Will Safety Glass become Mandatory?

With the advent of more adventurous domestic architecture, modern homeowners are enjoying glass in quantities undreamt of twenty years ago.

Tinted glass to control ultra violet rays, reflective or coated glass for heat control and double or single glazing — they all help control the home environment. They also contribute to privacy and the aesthetic enjoyment of the home.

Great thought is given and money spent on glass that will protect the lounge suite or carpet from fading. But much less thought (and money) is given to overcome the potential safety hazards of all this increased glass use.

Homeowners tend to evaluate toughened or laminated safety glass on a straight cost comparison with ordinary glass, without regard to the inherent safety insurance characteristics.

It is easier to calculate the cost of replacing faded carpet than the traumatic consequences of an accident involving glass. We accept the carpet will fade if we don't protect it, but refuse to acknowledge that the increased use of glass also increases the risk of serious accidents.

Ironically, we are more protected in our cars where safety glass has been mandatory for many years. Once again, domestic application is lagging behind developments in the commercial area.

The number of serious glass accidents in the home annually point to a double tragedy. The insufficient use of safety glass in areas of hazard is only one of these.

Perhaps a greater tragedy is the ignorance of many homeowners of the availability of safety glass. Or, that if they are aware, they are not prepared to pay that little extra for the safety of themselves and their families.

Surely we don't need the government to make safety glass mandatory in the home, as well as in the car — or do we?

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