What Glass Complies with AS1288?

When specifying windows and doors for an Australian building project, one of the most common questions is:

What glass complies with AS1288?

The simple answer is that AS1288 does not approve a specific glass product. Instead, it sets out the requirements for selecting and installing glass in buildings to ensure safety, structural performance, and compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

Whether you’re building a new home, developing a commercial project, or renovating an existing property, understanding AS1288 will help you choose the correct glazing solution.

What Is AS1288?

AS1288 – Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation is the Australian Standard that specifies:

• Which type of glass should be used
• Where safety glass is required
• Minimum glass thickness
• Installation requirements
• Human impact safety requirements
• Wind load considerations
• Structural glazing requirements

Rather than certifying a single type of glass, AS1288 provides guidelines for choosing the right glass based on the building’s design and intended use.

What Types of Glass Can Comply with AS1288?

Several different glazing products can comply with AS1288 when correctly selected and installed.

1. Toughened Safety Glass

Toughened glass is one of the most commonly specified glazing products in Australia.

It is manufactured through a thermal tempering process that makes it approximately five times stronger than ordinary annealed glass.

If broken, it shatters into small blunt fragments, reducing the risk of serious injury.

Typical applications include:

• Hinged doors
• Sliding doors
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Low-level glazing
• Commercial shopfronts
• Large architectural windows

2. Laminated Safety Glass

Laminated glass consists of two or more panes bonded together with an interlayer.

If broken, the glass remains attached to the interlayer instead of falling out, making it ideal for locations requiring enhanced safety and security.

Common applications include:

• Entry doors
• Balcony glazing
• Stairways
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Security glazing
• Noise reduction projects

Laminated glass also provides improved UV protection and acoustic performance.

3. Annealed Glass

Standard float (annealed) glass may still comply with AS1288 in certain low-risk locations.

However, it is generally not permitted in areas where human impact is likely.

Examples where annealed glass may be suitable include:

• High-level fixed windows
• Small glazing panels
• Areas outside designated safety zones

The suitability depends on the glass size, location, and building design.

4. Double Glazed Units (IGUs)

Double glazing has become increasingly popular throughout Australia because of its thermal and acoustic performance.

A double glazed unit can comply with AS1288 provided:

• The glass types are appropriate
• The safety glazing requirements are satisfied
• The unit is manufactured correctly
• Installation follows Australian Standards

Typical configurations include:

• Toughened + Air Gap + Toughened
• Laminated + Air Gap + Toughened
• Low-E Double Glazing
• Laminated + Low-E Glass

5. Low-E Glass

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass improves energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer.

It helps:

• Lower cooling costs
• Improve indoor comfort
• Reduce UV penetration
• Increase energy ratings

Low-E glass can be incorporated into both single and double glazing systems that comply with AS1288.

What Is Grade A Safety Glass?

Many people mistakenly believe that all glass is safety glass.

In reality, Grade A Safety Glass is a classification defined under AS/NZS 2208, which works together with AS1288.

Grade A safety glass is designed to minimise injury if broken.

The two most common Grade A products are:

• Toughened Glass
• Laminated Safety Glass

These products are required in many areas identified by AS1288.

Where Does AS1288 Require Safety Glass?

Safety glazing is commonly required in areas where accidental human impact is more likely.

These include:

• External doors
• Sliding doors
• Hinged doors
• Door side panels
• Bathroom windows
• Shower screens
• Low-level windows
• Stairway glazing
• Large glazing panels close to the floor
• Childcare centres
• Schools
• Public buildings

Selecting the correct glass for these areas helps improve occupant safety while meeting Australian building requirements.

Does AS1288 Specify Glass Thickness?

Yes.

However, there is no single minimum thickness that applies to every project.

The required thickness depends on several factors, including:

• Glass height
• Glass width
• Wind pressure
• Building location
• Building height
• Frame support
• Glass type
• Safety requirements

Larger glass panels generally require thicker glazing to achieve the required structural performance.

How Do You Know If Glass Complies?

Compliant safety glass is typically permanently marked with information such as:

• Manufacturer identification
• Glass type
• AS/NZS 2208 compliance
• Grade A safety marking
• Production identification

These markings allow builders, inspectors, and installers to verify that the glass is suitable for the intended application.

Choosing the Right Glass for Your Project

Every building project is unique.

The correct glazing selection depends on:

• Window style
• Door type
• Building location
• Wind classification
• Energy efficiency targets
• Acoustic requirements
• Safety requirements
• Architectural design

For residential homes, double glazing combined with Grade A safety glass is a popular solution that delivers safety, comfort, and energy performance.

Commercial buildings may require larger glass panels, higher wind load performance, or specialised glazing systems depending on project specifications.

Why Choose MEICHEN Windows & Doors?

At MEICHEN Windows & Doors, every aluminium window and door system is custom manufactured to suit Australian project requirements.

We provide glazing solutions suitable for:

• Residential homes
• Luxury villas
• Multi-residential developments
• Commercial buildings
• Educational facilities
• Healthcare projects

Our experienced team works closely with builders, developers, architects, and distributors to recommend glass configurations that meet the relevant Australian Standards and project performance requirements.

Whether you require toughened glass, laminated safety glass, double glazing, or Low-E insulated glass, every solution is manufactured according to your project’s specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AS1288 require toughened glass?

Not always. Toughened glass is required in many impact-prone locations, but laminated safety glass may also be acceptable depending on the application.

Is laminated glass AS1288 compliant?

Yes. Laminated safety glass can comply with AS1288 when correctly specified and installed.

Can double glazing comply with AS1288?

Yes. Double glazed units comply with AS1288 when the glass selection, thickness, and installation meet the standard’s requirements.

Is Grade A safety glass mandatory?

Grade A safety glass is mandatory in many locations where there is a risk of human impact, such as doors, low-level windows, and bathrooms.

What is the difference between AS1288 and AS/NZS 2208?

AS1288 specifies how glass should be selected and installed in buildings, while AS/NZS 2208 sets the performance and testing requirements for safety glazing materials. In many applications, both standards work together to ensure safe and compliant glazing systems.

Conclusion

AS1288 is the key Australian Standard for selecting and installing glass in buildings. Rather than approving a single glass product, it defines the requirements for using the correct glass type, thickness, and installation method based on the building’s design and intended use.

For most Australian residential and commercial projects, toughened safety glass, laminated safety glass, double glazing, and Low-E glass are widely used to achieve compliance while improving safety, energy efficiency, and overall building performance.

Choosing the right glazing solution from the beginning helps ensure your aluminium windows and doors meet Australian project requirements and deliver long-term durability, comfort, and reliability.