Ballistic glass is heavy-duty protection that can be installed in anything from an office building to a vehicle. It is one of the most indestructible types of bulletproof glass and it's been a literal lifesaver for plenty of people around the globe. It's a good example of target hardening, a technique where property owners can add layers of security to their building and grounds. When everything from storefronts to schools is being attacked these days, it pays to take extra precautions. The stronger your defenses are, the more difficult it is for a criminal to hit their mark. And even if a criminal can't see the thick glass from a distance, it provides another obstacle, which can force them to abandon a structure.
Bullet Resistant Glass Levels
There are different levels of bulletproof glass. One of those categories is bullet-resistant, a ballistic glass rating standard of UL 752. The UL in this rating stands for Underwriter's Laboratory, an organization that sets public safety standards. The UL is authorized to perform testing by OSHA and generally considered the governing body for ballistic glass. What is bulletproof glass made of? This substance is not technically glass, but acrylic or a specialized type of polycarbonate. There are different levels of protection built into each option, so it helps to know what level you're choosing. Level 1 will hold up after several bullets from a 9mm, and is usually best for small offices or storefronts where owners want to deter crime. Level 8 is the highest level of protection, designed for serious security
Target Hardening Effectiveness
Target hardening is not necessarily meant to make a building impenetrable. In fact, target hardening measures may have to be tempered depending on the type of target in question. Certain security measures can make the general public nervous, thereby negating the security benefits in the first place. So if you owned a putt-putt golf course, you might not want anything beyond Level 1 glass to protect the central office. All you're trying to do in this case is encouraging criminals to give up before they get started. There also has to be equal consideration paid to the people who use the building when it comes to target hardening. When you're picking a glass, consider that there might only be a few attempts to break it (e.g., throwing a brick, chair, etc.) before criminals leave the premises.
Contact Kontek Industries
Making a business or organization difficult to access is only recommended when you're trying to keep away those who would do it harm. Hardening the target starts with understanding the nature of the building and how people are most likely to get past both natural and man-made defenses. Target hardening techniques can span from security men patrolling the area at all hours of the night to floodlights installed in the dark corners of the property. If you're interested in learning more about how different products and services can help you improve your defenses, Kontek Industries is here to help. We specialize in securing buildings large and small and take pride in keeping everyone as safe as possible. To learn more about how target hardening examples can be implemented on your property, give us a call today.
