AS1288 is the Australian Standard that provides requirements for the selection and installation of glass in buildings. It helps determine which type of glass should be used in different locations, when safety glazing is required, and how glass should be installed to improve safety, durability and performance.

Why AS1288 Matters

Glass is one of the most important components of any aluminium window or door system. While modern glass allows more natural light and larger openings, it must also provide appropriate levels of safety for occupants.

AS1288 was developed to provide consistent guidance on the safe use of glass in Australian buildings.

Rather than focusing on the window frame itself, AS1288 focuses on the glass—its selection, placement and installation.

For builders, architects and homeowners, understanding AS1288 helps ensure that the right glass is used in the right location.

What Is AS1288?

AS1288 is the Australian Standard titled “Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation.”

It provides technical guidance for choosing appropriate glazing based on factors such as:

• Glass location
• Building use
• Human impact risk
• Panel size
• Installation method
• Safety requirements

The objective is to reduce the likelihood of injury caused by glass breakage while maintaining the performance of the building envelope.

What Does AS1288 Cover?

AS1288 addresses several key areas.

1. Safety Glazing

One of the most recognised aspects of AS1288 is identifying where safety glass should be used.

Safety glazing is generally required in locations where occupants are more likely to come into contact with glass.

Examples include:

• Doors
• Side panels next to doors
• Bathrooms
• Stairways
• Low-level windows
• Balustrades (where applicable)

Using appropriate safety glazing helps reduce the risk of serious injury if the glass breaks.

2. Glass Type Selection

Different applications require different glass products.

Common options include:

Toughened Glass

Characteristics:

• Heat-treated for increased strength
• Breaks into small granular fragments
• Commonly used in doors and large glazing panels

Typical applications:

• Sliding doors
• Hinged doors
• Large fixed windows

Laminated Glass

Characteristics:

• Two or more glass layers bonded with an interlayer
• Glass fragments remain attached after breakage
• Improved impact resistance

Typical applications:

• Entry doors
• Security glazing
• Areas requiring improved acoustic performance

Double Glazing

Double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by an insulating space.

Benefits include:

• Improved thermal performance
• Better energy efficiency
• Reduced external noise

AS1288 helps determine the appropriate glass type used within insulated glazing units for different applications.

3. Glass Thickness

AS1288 also provides guidance on selecting appropriate glass thickness based on factors such as:

• Panel dimensions
• Wind loads
• Building height
• Glass type
• Installation method

Larger glass panels generally require careful engineering to ensure structural performance and occupant safety.

4. Installation Requirements

Choosing the correct glass is only part of the process.

Proper installation is equally important.

AS1288 includes guidance relating to:

• Glass edge support
• Clearance requirements
• Setting blocks
• Frame engagement
• Installation tolerances

Correct installation helps ensure the glazing system performs as intended throughout its service life.

How Does AS1288 Work with AS2047?

A common misconception is that AS1288 and AS2047 are the same standard.

In reality, they address different aspects of a window system.

The two standards complement each other rather than replace one another.

For many Australian projects, both standards are considered during product selection.

Why Safety Glass Is Important

Ordinary glass can create sharp shards when broken.

Safety glazing is designed to reduce this risk.

Benefits include:

• Improved occupant protection
• Better compliance with project specifications
• Increased confidence in residential and commercial applications

Selecting the appropriate glazing for each location helps improve overall building safety.

Glass Selection for Aluminium Windows and Doors

The best glass choice depends on several factors, including:

Building Type

• Detached homes
• Apartments
• Commercial buildings
• Educational facilities

Climate

Different regions of Australia experience different environmental conditions.

Glass selection may consider:

• Solar heat gain
• Thermal insulation
• Wind exposure
• Acoustic performance

Window Size

Larger glazing panels may require different glass specifications compared with smaller windows.

This is particularly relevant for:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Fixed glazing
• Sliding doors
• Architectural façades

Common Mistakes When Choosing Glass

Choosing glass based only on appearance can lead to problems later.

Some common mistakes include:

• Selecting the wrong glass type for the application
• Ignoring safety glazing requirements
• Underestimating wind loading
• Using incorrect glass thickness
• Poor installation practices

Working with experienced suppliers and installers can help reduce these risks.

Why Builders Choose Aluminium Window Systems

Modern aluminium window systems allow the use of larger glazing panels while maintaining structural strength.

Benefits include:

• Slim frame aesthetics
• Larger daylight openings
• Durability
• Low maintenance
• Design flexibility

Combined with appropriate glazing selected under AS1288, aluminium windows can provide both performance and visual appeal.

Why Choose MEICHEN Windows & Doors?

MEICHEN Windows & Doors manufactures aluminium window and door systems for Australian residential and commercial projects.

Our approach includes:

• Custom aluminium window solutions
• Large glazing applications
• Performance-focused engineering
• Quality-controlled manufacturing
• Support for Australian project requirements

Every project is different, so selecting the appropriate frame system and glazing specification is an important part of achieving the desired performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AS1288 cover?

AS1288 provides guidance for the selection and installation of glass used in Australian buildings.

Does AS1288 require safety glass?

Yes. The standard identifies many situations where safety glazing should be used to reduce the risk of injury.

Does AS1288 apply to residential buildings?

Yes. It applies to many residential applications as well as commercial and public buildings.

Is double glazing required by AS1288?

AS1288 does not require all windows to be double glazed. Instead, it provides guidance on appropriate glass selection and installation based on the application.

Does AS1288 replace AS2047?

No. AS1288 focuses on glass selection and installation, while AS2047 evaluates the performance of the complete window or glazed door system.