Asda Reassure Customers Over Glass Table Safety Concerns

Have you seen those pictures of shattered glass tables doing the rounds on social media at the moment? There are lots of pictures and stories from people who say that their glass garden tables have shattered for no apparent reason, and many are understandably worried.

Such is the level of public concern that Asda have just issued a statement* aimed at reassuring customers about the safety and safe use of glass topped tables, called 'Get the facts: Is my glass-top garden table safe?'.

The statement from Asda says:

"We'd like to reassure you that instances of tables shattering are very rare. The tables are designed with safety in mind and are made from toughened glass. We sell more than 100,000 glass-top tables each year and there are very few reports of the glass shattering."

They explain that toughened glass is designed to shatter into many pieces when broken as a safety feature to reduce the risk of injury from large shards, and that's why this type of glass is used in car windows, shower screens, furniture and so on.

They go on to say:

"Despite some reports you may have seen, heat from the sun will not cause the glass to shatter. In rare instances, if toughened glass is damaged, for example chips and scratches, it can lead to the glass breaking seemingly of its own accord. Damage to the glass (not always visible) can get worse over time until it reaches a critical point when it may shatter. This is not a fault with the product or design, this is how the glass is intended to behave if damaged, as with all toughened glass."

Asda have also issued some guidelines to help care for your glass topped table right from the way that you initially assemble it through to after care:

• During assembly do not lay the table top directly onto patios or other rough surfaces. We recommend laying the table on a blanket or cardboard during assembly. You could even use the box.
• When lifting or turning the table over, ask for someone to lend a hand, trying to move a table on your own can lead to accidents.
• Do not use furniture if any parts are missing or broken. Contact customer services.
• If your table has a parasol, always use a weighted parasol base, and remove the parasol in windy conditions. Parasols can put pressure on the table top or even blow the table over in windy weather.
• Do not place very hot or very cold items, such as saucepans or barbecues, directly on the glass surface. Extreme temperature differences over small areas can damage glass.
• Do not sit or stand upon the glass surface.
• Do not strike the glass with hard or pointed items, or use the glass as a chopping surface.
• Do not drag rough or heavy objects over the top of the glass.
• We recommend using place mats and coasters to help protect against scratches and accidentally dropped items.
• Clean the glass regularly to make sure there are no stones or grit on the top.
• Do not clean glass with washing powders or any other substances containing abrasives, since these substances can scratch glass.

If you have any concerns about glass topped furniture from Asda you can contact them here including the words 'glass garden table' in the subject, and you can also read the full statement here*.

Have any of you had any issues with glass furniture shattering, and do you find this statement reassuring?

Images: Asda