etc) are properly maintained
and cared for.
How to care for hinges and other hardware
The best way to maintain hinges and other hardware is to
wipe them down after every use. When the hardware is kept clean, it will
not collect mineral deposits that require the use of soap solution to remove.
After your shower, use a dry towel to thoroughly dry the hinges.
If you are unable to dry your hinges after every use, a
weekly cleaning is suggested. Use a mild soap and warm water mixture and a soft
non-abrasive cloth. After you have cleaned the hardware, rinse it thoroughly
with clean warm water and dry.
| IMPORTANT – Manufacturers often provide a
leaflet advising the proper care that should be taken with your toughened
glass and hardware, along with certain warnings. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. |
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