Glass Industry Update

No: 49 - 18th March 2009

Contents

 Monash University Glass Questionnaire
 
Monash University are conducting a survey on accidents with glass.  Below is the information about the survey and attached is the survey they would like you to complete and email to them.  Your co operations would be appreciated

Dear: Glazier

I am writing in regards to a research project that we are currently conducting here at Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) funded by the Australian Research Council in conjunction with the Victorian Building Commission, the Australian Building Codes Board, and Pilkington (Australia) Limited on architectural glass injuries. With kind assistance received from the Glazier’s Glass Association of Victoria (GGAV), we are distributing this letter and brief survey to request your assistance in our data collection process.

Current data suggests that throughout the recent decades, architectural and furniture glass associated injuries within the home have declined, although the present figures still suggest improvement on glass safety is necessary for a safer home environment. The research we are conducting aims to examine the type of glass and structural components present within Victorian homes, in addition to current glass replacement practices following breakages. We aim to identify common areas where improvements could be made to further ensure greater safety associated with glass within home environments.

The main issues that we are interested in include:

1. Public responses: We want to examine the kind of glass related issues that the public has raised with you. For example, the types of problems they have indicated experiencing, the types of complaints that may have been made, any suggestions they have made or requested that are relevant to an economical or safety perspective.

2. Glazier practices: We are also interested in the types of decisions glaziers make in regards to glass replacement and recommendations. What type of information glaziers’ are aware of, the kind of advice they would give to their clients. It would also be interesting to know whether there are any training programs provided for glaziers’ to ensure their knowledge and practices are up to date with any current existing standards and practices in glazing.

3. Standards and recommendations: Additionally, if we could have some information on any guidelines the AGGA or more specifically, the GGAV have with respect to glass safety that would be extremely useful. Are there certain recommendations provided for glaziers, and if so, are they voluntary or mandatory?

These are the main issues that we are interested in and they have been summarised in the attached Glazier’s Questionnaire. It would greatly benefit our research and community safety if you could assist us by completing the attached questionnaire. Your responses will remain anonymous, however it will enable us to establish a more in depth understanding surrounding glass safety issues within home environments. We realise that your time is valuable and do appreciate you taking the time out to assist us with our data collection process. 

If you have any concerns or queries regarding this research project, please do not hesitate to contact Sara Liu via email at Sara.Liu@muarc.monash.edu.au or via phone on (03) 9905 9689 (Mon, Thurs or Fri, during business hours) and she will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. The questionnaire can be returned to Sara Liu via mail or email with details included at the end of the questionnaire. On behalf of the research team at MUARC, I would like to thank you in advance for your time.

Best Wishes,

Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith