Glass Safety Marking Decal BCA Requirement

Glass walls, doors, and partitions can create bright and open spaces in modern buildings, but they also pose a safety risk if people don’t see them clearly. To prevent accidents, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires that certain types of glass installations are fitted with visual safety strips (also known as visual glazing strips or manifestation strips).

These strips ensure that glass panels are visible at all times, reducing the risk of collisions, injuries, and liability.

Why Are Visual Glazing Strips Required?

Visual glazing strips are not just a design choice — they are a statutory safety requirement under the BCA. Clear and frameless glass can be almost invisible, particularly in well-lit environments, and without markings it becomes a hazard.

The BCA mandates that glass used in areas accessible to the public must have sufficient visual indicators to make it easily identifiable. A continuous opaque strip, across the glazing is the most common and cost-effective solution.

BCA Requirements for Visual Safety Strips

Under BCA Section D2.13 (Protection of Openable Windows & Safety Glazing) and related Australian Standards (AS 1288 – Glass in Buildings), visual indicators must:

• Be installed on all frameless or clear glazed doors, sidelights, and full-height windows that could be mistaken for a clear opening.

• Run horizontally across the entire width of the glass panel.

• Be positioned so the centre of the strip is between 900mm and 1000mm above the floor level.

• Provide a minimum 75mm contrast band that is visible from both sides of the glass.

• Use a finish that provides adequate contrast against the background in all lighting conditions (e.g., frosted, coloured, or opaque film).

These requirements ensure compliance while providing a consistent visual cue for building occupants.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Here’s a quick guide to installing visual glazing strips on glass panels, following best practice:

1. Prepare the surface

   • Thoroughly clean the glass with glass cleaner or methylated spirits.

   • Ensure the surface is free from dust, grease, and residue.

2. Measure and cut

   • Measure the full width of the glass panel (edge to edge).

   • Cut the visual glazing strip to the required length.

3. Mark the height

   • Measure 1000mm from the floor and mark on both edges of the glass with a non-permanent marker or masking tape.

4. Apply soapy water

   • Using a spray bottle, apply a generous mist of soapy water (dishwashing liquid is ideal) across the glass, slightly above and below the marked line.

5. Apply the strip

   • Peel away the backing seal and carefully position the strip along the marked line.

   • Adjust as required before the soapy water dries.

6. Remove excess water

   • Use a rubber squeegee with light pressure to remove water and air bubbles.

   • Wipe away excess water with a clean cloth.

Once dry, the strip will bond securely to the glass and provide long-lasting visibility.

Compliance + Professional Presentation

Correct installation of visual glazing strips not only keeps your building BCA compliant, it also improves the aesthetics of your space. Many architects and builders choose frosted or custom-printed strips that double as branding while still meeting safety requirements.

At StatutorySigns.au, we supply BCA-compliant visual glazing strips in standard frosted finishes and can also produce custom logo strips on request.

Final Thoughts

Visual glazing strips are a simple but essential safety feature for any commercial or residential building with large glass installations. Correct installation ensures your premises meet legal safety obligations while reducing accident risk and maintaining a professional look.

If you’re a builder, developer, or property manager, make sure all glazing in your project includes compliant safety strips.

👉 Need glazing strips for your project? Shop our Visual Glazing Strips here or contact us for a bulk order quote.