Explosives & Weapons

The guide helps risk owners, and their security advisors, to understand and manage the risk to building occupants, people outside the building and other assets resulting from damage to building facades caused by the blast effects of an external improvised explosive device (IED)

This page provides owners and operators with security advice for the installation, operation and contracting of locker banks’

This guidance note is to assist the building owner, security manager and facility managers to ensure that suitable bullet resistant glass is selected to mitigate the threat and that have been certified as meeting the required standard

This document supplements the NPSA Standard by providing a method for testing external doors, non-glazed panels and non-loadbearing walls under blast loading from external IEDs and assessing the damage and hazard to people

This guidance note is to assist the building owner, security manager and facility manager in selecting a design threat and ensuring that suitable products are used to mitigate the threat

This guidance highlights the primary security concerns arising during the ingress and egress phases of venue operations, outlining various strategies for mitigating the related risks.

This guidance note is to assist the building owner, security manager and facility managers to ensure that suitable bullet resistant glass (BRG) is selected to mitigate the threat and that have been certified as meeting the required standard

When developing protection from ballistic threats, consider cover from view, cover from fire, ballistic protection and firing points

Guidance note on measures to improve the blast resistance of glazing

A summary of the different types of curtain walling systems that exist and where these are typically used

Windows and glazed facades are important elements of a building that can be vulnerable to forced entry, ballistic, surreptitious and other attacks

When developing any requirements for blast protection, it is important to decide which weapons and delivery method need to be addressed

Buildings within the UK are usually constructed using a structural frame, typically steel, concrete or timber, or are built from unframed masonry

An introduction for Local Authorities, Event organisers, and similar end user groups on using temporary Vehicle Security Barriers (VSBs) as part of a HVM scheme - which itself should be one piece of a wider security plan.

Guidance to help those responsible for an organisation or site’s security to procure effective detection dog services that meet their security needs

NPSA has recently updated its guidance on the use of private sector explosives detection dog services

Screening people and their belongings at entry points helps reduce the likelihood of explosive devices, weapons, and other hazardous or prohibited items being brought into buildings or sites

Security officers play a crucial role in the protection of an asset and consideration of their safety and protection is needed

NPSA recommends that products required to protect against a firearms attack are tested at an accredited test centre in accordance with the BS EN standards

NPSA identified a need for test methods that evaluate baseline performance of products suited to screening applications in high footfall locations.

Briefing templates for upskilling staff with search duties

NPSA has created guidance for Emergency Services to ensure they can carry out their duties safely and effectively. This page lists relevant guidance products and how to access them.

Best practice guidance for communications professionals on the preparation and management of threats from hostile actors

Tailored guidance for public sector staff to help increase awareness of indicators of potentially dangerous situations involving hazardous chemicals and other suspicious activity

Managing the risk of emplaced threats should be a key security requirement when designing, building, and fitting-out premises.

In conjunction with technology developers, end user site owners and operators, government stakeholders and independent experts, NPSA has produced a Discriminative Metal Detection (DMD) Systems Test Method. 

Bulk deliveries can provide a means for getting explosives, weapons and other threat items through a site’s secure perimeter.

Terrorists and others wishing to cause harm or disruption have long used postal and courier services to deliver hazardous items to target recipients.

Screening vehicles can help reduce the likelihood of explosive devices, weapons and other hazardous or prohibited items or materials being brought into buildings or onto sites

A suite of documents intending to guide managers in the selection, procurement and management of appropriate body armour for their civilian security staff

Gunshot detection systems typically comprise of sensors (optical and/or acoustic) that accurately and reliably detect live ammunition (gunshots) being discharged

Updated suite of evidence-based guidance notes detailing good practices underpinning delivery of effective detection dog capability

Good practice recommendations for checkpoint security screening of people and belongings at buildings and events, covering risk assessment, screening strategies, and available detection technologies and methods

This short guidance is intended to help those responsible for the procurement of a Private Security Contractor (PSC) for an event

Guidance for organisations’ senior leaders, highlighting the importance of senior leadership in achieving effective security

This guidance helps organisations assess postal security risks and implement appropriate mail screening measures, including screening levels, physical protective measures and emergency procedures for handling suspicious items

Guidance for dog handlers, trainers and kennel staff on meeting the welfare needs of working dogs during kennelling, including enrichment, housing and health monitoring

Guidance on selecting, validating and using training samples for detection dogs, ensuring they deliver the operational detection capability you need.

Guidance on using training records to optimise detection dog performance, covering how to design, complete and securely store training session records for effective monitoring and development

Guidance for dog handlers and instructors on using concealments in detection dog training, including types of concealment, key considerations, and contamination control best practice

Guidance for detection dog handlers and instructors on using blanks and interferents to improve training reliability and reduce false indications during operational searches

Guidance for detection dog handlers and trainers on maintaining operational search performance, including reinforcement techniques, training aids and reducing contextual cue differences

Organisations may use search and screening measures to detect specific items and materials entering (or leaving) their buildings and sites

An introduction to animal learning for working dog trainers and handlers. Understand habituation, conditioning and social learning to improve detection dog training and welfare

Guidance on producing, storing and using odour soaks to support explosives detection dog training programmes safely and effectively

Guidance for detection dog handlers on marker training, including its principles, practical implementation and evidence-based comparison with other reward-based training methods

NPSA has a wide range of protective security guidance products relevant to Public Premises and Events

Physical and personnel security measures for major events require specific consideration due to their dynamic and complex character.

Guidance on setting up and conducting odour discrimination tests for detection dogs, including scoring criteria and equipment needs