Section 720. Glazing

A. A wide variety of glazing materials and assemblies are available for various applications within detention facilities. The performance characteristics to consider are resistance to ballistic attack, resistance to physical attack, durability, fire safety and installation. Glazing and glazing assemblies shall provide a level of performance against ballistic and physical attacks which are consistent with the level of safety and security required and type of surveillance utilized. The level of glazing resistances selected shall be consistent with the resistance of the surrounding walls, louvers and other building components.

B. Security design considerations.

1. Considerations in the selection of glazing where it is to be used in windows and doors in housing units, dayrooms, corridors, control rooms and stations, sally ports and visitation areas are whether the glazing might be subject to ballistic attack; whether or not penetration of the glazing shall compromise security and allow passage of contraband; degree of staff supervision of surveillance; and anticipated amount of vandalism.

2. Where control room windows are adjacent to uncontrolled public space or spaces, the exterior of the building, or are a part of the secure perimeter, glazing shall be rated for 60-minute physical attack. In addition, they may be required to be rated for ballistic attack resistance depending on the nature and location of the facility and the location of the windows in the facility.

3. Where glazed openings in visitation areas or control points form a part of the security perimeter wall of the facility, 60-minute physical attack glazing without bar grille protection may be approved by the reviewing authority if located such that it is under supervision from a 24-hour control room or station.

4. Glazing in control points, rooms and stations within the secure area shall be able to withstand physical attacks for an extended time period - minimum of 30 minutes.

5. In areas such as housing units, glazing shall have adequate physical attack resistance to withstand physical attack for a minimum of 30 minutes. If a glazed opening is less than five inches in one direction or the opening is protected by steel bars or rods (bar grille), vandalism and subsequent maintenance should be important considerations for the selection of glazing and glazing assembly but physical attack glass is not required.

6. Stops for security glazing shall have a minimum depth of 1¼-inches.

7. Where voice communications through the glazing is required, a system utilizing vandal resistant individual speakers, microphones, intercom, telephone or approved equivalent shall be specified.

8. Where glazing is used in areas subject to abrasion and scratching, glass-clad or mar-resistant material shall be used.

9. Glazing required to have ballistic attack resistance shall be low-spalling and shall meet the level of ballistics requirements of A.S.T.M. F1233 for weapons capable of concealment and UL 752 Level III, super power small arms.

10. Physical attack testing rating of glass shall be based on testing equal to the standards of H.P. White Laboratory, Inc., testing HPW-TP-O1OO.OO5 or equally comparable and certifiable testing laboratory as approved by the Department of Corrections.

11. Plate glass, float glass and other conventional glass other than wire or tempered glass shall not be used in any openings located in the security perimeter or in any interior security walls, partitions, door or other openings within the area enclosed by the secure perimeter.

12. Refer to 6VAC15-80-710 B 2 for locations requiring bar grille or woven rod protection.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-30-005.1 § 5.41, eff. July 1, 1994.

Statutory Authority

§§ 53.1-5 and 53.1-80 through 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.