On the West Coast since glass block is covered under the glass masonry section in the UBC or Uniform Building Code, it does not have nor require an ICBO number.
In Los Angeles, California, most of the 45 minute fire rated glass block products are approved for use as fire rated window assemblies under LA research report RR 24486.
In Dade County, Florida two sizes of mortar glass block panel are approved. One panel can be as large as 8 feet by 8 feet and the other panel size can be 6 feet wide by as high as 20 feet. When installed up to 30 feet above grade, a hurricane protection system will be required. It will not be required for installations over 30 feet above grade. The product control acceptance number is 01-0306.02 and expires August 6, 2006.
Finally, all Pittsburgh Corning glass block products are acceptable for use in New York City under the Material and Equipment Acceptance (MEA) number 406-90-M, volume 2.
Are glass blocks considered to be safety or tempered glass for use in door sidelights, shower walls, or bathroom windows as required by building codes?
Glass blocks are not tempered nor are they considered to be safety glass. However, because of their inherent strength and because the joints make the installation conspicuous and visible, all three model building codes list glass block as an exception under the glazing section of the codes that require tempered or safety glazing for those applications.
In other words, yes, the codes allow the use of glass block in door side lights, shower wall applications and bathroom windows when installed with mortar.
