Impact Testing of Glass Panels

Test equipment, including Impactor Ball, for testing glass panel

Glass barrier panels forming part of balconies, balustrades or parapets are required to meet the impact test requirements as laid down in BS6180:1999 ‘Barriers in and about Buildings' and BS6206:1981 ‘Impact Performance Requirements for Flat Safety Glass and Safety Plastics for use in Buildings'.

Impact properties of glass infill panels are very important where people may come into contact with them, especially when moving, such as running down a stairway.

On site and laboratory testing services are provided to ensure the integrity of the panels. Testing is conducted in strict accordance with the British Standards including the use of a specially constructed leather Impactor Ball.

The test involves the panel resisting specified impact loads which are applied by swinging the special lead shot filled Impactor Ball from predetermined heights. Panels are examined for signs of damage or for safety of fracture as appropriate.