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CAN CGSB 12.1-2017 (Corrigendum 1-2017): Safety Glass for Buildings – Technical Overview and Compliance Guide
Understanding the Scope, Requirements, and Implementation of the Canadian Standard for Tempered and Laminated Safety Glass
Scope and Purpose
CAN CGSB 12.1-2017 (Corrigendum 1-2017) is the latest edition of the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) standard for safety glass used in buildings. It establishes performance requirements and test methods for tempered (heat-strengthened and fully tempered) and laminated safety glass, including those used in doors, sidelites, shower enclosures, glazing in hazardous locations, and structural applications. The corrigendum clarifies impact test procedures and updates marking requirements.
The standard applies to flat and curved safety glass products, whether clear, tinted, coated, or laminated with interlayers. It addresses both monolithic and multiple-layer glass assemblies. The scope includes all glass installed in locations where human impact is likely, namely in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. It is referenced in the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and provincial building regulations.
Key Objective: To minimize the risk of injury from broken glass by requiring that glass either remain intact (laminated) or break into small, blunt fragments (tempered). The standard also mandates permanent marking for traceability and verification.
Technical Requirements
The standard specifies performance criteria that safety glass must meet before being certified. These include impact resistance, fragmentation behavior, edge quality, and durability of markings. All tests must be conducted on representative samples from production.
Impact Performance Classes
Glass is categorized into three impact performance classes based on drop height and hammer weight used. The classification determines suitability for various installation types.
| Class | Drop Height (mm) | Hammer Mass (kg) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | 400 | 45 | Interior glazing, small doors |
| II | 800 | 45 | Entrance doors, large sidelites |
| III | 1200 | 45 | High‑traffic areas, balustrades |
For tempered glass, the fragmentation test (annealed to comply with the fracture pattern) requires that at least 40 fragments be counted in a 50 mm x 50 mm square in the most fractured area of the largest piece. For laminated glass, a drop test with a 104 kg bag must not result in a tear opening larger than 76 mm or any fragment separation that allows passage of a 75 mm sphere.
Critical Note: Laminated glass tested to CAN CGSB 12.1 must not exhibit separation of the interlayer from the glass after impact and weathering cycles. Edge exposure must be minimized per clause 7.4.
Marking and Traceability
Every lite of certified safety glass must bear a permanent, legible mark indicating:
- Manufacturer’s name or logo
- Standard designation (CAN CGSB 12.1-2017)
- Safety glass type (T – tempered; L – laminated)
- Thickness (mm)
- Impact class (I, II, or III)
- Batch or production date code
Marks may be sandblasted, etched, or ceramic fired. Adhesive labels are not permitted. The mark must survive abrasion and humidity exposure tests.
Implementation Highlights
Adoption of CAN CGSB 12.1-2017 requires coordination between glass manufacturers, fabricators, installers, and building officials. In practice, tempered glass products must be produced under a process that ensures consistent heat treatment, while laminated glass must use interlayers (PVB, ionomer, or EVA) that meet durability requirements.
Installation details are not covered by the standard but must comply with applicable building codes, which reference the standard for hazard locations such as:
- Unframed glass doors and shower enclosures
- Glass adjacent to doors (sidelites) within 300 mm of the door edge
- Glazing within 900 mm of a walkway or floor
- Handrails, guardrails, and balconies
Best Practice: During procurement, always request a Certificate of Compliance from the manufacturer or obtain test reports from an accredited laboratory. Verify that the certificate references the exact edition including the corrigendum.
Compliance and Certification Notes
Compliance with CAN CGSB 12.1-2017 is mandatory in Canada under most provincial building codes. Certification must be performed by a recognized third-party testing agency (e.g., UL, CSA, or Intertek). Surveillance audits (at least annually) are required to maintain certification.
The 2017 corrigendum did not alter performance thresholds but corrected test apparatus dimensions (e.g., pendulum mass tolerance) and clarified that marking may be on a non‑visible edge if the glass is fully framed. Manufacturers should review their test lab setup to ensure the updated conditions are applied.
Non-Compliance Risks: Using non‑certified safety glass in a building can lead to stop‑work orders, fines, and liability for injury. Always verify that field‑installed glass bears the required permanent mark.
Field verification should include a visual check of marks and comparison of glass thickness and type (tinted, coating, laminated) against project specifications. For oversized or curved glass, the manufacturer’s certification must explicitly cover those dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the standard cover fire‑rated glass?
A: No. CAN CGSB 12.1-2017 addresses human impact safety only. Fire‑resistant glass must comply with other standards such as CAN/ULC‑S101 or ASTM E119. Some fire‑rated glazing also meets CAN CGSB 12.1 by its inherent construction, but it is not the primary scope.
A: No. CAN CGSB 12.1-2017 addresses human impact safety only. Fire‑resistant glass must comply with other standards such as CAN/ULC‑S101 or ASTM E119. Some fire‑rated glazing also meets CAN CGSB 12.1 by its inherent construction, but it is not the primary scope.
Q: Can I import glass without CGSB certification?
A: Only if the product is subsequently tested and certified by an accredited body. Building code enforcement typically requires the permanent mark of a recognized certification agency. Imported glass without certification may be rejected by inspectors.
A: Only if the product is subsequently tested and certified by an accredited body. Building code enforcement typically requires the permanent mark of a recognized certification agency. Imported glass without certification may be rejected by inspectors.
Q: How does the 2017 corrigendum affect existing certified stock?
A: Products certified under the previous edition (without corrigendum) remain compliant until the certification cycle expires. However, all new certifications after the corrigendum’s effective date must be based on the 2017 edition including the corrigendum. Consult your certification body for transition deadlines.
A: Products certified under the previous edition (without corrigendum) remain compliant until the certification cycle expires. However, all new certifications after the corrigendum’s effective date must be based on the 2017 edition including the corrigendum. Consult your certification body for transition deadlines.
Article prepared for general informational use. Always refer to the official CGSB publication for complete requirements. Last revised: 2026.