HARDWARE&SECURITY
SPONSORED BY KEYPRINT
PROVIDING A WINDOW ON SECURITY
Windows can be a very vulnerable part of a building, often seen as “soft targets” by vandals,
criminals and terrorists alike, impacting on both people’s safety and the protection of property.
The UK has a vast array of prominent
and iconic buildings, particularly
in city centres; with a multitude of
uses including hotels, government,
museums, offices, universities, clubs
and, of course, residential, attracting
people in large numbers to live, work,
study and socialise.
Electronic security will warn but not
resist so physical security measures
should be an important part of any plan
for protection.
Glass is easily broken by an intruder
prepared to use force and offers little
resistance to attack. It will also be
shattered by a bomb exploding more than
100M away and flying shards will maim
and kill.
‘physical security measures
should be an important part
of any plan on protection’
Founded in 1966 and a Royal Warrant
Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze is the
UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and
installer of secondary glazing systems.
A solution to the glass problem is found
with Selectaglaze’s secure secondary
glazing systems where a fully separate
window is fitted behind an existing
window (room-side) using robust frames,
secure locks and strengthened glass. These
units can be hinged, sliding or fixed and
are subjected to rigorous testing before
certification.
‘these units can be hinged,
sliding or fixed and are
subjected to rigorous testing
before certification’
The ‘Police Preferred Specification’
under the Secured by Design initiative
requires frames to be tested to PAS 24.
This test replicates an attempt to force the
window or to remove the glass but does
not include glass breakage. If resistance
60
MAR/APR 2014
building consents are usually granted.
Added benefits include significant levels
of sound insulation, which is highly
desirable in noisy locations and enhanced
thermal insulation that will improve a
buildings energy performance, thus saving
on fuel costs.
to breakage is important, an anti-bandit
glass such as 11.5mm laminate should be
considered.
Some buildings will need higher
levels of protection due to function or
occupancy. In these cases both the frame
and glass must resist determined attack
and products should be rigorously tested
against a standard such as LPS 1175 from
the Loss Prevention Certification Board.
This offers a number of security ratings
based on the tools used and the time
available. Currently secondary windows
are available to level 3 which replicates
five minutes of continuous attack over a 20
minute period using tools such as a claw
hammer, small axe, battery drill and long
crow bar. This is a very severe test and one
that only a small number of bar sets or
grilles will resist. Secure secondary glazing
provides the protection discreetly with
minimal visual intrusion.
Secondary window frames and locks
can be designed to absorb the significant
pressures arising from a bomb blast and
laminated glass with its integral sheet of
plastic (pvb) material will stretch and hold
the glass together safely.
Protection levels will depend on the risks
to the building and potential distance
from a bomb. Relatively slim sections
glazed with 6.8mm laminate glass will
survive at 45 metres from a typical vehicle
bomb but heavier frames and glass are
needed as the distance shortens. High
profile buildings may require protection at
25M and sometimes at 15M.
Selectaglaze’s frames are designed
to fit discretely and sympathetically in
contemporary or period buildings. Listed
‘benefits include significant
levels of sound insulation,
which is hig