CPSC Proposes Standard For Glazing Materials In Homes, Stores And Other Buildings

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today a proposed safety standard for glass and plastic panels and doors used in homes, schools, public and other buildings.

The proposed standard was published today in the Federal Register and is open for public comment for a period of 30 days. It was developed under the provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act, which authorizes the establishment of such standards for consumer products if the Commission determines there is an unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the products.

The proposed standard is based on a rule developed for the Commission by the Consumer Safety Glazing Committee (CSGC), an ad hoc group composed of industry and consumers.

Although the Federal standard applies nationally, the greatest impact will be felt in those 18 states that do not already have safety glazing legislation.

It has been estimated that about 190,000 injuries associated with architectural glazing materials are treated annually in hospital emergency rooms. About 40 percent of the accidents involve glass doors and the greatest risk of such injuries was to children under 15 years old.

The standard will cover the manufacture and construction of glazing materials for use in storm doors, combination doors, shower and bathtub enclosures and doors, fixed panels and sliding patio doors. Prime windows and storm windows are not covered because there was insufficient evidence to determine whether they presented an "unreasonable risk of injury." The Commission said, however, it will continue to review window-related safety problems.

The proposed standard is directed at reducing injuries resulting from collision with panels and patio doors; from accidentally falling into or through panels, doors and bathtub or shower enclosures; or from opening, closing, washing or otherwise handling doors.

The proposed standard, developed in response to a petition filed with the Commission under the provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act, is intended to ensure that glazing materials in certain architectural uses either do not break when hit with a certain force, or break with characteristics that reduce the risk of injury. Impact test requirements are specified for breakage characteristics of regulated glazing material. Also proposed are accelerated or simulated weathering tests to ensure maintenance of environmental durability of the glazing materials. The Commission included in its proposed standard, requirements to prevent stockpiling of materials that do not comply with the safety standard . A separate rule will be prepared to cover labeling and certification of glazing materials subject to the standard.

Written comments on the proposal should be submitted by March 12, 1976, to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.

Requests for oral presentation, permitted under the Consumer Product Safety Act, should be made by February 26, 1976, to the Office of the Secretary.

Copies of the proposed standard, technical and supporting documents may be seen in the Office of the Secretary, Room 1025, 1750 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20207, during normal business hours.