could potentially pose a risk to the public if they aren’t clearly demarcated.

This diagram is arguably a little confusing, but put simply, glazing installations that will require manifestations are: As such, there are specifically defined ‘critical locations’ that do require safety markings. Manifestations are there simply to ensure people don’t walk into the glazing (or worse, through it).

Glass manifestations don’t necessarily have to be adhered to every window, door, and pane of glass in a building. This can raise a few questions, however: What are ‘Critical locations’? The documents state that glass in critical locations must be built from safety glass, and clearly marked with manifestations of one one form or another, between specific heights. The rules and regulations for glass manifestations are set out in two official documents: Regulation 14 ‘Windows and transparent or translucent doors, gates and walls’ of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and also in the HM Government Building Regulations, section K (‘protecting from falling, collision, and impact’).Īmongst a wealth of complicated jargon, there are a few key principles to take note of.

Moreover, it’s also worth noting that glass manifestations present more than just a safety opportunity… Glass Manifestation Regulations These markings, known as ‘manifestations’, are adhered to the glass, and as is the case with many building safety requirements, the regulations for glass manifestations can be more than a little confusing initially.įor anyone working in facilities management, office and building design or environmental branding, however, understanding the scope of these regulations is vital. This might sound absurd (and frankly, it was a bit), but among the jokes about caffeinated millennials gawking at iPhones and absentmindedly walking into things, an important issue was brought to public attention: safety markings on glass.įor any large glass door, wall, or installation in a public place, there is a legal requirement to ensure the glazing is marked sufficiently to let people know it’s there, and prevent them from walking into it. In early 2018, a report emerged about employees at Apple injuring themselves by walking into glass walls. If you would like to discuss social distancing signage and graphics on glass please get in touch via our contact form – our expert project managers are on hand to answer any of your questions.

Glass facade signage