Government facilities face a unique set of glazing requirements. Building codes, GSA standards, and security mandates often require safety glazing on full-height glass panels, glass doors, and sidelights, and many existing government buildings have non-compliant glass that needs to be brought up to standard without full replacement.
What Is ANSI Z97.1?
ANSI Z97.1 is the American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings. It defines performance requirements for safety glazing: glass or film that, when broken, breaks in a way that minimizes injury risk. The standard is referenced by the International Building Code (IBC) and most state building codes.
Where Safety Glazing Is Required
The IBC requires safety glazing in specific locations, including:
- Glazing in doors and enclosures for hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, and showers
- Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel adjacent to a door where the nearest vertical edge is within 24 inches of the door in a closed position
- Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel that meets all of the following: exposed area of an individual pane greater than 9 sq ft, bottom edge less than 18 inches above the floor, top edge greater than 36 inches above the floor, one or more walking surfaces within 36 inches horizontally of the glazing
- Glazing in guards and railings
- Glazing in walls and fences enclosing indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas
How Safety Film Achieves ANSI Z97.1 Compliance
Safety film works by holding glass fragments together when the glass breaks. Instead of shattering into dangerous shards, the glass breaks but remains in the frame, dramatically reducing injury risk. 3M Safety Series films are tested and certified to ANSI Z97.1 Class A and Class B standards.
3M Safety Film Products for Government Applications
| Product | Thickness | ANSI Class | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Safety Series S40 | 4 mil | Class B | Interior glass, low-risk areas |
| 3M Safety Series S70 | 7 mil | Class A | Exterior glass, higher-risk areas |
| 3M Safety Series S140 | 14 mil | Class A | High-security, blast mitigation |
| 3M Ultra Series 600 | 6 mil | Class A | Blast and forced-entry resistance |
The Specification Process for Government Projects
Government projects typically require a formal specification document that references the applicable standards, the specific products to be used, and the installation requirements. We provide complete specification packages for government projects, including product data sheets, test reports, and installation documentation.
We are GSA Schedule-eligible and have completed safety film projects for federal, state, and municipal facilities across North Texas and Oklahoma.
Safety Film Specifications for Government Facilities
We provide complete specification packages, certified installation, and documentation for government safety glazing projects. Contact us to discuss your project.
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