Safe exits &
Secure Entrances
with
Fire + Security-Rated Glass

Enhance building security and safe egress
with multifunctional, fire-rated glazing.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),

over 66% of active shooter

incidents are over before first responders arrive, underscoring
the importance of physical security in safeguarding occupants.

While detecting, deterring, delaying and defending
against physical attack are important considerations,

maintaining clear egress routes

is still a code requirement and vital to occupant safety.

Designers have a variety of options for ensuring structures meet building code requirements. Fire-rated glass doors, windows, and curtain walls not only satisfy fire and life safety standards but also enhance interiors by maximizing daylight and fostering visual connections for occupants.

Understanding

Security-Rated Glass:

Bullet-Resistant vs. Forced-Entry

Bullet-Resistant
Glass

Also known as ballistic glass, this type of glazing is designed to withstand ballistic attacks.

  • Ratings: Evaluated across 8 levels under UL-752 testing standards.
  • Resistance Levels: Levels correspond to various shot patterns, number of rounds, and calibers. Note that the levels do not necessarily progress linearly.

Forced-Entry
Resistant Glass

This security-rated glass is engineered to deter and delay physical attacks for a specific amount of time.

  • Purpose: Acts as a transparent time barrier, allowing occupants to alert first responders and take necessary actions during emergencies.
  • Ratings: Determined using various testing criteria. Building professionals should consult experts to ensure compliance with the required standards for their project’s jurisdiction.

Choosing the
Right Solution

Neither bullet-resistant nor forced-entry glass is inherently better for every project. Each serves unique security needs.

Security professionals can assist specifiers and project owners in determining the most effective security-rated glass by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment.

What systems support fire- and life-safety goals?

Certain applications require glazing assemblies that address multiple life safety threats simultaneously. However, designing fire- and security-rated glass systems is more complex than simply combining fire-rated and security-rated components.

Discover how to ensure one form of protection isn’t compromised by the other and explore solutions that provide comprehensive safety without sacrificing performance.

The Challenges

  • Many security-rated glazing components are plastic-based, making them highly flammable and prone to burning quickly and intensely.
  • When exposed to flames, these components can exceed temperature-rise limits and maximum temperatures outlined in fire test standards.
  • Adding security-rated glazing to fire-rated door and window systems can compromise or even negate the assembly’s fire rating.

The solution

  • A systems-based approach ensures that multifunctional assemblies are tested to meet both fire and security rating standards.
  • This certification guarantees the entire system will perform as intended when installed, providing reliable protection on all fronts.
  • Multifunctional fire-rated doors and windows can withstand physical attacks while maintaining fire protection and safe egress routes.
  • By choosing systems that undergo rigorous, dual-standard testing, you can achieve enhanced security without compromising fire and life safety.

The Basics: FIRE-RATED,
SECURITY-RATED GLASS AND FRAMING

No matter what type of building a project is, there will almost always be questions around fire- and life-safety code requirements. But specifiers do not have to find the answers on their own. Learn crucial information about building codes, test standards and how to incorporate fire-rated glazing into your next project.

Read More

Beyond The Basics:
Fire + Security-Rated Glazing

Welcoming Students - not fire and intruders

Learn how fire-rated doors combined with fire +security-rated glass helps improve safety and security from fire and forced entry.

Get the Story

Creating safer spaces: a deep dive into bullet-resistant glass

Forced entry- and bullet-resistant glass have seen increased use in multiple occupancy types.

Read More

Opening the conversation to code-compliant school security

Creating safer schools involves collaboration among key stakeholders.

See the Article

Products
And Solutions

When enhanced security is a project goal, fire- and security-rated glass can contribute to code-compliant designs. Because multifunctional, fire-rated glazing from TGP offers large lites within narrow-profile frames, it does not compromise aesthetics for safety and security. Compare a variety of multifunctional glazing options to meet code requirements and security goals for your next project.

Fire + Security-Rated Design Resources

What does the future hold for the glass industry?

What does the future hold for the glass industry?

TGP’s General Manager, Devin Bowman, looks to the future to address the question, “How do I provide security to people in buildings that may be subject to intentional damage?”

