PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED REGULATORY MEASURE TO ADDRESS SAFETY CONCERNS OVER USE OF GLASS ON BUILDING FACADES
Your Ref. : Building Plan & Management Division
Our Ref. : BCA BC 056/41 Exterior Features Section
Dear Sir/Madam
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED REGULATORY MEASURE TO
ADDRESS SAFETY CONCERNS OVER USE OF GLASS ON BUILDING
FAÇADES
In a modern, densely-built environment like Singapore, glass is used extensively both in the interior and on the exterior of buildings. Tempered glass, because of its high strength property, is often used in parapet walls in the interior, and in claddings and skylight on the exterior of large commercial buildings. In the newer residential buildings, the designs often include full height tempered glass curtain walls to provide panoramic view to homeowners from inside their homes.
2 Since 2006, BCA received reports on about 40 incidents of shattered glass, of which 7 incidents were reported in the past 9 months. Investigations showed that all these incidents involved the use of tempered glass in full-height windows or balcony balustrade. In addition, there were many media reports of incidents of spontaneous shattering of tempered glass used in the interior of buildings.
3 Although the fragments of tempered glass are round-edged, a clump of such fragments could still cause death, if not injury, when falling from height from the glass façade. In addition, the consequence could be dire should a piece of tempered glass panel used in parapet wall or curtain wall spontaneously shatter when a person is leaning on it.
4 In view of the potential dangers posed by glass, BCA is considering introducing some form of performance-based requirements to regulate the use of glass on building façades. BCA would like to seek your comments on one of the two regulatory options proposed in the paper enclosed. Comments/views from
individuals are also welcome.
5 We would appreciate it if your comments/views could reach us before 12 April 2008. You may send your feedback to us in email or snail mail at the
Yours faithfully
TEO ORH HAI
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
EXTERIOR FEATURES DEPARTMENT
for CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY
