Wired glass – glass with a wire mesh embedded inside – was once widely used in schools and public buildings due to its fire-resistant properties. However, while it may slow the spread of flames, wired glass is no longer considered a safe option, especially in environments with children.
Why Wired Glass Is Dangerous
There are two key reasons why wired glass poses a serious safety risk:
1. It Breaks More Easily Than You Think
The wire mesh inside wired glass weakens its structure, making it more prone to breaking on impact. When it does break, it doesn’t crumble safely like modern safety glass – it shatters into sharp, jagged pieces.
2. The Wire Makes It Even More Hazardous
When the glass shatters, the exposed wire edges can cause severe cuts or puncture wounds. In some cases, the wire mesh can become loose and act like a sharp, whipping hazard. If the wire becomes embedded in the skin, it can lead to complex and painful injuries.
The combination of shattered glass and exposed wire is much more dangerous than standard glass breakage.
Real-Life Accidents in Schools
There have been multiple incidents in recent years where children were seriously injured by wired glass in schools:
A 12-year-old girl was playing in a school hallway when she accidentally kicked a wired glass door. The glass shattered on impact, causing severe cuts to her leg.
In another case, a 9-year-old boy ran into a wired glass window in a school gym. The glass broke, and the boy suffered deep cuts to his face and head.
These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need to reassess the use of wired glass in schools.
Safer Alternatives to Wired Glass
Thankfully, there are modern safety glass options that provide the same fire protection as wired glass but without the injury risk. These include:
Tempered Glass – Stronger and shatters into small, blunt pieces.
Laminated Glass – Holds together when broken, preventing sharp edges from causing harm.
Security Glass – Highly impact-resistant and used in high-traffic areas.
Bullet-Resistant Glass – Offers maximum protection and safety.
These alternatives are widely available and meet modern safety standards for schools and public buildings.
See the Ministry of Education’s glass guidelines for schools here.
Schools May Be Liable for Wired Glass Injuries
School administrators and property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment. The risks of wired glass are well known, and schools can be held liable if someone is injured due to its presence.
Ignorance is not a defence. Reasonable care requires schools to identify and address obvious hazards – including outdated wired glass panels.
Take Action: Replace Wired Glass Now
If your school still has wired glass in doors or windows, now is the time to act. The safety of your students, staff, and visitors should always come first. Upgrading to safer alternatives will not only protect those in your care but also reduce the risk of legal liability.
For expert advice and professional glass replacement, contact GI Glass – your trusted partner in school safety solutions.
