Grade A and Grade B Safety Film: Classification, Location and Records

Grade A and Grade B are safety-glazing classifications, not film-thickness labels or guarantees against an intruder. WFAANZ’s current architectural guidance identifies these two classifications under AS 2208:2023, with Grade A the higher certification. To assess a proposal, ask for the exact product evidence and the separate explanation of what your actual glazing location requires.

This guide focuses on reading that evidence and keeping a clear record of the proposed work. Vista Fox is an independent referral service, not the installer, testing laboratory or building certifier. A product enquiry through this site does not establish a safety-glazing assessment.

Keep the classification and the location decision separate

WFAANZ’s architectural regulations page describes AS 2208 as testing and classification of safety-glazing materials. Its guidance distinguishes this from AS 1288, which addresses selection and installation of glazing in buildings. A classification answer and a location-suitability answer should therefore be identifiable in the proposal rather than collapsed into “this film is compliant”.

Ask the supplier to identify the film, the supporting test document and the glass conditions to which that evidence applies. Then ask the appropriate building professional how the proposed installation addresses the actual requirement. Neither the grade alone nor a general photograph of the window establishes that second answer.

If the question arose from a report, supply its exact wording. Ask which pane or assembly it refers to and what further information is needed. The AS 1288 height-assessment guide helps prepare the location brief without substituting an informal height rule for the applicable requirements.

Understand what the supporting test evidence covers

WFAANZ explains that safety-film certification involves impact and weathering testing. Its description considers impact on both the filmed and unfilmed sides, and the retention of relevant properties after weathering. This is a specific testing context, not a promise that a pane cannot break or injure someone.

Request the actual document reference rather than relying on a cropped marketing image. Ask whether the evidence covers the exact proposed product, its stated grade and the intended glass arrangement. Ask the supplier to explain any conditions or exclusions in language you can retain with the quote.

A useful document check records the product name, report or certificate identifier, applicable edition and the conditions being relied on. If the supplied document describes a different product or a configuration that has not been identified at your property, record that as an unresolved question. Do not assume the product has failed a test; ask the supplier to explain the connection.

Do not infer Grade A from a mil number

WFAANZ states that many manufacturers have achieved Grade A certification with approximately 4-mil safety films. A blanket 4-mil/Grade B and 8-mil/Grade A ladder is therefore unreliable. Thickness and certification should be checked as separate entries in the product record.

The security-film mil-rating guide explains the unit conversion and why a larger number is not a security-system selection. Ask for the relevant evidence when a supplier proposes a different thickness, instead of assuming it is stronger, more appropriate or automatically necessary.

If your objective includes forced-entry resistance or another security concern, describe that separately in a security-film enquiry. Ask a suitable professional what assessment and evidence the objective requires. Do not treat a safety grade as an attack, ballistic or blast classification.

Match the records to the individual panes

Prepare a simple pane schedule with identifiers the assessor can recognise, such as “entry door panel” and “left sidelight when viewed from inside”. Existing plans or photographs taken from safe ground-level positions can help explain those descriptions. The installer or assessor should establish any required measurements and material identification safely.

Record item	What to clarify
Pane identifier	Which exact pane or assembly does the proposal address?
Existing glass	What is known from records or professional assessment?
Required outcome	What requirement or brief is being addressed, and by whom?
Proposed product	What exact film identification appears on the quote?
Supporting evidence	Which report or certificate and conditions are being relied on?
Completion records	Which labels and documents will identify the completed work?

This schedule helps connect advice to a location; it is not an owner-issued compliance certificate. Do not remove beads, scrape a label, handle damaged glass or climb to identify a pane. Ask the provider how missing information will be resolved.

For older installations, the pre-1990 glass guide helps organise historical records. The age of the building alone does not determine a grade or identify the existing glass.

Ask about labels and paper records explicitly

WFAANZ’s safety-film guidance calls for labels on the panes addressed by that compliance work and distinguishes those labels from a separately requested paper certificate. Do not assume that a paper document replaces pane identification, or that every type of record serves the same purpose.

Ask the installer and relevant assessor what applies to your actual proposal and what you should retain. Keep the agreed specification, product identification, installation date, pane schedule and any assessment or completion documents together. Request an explanation of the records’ scope rather than treating one certificate as proof of every building requirement.

For heritage glazing, the heritage-glass guide prepares questions about existing materials and permissions. A Grade A product claim does not establish that application is appropriate for every historic pane or assembly.

Resolve conflicting advice before authorising a change

If two documents name different grades, ask the authors to clarify the actual pane, requirements and evidence. Do not decide that an assessor used an outdated template or that the higher grade can be substituted without consequence. The difference may require further information or a revised proposal.

For example, a report might identify a sidelight while a quote names only a product and grade. Ask how the quote addresses that report, what has been assessed and what remains subject to confirmation. Avoid authorising a change until the relevant questions and agreement are clear. Keep the clarification with the proposal so a later substitution can be checked against the same brief.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B?

WFAANZ identifies them as the two AS 2208 safety-glazing certifications, with Grade A the higher certification. Ask for the product’s supporting evidence and separate advice about the requirement at your actual installation.

Does Grade A mean the glass cannot break?

Do not read a safety classification as that guarantee. Request an explanation of the test evidence, its limitations and the intended installation. Safety classification should not be converted into an injury-prevention or security promise.

Can I choose a grade from the room name or window height?

Supply the location and project information to the appropriate assessor. Ask which clause and conditions apply. A general article cannot assign a grade to your door, bathroom window or barrier.

What if a quote says Grade C?

WFAANZ’s cited current guidance identifies Grade A and Grade B. Ask the supplier which standard, edition, classification and intended application their wording refers to before relying on it. Do not infer a current acceptance pathway from an unexplained label.

Further reading

• WFAANZ: Architectural regulations, safety-glazing testing and documentation