ASTM E2358-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E2358-24 — Standard Specification for Performance of Glazing in Permanent Railing Systems, Guards, and Balustrades. This specification establishes classification, design and minimum performance requirements, and associated test methods for glass and glazing used in permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades in buildings and other structures.

Abstract

This specification covers the classification, design and performance requirements, and test methods for glass in permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades installed in agricultural, assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings. It focuses on minimum requirements that protect health and safety under normal and anticipated building uses and provides test methods to evaluate glass or glazing retained by rails, guards, or balustrades after impact or breakage.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 01 March 2024 (edition 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 81.040.20 — Glass in building / Performance of railing systems and glass for floors and stairs.
• Edition / version: Edition 24 (E2358‑24).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (typical published length for the 2024 edition).

Scope

Specifies performance and testing criteria for glass and glazing used as part of permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades, including one-, two-, three- and four‑sided support systems and associated components (rails, handrails, swing gates, etc.). The standard addresses barrier performance after impact or glazing breakage but does not set detailed field-design requirements for site‑specific conditions (those remain the responsibility of the designer and authority having jurisdiction).

Key topics and requirements

• Performance classification for glazing in railing systems (design intent and minimum barrier function).
• Test methods for simulated impact and evaluation of glazing retention after breakage.
• Requirements for one- to four-sided support systems and attachment details.
• Considerations for handrail and stair‑rail interfaces and required clearances/heights.
• Reference to relevant terminology and complementary test standards used by ASTM E06 subcommittees.

Typical use and users

Used by glazing and railing system manufacturers, façade and structural engineers, building code officials, test laboratories, façade consultants, specifiers, and architects to specify and verify the safety and performance of glass in permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades. It is referenced where a standardized method for assessing glazing retention and post-breakage barrier performance is required.

Related standards

Closely associated ASTM standards and test methods include ASTM E2353 (test methods for glazing in railing systems), ASTM E1481 (terminology), ASTM E935/E894 (related railing system performance and anchorage tests), and other E06 committee documents addressing railing and guard performance. The 2024 revision replaces the previous E2358‑17 edition.

Keywords

glazing; glass; railing systems; guards; balustrades; safety glazing; laminated glass; impact testing; retention; handrails; test methods; ASTM E2358.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2358‑24 is an ASTM International specification that defines performance requirements and test methods for glass and glazing used in permanent railing systems, guards, and balustrades.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification, minimum performance criteria, and test procedures to evaluate glazing performance and retention in railing systems under impact and post‑breakage conditions; it applies to a wide range of building types but does not replace site‑specific design responsibilities.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, engineers, architects, testing laboratories, and code officials use the standard for specifying, testing, and verifying the safety performance of glazed railing systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the E2358‑24 edition was published/approved 01 March 2024 and supersedes the prior E2358‑17 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is published under ASTM Committee E06 (Performance of Buildings) and relates to a family of E06 standards and test methods addressing railing systems and glazing (for example E2353, E1481, E935, E894).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Keywords include glazing, glass, railing systems, guards, balustrades, safety glazing, laminated glass, impact testing, retention, and handrails.