MANUAL Published: 25 March 2017
MNL762014003001

Detention and Correctional Facilities: History and Relevance of ASTM Standards

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The early work of the committee on detention and correctional facilities, ASTM F33, during the 1970s and early 1980s, was focused primarily on two main areas. One was the maintenance of the two published standards for tool resistant bar and plate, ASTM A627 and A629, both of which were under the task group's jurisdiction (A01.02.03). The other was the development of specifications for detention doors, frames, hardware, and glazing.

At that time, there was much discussion in committee meetings regarding the details of the specifications and the methods that should be used to perform simulated service testing. The group finally agreed to focus on the test methods. After that decision, there was rapid progress toward development of the first simulated service test method for full-scale door, frame, hardware, and glazing assemblies, fully operational and installed in test walls as they would be in actual detention and correctional facilities.

The first of these test methods, ASTM F1450, “Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities,” was published in 1991. By that time, the task group had grown in participation and had progressed through being re-organized into a subcommittee under A01, A01.16, and then in 1989 into a full committee, the “Committee on Detention and Correctional Facilities,” F33.

Since the startup of F33, other standards were developed and publications followed in rapid succession. F33 has published and maintained 15 standards that address everything from test methods of opening assemblies to selection guides for security controls to fire testing of cushioning material for bunks. Also, there are 16 more topics for potential standards development listed on the committee Long Range Plan, six of which are already in draft format and prioritized for balloting.

The objective of the committee as stated in the foreword of the compilation entitled, “ASTM Standards Detention and Correctional Facilities, 2nd Edition,” published in 2006, is the promotion of knowledge and the development of standards for materials, products, assemblies, and systems used in the construction or renovation and operation of detention and correctional facilities for adults and juveniles. This book will explore many of the details of the test methods and guide standards, along with guidance for their use, as well as commentary on the plans for future standards development projects, and thereby, will provide valuable assistance to industry practitioners and progress toward the advancement of this stated committee objective.

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Details
Developed by Committee: F33
Pages: 1–63
DOI: 10.1520/MNL762014003001
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7084-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7083-4