A glass act: Saint-Gobain and safety glass in India

I4S India: What in your view is the status of the safety and security industry in India? And how do you see your sector playing a role in this space?

The safety and security industry is poised to take a quantum leap in terms of growth. Many recent unfortunate tragedies have been an eye opener and necessitate the need to be prepared for calamities.

Fire safety specifically will be given paramount importance given the “urban congestion” that is happening. Indian cities are changing rapidly due to the construction boom. I am sure the slowdown seen now is a temporary phase. A major part of the construction is happening in buildings where a high amount of human traffic is expected to happen – like malls, commercial complexes, high rise buildings, IT parks etc.

Due to the high quantum of human traffic these kinds of buildings have special needs for human safety and security.

I4S India: As a one of the biggies in the industry, how do you see your customers benefitting from using your products?

One of the key aspects of safety in building design that is gaining priority is protecting occupants against fire hazards. In the event of a fire, the area engulfed by the fire is very hostile and its effects can be catastrophic to life and property. The occurrence and dispersal of fire is extremely unpredictable and uncertain.

It is, therefore, critical that the products we provide for fire resistance meet the highest standards of performance in both consistency and reliability. It is generally thought that fire safety regulations impose a strait-jacket on design.

This is far from the truth. The unique qualities and performance range of modern fire rated glass systems encourages freedom and flexibility of design, while satisfying almost all necessary fire safety and protection requirements.

I4S India: In the current scenario, how do you plan to tap the Indian market?

We plan to introduce very contemporary and aesthetically appealing fire safety glazed systems into the Indian market in a phased manner, thereby offering architects and designers the choice of “Safety and Beauty”.

I4S India: What are the verticals that you are working on?

More than verticals we have tailor made products for specific areas in every type of construction. There are specific areas as prescribed by the local fire authority, which is usually based on NBC guidelines, that requires usage of products that are fire resistant. These are refuge areas, fire exit staircases, fire exit corridors lift lobby areas. Additionally many corporates require fire protection in their data server rooms, IP labs or museums and even banks. We have excellent clear vision fire-resistant glass systems for each of these areas.

I4S India: Can you please tell us about the new product that was launched?

We launched a fully glazed fire-resistant doors through our partners. These doors are fire resistant for two hours as per BS 476 and tested for fire endurance in one of the most reputed institutes – Warrington Fire Laboratory , UK. These doors offer clear vision, and high-impact safety.

I4S India: How do you see the market evolving, do you foresee any new trends?

Internationally there has been a huge demand for innovative fire rate systems like frameless glass partitions, sliding doors etc. We foresee these trends to catch up in India also soon. In fact some leading corporate like Cisco have used the advanced frameless glass partition systems which are fire rated, very uniquely in their offices in India.