When is laminated glass required instead of toughened?

Both toughened and laminated glass are recognised as safety glass under Approved Document K, so for ordinary impact-safety critical locations either is acceptable. The distinction matters where there’s a risk of falling, not just impact: toughened glass satisfies impact safety but, because it shatters completely, offers no containment if someone falls against it — so for situations like guarding and Juliet balconies, laminated (or laminated-toughened) glass is the safer and usually the correct specification.

Laminated is also preferred where security or sound reduction is a priority, because the interlayer holds the pane together when broken. If your project involves glazing that doubles as fall protection, mention it when you order and we’ll specify accordingly.