“A major concern for administrative officials is the security of barriers used in detention/correctional facilities,” begins a new document being finalized by ASTM Committee F33 on Detention and Correctional Facilities. Approximating the levels of abuse that secured walls can withstand, “Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities” defines simulated procedures that determine the performance characteristics of secured walls.

Since 1997, members of the ASTM Physical Barriers Subcommittee have been designing test methods evaluating the wall resistance to battering with benches, bunks, tables, or handguns up to and including .44 magnum. Leading their development, James A. Stapleton, P.E., Habersham Metal Products Company, Cornelia, Ga., said the sustained development process has produced “a comprehensive and credible document that should serve the industry well.”

Part of ASTM Committee F33 on Detention and Correctional Facilities, the subcommittee received input from manufacturing, operations, and architectural representatives according to Stapleton, the F33 vice chairman.

Setup and testing of two sample fixed barriers in the standard is done according to recommendations by the American Correctional Association.

For further technical information, contact James A. Stapleton, P.E., Habersham Metal Products Company, Cornelia, Ga. (phone: 706/778-2212, ext. 202). For Committee F33 membership or meeting details, contact James P. Olshefsky, manager, ASTM Technical Committee Operations (phone: 610/832-9714). //

Copyright 2001, ASTM