Last month I shared an article from US Glass Magazine, written by Thom Zaremba.  Thom wrote about a proposed change to the International Building Code (IBC) called G88-25, which would add a new standard – ASTM F3561 – to the IBC requirements for schools.  ASTM F3561 is the Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack.

Thom has written a follow-up article about why proposal G88-25 is so important for helping to ensure the safety of our schools.  You can read the proposal here, and below is a link to Thom’s follow-up article.

G88-25: When Will We Make Our Schools Safer?  Part II
by Thom Zaremba, shareholder at Roetzel & Andress

Excerpt:

Last month, I reported that an International Code Council (ICC) Committee responsible for approving and disapproving the building code proposed adding ASTM F3561. Adopting ASTM F3561 would provide school designers with an objective, reproducible, mechanical test to evaluate the ability of glass windows, doors and other types of glass in entryways to resist a gunman’s efforts to enter our schools.

The main testimony opposing adding ASTM F3561 to the building code came from a former fire code official and an Ohio building code official. The fire code official testified that because only a “few” assailants had shot their way through glass entryways to get into schools, the building code didn’t warrant “forced-entry resistant” glazing requirements. The Ohio building code official testified that “hardened” or “forced-entry resistant” glazing would slow law enforcement from breaking into schools in an emergency.

Are these valid reasons for not adding ASTM F3561 to the building code? Let’s take a closer look…

Click here to read the full article from US Glass.

What are your thoughts on adding this standard to the IBC?  Feel free to leave a comment!

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