California IDEX Practice Exam

A designer selecting glass to meet the requirements for safety glazing in a hazardous location should specify...

1. Regular glass

2. Wire glass

3. Tempered or laminated glass

4. Acrylic glass

The correct answer is: Tempered or laminated glass

Selecting the appropriate glass for safety glazing in hazardous locations is crucial for ensuring the safety and protection of individuals. Tempered or laminated glass is specifically designed for conditions where breakage may occur. Tempered glass undergoes a heating and cooling process that makes it significantly stronger than regular glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury. Laminated glass consists of layers of glass held together by an interlayer, which helps keep the glass intact even if shattered, preventing dangerous shards. Both tempered and laminated glass meet strict safety standards and provide better protection against hazards such as impact or thermal stress, making it the ideal choice for environments where safety is a priority. The other options do not provide the same level of safety. Regular glass can shatter easily and cause sharp edges. Wire glass may not be as effective at minimizing injury because, although it has some reinforcement, it can still break dangerously. Acrylic glass is shatter-resistant but may not offer the same durability and impact resistance as tempered or laminated glass.