SECTION 2407 GLASS IN HANDRAILS AND GUARDS
(Located in Florida Building Code Chapter 24 – Glass and Glazing)
2407.1 Materials.
Glass used as a handrail assembly or a guard section shall be constructed of
either single fully tempered glass, laminated fully tempered glass or laminated
heatstrengthened glass. Glazing in railing in-fill panels shall be of an approved
safety glazing material that conforms to the provisions of Section 2406.1.1. For
all glazing types, the minimum nominal thickness shall be 1/4 inch (6.4 mm). Fully
tempered glass and laminated glass shall comply with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR
Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1.
2407.1.1 Loads.
The panels and their support system shall be designed to withstand the loads
specified in Section 1607.8. A safety factor of four shall be used.
2407.1.2 Support.
Each handrail or guard section shall be supported by a minimum of three
glass balusters or shall be otherwise supported to remain in place should one baluster
panel fail. Glass balusters shall not be installed without an attached handrail
or guard.
Exception: A top rail shall not be required where the glass balusters are
laminated glass with two or more glass plies of equal thickness and the same glass
type when approved by the building official. The panels shall be designed
to withstand the loads specified in Section 1607.8.
2407.1.3 Parking garages.
Glazing materials shall not be installed in handrails or guards in parking
garages except for pedestrian areas not exposed to impact from vehicles.
2407.1.4 Glazing in wind-borne debris regions.
Glazing installed in in-fill panels or balusters in wind-borne debris regions
shall comply with the following.
2407.1.4.1 Ballusters and in-fill panels.
Glass installed in exterior railing in-fill panels or balusters shall be laminated
glass complying with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1.
2407.1.4.2 Glass supporting top rail.
When the top rail is supported by glass, the assembly shall be tested according
to the impact requirements of Section 1609.1.2 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1618.4.6.4).
The top rail shall remain in place after impact.