What is the primary purpose of using tempered glass in fire department access panels?

Tempered glass is specifically designed to handle high levels of stress and temperature fluctuations, which is crucial in situations involving fire. The primary purpose of using tempered glass in fire department access panels is to ensure safety from breakage. When exposed to high heat, regular glass can shatter or break easily, posing a danger to firefighters and emergency responders who may need to access the area quickly. In contrast, tempered glass is manufactured through a process that makes it four to five times stronger than standard glass, ensuring that it can withstand high temperatures without breaking. This increased durability reduces the risk of injury from shattered glass during a fire incident, allowing for safer access and operations.

The focus on safety through the use of tempered glass over aesthetics, structural integrity improvement, or cost reduction highlights the critical role that material selection plays in ensuring that emergency response measures are not only effective but also safe for all personnel involved.