What is a characteristic of tempered glass when broken?

Tempered glass is designed to break into many small, blunt pieces rather than large shards when it is shattered. This characteristic significantly reduces the risk of injury because the smaller pieces are less likely to cause severe cuts. When tempered glass breaks, it does not create large shards that could lead to severe injuries. Instead, it shatters into numerous small particles that often remain in place due to their nature, helping to maintain some structural integrity even after being broken.

So, when considering the flow path aspect, it highlights that the shattered glass can allow for movement—like air or smoke—through the area due to the way it breaks. This can impact situations like structure fires, where airflow may be necessary for ventilation or to control smoke movement. The ability of these smaller pieces to stay somewhat contained can also directly influence firefighting tactics and safety measures during fire operations.