The Guide To School Security Terminology
May 2, 2024
When it comes to the school security space, the terminology used by companies can be confusing . That’s why Mayday is breaking down terms commonly used when referring to ballistic protection products and what they actually mean.
Bulletproof
To call a product “bulletproof” means it stops 100% of bullets regardless of size, shape, or gun. Very few products exist that meet this threshold, let alone any that can be easily integrated at a reasonable price into an existing structure.
Bullet-resistant
“Bullet-resistant” is a term Mayday uses to describe our line of LifeShield+ products. It refers to a product that stops bullets up to a certain threshold. These thresholds are determined using certification levels such as UL, NIJ, and ASTM. For example, the LifeShield+ material is certified up to a UL752 Level 3 standard.
Barrier-resistant
Barrier-resistant refers to a material not certified at any level to stop bullets but offers protection against forced entry or debris instead. Many products are marketed as bullet-resistant or even bulletproof based on internal testing, when in reality the products are certified to no higher standard than that of a “barrier-resistant” product.
Kevlar®
DuPont™ Kevlar® is a form of ballistic protection commonly used for military and law enforcement body armor. It is a heat-resistant para-aramid synthetic fiber woven to create lightweight but effective protection.
Security Window Film
Security window film is a thin layer of polyester applied to glass windows, walls, or doors. The film works by holding the glass together and preventing it from shattering when hit with a high-speed projectile. While valuable for protecting non-human assets, window film is not “ballistic” or “bulletproof” and should not be used as protection against bullets.
Forced Entry Protection
Forced entry protection counts as anything added onto an existing door, window, or entryway to deter any attempt to forcibly gain access to a property. For example, LifeShield+ offers forced entry protection in the form of a channel-guided wall-mounting system. (Right)
