ASTM A627-03(2011)

Security barriers used in detention/correctional facilities are a major concern for their administrative officials. These test methods are designed to identify levels of physical security for openings such as fixed and operable exterior and interior windows, bar gratings, grilles for mechanical ducts, and so forth in walls that enclose or separate secure areas.

These test methods are intended to evaluate the resistance of these barriers to violent attacks using battering devices such as benches, bunks or tables, and so forth to bend or break the steel bars and to surreptitious attacks by cutting/abrading the steel bars over prolonged periods of time using handheld grit-type cutting/abrading media such as tungsten carbide rod saws. External attacks and attacks by corrosive agents and other means not typically available to inmates are not addressed in this standard.

The primary purpose or result of these test methods is to approximate the levels of abuse to which these physical security barriers will potentially be subjected in the correctional/detention facility. The desired result of its use is to help provide a degree of assurance of protection to the public, facility personnel, and inmates.

It is recommended that detention/correctional facility administrators provide for adequate training, supervision, regular inspection, and preventive maintenance programs to enable the barriers to function as intended throughout their expected service life.

1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated service tests and testing equipment for determining the performance characteristics of various types and shapes of steels designated for use in detention and correctional facilities as fixed barriers to prevent egress and to control passage.

1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to help ensure that opening assemblies such as detention security windows, grilles, bar grating, and other physical barriers incorporating steel bars perform at or above minimum acceptable levels for control of passage to unauthorized or secure areas, for confinement of inmates and to delay or frustrate escape attempts. To meet the intent of these test methods, opening assembles must perform to grade requirements shown in Tables X1.1 and X1.2 in Appendix X1.

1.3 These test methods apply primarily to the steels used as essential components of detention security windows, grilles, bar grating, and so forth, in opening assemblies enclosing or separating secure areas of detention/correctional facilities.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard updates and combines two previous standards, ASTM Specifications A627-95 and A629-94, establishing new security grades and time durations.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.