To start with the conclusion: Glass elevators are designed to meet the same safety requirements as traditional elevators.
Types of Glass Used in Elevators
Elevator glass is made of either tempered glass or laminated glass.
Tempered glass is 3–5 times stronger than ordinary glass. If broken, it fragments into small, relatively harmless pieces instead of large sharp shards.
Laminated glass offers an even higher level of safety. It consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a highly resilient PVB or SGP interlayer. Even if the glass is shattered by an impact, it remains held together by the interlayer, preventing the glass fragments from falling freely; the fragments are firmly held in place by the interlayer and will not shatter or fall out as a whole.
Many observation elevators use tempered laminated safety glass, which combines the advantages of both types.
Design Safety and Testing Standards
Frame Mounting: The glass is securely installed using a high-strength metal frame and a multi-point support system. Small clearance gaps are maintained between the glass and the frame and filled with elastic sealant to absorb stresses caused by vibration and thermal expansion.
Factory Certification: The glass used in elevators must comply with relevant safety standards, such as CE requirements in European markets.
Thickness Selection: Residential elevators typically use thinner glass panels (6–12 mm), while glass elevators in public buildings typically require at least 12 mm thick.
Safety Standards: Standards such as EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 and France’s NF mandate the use of laminated safety glass for the enclosures of sightseeing elevators; the use of single-pane tempered glass for shaft protection is prohibited; and there are clear limits on frame deflection and glass edge pressure during installation.
In addition to the glass itself, elevators are equipped with a wide range of safety devices to address emergencies. These include overspeed governors, limit switches, buffers, safety gears, door safety devices, and emergency communication systems. Together with the safety glass, these devices form a comprehensive safety network.
Routine Maintenance and Risk Prevention
All safety measures rely on regular maintenance and inspections. It is crucial to periodically check the glass for cracks and ensure that the frames are secure. Avoid striking the glass surface with sharp objects and use soft tools when cleaning. Immediately reporting any spider-web-like cracks or edge damage is key to ensuring the long-term reliability of glass elevators.