Proposed ASTM Int'l Homeland Security Standard Focuses on Doors, Windows, Other Openings - ASTM WK14650

July 3, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

As one path to achieve that goal, the subcommittee is developing ASTM WK14650 - Test Methods for Forced Entry and Ballistics Resistant (FEBR) Exterior Doors, Windows and Other Opening Protectives.

Subcommittee E54.05 is part of ASTM International Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications.

"The design capabilities of doors, windows and other opening protectives must be confirmed through simulated service testing in order to provide reasonable assurance of their satisfactory performance in an actual physical attack or other emergency," said James Stapleton, Habersham Metal Products Co. and E54.05.02 task group chair.

"Therefore it is necessary to develop test methods that simulate the required attack resistance and incorporate tried and true test methods that are already being used in industry."

In addition to its stated guidance for exterior protectives, ASTM WK14650 will be useful for many building interior security applications as well.

According to Stapleton, the industry test methods that are incorporated into this proposed standard were used in the design of opening protectives for both exterior and interior security applications.

Among the most likely users of ASTM WK14650 are project architects, security consultants, various government agencies that have their own building design staffs and building code bodies such as the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association.

The task group is seeking input from the professional building design community, as well as members of the user community who are involved in homeland security issues.

Source: ASTM International.