No matter what happened, safety is important. Whether the cause was a stray cricket ball or a ladder that slipped into the glass window, it’s important to know in advance how to safely handle broken window glass.

Aesthetically, glass is great for homes and we are increasingly fitting floor-to-ceiling windows, conservatories, glass doors, side panels, sliding glass patio doors and glass shower cubicles to our homes. And let's not forget the humble window, to be found throughout. Yet every year windows and glass doors cause many injuries to children under the age of 14 years.

Many accidents are down to children running into glass, simply because they haven't spotted it (visiting children are prime candidates), or because they have forgotten it was there!

Ordinary glass (float or annealed glass) is extremely dangerous because it breaks into jagged pieces that cause serious injuries. Safety glass is a legal requirement in new buildings, so if your property is older, consider replacing glass doors and panels with safety glass manufactured to (Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2208:1996).

Toughened Glass - this type of glass is toughened by a heat treatment. It disintegrates into small, granular pieces, which are not sharp, and reduces the risk of injury. Small pieces will still be dangerous to children so ensure they are kept away in the event of breakage.

Laminated Glass - 2 or more sheets of ordinary glass attached together by a plastic interlayer. On impact any broken glass will remain attached to the plastic, reducing the risk of injury.

Simple steps can be taken to prevent any bodily contact with glazed surfaces particularly where you suspect that non-safety glass has been used in doors, glass panels, mirrors, low level windows and in furniture. Here are some points to consider:

• A professional home “Glass Audit”
• Transfers or stickers can highlight dangerous glass areas to children.
• Keep indoor and outdoor areas dry to prevent children from slipping into glass windows or doors.
• Children may trip on loose rugs or mats, so keep them away from glass doors and windows.
• Low-level glass or large fixed glass panel areas can be screened with plants, furniture, barrier rails.
• When buying furniture with glass doors or tops, look for approval to Australian Standards
• Keep glassed areas well lit.
• Provide play opportunities away from glassed areas.
• Use furniture that is stable and not able to be easily moved or tipped over.
• Avoid using furniture where children can climb up close to glass.
• Mirrors are an attraction to children. Make sure they can’t pull them down or break them.
• Teach children not to push, bang on or slam into glass panels.
• Always supervise children in play areas.
• Consider a home glass audit for added assurance – phone us on 4033 7556 or 1300 552 776

Safety glass must be installed in areas that include: Showers – screens and doors, Glass panelled doors (internal and external) and panels beside doors, Low level windows, Mirrored door panels, Windows in stair wells and wet areas, Glass panelled balustrades.

Safety glass must be installed, particularly in floor-to-ceiling windows in family rooms and high traffic areas (Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2208:1996), or cover glass with sticky plastic film so it doesn’t shatter when broken.
Since 1989, most states have made it compulsory to install safety glass in new doors and side panels. If your home was built before 1989, it is unlikely that safety glass was installed.

Shower screens and shower doors must comply with Australian Standards AS/NZS 1288 and 2208 and be made of toughened glass, Laminated or wired glass.

Barrier safety screens are aluminium framed doors and windows using an aluminium diamond pattern grill mesh. Safety screens are designed to let you safely open up the house to air and light while you’re at home, upstairs or out in the garden. They form a barrier to prevent intruders from sneaking quickly and quietly into your house when your main door’s open and theft, and deter or delay potential attackers long enough for you to call for help.

While they provide some level of protection, given enough time and the right equipment, they’re still penetrable — some more so than others. Then there’s the installation — attaching it to a weak door frame or allowing enough space to get good jemmying leverage reduces its effectiveness as a security door.

Security Screens give you superior security. Made from high tensile, marine grade stainless steel that is woven into a fine mesh, these screens offer the comfort of fresh air flowing through your home allowing you to enjoy the clear and unobstructed views of the outdoors.

These security doors and windows offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family and home are secure. The products offer the latest innovations in security technology, with both strength and durability designed to prevent forced home invasions

Our usual service area extends from Cairns city to the surrounding areas, from Palm Cove in the north and to Gordonvale-Yarrabah in the south. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are outside of these locations as we will gladly provide travel based service for you.