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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the performance criteria developed by the GSA, DoS, and DoD for glazing systems?
What is the primary focus of the performance criteria developed by the GSA, DoS, and DoD for glazing systems?
Which test method evaluates glazing against airblast loads?
Which test method evaluates glazing against airblast loads?
What does ASTM F2912 contain?
What does ASTM F2912 contain?
What is the purpose of GSA TS01?
What is the purpose of GSA TS01?
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Which testing method does ISO 16934 specifically address?
Which testing method does ISO 16934 specifically address?
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What type of materials does ISO 16934 include in its classification requirements?
What type of materials does ISO 16934 include in its classification requirements?
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Which of the following best describes the consequence of glazing failure in a catastrophic scenario?
Which of the following best describes the consequence of glazing failure in a catastrophic scenario?
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What aspect is specifically targeted by the performance criteria for glass fragment effects?
What aspect is specifically targeted by the performance criteria for glass fragment effects?
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What was the primary purpose of using safety film on glass windows in buildings?
What was the primary purpose of using safety film on glass windows in buildings?
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Which organization established performance criteria for safety film used in government buildings?
Which organization established performance criteria for safety film used in government buildings?
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What variable was NOT controlled during the Open Frame Testing described?
What variable was NOT controlled during the Open Frame Testing described?
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What happened to the glass pane coated with safety film during testing?
What happened to the glass pane coated with safety film during testing?
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How did the unprotected glass respond to the blast in the Open Frame Testing?
How did the unprotected glass respond to the blast in the Open Frame Testing?
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Why were the results of Open Frame Testing considered anecdotal?
Why were the results of Open Frame Testing considered anecdotal?
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Prior to the development of safety film, what was a major cause of injuries from bomb blasts?
Prior to the development of safety film, what was a major cause of injuries from bomb blasts?
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What other type of protection has the GSA studied for glass in buildings apart from safety film?
What other type of protection has the GSA studied for glass in buildings apart from safety film?
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What is the primary purpose of Shock Tube Testing?
What is the primary purpose of Shock Tube Testing?
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What occurs to untreated glazing systems during a Shock Tube Test?
What occurs to untreated glazing systems during a Shock Tube Test?
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Which of the following statements about the limitations of Shock Tube Testing is true?
Which of the following statements about the limitations of Shock Tube Testing is true?
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What is the main difference between Shock Tube Testing and Open-Air Arena Testing?
What is the main difference between Shock Tube Testing and Open-Air Arena Testing?
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What material is typically used on the interior side of glass to enhance safety during testing?
What material is typically used on the interior side of glass to enhance safety during testing?
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What evidence indicates significant injury risk from broken glass during Shock Tube Tests?
What evidence indicates significant injury risk from broken glass during Shock Tube Tests?
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Why is Open-Air Arena Testing preferred over Shock Tube Testing?
Why is Open-Air Arena Testing preferred over Shock Tube Testing?
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What specific aspect does the ‘witness panel’ serve during Shock Tube Testing?
What specific aspect does the ‘witness panel’ serve during Shock Tube Testing?
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Study Notes
Safety & Security Education Guide
- Guide is part of an ongoing series by the IWFA for the window film industry
- Guide focuses on safety and security film
- Guide does not endorse specific products
- User is responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws and standards during product selection and installation
- IWFA disclaims any responsibility for specific results of using this Guide
Introduction
- Glass is a useful, yet potentially risky product
- Safety Film mitigates the harmful consequences of broken glass
- Safety Film is optically clear and highly transparent
- Safety Film is elastomeric (stretchy)
- Safety Film is installed on the interior of existing glass using a pressure-sensitive adhesive
Safety Film - Historical Overview
- First-generation safety film developed in the early 1970s for the British government to mitigate glass injuries from bombings
- Increased European and US use due to events such as Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew, and the Loma Prieta earthquake
Glass and Glazing Systems
-
Float Glass Manufacturing Process
- Most glass today is manufactured via a continuous process using molten tin
- Raw materials melted and floated on a tin bath to form a ribbon of glass
- Glass cooled in a precise, uniform manner using electric heat
- Known as annealed float glass; the predominant base product for architectural and automotive applications
-
Types of Glass
- Annealed Float Glass (common type)
- Heat-Treated Glass (more resistant to breakage than annealed glass)
- Tempered Glass (4x stronger than annealed, breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards)
- Chemically Strengthened Glass (similar strength to heat-treated glass)
Glass Breakage
- Human Impact
- Running into/falling on glass
- Forced entry
- Windstorms
- Earthquakes
- Explosions
- Nickel-sulfide inclusions
- Thermal stress
- Tensile stress
Window Constructions
- Types of Window Constructions
- Monolithic Glass (Single pane)
- Insulated Glass (multiple panes)
- Laminated Glass (two layers of annealed or tempered glass bonded with PVB)
- Ballistic Glass
- Blast resistant glass
Safety Film Construction
- Safety Film is typically clear polyester film
- Laminated in multiple layers to absorb impact energy
- Used in various thicknesses, ranging from 4 mils to 15 mils, and occasionally more
- Commonly installed on the interior of windows to mitigate broken glass hazards
Safety Film Adhesives
- Safety films use different adhesives to laminate the layers together than the adhesive used to attach the film to the glass
- Adhesive strength measured by peel strength and shear strength according to ASTM standards
Shear Test
- Ideally, safety film performance should be determined by a test that simulates the actual event
- Tests should consider the dynamics of the film's interactions with the glass
Exterior Safety Film
- While some exterior safety film exists, its longevity is often different from that of exterior solar films
- Primary function is to simply stay on the glass
Solar Safety Film
- Films combine the protection of safety film with the solar control features of a solar film
- Films vary in light transmission and performance
Glass Breakage from Thermal Stress
- Uneven temperature distribution across glass surface
- Rapid heating or cooling causes stresses potentially resulting in breakage
General IWFA Testing Guidelines
- Testing should be based on reputable, industry-standard methods
- Product or advertising claims need to be substantiated by tests conducted on an actual product, using specified units
Earthquake Events
- Building glass movement and associated impact in relation to building frames
Windstorm Events
- Windstorm damage is due to wind pressure and projectiles
- Gable roofs are more resistant than hip roofs
Government Agencies (US)
- Agencies involved in safety standards and enforcement
Open Frame Testing
- Simulates an explosive event without enclosures
- Tests performance of film and glazing system when glass breaks
Shock Tube Testing
- Simulates bomb blast positive pressure
- Tests integrity of glazing system with and without safety film in an enclosed, designated test area
Blast Events
- Accidental industrial blasts (less common) and acts of terrorism
- Safety films used to protect personnel from flying glass in these events
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Description
This guide provides crucial information on safety and security films used to mitigate risks associated with broken glass. It covers the historical development of safety film and its compliance requirements for installation. Learn about the importance of safety film in enhancing glass safety standards.