IBC 2406.3 says each pane of safety glazing in hazardous locations require a label. IBC 2406.4 lists those hazardous locations, which doesn’t include elevators. IBC 2409.4 says that glass in elevators need to meet ANSI Z97.1. ANSI Z97.1 requires labels.
So even though the code discusses labels and doesn’t list the label as a requirement for glass lining an elevator cab walls, it ends up requiring it through the referenced standard.
Am I understanding this correctly, has anyone found a way around this?
2406.3 allows for the building official to use a certificate confirming compliance with code instead of labels for laminated glass in hazardous locations, but the code does not include the same exception for elevators.
Because nobody wants to see this. Ideally there is a letter in the elevator control room or such that tells the elevator inspector that every piece of glass meets code.
Sorry, since I have retired I haven’t kept up on current codes (IBC 2012 is the last issue I have handy so you may need to do some numerical translations to current edition) but decorative glass – defined in Chapter 2 – was excluded from the requirements for Hazardous Locations 2406.4.
Regarding the letter, 2012 IBC 2403 required a mark on all glass, which could be omitted with a glazing contractor certification if approved by the AHJ. Tempered glass, on the other hand, must be marked with a permanent marking that cannot be removed without the glass pane being destroyed. (Safety glazing similar, see 2406.3) I would suggest that the letter in the building office is moot, given what the code says.
Your saving grace seems to be the decorative glass exclusion. It’s hard to tell the scale from the photo you posted, but this looks like a decorative element on the inside of a cab, probably up against a solid backing like a plywood panel?
Again, sorry I don’t have the current code references, but hope this is helpful.
@Ken, it actually is laminated glass, however the manufacturer is stating that the code required ANSI Z97.1 standard for laminated is forcing them to label the glass despite the code exception for laminated glass.
Plus the certificate exception applies to safety glazing. Unfortunately, the elevator glass is not in the safety glazing section is not referred by that terminology in the code. It is just required to meet the same standard (thus the label).
I hate to depend on Alternate Means/Methods…but may have to.
Yes, we have had at least one project where after lengthy greased pig wrestling there is now a letter in the elevator control room to cover the decorative glass panels that do not have labels…
Brian, you might also check ASME A17.1 requirements for glass in elevator cars. It indicates that labeling required by the safety standards shall remain visible after installation. https://up.codes/viewer/alabama/asme-a17.1-2019/chapter/2/electric-elevators#2.14.1.8 (note this is using the Up Codes platform to view the code through Alabama who adopts it without modification. Your AHJ may differ.)
