Glass Containment in the Event of Unexpected Shattering

Millennium Point is a landmark building in the centre of Birmingham. Like many building facades consisting of a large expanse of toughened glass, spontaneous breakage due to Nickel Sulphide Inclusions had become a health and safety issue. Over time several of the building’s window panes had spontaneously shattered placing personnel below at risk of injury. It was time for decisive action.

The building owners contacted Lustalux in late 2016 and asked us to tender for the work which would involve applying an external grade clear safety film in conjunction with a structural silicone edge attachment system. After several meetings between ourselves, the client and our principal window film manufacturer  Saint-Gobain Solar Gard, Millennium Point awarded Lustalux the contract to fulfil the project. Solar Gard’s Sentinel Plus 100 Micron Clear (OSW) Outside Weatherable Safety Film was chosen for its durability and ability to easily contain glass fragments in the event of breakage.

The work began in May 2017 and was scheduled to be completed by early September however due to the skills of our operatives, a helpful client and fair weather we finished two weeks ahead of schedule in late August.

In all, almost four thousand square metres of glass was treated including a large expanse from fixed scaffolding behind Brise Soleil louvres – not a straight forward application by any means. The rest of the work was carried out using powered scissor lifts and booms, most of it while the building was in full operation. Further testament to our working practices and safe operating credentials.