California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

In which areas is tempered glass required by building code?

1. Only in shower rooms

2. In stairways, doors, and shower rooms

3. In windows and basements only

4. In all residential buildings

The correct answer is: In stairways, doors, and shower rooms

Tempered glass is specifically required in areas where there is a higher risk of breakage that could lead to injury. This includes locations such as stairways, doors, and shower rooms. These areas are often subject to human contact and force, making it crucial to use tempered glass, which is treated to be significantly stronger than regular glass and shatters into small, less dangerous pieces when broken. In stairways, the risk of accidental impact is higher, as individuals are more likely to trip or fall, presenting the potential for glass breakage and injury. Doors, particularly those that are frequently used or that can be easily misunderstood (such as clear glass doors), require tempered glass to help prevent injuries from breakage. Shower rooms also present a risk due to the humid environment and potential for slipping, needing glass that can withstand temperature changes and impacts. The other choices incorrectly restrict the application of tempered glass to limited areas or suggest a blanket requirement across all buildings, which does not align with building codes that specify tempered glass for particular risk areas.