Peter Davey, American Window Film,Inc.
Go ahead. Grab that crowbar and hit that glass panel as hard as you can.” Whenever I have the opportunity at sales training sessions or trade shows,I enjoy the looks on their faces when I hand them the crowbar. The competitiveones are great. They have that “I’m-on-a-mission” look in their eyes before they lay into their swing at the plate of glass with applied 3M Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Film. Theythink they’ll be the first to rip throughthe window film and send glass flyingthrough the room. Of course, thatnever happens.I can talk window film product specifications, ANSI specs, tensile strengths,safety impact testing, and bomb blast mitigation. I can hand out security win-dow film videos, blast test reports and product sample cards. I can demonstrate the strength of multiple, microthinalternating layers of polyester film. But when I ask someone to pick up a crow-bar and whack at a panel of glass with applied 3M security window film, and glass doesn’t fly, I’ve captured their attention. Then, all the technical information resonates a bit more.Most of us have not been intimate-ly involved in the devastation that flying glass causes. However, many of us have experienced the invisible shield of safety and security window film.More than likely, you’ve walked into a commercial building, such as a bank, a university or an airport that has safety and security film installed on their windows. You may not hear too much about it since many building owners are reluctant to suggest that we, as occupants, are in danger inside their walls (or windows). Unfortunately, we are all vulnerable to secondary injuries associated with bomb blasts, industrial explosions or violent weather. 3M Company began the history ofwindow film in 1961 when a patent application was made and subsequently granted in 1966 for a metalized solar control window film. 3M lead the way in window film research and development. As demand increased for new and better products, 3M responded with solar control films ofthe ‘60s, solar heat and ultraviolet light control films during the ‘70s and ‘80s energy crisis, low reflectivity, optical clarity and shatter-resistant films of fol-lowing decades. Every large building’s Achilles’heelis its windows. Designed to make glass shatter-resistant, safety and security films hold glass in place when a window breaks. When ordinary annealed glass breaks, it poses con-siderable danger, as its shattered glass shards become daggers that can cause injury or death. In the event ofblasts or violent windstorms, safety and security films significantly reduce the risk of injury and property damage. A low profile security measure, they also deter “smash-and-grab” crime.Per GSA test standard protocols,Applied Research Associates, Inc.conducted a series of high explosive blasts on panes of glass with applied 3M Scotchshield™security films at the Kirtland Air Force Base, NM. An equivalent to 500 lbs. of TNT was used as a test charge placed at various distances from these glass panels. The3M security films provided significant reductions in glass fragment hazards compared to unprotected windows. In fact, they performed very well, meeting specified criteria for GSA buildings with security classifications of Level C and D.Sophisticated safety and security window films are now readily available for our protection at minimal cost. In fact many window film installations willpay for themselves in short order with the energy savings benefits they provide. It just makes good sense. Taking a proactive posture with efforts to protect occupants, building owners can take pride in their purchase of safety and security films and comfort in an investment that pays for itself.Peter J.Davey began his career in the window film industry in 1975 and is currently President of American Window Film, Inc.(formerly known as New England Sun Control of MA & NH), a3M Authorized Window Film Dealer/Applicator serving 48 states. American Window Film, Inc.is located in Foxboro,MA;www.americanwindowfilm.com.For further information on security andsolar control window films, or for acopy of the ARA Explosive Blast Testsper GSA Security Criteria report and associated video, contact Peter at 1-800-274-TINT.
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