Standard Specification for Glass Used as a Horizontal Surface in Desks and Tables

ABSTRACT
This specification covers performance requirements to ensure the use of safety glass when employed as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height in a desk or table. It is intended to minimize the likelihood of serious cutting and piercing injuries that may occur due to the breakage of glass used as a horizontal surface in desks and dining, coffee, end, display, mobile, outdoor, and other types of tables. Glass shall be laminated safety glass or tempered safety glass that complies with the following: performance criteria of ANSI Z97.1-2009 and the use of monolithic annealed, monolithic chemically strengthened or monolithic wired glass shall not be permitted with the exception of glass fully-supported by and bonded to a non-glass material and glass surfaces incorporating or constituting display screens.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements of glass used as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height in a desk or table.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods referenced in this specification: 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 determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
14-Oct-2023
Technical Committee
F15 - Consumer Products
Drafting Committee
F15.42 - Furniture Safety

Relations

Effective Date
15-Oct-2023
Effective Date
01-Oct-2023
Effective Date
01-Nov-2015

Overview

ASTM F2813-18(2023) is the ASTM International standard specification for glass used as a horizontal surface in desks and tables. The goal of this standard is to enhance safety by specifying performance requirements for glass installed as unenclosed, horizontal surfaces less than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor in furniture such as desks and tables. The standard applies to indoor and outdoor furniture and seeks to minimize severe injuries that can arise from glass breakage. Strict requirements are established for the type of glass that can be used, ensuring robust protection in both commercial and residential environments.

Key Topics

  • Scope of Application
    • Covers glass used as unenclosed horizontal surfaces in desks and tables under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height.
    • Encompasses various types of furniture, including dining, coffee, end, display, mobile, and outdoor tables.
  • Safety Glass Requirements
    • Only laminated safety glass or tempered safety glass is permitted.
    • Monolithic annealed, monolithic chemically strengthened, or monolithic wired glass is not allowed except when fully supported and bonded to non-glass material or where the glass constitutes a display screen.
  • Performance Criteria
    • Glass must comply with the ANSI Z97.1-2015 safety performance specifications.
    • Larger glass panels (≥9 ft² / 0.84 m²) must meet Class A performance; smaller panels must meet at least Class B.
  • Product Marking
    • All compliant glass must be clearly marked as "Tempered Glass" or "Laminated Glass" and state compliance with ASTM F2813-18.
    • Marking requirements reference ANSI Z535.4 for legibility.
  • Exemptions
    • Glass fully supported and bonded to a non-glass material is exempt from certain technical requirements.
    • Glass surfaces incorporating display screens are not covered by the main performance criteria.

Applications

ASTM F2813-18(2023) is widely used by:

  • Furniture manufacturers to ensure tables and desks meet recognized safety benchmarks, reducing liability risks and protecting consumers.
  • Interior designers and architects when specifying glass surfaces for commercial and residential projects, enhancing user safety without compromising design.
  • Quality assurance and compliance teams tasked with verifying that glass furniture products meet legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Retailers and distributors looking to supply certified, safe glass furniture to customers.
  • Facility managers maintaining safe environments in schools, offices, hotels, and public spaces with glass-topped furniture.

Complying with this standard minimizes the risk of severe cutting and piercing injuries, particularly in high-traffic zones or family settings where accidental breakage is a concern.

Related Standards

Leading related standards include:

  • ANSI Z97.1 – Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings, which details safety performance specifications and testing methods for glass in buildings.
  • ASTM C162 – Terminology of Glass and Glass Products, offering definitions for terms related to glass used in this standard.
  • ANSI Z535.4 – Product Safety Signs and Labels, which governs legibility of product markings.
  • ISO and EN glass safety standards may also be referenced in international projects for alignment or comparison.

For the safe, compliant design and production of glass-topped tables and desks, adherence to ASTM F2813-18(2023) is essential, ensuring high safety standards and consumer confidence.

