Window Safety Glass

A window low in the wall and near a walking surface is to have safety glass/tempered glass. There are multiple conditions if present require safety glass to help minimize injuries.

1.The bottom edge is within 18 inches (less than) of the floor or ground. 2. The top edge is more than 36 inches from the floor or ground. 3. The window/glass is within 36 inches of a walking surface, inside or outside. 4. The exposed area of the glass is more than 9 sq ft. (Tiny decorative windows technically are not required to be safety glass). IRC 308.4

Generally contractors simply note if it is close to the ground, install safety glass as it can be kicked or if a person is falling they can fall on the glass that can shatter instead of a wall that will not.

Any glass within 36 inches horizontal of stairs or within 60 inches of the bottom step if any part of glass is less than 60 inches above floor/grade.  IRC 308.4  If you are carrying something down the stairs and trip, there is the possibility of a impact to a window higher in the wall.