G4S ACADEMY BALLISTIC ATTACK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Transcription

1 G4S ACADEMY BALLISTIC ATTACK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS GUIDE VERSION

2 BALLISTIC ATTACK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS INFORMATION When working professionally with ballistics protection, a number of elements must be considered. To begin with, it is important to note that the classification uses the term Bullet Resistant rather than Bullet Proof. This means that solutions cannot be expected to be bullet proof but only resistant to bullets. Consequently, this guide refers primarily to bullet resistance. The first step is to conduct a threat assessment to determine whether ballistics protection is necessary at all. We always recommend contacting the Danish domestic intelligence services, PET, about the risks before getting started. Media, politicians and many others are constantly talking about the threat of terrorism and we have experienced the first events in Denmark. However, in our opinion, we should all take care to make sure the dialog about and investments in terrorism protection and prevention don t get out of hand. CONTENTS The Issue in Brief Recommendations Standards Splintering and Fragmentation Elements, Components and Building Elements Comparison Key THE ISSUE IN BRIEF Ballistics protection is complex and costly. As with all security efforts, the saying about the weakest link also applies here: It is all well and good to protect the reception area, but what about the risk associated with offices, conference rooms, outdoor areas, during transport and so forth? And what about protecting walls, the roof etc.? The good thing is that ballistics protection standards covered in this guide are very well documented and uniform. They describe tests for windows, doors, elements, rolling fronts, materials and more. Furthermore, there are countless international players working professionally with ballistics protection, as many other countries have lived with a significantly higher risk of terrorism for several decades. Ballistics protection is generally one of the easier ways to introduce terrorism protection. However, comprehensive protection involving the implementation of a professional solution is much more complex, especially because it will often require significant building work, for instance installing window sections that are a great deal heavier than ordinary double-glazed windows. Finally, despite the relatively large contractor market, such solutions tend to be costly.

3 RECOMMENDATION It may seem simple, but that does not necessarily make it so. In Denmark, products with security level FB4/BR4 (handguns) are considered to provide enough ballistics protection, as criminals in Denmark generally do not have access to more powerful weapons. However, in the Krudttønden cultural center terror episode in Copenhagen in 2015, the perpetrator used a weapon that required a security level of FB5/BR5. Consequently, as this example illustrates, there will always be some uncertainty regarding which weapons might be used and the degree of protection required. To achieve sniper protection, for example, it is necessary to combine several of the strongest protective measures. It is important to note that the various products and solutions are classified based on three shots (that hit within a triangle of approx. 12 x 12 x 12 cm). This has significance if 50 shots a minute are fired at a window. And we have seen examples of a machine gun being used like an angle grinder to shoot a door-sized opening in bullet-proof glass. The tests also include firing shots at the frames, joints and similar when dealing with a complete unit and not just window glass. In Denmark, we recommend as a minimum using class FB4/BR4 products, but preferably class FB6/BR6, for ballistics protection. You can read more about the standard in the following. Furthermore, we highly recommend seeking the advice of specialists. In our opinion, it is also crucial to use appropriate products that are tested to ensure they work as expected. Ballistics protection is not just about protecting valuables, but about saving people s lives and it is no place for DIY solutions. A risk assessment should be conducted to determine which weapons pose a threat as well as how many shots should be expected and at what range. We hope this guide will help you in your decision-making process.

4 STANDARDS Products for ballistics protection in Europe are tested according to the following European Norms (EN): EN 1522 and 1523 apply to elements, windows, doors, rolling fronts etc. EN 1063 applies to glass There are other applicable standards as well such as the American UL 752 standard. However, this guide only covers the EN standards, as in practice they are the ones that apply in Europe. The solution is classified based on a selection of weapons and ammunitions as well as the number of shots fired and at what range. Put simply, the projectile must not penetrate the solution. Tests are usually performed by accredited and impartial testing institutes. In our experience with ballistics protection, the quality of the various testing institutes around the world is consistent. It therefore makes little difference whether the product is tested in Germany, Sweden or Israel. We have also found that organizations will often choose to have additional tests performed besides the official tests, either at their own facilities or in collaboration with national authorities. SPLINTERING AND FRAGMENTATION Classification also includes the designation splinter (S) for units/elements that are not protected from splintering and fragmentation or no splinter (NS) for units/elements that are protected from splintering and fragmentation on the safe side of the glass. It is particularly important to be aware of this if, for instance, you are sitting close to a class BR5-S window, there is a risk of serious injury from glass splinters, even if the projectile is stopped. It is therefore crucial to differentiate between extended or brief presence of people behind the bullet-resistant glass that is, office vs corridor. With that said, the distance from the bullet-resistant windows is an essential parameter especially if NS classified units are not used. ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS AND BUILDING ELEMENTS For an element/building element, such as a service window, reception, guardhouse, window section or exchange window, to be fully classified, the entire element must be classified. Some choose to combine multiple components, for instance a bullet-proof service window and a bulletproof window element. However, it is important to note that the joints, where the two components connect, will usually be a weak link. We have seen shocking examples of bullet-proof service windows installed in plaster walls using ordinary caulking. Because neither plaster walls nor caulk are bulletresistant, it seems the assumption is that a perpetrator will only shoot at the bullet-resistant element. We recommend using only complete and approved elements. COMPARISON KEY We have prepared an overview of standards and norms the G4S Standards Comparison Key. This key also shows which security levels we do and do not recommend for ballistic attack management solutions. The comparison key can be downloaded from our website:

5 G4S ACADEMY CONSULTING, EDUCATION & INFORMATION G4S is the largest security company in Denmark and worldwide, with more than 100 years of experience. We share our knowledge through our ISO certified G4S Academy. Our goal is to establish partnerships with our customers and optimising the overall risk prevention through close collaboration and knowledge sharing. We happily receive comments and ideas, so we can continuously develop our materials, ensuring that they are as useful as possible now, as well as in the future. UPDATES We will, without any costs, send you updates of the materials, if you contact G4S Academy. We update our materials whenever it is necessary. The version number appears on the front page. RESPONSIBILITY AND RESERVATIONS FOR TYPO- GRAPHICAL ERRORS G4S Academy takes no security responsibility in connection with these materials. The materials are prepared as a project among several stakeholders, which is why G4S Academy cannot assume full responsibility. STANDARDS Most professional security products are tested according to international standards. This is ideal for users, suppliers and counsellors as it makes it possible to compare products. G4S Academy is providing overviews over our applied standards. We always recommend use of products that are tested and classified to the extent that is technically possible and according to existing standards. OTHER MATERIALS, EVENTS, SEMINARS AND COURSES We continuously develop new materials. See more on CONTACT You are welcome to call us on or write a mail to academy@dk.g4s.com, if you would like more information. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Subscribe to our newsletter by sending a text message containing the text G4S to Reproduction authorized provided the source is acknowledged