Posted By Annetta Maslen We are a Social Landlord and rent have a problem with constantly having to replace glazing in communal stairways, landing, entry doors etc. It's such fun to break it as soon as it is replaced! In order to comply with Workplace Regs, the practice has been to use toughened/laminated/wired or other "safety" glass which meets fire safety requirements. Our surveyors want to now replace with polycarbonate sheeting ( 5mm - 8 mm thick depending on the size of the sheet.) But this is not fire retardant and could introduce the risk of toxic fumes in the event of a fire. Our risk assessments indicate the likelihood of vandalism to be far in excess of the liklihood of fire in these areas. Installing iron railings/bars or bricking up the windows is not an option open to us!! Has anyone else come across this? Does anyone know of a really strong glazing that would suit? Any views would be welcomed.

Posted By Robert K Lewis You may increase the risk of fire by the instalation of polycarbonate as they measure the speed of flame spread in an "in vivo" experiment. Seriously though you are not clear whether any doors are specifically fire doors. Those that are not I would opt towards metal grill or solid metal infill panels. Similarly wall and balustrade panels could be mesh or solid metal. Windows can also be mesh protected from most missiles without too much loss of light. Fire doors, as defined on your fire plan drawing by the fire officer will continue to require a vision panel. Bob

Posted By shaun mckeever Have you spoken to Pilkington. I cannot recall their phone number but they provide a large percentage of the fire resisting glazing in use in the UK. They should be able to tell you if they produce a toughened version of it and where you can purchase it. Good luck and best regards Shaun McKeever