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Is the fire-rated glass in an area that requires impact-safetyratedglass?It is important to consider whether the fire-ratedglass is in an area that requires impact-safety-ratedglass to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Per the2006 International Building Code (IBC), all fire-ratedglass in hazardous locations must also meet safetyglazingcriteria. Hazardous locations include doors,sidelites, glass in applications near the floor and otherareas as defined by code.Given the fast-paced nature of healthcareoccupancies, there may be instances in which thebuilding team chooses to provide impact-resistant,fire-rated glass even if not required by code. Hospitalsand care centers are frequently crowded with movingpeople and equipment, and installing impact-safetyrated glass may help reduce glass replacement costs orpotential injuries.Since not all fire-rated glazing offers both fire andimpact protection, it is important to check for fire-ratedproducts that meet CPSC 16CFR1201 Category I or IIimpact classifications, depending on the application.Examples of such dual-performance materials includeFire rated glazing used as a separation for a corridor in aschool. TGP Photofire-rated transparent wall panels and laminated orfilmed fire-rated ceramic glass.Is the fire-rated glass maximizing light transfer?Research shows that access to natural light andviews is important to patient recovery. For example,a 2005 study assessed the significance of sunlight ina hospital room and how it affected patient recovery.The study found that patients with greater exposure tosunlight perceived less pain and used less medication(Walch et al, 2005).Since it is up to the building team to ensure theproduct is oriented in such a way as to maximize lightpenetration, consider whether or not it is possible to:• use floor-to-ceiling fire-rated transparent wallpanels in patient rooms;• couple sequences of fire-rated wall panels withnarrow fire-rated framing to increase occupantviews and daylight transfer;• incorporate full-lite fire-resistive glass in doorswhere privacy is not a concern;• install fire-rated curtain walls in waiting rooms andvisiting centers; and• install non-slip, fire-rated glazed floor systems inspaces to funnel daylight into lower rooms whereFire rated glazing used to separate a laboratoryfrom a corridor. TGP Photosunlight may otherwise be difficult to access.In addition, fire-rated glazing can now offergreater clarity and larger sizes that used to only beavailable with conventional glass. For instance, someglass ceramics with fire-ratings of 20 to 60 minutesare available with maximum sizes of 3 feet x 8 feet perpiece. Such materials can be specified in applicationswhere greater visibility or natural light benefit buildingdesign and occupant health by adding to the comfort ofthe interior environment.Is the fire-rated glazing in a patient-focused area?Fire-rated glass in patient or examination roomshas a special set of considerations. The HealthInsurance Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996(HIPAA) applies not just to protection of personalhealth records and information, but also to visual andacoustic privacy. As such, it is important to considerglass orientation in regards to patient location andensure windows and doors that provide adjustablevisibility and privacy levels.While curtains, blinds, and tints can provideprivacy, these systems can accumulate dust and bedifficult to clean. One solution is product make-upsthat incorporate louvers set between hermeticallysealed panes of fire-rated glass. This is essentially acordless version of Venetian blinds-in-glass. Louverscan be positioned so that vision and light are permittedinto one area, but are limited in the opposite direction.Free of tangled cords and less prone to damage, suchsystems can help balance access to light, provideprivacy and be hygienic.Healthcare Project CollaborationHealthcare building teams face the challenging task ofjuggling a diverse set of performance criteria – in low-riseor high-rise construction. As such, conversations duringthe initial stages of a project can help the manufacturer orsupplier better understand how fire-rated glazing fits intoproject goals, from long-term performance to aestheticsand cost. This leaves critical time for creative problemsolving and design adjustments.Jeff Razwick is vice president for Technical GlassProducts (TGP), a supplier of specialty architectural glazingproducts and fire-rated glass and framing systems. He chairsthe Glass Association of North America (GANA) Fire-ratedGlazing Council (FRGC) and works closely with code officials,manufacturers, and other industry professionals on fire-ratedglazing applications. www.fireglass.com, (800) 426-0279Fall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 7