Keywords: glass in desks and tables, safety glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, ASTM furniture glass standard, glass table safety, ANSI Z97.1 compliance, furniture safety standards, glass tabletops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F2813-18(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Glass Used as a Horizontal Surface in Desks and Tables". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers performance requirements to ensure the use of safety glass when employed as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height in a desk or table. It is intended to minimize the likelihood of serious cutting and piercing injuries that may occur due to the breakage of glass used as a horizontal surface in desks and dining, coffee, end, display, mobile, outdoor, and other types of tables. Glass shall be laminated safety glass or tempered safety glass that complies with the following: performance criteria of ANSI Z97.1-2009 and the use of monolithic annealed, monolithic chemically strengthened or monolithic wired glass shall not be permitted with the exception of glass fully-supported by and bonded to a non-glass material and glass surfaces incorporating or constituting display screens. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers performance requirements of glass used as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height in a desk or table. 1.2 Units—The values stated in inch pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods referenced in this specification: 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 determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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.

ABSTRACT This specification covers performance requirements to ensure the use of safety glass when employed as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height in a desk or table. It is intended to minimize the likelihood of serious cutting and piercing injuries that may occur due to the breakage of glass used as a horizontal surface in desks and dining, coffee, end, display, mobile, outdoor, and other types of tables. Glass shall be laminated safety glass or tempered safety glass that complies with the following: performance criteria of ANSI Z97.1-2009 and the use of monolithic annealed, monolithic chemically strengthened or monolithic wired glass shall not be permitted with the exception of glass fully-supported by and bonded to a non-glass material and glass surfaces incorporating or constituting display screens. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers performance requirements of glass used as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in. (1118 mm) in height in a desk or table. 1.2 Units—The values stated in inch pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods referenced in this specification: 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 determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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.

ASTM F2813-18(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 81.040.30 - Glass products; 97.140 - Furniture. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F2813-18(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F2813-18, ASTM C162-23, ASTM C162-05(2015). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F2813-18(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


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.
Designation: F2813 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Glass Used as a Horizontal Surface in Desks and Tables
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2813; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification addresses serious human injury and fatality incidents involving breakage of glass
used in unenclosed horizontal surfaces in desks and tables. This specification is intended to minimize
the likelihood of serious cutting and piercing injuries that may occur due to the breakage of glass used
as a horizontal surface in desks and dining, coffee, end, display, mobile, outdoor, and other types of
tables.
1. Scope 2.2 ANSI Standards:
ANSI Z97.1-2015 Safety Glazing Materials Used in
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements of
Buildings—Safety Performance Specifications and Meth-
glass used as an unenclosed horizontal surface under 44 in.
ods of Test
(1118 mm) in height in a desk or table.
ANSI Z535.4-2011 Product Safety Signs and Labels
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch pound units are to be
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
3. Terminology
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to
information only and are not considered standard.
glass and glass products used in this specification, refer to
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
Terminology C162.
test methods referenced in this specification: This standard
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
3.2.1 fully supported—the condition in which the lower
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
surface of a glass plate is supported by a structure (1) that is
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
capable of withstanding a 250-lb static load applied to a 12-in.
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
diameter disk in any location for 1 h; (2) through which a 3-in.
limitations prior to use.
diameter sphere would not pass and; (3) with no overhanging
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
glass surface(s).
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.2 unenclosed—open on at least one side to the extent
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
that a three inch diameter sphere would pass through the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
opening.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. General Requirements
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Glass shall be laminated glass or tempered glass that
2.1 ASTM Standards: complies with the Test Specifications of ANSI Z97.1–2015 as
applicable per Section 4, Table 1.
C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
2 2
4.1.1 Glass equal to or greater in area than 9 ft (0.84 m )
shall comply with Class A performance.
2 2
1 4.1.2 Glass less than 9 ft (0.84 m ) shall comply with a
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.42 on
m
...

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