If the ram penetrates the glass before the completion of the two hits, it is considered a failure. If the ram does not penetrate the glass after two hits, impact force is continually increased until a breach occurs. The tested specimen realistically demonstrates how the whole product assembly would perform if an active shooter were to shoot and then use bodyweight or an object to apply force to the compromised glass surface.
The Shooter Attack Test is conducted by a qualified laboratory. Fenestration assemblies which successfully pass the test criteria are recommended by the NSSPA. Tested assemblies for shooter attack applications provide consistent and repeatable performance, similar to other safety-critical applications.
Recognizing the need for an improved shooter attack test method, a new ASTM standard9 currently is being finalized. Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems after Simulated Active Shooter Attack will provide the minimum industry-accepted standard for security glazing in schools. The new standard’s procedures follow the Shooter Attack Test methodology, where the product assembly is subjected to multiple shots by a single gun, followed by a forced-entry impact on the weakened glass.
The standard was initiated in November 2021 and the most recent ballot was issued in March 2022. It is now pending successful full ASTM International society review prior to publication.
If no objections are raised, the complete and published ASTM standard is expected to be available before the end of 2022.
According to ASTM, “Tested systems will be able to provide precious resistance to entry allowing precious moments for notifications, warnings and protective exercises to be launched within a facility, thus potentially save lives and reduce injuries. The method offered is based primarily on previously published ASTM security standards which have been brought together to provide a single, repeatable, mechanically driven, simple-to-execute and easily reference-able standard… It should be noted how the glazing, when tested alone, cannot achieve a level rating per this standard as it has not been tested in a system.”
The new standard will likely provide eight rating levels (expected to be published) corresponding with the level of applied force.10 While intended for use by schools, the ASTM standard is not restricted to educational facility applications.
Also in anticipation of the new standard, several fenestration products have met the requirements of the Shooter Attack Test Method and are now available for specification and installation. These include aluminum-framed curtain wall, storefront, entrance, and window systems.
Developed by enhancing existing whole fenestration product assemblies, these tested products offer visual flexibility, sustainability, longevity, availability, competitive pricing, and warranties which are comparable to other high-performance products on the market. Since these products look like they are already in use, they may be perceived by an active shooter as a as a weak target to gain access into the building’s interior—when they are actually delaying entry.
Products which have been successfully tested using method will also be familiar to glazing contractors. These aluminum-framed fenestration assemblies follow the same glazing methods. They use the same equipment and installation techniques, requiring similar labor and time as commercial systems. Experienced glazing contractors will find it straightforward to retrofit and replace earlier fenestration systems with newer assemblies which have passed the Shooter Attack Test Method.
