Safety glass for stairwell window -- alternatives?

[PorkChopsMmm]

We are going through a building inspection for our existing house. There is a window in our stairwell and the inspector says it needs to have safety glass like a front door window or sliding glass door. I found this article from the American Society of Home Inspectors that details using 3M Scotchshield clear film on a window to bring it up to code for safety glass specifications. Does anyone here have experience with this? The inspector is going to search around and see if this applies --  I have read in marketing materials (like this http://www.aceorangecounty.com/products.htm that they exceed ANSI Z97.1 but I can't find an IBC code that clarifies that it is acceptable. I think I have found the end of the internet with the search terms I am trying and I think the inspector is just looking for an official determination.

The specific section applicable to my situation is under "Alternatives to replacement".
http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/Safety-Glazing/2198

Here is a snippet from the article (there is more info in there):
An installer can apply a label self-certifying that the glass complies with the CPSC standard (see Figure 13). According to ICC Evaluation Service legacy report 94-41, the product qualifies as safety glass when properly installed. Many jurisdictions accept this, and the label is not likely to be present with a homeowner-applied film. Inspectors can generally tell if film is present because there will be a slight gap at the edges of the glass.

Thanks!

[John Raabe]

I'm not familiar with aftermarket films being acceptable for this purpose.

Safety glass is usually either tempered or laminated. Both are much more impact resistant than standard glass. Tempered glass, when it breaks shatters into "popcorn" like multifaceted small pieces much less likely to cut anyone. Laminated glass is held together by a laminated and bonded clear sheet between two glass panels. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminated_glass

The inspector will likely make the final decision.

Oh, I just found this: http://www.diywindowsecurity.com/ May work for your situation. I would be interested in how the film holds up over the years.

John

[rick91351]

As some one that was severely cut by a pre code 'storm door'.  Head and some on the chest like mid 60's.  Just the though of using just film sort of is freaky.  WOW talk about bleeding.     

[Don_P]

Bite the bullet and either replace it or disclose it if it's on the market. If you modify it I imagine it is left up to each persons judgement whether it is "up to code", in other words if someone is later injured, you'll end up in court for that judgement anyway. I have some very nice non tempered chicken coop windows 

[Patrick]

I didn't know about this window issue and I have one in the stairway and next to the door so I e-mailed the inspector and asked him about the film and told him I would just remove the windows if it became an issue his response was " I wouldn't worry about it".