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Meeting Alberta’s Safety Glass Standards for Commercial Properties

  • Writer: Yellow Pages Admin
    Yellow Pages Admin
  • 1 hour ago
  • 3 min read
Image of clipboard and safety sheet written “safety glass” on it

Operating a commercial property in Alberta means navigating a complex web of safety regulations. Glass may be transparent, but its role in your business is anything but invisible. Compliance with provincial building codes, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) rules, and industry standards isn’t just best practice; it’s mandatory. 


At All-West Glass, we understand these requirements and make them easy for Grande Prairie business owners. Here’s a breakdown.


Why Safety Glass Is Essential for Alberta Businesses

Glass in storefronts, entranceways, partition systems, and doors is vulnerable to impact, accidents, or break-ins. Without proper safety glazing, that glass becomes a hazard. This can ultimately lead to bodily harm, liability issues, and regulatory fines. Alberta’s adoption of the National Building Code — Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)) ensures that safety glass is required in locations where everyday foot traffic, doors, or display windows might lead to human contact.


The NBC outlines where safety glazing is required:


  • Fixed or operable panels in swinging, sliding, or bifold doors are high-risk and must use safety glass.

  • Windows adjacent to doors within 600 mm laterally and with glass bottom edges under 1.52 m above the floor also require safety glazing. 

  • Glass partitions around entryways, washrooms, or shower areas must meet safety glazing standards. These extend to glass in guardrails, balustrades, and elevated storefronts where human impact is reasonably expected.


Simply put, if glass is in a “hazardous location” under NBC(AE) and the Alberta Safety Code, it must be tempered or laminated safety glass; both being acceptable safety glazing options.


Key Standards and Certifications


  • CAN/CGSB-12.1-M: Tempered or laminated safety glass

  • CAN/CGSB-12.11-M90: Wired safety glass

  • Other standards cover laminated, spandrel, tinted, insulated, and mirrored glass.


These standards ensure glass meets rigorous impact, fragmentation, and installation safety criteria. Safety glazing must also be permanently marked, either etched or sandblasted, with manufacturer details and rated thickness as outlined in Section 2403 of the IBC standards used in NBC(AE). 


Application in Commercial Settings

Many Grande Prairie storefronts feature large glass panels to showcase products. Alberta code requires any glass in entry doors or adjacent panels to be safe-rated. Door glass panels below 60” floor height must be tempered or laminated to protect customers and employees.


Here are various solutions we offer:


  • Aluminum storefront systems: doors, entrance framing, mullions and storefront curtain walls all require glazing to meet OBC/ADE standards.

  • Interior glass partitions: for health clinics, offices, or waiting areas where people may approach glass.

  • Guardrails, balustrades, and low-height glazing: must use safety-rated laminated or tempered glass.


At All-West Glass, we install compliance-ready aluminum storefronts and glass systems across Grande Prairie and beyond. Our team handles both installation and commercial glass repair Grande Prairie business owners can rely on.


Why Alberta Businesses Trust All-West Glass

  1. Code-compliant solutions We only install glass that meets CAN/CGSB and NBC(AE) standards, properly certified and marked.


  1. Expert commercial glass repair Speed and safety are crucial. When glass breaks, our Grande Prairie team responds fast and knows how to replace hazardous glazing quickly and correctly.


  1. Aluminum storefront specialists Whether it’s a modern storefront or interior partition, our commercial glazing solutions (including aluminum frames and storefront systems) are designed to enhance aesthetics and meet code.


  1. Liability protection Broken or improperly installed glass puts people and your business at risk. Proper safety glass installation protects customers and helps your business meet legal liabilities.


Getting Started with Compliance

Conduct a risk assessment: Evaluate all glass in your commercial property. Does it sit near doors, traffic areas, or low heights?


Check existing glass: Older installations may lack proper labelling or may no longer meet current safety glazing codes.


Plan upgrades or repairs: Replace any non-compliant glass with certified tempered or laminated units.


Choose the right partner: At All-West Glass, we offer consultation, code-compliant replacements, and fast service. Broken or improperly installed glass puts people and your business at risk. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to keep everyone safe.


Call Us Today

If you have storefront glass, internal partitions, guardrails, or any commercial glazing in Grande Prairie and beyond that needs inspection, repair, or upgrade, call All-West Glass. We’ll assess your property, ensure safety glazing compliance, and carry out high-quality commercial glass repair Grande Prairie trusts.


Phone us today or reach out through our website to schedule a service call and get peace of mind.


Wrapping Up: Safety Glass Compliance Made Simple

Safety glazing isn’t optional; it’s a legal requirement embedded in Alberta’s building codes. Once you’ve identified your risk zones and glass hazards, the next step is choosing a trusted partner to bring your property into compliance. All-West Glass offers expert guidance, prompt service, and proven expertise in commercial glass repair Grande Prairie, aluminum storefronts, and code-compliant glazing solutions.


Keep your customers safe. Protect your business. Get in touch with All-West Glass now.


 
 
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