Summary: Read This First
Not all glass used in homes is considered safety glass—and in many parts of an Australian home, using safety glass isn’t just recommended, it’s required by law.
Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or replacing windows and doors, understanding Safety Glass Australia requirements can help you improve safety, meet Australian Standards, and choose the right glazing for your project.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What safety glass is and why it matters
- The difference between toughened and laminated glass
- Where safety glass is required under Australian Standards
- Which option is best for different areas of the home
- How RS Doors & Windows helps homeowners choose the right glazing
Why Safety Glass Matters
Large glass panels have become a defining feature of modern Australian homes, bringing in more daylight and creating stronger connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
But as glass areas increase, so does the importance of safety.
Unlike ordinary annealed glass, safety glass is specifically designed to reduce the risk of serious injury if broken. It is manufactured or treated to meet strict impact and breakage requirements, making it suitable for areas where accidental human impact is more likely.
In Australia, the use of safety glass is regulated by AS 1288 – Glass in Buildings: Selection and Installation, which specifies where safety glazing must be installed in residential and commercial buildings.
What Is Safety Glass?
Safety glass is glazing that has been tested to minimise the risk of injury when broken.
The two most common types used in Australian homes are:
- Toughened (Tempered) Glass
- Laminated Safety Glass
Both comply with Australian safety standards, but they behave differently and are suited to different applications.
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass is approximately four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass.
If it breaks, it shatters into small granular pieces rather than sharp shards, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
At RS Doors & Windows, 5 mm toughened glass is our standard glazing, with double-glazed units supplied as standard across our product range.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass consists of two panes of glass permanently bonded together by one or more PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayers.
Instead of falling apart when broken, the glass remains adhered to the interlayer, helping maintain the integrity of the opening.
It also offers improved acoustic performance and blocks a high percentage of UV radiation.
Common Laminated Glass Configurations
RS Doors & Windows offers a range of laminated glass options to suit different acoustic, safety and performance requirements.
For even higher performance, laminated glass can be combined with double glazing and Argon.
Where Is Safety Glass Required?
While requirements depend on the specific location and size of the glazing, safety glass is commonly required in areas considered to have a higher risk of human impact.
These typically include:
- Doors and door side panels
- Full-height windows
- Bathrooms
- Stairways
- Low-level glazing
- Large glass panels close to the floor
Requirements are determined in accordance with AS 1288 and the National Construction Code (NCC).
For project-specific compliance, always consult your builder, architect or certifier.
Why Glass Selection Matters
Choosing the right glass isn’t only about meeting building requirements.
It can also improve:
- Home security
- Thermal comfort
- Acoustic performance
- UV protection
- Long-term energy efficiency
Selecting the appropriate glazing early in the design process can help avoid costly changes later while delivering better everyday comfort.
Why Choose RS Doors & Windows?
Every RS window and door system is designed for Australian conditions and supplied with high-performance glazing options tailored to your project’s needs.
Our range includes:
- Double glazing as standard
- Toughened safety glass
- Laminated safety glass
- Acoustic laminated glass
- Low-E glass
- Thermally broken aluminium systems
- Custom glazing solutions for residential and commercial projects
Whether you’re building a family home or a large architectural residence, our team can recommend the right glazing solution to balance safety, performance and design.
Contact Us
Not sure which type of safety glass is right for your project?
Our team can help you choose the most suitable glazing configuration based on your home’s location, window design and performance requirements.
Contact us today or visit our Sydney and Melbourne showrooms to explore our full range of aluminium window and door systems.