Ensuring the safety of glazing in schools is a legal requirement and a vital part of protecting pupils, staff, and visitors. Following an audit where no remedial works are identified, a certificate of compliance is valid for one year only. This reflects best practice, which recommends that all windowpanes are inspected annually, or sooner if damage occurs.
Council Policy has identified that the glazed areas in buildings that occupy children are a special risk, and these areas are:
- All glazing in Special Schools and Pupil Referral units.
- All glazing in gymnasiums, sports halls or other areas where sports activities or ball games are likely to played.
- All glazing on unprotected elevations facing playgrounds / playing fields.
- All glazing below 1800mm from floor level (schools and in buildings used by children or persons with special needs).
- All glazing in staircases below 1800mm from the treads and landings (schools and buildings used by children).
- Glazing acting as roof coverings, as in walkways and conservatories.
Why Annual Checks Matter
- Regular inspections help maintain compliance with health and safety legislation.
- Window film integrity must be checked to uphold insurance-backed warranties.
- Damage from cleaning, vandalism, or building alterations can compromise safety.
Relevant Legislation
Compliance is governed by:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (amended 2003 and 2006)
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (amended multiple times)
- HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACOP L24), amended 2013
These regulations require schools to:
- Identify what could cause injury or illness in your school (hazards)
- In the case of Regulation 14 this has been outsourced to Simart and others. It is vital to use qualified industry personnel for this task.
- Decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)
- A report of non-conforming glass with the action required is produced. Somerset Council have decided on the management of risk for all schools.
- Take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this is not possible, control the risk.
- It is a legal requirement to carry out the work, somehow, with someone competent who is a manufacturer approved contractor, insured, and offers warranties.
Legal and Financial Risks
Failure to act after a risk assessment can lead to prosecution of Headteachers or Governors which could result in significant compensation claims and increased insurance costs.
Inspection Frequency
HSE and safety specialists recommend annual assessments as a minimum and to reassess sooner if:
- There is a change in building use.
- Breakages or near misses occur.
- Window film shows signs of damage.
Did You Know?
Around 210,000 people in England and Wales attend hospital each year for glass-related injuries, with most incidents occurring in public places rather than at home.
Learn more:
Safety Glazing Standards and Guidance
Glazing Safety Guidance Sheet
Email: property@somerset.gov.uk
