Phil Brown , European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited - part of the NSG Group - offers tips for specifying security glass .

From security to fire resistance , glass can be used to protect a building ’ s occupants while also allowing the creation of bold and attractive designs .

Here are some pointers when specifying security glazing as part of an insulating glass unit ( IGU ).

1 . Double up . Security glass commonly comprises two panes of glass laminated together with a PVB interlayer between them . If this should break , the fragments are held together by the interlayer , reducing the risk of injuries occurring from smashed glass .

2 . Know the rules . In England , security glazing is covered by Approved Document Q . However , it should be remembered that its scope is limited to new dwellings . It is vital installers also use the very highest standards when specifying windows for older buildings .

3 . Keeping up standards . Resistance to manual attacks and burglaries is tested to BS EN 356 . The minimum classification is P1A , which can typically be achieved with 6.8mm Pilkington Optilam™ laminated glass . To meet the requirements , reasonable provision must be made to resist unauthorised access to any dwelling or flat .

4 . Stay safe . Public safety is vital when choosing glass . The highest impact safety performance achievable by laminated glass is 1 ( B ) 1 , which means it has been designed to either not break or break safely when subjected to accidental human impact .

5 . Seeing double . For double-glazing units , specify an outer pane of toughened glass for safety and strength , with an inner pane of laminated glass for safety and security . Safety glass is designed to reduce the risk of accident by impact , whereas security glass is for withstanding intentional attacks .

6 . Withstand attacks . Glass can be designed to withstand various forms of attack , such as explosions and gunfire . Remember this when specifying glass as part of high-profile projects such as major infrastructure and city centre buildings .

7 . Keep quiet . Noise control can be enhanced without compromising on security by switching to acoustic laminated glass .

8 . Frame it . Frame construction and glazing methods are critical for security glass . It is important that windows and doors have been tested to a recognised standard such as PAS 24 .

9 . Spoilt for choice . As well as safety , security and noise control , laminated glass can also be supplied with thermal insulation , solar control and UV protection .

10 . Check the loadings . You may have selected a security glass , but don ’ t forget that it will still need to resist wind and barrier loads .

For more advice on security glass , please view the Pilkington webpage : www . pilkington . co . uk / optilam

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