What type of glass is acceptable for a glazing piece that is 20 inches from an entry door and runs the full height of the door?

Safety glazing, which includes tempered and tested glass, is the correct choice for a glazing piece located 20 inches from an entry door and extending the full height of the door due to the potential hazards associated with glass breakage in these areas.

Tempered glass is treated with heat to increase its strength, making it more resistant to impact and thermal stress compared to other types of glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, significantly reducing the risk of injury. This characteristic is particularly important in areas where people may come into close proximity to the glass, such as near entry doors.

In contrast, while laminated and heat-strengthened glass have their own benefits, they do not meet the specific safety requirements for this application as adequately as tempered safety glazing. Laminated glass, although safe due to its strength and the interlayer that holds shards together when broken, is not as commonly used in this type of setting. Heat-strengthened glass is stronger than regular glass but does not offer the same level of safety upon impact as tempered glass. Lastly, annealed glass provides the least strength and safety, making it unsuitable for such locations.

The need for safety glazing in this context aligns with building codes that exist to protect