When should glazing near stairs be considered safety glazing?

The determination of when glazing near stairs should be classified as safety glazing is crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals using those stairs. The correct choice focuses on the proximity of the glazing to the stairs rather than its height above the ground or landing.

Glazing is considered safety glazing if it is within a certain horizontal distance of the stairs, specifically 36 inches. This regulation is in place because glass in these locations poses a higher risk of impact from people using the stairs, especially in the event of a fall or if someone is carrying objects. Thus, the proximity rule emphasizes the potential hazard that the glazing presents, making it imperative to install safety glazing to reduce the risk of injury from breakage.

In contrast, height requirements can vary based on building codes and local regulations, but the primary concern at stairways involves how close the glass is to the path that people take. Therefore, the safety concern is most pronounced at locations where people are most likely to come in contact with glass, hence the focus on distance rather than just height alone.