Understanding AS 1288 — Australian Glass Standard

AS 1288 is the Australian Standard that governs the selection and installation of glass in buildings. Compliance is mandatory for all building work in Australia and is regularly referenced by building certifiers and inspectors.

What AS 1288 Covers The standard specifies which type of glass must be used based on the location, the risk of human impact, wind loading, and the glass's proximity to wet areas, balconies, and overhead locations.

Safety Glass Requirements Grade A safety glass (toughened or laminated) is required in: • Doors and sidelights • Glass panels within 300mm of a door • Any glass with a finished floor level below 1000mm from the bottom edge • Shower screens and bathroom enclosures • Glass balustrades and pool fencing • Overhead glazing

Wind Loading AS 1288 includes tables and formulas for determining the minimum glass thickness based on wind region, building height, surrounding terrain, and panel size. Most glaziers use software or manufacturer tables to look up the correct thickness rather than calculating manually.

Marking Requirements All safety glass installed in a building must bear a permanent stamp or label identifying the manufacturer, the type (T for toughened, L for laminated), and the relevant standard number.

Why It Matters Non-compliant glazing can result in failed building inspections, liability issues, and most importantly, serious injury. If you're unsure about a specific application, always refer to the full standard or consult a structural engineer.