Is glass in bi-fold closet doors considered a hazardous location?

Glass in bi-fold closet doors is considered a hazardous location due to the potential for breakage and injury. When glass is installed in doors or other locations where a person might come into contact with it, it poses a risk of harm if it were to break. This is particularly relevant in areas where individuals might push the doors or where there is high foot traffic, as the glass could shatter and create sharp edges.

In many building codes, areas where glass is used in such a manner must be responsibly designed to protect individuals from accidents. Regular annealed glass is more prone to shattering than tempered glass, which is designed to break into smaller, less dangerous pieces. However, general safety standards classify all glass in bi-fold doors as hazardous, as the possibility of injury from breakage is a valid concern regardless of whether the glass is tempered or not.

Understanding this classification helps in adhering to safety regulations and ensuring that proper materials are used in locations where people are likely to be in close proximity to glass surfaces. This knowledge is vital for inspectors when assessing the safety of residential properties.