SubscribeThe installation of safety and security film can mitigate the risks posed by flying glass in the event of an explosion, break in or accidental breakage – but it is only part of the solution.
The film will hold the glass in together in the event of breakage, but unless it is anchored to the frame, the whole pane can simply fall out, putting people and property at considerable risk. And if the pane is part of overhead glazing, the pane will simply plummet to the ground...
Frame/Lok from CPFilms is a patented batten system designed to anchor security or anti-shatter film (ASF) to the frame of a window system. While the film will keep the glass together in the event of breakage, Frame/Lok helps keep the pane of glass within the frame in the event of an attempted break-in, explosion or accidental breakage, safely and securely preventing damage, injury or intruder entry.
Put simply, Frame/Lok is an aesthetically-pleasing, secure and cost-effective way to anchor a window fitted with a safety and security film to an existing window frame. It is manufactured from galvanised "zintec" steel, which is then powder coated for a tough and durable finish complete with a high bond acrylic double sided tape system for adhesion to the window frame and filmed glass.
In response to the heightened concern about terrorism, specifiers and facilities managers are increasingly aware of the risk to people and property in the vicinity of a terrorist bombing. In the event of a bomb blast, flying glass shards will cause severe injury and substantial damage to property. In its advice to businesses, MI5 states: "Glazing protection is an essential casualty-reduction measure in the event of an explosion. Most casualties from urban terrorist attacks are from flying glass, especially from modern buildings.
Extensive research has been carried out on the effects of blast on glass, and tested solutions are available that will minimise the degree of shattering and casualties, as well as the costs of re-occupation. Protection may also be achieved by the addition of anti-shatter film, which holds fragmented pieces of glass together." But a bomb blast film on its own won't prevent the pane falling out of the frame, possibly damaging property and injuring staff; Frame/Lok will.
As well as bomb blast protection, Frame/Lok will improve security applications where intruders and vandals are a potential problem. Large glass windows at street level are vulnerable to 'smash and grab' attacks and vandalism and recent statistics show that almost 70% of burglaries result from forced entry through doors and windows. Enhancing security with an application of LLumar security film with a Frame/Lok anchorage system will considerably slow down or prevent intruders from gaining entry.
Frame/Lok can also be used when upgrading glass with safety film to aid compliance with Regulation 14 of the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 for safety against human impact.
Fitting safety film is only half the story. Finish the job - fit Frame/Lok
For more information, contact the CPFilms Technical Helpline on 023 9221 9112. For press information, contact James Harrison at Medialab on Tel. 01273 711555. For colour separations, please fax requests to 01273 778294.
