Window Safety Stickers & Building Regulations
Glass Manifestation Safety – How to Comply with Building Regulations
We manufacture and install window safety stickers to help businesses comply with building regulations in a creative and practical way. From the initial survey to final installation, we offer a full, end-to-end service that not only ensures compliance but also enhances your space with bespoke designs.
What Is Building Regulation Window Manifestation?
Window manifestation refers to the application of markings or graphics to large areas of transparent glazing—such as glass walls, doors, or partitions—to make them clearly visible. In fact, this is a legal requirement under Regulation 14(1)(b) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Put simply, it’s about ensuring that people don’t accidentally walk into glass panels. For full details on the legal requirements around glazing safety—including protection from impact and collision—see the official HSE publication.
Traditionally, you might recognise standard building regulation window film as simple frosted dots or lines. Today, however, there are many creative ways to achieve compliance using logos, decorative elements, or printed designs—all while meeting legal requirements.
What Are My Options?
The most common and cost-effective method is the use of frosted dots, applied in two horizontal rows at 900mm and 1500mm from the ground.
But why stop at standard?
We can produce bespoke window safety stickers using:
-
Company logos
-
Decorative shapes or graphics
-
Text elements
-
Frosted or solid colours
-
Printed translucent films (e.g., stained-glass effect)
These custom window decals not only comply with regulations but also elevate the visual appeal of your space.
When and Where Are Window Stickers Required?
You’ll need window manifestation on areas of transparent glazing found in:
-
Offices,
-
Shops and showrooms,
-
Public buildings,
-
Factories, and
-
Other non-domestic environments.
These are critical locations where glazing forms part of a wall, door, or partition—particularly where the glass is uninterrupted, which could pose a safety hazard
How to Ensure Compliance
To meet building regulations:
-
Ensure the graphics contrast with the background in all lighting conditions.
-
Use logo decals that are at least 150mm high, or
-
Opt for decorative bands or broken lines with a minimum height of 50mm.
For positioning:
-
Place the bottom row between 850mm and 1000mm from floor level.
-
Position the top row between 1400mm and 1600mm from floor level.
Alternatively, choose larger panels of frosted vinyl or printed/contour-cut logo decals that cover the required height range.
Book A Site Survey
Our site survey service helps you:
-
Gain a clear understanding of what type of window stickers you need.
-
Ensure full compliance with current building regulations.
-
Explore decorative or branded design options to enhance your space.
-
Visualize your design in situ with mock-ups and precise measurements.
-
Receive expert advice on installation or removal of existing decals.
Whether you’re working on a refurbishment, a new building, or simply looking to upgrade your window graphics, we’re here to help.
To book a survey, give us a call or leave a message below. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Glass Doors Need Window Manifestation?
Not all glass doors require window manifestation. For example, you may be exempt if the glass panel is less than 400mm wide, or there’s a rail positioned between 600mm and 1500mm above the floor. Additionally, doors that include large push plates or handles on each pane, or are single-glazed with a substantial surrounding frame, may also be exempt. If you’re unsure, our site survey will help clarify exactly what’s required.
Can I Install the Window Stickers Myself?
Yes—especially if you’re using small decals, self-installation is often a straightforward option. In these cases, we’re happy to assist remotely by reviewing photos and advising on positioning and design. On the other hand, for full installations or more complex designs, we strongly recommend professional fitting to ensure both durability and full compliance with building regulations.
When Are Window Stickers Not Required?
If your space already includes permanent structural features—such as transoms, mullions, or railings—that make glazing clearly visible, then additional decals may not be required. However, in many cases, these elements can be costly to install or may not suit the aesthetic of your space. As a result, building regulation window film is often the more practical and visually appealing solution.
What Height Should Window Manifestation Be Applied At?
To comply with regulations, manifestation should be applied in two bands. Specifically, the lower band should be positioned between 850mm and 1000mm from the floor, while the upper band must be placed between 1400mm and 1600mm. Additionally, the graphics must be clearly visible and must contrast with the background in all lighting conditions, ensuring maximum safety and visibility at all times.
What Designs Can Be Used for Window Safety Stickers?
You’re not limited to just dots or stripes. In fact, window manifestation can feature logos, decorative graphics, patterns, or even printed frosted film. As long as the design meets the required height and visibility standards, you have the freedom to be as creative as you like while ensuring full compliance.
What is the Minimum Size for Logos or Graphics?
Logos should be at least 150mm high, while continuous or broken bands must be a minimum of 50mm high. This ensures they’re visible enough to effectively alert people to the presence of glass, helping to reduce the risk of accidents.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Most installations are quick, particularly for standard decals. However, larger or custom designs may take longer, depending on access and prep work. We’ll be sure to advise on the expected timescales during the site survey, so you know exactly what to expect.
Can You Remove Old Window Graphics?
Certainly. As part of our service, we can remove old or outdated decals and install new ones. Additionally, we’ll assess the condition of the glazing to ensure everything is not only compliant but also clean and in top condition.