11.1 The significance and use of the test methods is contained in Test Methods E2353.

This specification covers the classification, design and performance requirements, and test methods for glass in permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades installed in agricultural, assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings. This specification considers that the overall outlook is based on the health and safety of all potential users of buildings, and establishes the basic minimum requirements and criteria that lead to satisfactory products under normal and anticipated building uses, and not for abuses for which the building and its components are not designed. Also, this specification does not give consideration to design criteria for specific field conditions, the establishment of which is the prerogative and responsibility of the designer, specification writer, and regulatory agencies.

1.1 This specification covers glass in permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades, including components such as rails and swing gates or other forms of required guardrail opening protection installed in agricultural, assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings, and other structures such as towers or elevated platforms.

1.2 This specification is intended to be applied to permanent glass or other glazing railing systems for buildings and to such railing systems, rails, guards, and balustrades having major structural components made of glass or other glazing material, or the secondary components such as infill or balusters made of glass or other glazing material.

1.3 This specification considers that the overall outlook is based on the health and safety of all potential users of buildings. The criteria incorporated in this specification provide for normal and anticipated building uses, but not for abuses for which the building and its components are not designed.

1.4 This specification establishes basic minimum requirements and criteria that lead to satisfactory products under normal use conditions and does not give consideration to design criteria for specific field conditions, the establishment of which is the prerogative and responsibility of the designer, specification writer, and regulatory agencies.

1.5  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.