Supplementary Requirements to BS EN Standards

Ballistic Test Standards

NPSA recommends that products required to protect against a firearms attack are tested at an accredited test centre in accordance with the BS EN standards¹. These provide procedures for testing glass and for testing complete window, door and shutter and blind systems.  Ballistic test standards are available for some other products; however, they should be treated with caution as the threat weapons within those standards may not align with those in the BS EN.

Public standards are not available for testing other common construction materials e.g., concrete, masonry, steel, ceramics, and GRP (glass reinforced polymers). For such materials, it is recommended that tests include an emphasis on vulnerable areas such as joints e.g., mortar joints or steel sheets that are butt-jointed.

Ballistic rated products may be combined to create a ballistic rated system i.e., wall or enclosure. In these instances, it is important that the joints and connections of these systems are assessed and tested to ensure that the required ballistic protection is achieved. Where more than one ballistic rated product is assembled into a system, it is important to identify who is responsible for assessing the interfaces and connections.

Product Selection

Product selection should be based on a security Operational Requirement (OR) and a detailed specification, which should consider the following:

        The threat weapon(s) and ammunition to be considered.

       The acceptable level of splinters that are generated by the product.

       The appropriate test standard for the product.

Where ballistic ratings are achieved, it should not be assumed that the product will also protect against lower ballistic ratings. It should be assessed for each threat type.

Interpreting Ballistic Test Reports

Test evidence should comprise of the full test report and test certificate issued by the accredited test centre. A lone test certificate, without the accompanying report is not sufficient. The following points should be checked within the test report and supporting evidence:

• What test standard was used and is it appropriate for the product?

• Do the weapons used for the test match the threat?

• Were the shot positions in accordance with the test standard?

• Were the shot positions in accordance with the test standard?

• Was the test temperature representative of the in-service temperature?

• What was tested i.e. a product or material?

• Are comprehensive product and material specifications available?

• Does the product being offered differ from the product tested?

• When was the test conducted? The BS EN standards do not define an expiry date for the test certificate, but it is strongly recommended that products are retested every 5 years (or less) to ensure they remain compliant. Seemingly small variations within the materials used and the methods of fabrication can significantly affect the ballistic performance of a product.

• Have there been any changes in the design, manufacturing processes or materials used since the test was carried out?

• Has the test centre been accredited E.g. UKAS and has the test equipment calibrated? 

Further Guidance

The following NPSA guidance is available, for further information:

1. NPSA Bullet Resistant Glass

2. NPSA Bullet Resistant Windows, Doors, Blinds and Shutters

3. NPSA Protection Against Bullets

4. Ballistic Testing: Recommended AK-47 (Kalashnikov) assault rifle rounds

If needed, suitably qualified and experienced personnel (SQEP) can provide specialist advice on ballistic protection.²