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Training Curriculum for Installers

The recently formed Federation of Safety Glass (FOSG) is developing a training curriculum for glass installers. To be finalised shortly, this curriculum will benefit artisans and professionals who are involved in the installation of glass in buildings.

FOSG’s executive head S B Sharma (sb.sharma@fosg.in) says that developing a pool of trained installers is crucial for the acceptance of safety glass in the country. “FOSG has the responsibility of making safety glass acceptable in all sectors where glass is being used. While new concepts keep getting introduced all the time, it is important that there is understanding about their handling and correct installation.” He adds that FOSG will offer its training curriculum to various Industrial Training Institutes once it is finalised.

Fire-Resistant Glass by Saint Gobain

Vetroflam Saint Gobain, a unit of the float glass major Saint Gobain Glass India Ltd, has launched an advanced range of fire-resistant glass for exterior applications. Named Vetroflam, this glass is made from an advanced technology which helps in bringing together properties of fire resistance and solar control in a single product.

While speaking about this new product, a company spokesperson informed, “As the number of green buildings is on the increase, the focus is on ensuring adequate fire protection also. In addition to using state-of-the-art solar control glasses that cut down the amount of heat while allowing light to come inside the building, builders are going in for fire-rated glass on facades of buildings. This type of glass is particularly being used in areas like refuge terraces, staircase enclosures, shop fronts in tall buildings, etc.”

According to the company, Vetroflam has been tested in international labs for up to two hours of fire resistance. This product also has a solar factor of 0.26 and a U value of 1.5W/m2k, which makes it qualify for LEED and GRIHA ratings. Vetroflam glass comes as a double glazed unit and has a thickness of 24mm.
The company claims that due to the aforesaid properties, Vetroflam glass is ideal for being used in hospitals, theatres, libraries, shopping malls, hotels, and public spaces.

Sezal Glass to Expand its Processing Business

Following the sale of its float glass manufacturing facility to glass major Saint Gobain Glass, Sezal Glass Ltd is now working in the direction of expanding its glass processing business. Known to be among the leading players of architectural glass in the country, Sezal Glass is investing around `500 crore for the proposed expansion.

“This current expansion is a part of our plan to invest in state-of-the-art specialised and revolutionary technologies, processes, systems and infrastructure to support long term growth. As a group, we aim to be one of the leading players in the value-added glass category. Our company has successfully executed a number of such projects in the country and abroad, and we are known for having an extensive experience in offering glass solutions,” informed Amrut S Gada, chairman and managing director of Sezal Glass Ltd, while talking about the expansion plans of the company.

Gada says that the company is aiming to become a value-added glass manufacturer, providing security glass, safety glass, fire-resistant glass, acid-patterned glass, bullet-proof glass and other glass products, both patterned and for solar control. “If we consider aspects like climate, safety and aesthetics, we would see that the demand for high-quality value-added glass is fast increasing in the country. With the present expansion in place, we aim to grab 15% market share of this business in a span of three to five years.”

Apart from being a well-known name in the glass processing industry, Sezal is also active in the segment of lifestyle homes and office interior products under the brand name Encasa, at two locations in Mumbai. The Encasabrand deals in mid and high-end decorative glass, art and artifacts, lights and luminaires, sanitaryware, tiles, furniture and wallpaper among others.

Bharat Glass Launches Form 5 Glass

Mumbai-based glass processing company Bharat Glass Systems has recently started the manufacturing of Form 5 glass surfaces. The company has been working in the field of architectural and interior glass processing since 1976.

“We did an extensive survey of the best coating technologies and finishing lines available in Italy and Germany. It was then that a fully automated coating line was procured from Italy and commissioned here in Mumbai,” informed company’s director Hemal Chedda, while speaking about this new development. He added that this coating line consists of an automatic coater capable of setting coating thickness, andconvection drying line for complete paint curing and hardness. Presently, the company is offering 16 standardised colours in Form 5 glass surfaces, in 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm thick clear and ultra clear glass.

Chedda informs that within two months of starting commercial production, the company has bagged several prestigious projects due to Form 5 glass’ superior finish, wide range of colours, and the flexibility of customising the colour and glass type according to requirements. “In order to make this product a bigger success, we are presently looking forward to appointing glass dealers and distributors who are interested in stocking lacquered glass in various sizes. The company is looking forward at a pan India presence, and will soon begin expanding its network in other regions.”

CCPS Issues Guidelines for Glass Use

Statistics show that a rise in use of glass in buildings has resulted in increased injuries due to impact breakage and falling glass. Recognising this as a major safety hazard, many countries have initiated action to reduce glass-related injuries, and ensure human safety. Though such concern is yet to be seen in India, Confederation of Construction Products & Services (CCPS), a non-profit organisation, has issued guidelines on the use of glass in buildings.

While talking about these guidelines, CCPS advisor and former deputy advisor Planning Commission Shashi Kant (skant@ccpsindia.com) informs, “The scope of the guidelines issued by CCPS covers minimum safety requirements with respect to various kinds of human impact, and precautions against the risk of fall and falling glass. These guidelines suggest that the safety glass used in buildings shall be of four types, namely toughened safety glass, toughened float safety glass, laminated safety glass, and laminated float safety glass.”

Shashi says that the guidelines also address the issue of critical locations in buildings. “It has been emphasised in the guidelines that when any glazing is within 1.5 metre above the floor level, it is considered likely to be subjected to human impact, and shall comply with the human impact safety requirements.” CCPS insists that safety glazing material should also be used, where there is danger of falling due to a change in floor level, and in case of balustrades, stairs and floors.

While talking about the guidelines, Shashi iterates the need for marking clear glass panels that are capable of being mistaken for an unimpeded path of travel, and making them visible by incorporating some kind of manifestation. “Besides, all safety glass should be indelibly and distinctly marked with the type, name or logo of manufacturer, thickness of glass, and BIS certification mark.” He adds that the glasses shall satisfy the relevant resistance to shock test, and warp test.
CCPS is further insisting that appropriate precautionary measures should be taken to ensure reduction in injuries that can result from glass breakage. These precautions include selecting glass of a suitable type, thickness and size, enhancing the person’s awareness about the presence of glass by making it visible, and minimising manual handling of large pieces of glass during installation. “In case of external laminated glass facades, openable portions should be provided at regular intervals for fire fighting and smoke exhaust.”

These guidelines have already been mandated by the state governments of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Manipur, as well as by Delhi PWD, Delhi Development Authority, Rajasthan Housing Board, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and Haryana PWD. CCPS is urging other state and local bodies to include the guidelines in their building by laws to ensure human safety.