When it’s time to replace glass in your commercial building, you’ll have to follow certain safety laws — especially those from OSHA. Ignoring these safety rules can leave your business open to accidents and costly liability issues.
Below, this commercial glass replacement contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois is going to explain how OSHA’s safety guidelines apply to glass replacement projects.
Rules to follow during commercial glass replacement.
Any time a business needs to replace cracked or broken glass in a commercial space, OSHA requires the work to be done in a way that puts safety first. According to OSHA, it is the employer’s responsibility to make sure that the workplace is safe for workers and customers. It needs to be free from obvious dangers that people already know can cause harm.
There are also other federal regulations that apply when new glass is being installed, especially if the glass is in a place where someone could get hurt if it breaks unexpectedly. For example, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has rules that require glass used in storm doors, shower doors, bathtub doors, and sliding glass doors to meet the impact test requirements of 16 CFR part 1201.
Another group, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), has its own safety standard called ANSI Z97.1. This standard requires safety glass to be designed in a way that protects people from cuts or stabbing injuries if the glass ever breaks.
So why should businesses carefully follow OSHA’s rules along with these extra safety guidelines from other groups? Because that is how businesses can feel confident that their glass installations will reduce risks and prevent injuries for anyone who spends time near them.
Old glass can be risky in commercial spaces.
Many older buildings still have glass that was installed before safety rules became stricter, and this type of glass can easily break into sharp and dangerous shards. Large windows or glass walls near busy areas (like hallways, office entrances, or storefronts) can be very risky if the glass is not the right type or has not been installed correctly.
As the top-rated commercial glass replacement contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Glass & Mirror America sees many older offices or retail shops with glass that no longer meets current safety standards. When that glass is traditional glass without any safety features, it is more likely to cause painful and serious injuries if someone bumps into it or if it breaks during an accident.
Unlike safety glass, which is made to either hold together when broken or shatter into tiny, dull pieces, regular glass usually breaks into long, sharp, and dangerous shards. These sharp pieces can easily cut skin, stab into the body, or cause deep injuries that lead to heavy bleeding, severe eye damage, or even life-threatening accidents.
A professional commercial glass replacement contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois can quickly notice these unsafe conditions. They can then replace the risky old glass with safer materials that meet today’s standards.
Professional glass replacement can keep you compliant.
A local commercial glass replacement contractor can perform the replacement safely and correctly. They will know exactly where safety glass (like tempered or laminated types) must be installed, and they will make sure everything is properly labeled and installed for inspections.
Looking for a Commercial Glass Replacement Contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois?
If you are searching for a commercial glass replacement contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois that can handle your glass transformation, look no further than Glass & Mirror America. Our team can help you through every step, from choosing the right safety glass to OSHA-compliant installation. Contact us at (800) 411-2801 to get started.