>>

Balancing Life Safety and Security

Balancing Life Safety and Security

Publication: US Glass

>>

Achieving Code-Compliant School Security with Fire-Rated and Forced-Entry Resistant Glass

Achieving Code-Compliant School Security with Fire-Rated and Forced-Entry Resistant Glass

Publication: Campus Safety

>>

How the Glass Industry Aims to Improve Protection Against School Shootings

How the Glass Industry Aims to Improve Protection Against School Shootings

Publication: US Glass

>>

A Finger on the Pulse

A Finger on the Pulse

Publication: US Glass

>>

A Transparent Look at Safer School Design

A Transparent Look at Safer School Design

Publication: Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce

>>

spaces4learning Product of the Year

spaces4learning Product of the Year

Publication: spaces4learning

>>

Enhanced School Security Solutions

Enhanced School Security Solutions

Publication: Glass Magazine

>>

Blazing Trends: The Surging Demand For Fire-Rated Glass

Blazing Trends: The Surging Demand For Fire-Rated Glass

Publication: Glass Magazine

>>

Part of a System: How Fire-Resistant Glazing Plays a Part in Life-Safety Design

Part of a System: How Fire-Resistant Glazing Plays a Part in Life-Safety Design

Life-safety design pertains to a building’s ability to protect its occupants from fire and other life-threatening emergencies. Many materials can contribute to life-safety designs, but some may limit ...

>>

Navigating Safer School Design

Navigating Safer School Design

Publication: Door Security + Safety

>>

Creating Safer Spaces: A Deep Dive into Bullet-Resistant Glass

Creating Safer Spaces: A Deep Dive into Bullet-Resistant Glass

In recent years, forced entry- and bullet-resistant glass have seen increased use in multiple occupancy types, from schools, banks, currency exchanges, police stations, embassies, military installatio...

>>

Opening the Conversation to Code-Compliant School Security

Opening the Conversation to Code-Compliant School Security

Publication: Security Management

>>

Fire protection devices offer complex solutions

Fire protection devices offer complex solutions

Publication: Healthcare Facilities Management

>>

Designing Entry Vestibules for Schools

Designing Entry Vestibules for Schools

Publication: Door Security + Safety

>>

Secured School Entry Vestibules: Reducing Weak Points and Increasing Sightlines

Secured School Entry Vestibules: Reducing Weak Points and Increasing Sightlines

Publication: Campus Safety

>>

Invisible Protection: Hardening Entrances with Multifunctional, Fire-Rated Glass

Invisible Protection: Hardening Entrances with Multifunctional, Fire-Rated Glass

Publication: Glass Magazine

>>

The Art and Science of Designing Safer Schools

The Art and Science of Designing Safer Schools

The building industry is at a critical point. As more school districts incorporate voluntary security measures, everyone involved in school planning has pushed to innovate architectural systems and de...

>>

Designing Safer Schools: Considerations for Increasing School Security

Designing Safer Schools: Considerations for Increasing School Security

Publication: Campus Security and Life Safety

>>

Safe and Secure at Candy Lane

Safe and Secure at Candy Lane

Publication: Door Security + Safety

>>

Safe Havens Within

Safe Havens Within

Publication: Door Security + Safety

>>

Invisible Shield

Invisible Shield

Publication: US Glass

>>

Fire Protection and Safety: Industry Discusses Opportunities and Challenges

Fire Protection and Safety: Industry Discusses Opportunities and Challenges

Publication: USGlass

>>

Candy Lane Elementary

Candy Lane Elementary

Oregon City, OR

>>

Safe & Secure With Fire-Rated Glazing

Safe & Secure With Fire-Rated Glazing

Publication: Facility Management

>>

Commentary: System Solutions–Meeting the Need for School Safety and Security

Commentary: System Solutions–Meeting the Need for School Safety and Security

As incidents over the last decade have shown, safety and security are more than just buzzwords in schools and universities. Many educational environments are increasing safety protocols and adopting v...

>>

Interview: Insights with Top Safety and Security Glazing Professional

Interview: Insights with Top Safety and Security Glazing Professional

Making sure schools are safe from disastrous fires is vital when it comes to the building of educational facilities. Along with the importance of fire-safety in schools, the rise of school shootings i...

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