Wired glass is a type of glass that has a wire mesh embedded in it. It was once commonly used in schools because it is fire-resistant. However, wired glass is also very dangerous, and it is no longer considered to be a safe option for schools.
There are two main reasons why wired glass is dangerous. First, it is more likely to break than regular glass. This is because the wire mesh weakens the glass, making it more susceptible to impact. When wired glass breaks, it shatters into jagged pieces with sharp edges. These pieces can easily cut or puncture skin, causing serious injuries.
Second, the wire mesh in wired glass can cause even more serious injuries if it is not properly secured. If the wire mesh is loose, it can come loose when the glass breaks, creating a hazard for anyone who comes into contact with it. The wire can also become embedded in the skin, making it difficult to remove.
Wired glass is more dangerous than regular glass when it breaks because the exposed wires are razor-sharp.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of children being injured by wired glass in schools. In one case, a 12-year-old girl was playing in a school hallway when she accidentally kicked a wired glass door. The glass shattered, and the girl suffered serious cuts to her leg. In another case, a 9-year-old boy was playing in a school gym when he ran into a wired glass window. The glass shattered, and the boy suffered cuts to his face and head.
These cases highlight the dangers of installing wired glass in schools. Some people have called for an outright ban on wired glass in schools. There are now safer alternatives available that offer the same fire protection without the risk of serious injury. School administrators should carefully consider these alternatives before deciding whether or not to install wired glass in their schools.
Here are some of the safer alternatives to wired glass:
- Tempered glass
- Laminated glass
- Security glass
- Bullet-resistant glass
These types of glass are all more resistant to impact than wired glass, and they are less likely to cause serious injuries if they do break. They also offer the same fire protection as wired glass, making them a safe and effective option for schools.
If your school has wired glass, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible. The safety of your students is paramount, and there are now safer alternatives available that offer the same fire protection without the risk of serious injury.
Schools may be liable
Under the doctrine of in loco parentis, when parents entrust their children to a school, the administrators assume certain responsibilities for the minors. Part of this is to ensure that school buildings are secure for student use.
In the case of wired glass panels, school administrators are expected to be aware of their potential hazards. Under the law, a property owner must act with reasonable care to protect others from apparent dangers while on their property. Such reasonable care includes anticipating the possible hazards that come with installing wired glass in doors and windows. Therefore, schools cannot raise ignorance as a defence in mitigating their liability.