Fire Resistant Glass For Hospitals

FIRE SAFE GLASS IN HOSPITALS – THE NEED

Hospitals are designed to care. But how careful are we in designing hospitals with fire safety?
There is a blazing necessity for hospitals to have fire-resistant glass for more than one reason. Inadequate emergency equipment, abundant hazardous material, machines running on high power and centralized air conditioning are big risks in hospitals for spreading fire.  Also occupants in a hospital are with little /no mobility and are unaware of impending dangers especially at night. All this calls for fire safety systems in hospitals.

What are fire safety guidelines in buildings?
The National Building Code (NBC) mandates passive fire safety requirements in tall buildings (also relevant to hospitals) as per Category C 1, clauses 3.4, 4 and 6.3. The suggested areas of applications of fire proof systems include fire safe glass at exit doors, exit corridors, exit staircase, fire tower and refuge area. These are areas that are further substantiated by International Best Practices.

How can glass be fire-safe?
Unlike material like wood, plywood, metal and other fabrication, fire resistant glass doors & partitions can come in handy during the unfortunate event of a fire breaking out. Also, fire-proof glass doors offer relatively higher protection from fire hazards than conventionally used material. Fire rated glass can be in the form of fire resistant partitions, fire proof doors, and fire door systems.

Visual safety provided  by Glass?
Glass provides visual security compared to any other material. One can see through in case of fire accidents and detect fire very early. Also, one can make sure no one is left behind.

Fire resistant glass in India

India today has some prominent glass manufacturers providing fire resistant glass and systems.

1.120 mins of  fire resistance
2. High impact resistance
3. Thermal insulation

By ensuring the incorporation of fire resistant glass and fire proof systems, architects & interior designers can take the first, crucial step - that of making our hospitals fire-safe and truly a centre for care ...