Bulletproof Design for Hospitals
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their working environment. With increased instances of violence against healthcare workers in recent years, robust physical security in healthcare is even more important. At Bullet Guard, we consistently recommend ballistic barriers to keep both patients and personnel secure.
Due to the nature of ballistic barriers and their architectural requirements, hospital design professionals need to be strategic about how and where they add bulletproof security measures. In this article we’ll talk about the characteristics of bulletproof materials, as well as the critical security locations in most healthcare facilities.
What You Need to Know About Bulletproof Systems and How They Fit into Hospital Architecture
Bulletproof systems have some limitations that can affect the structure and the aesthetics of the architectural plans. Ballistic barrier systems may require extra engineering and framing because they are thicker and heavier than their non-rated counterparts. For example, bulletproof glass can range from 7.7 pounds per square foot up to 26.51 pounds per square foot, depending on the level of protection and type of bulletproof glass. This means, large panes can weigh hundreds of pounds. This can exceed the dead load capabilities of a non-rated window frame, leading to potential structural failure if not designed and engineered correctly.
Panes of bulletproof glass can also be up to 2.5” thick. Different types of glazing can achieve the same level of protection while decreasing the thickness, for certain applications.
Ballistic components aside, hospitals and other healthcare facilities also present a unique design challenge, since they often have strict regulations, complex HVAC requirements, and must be easily accessible to the public. This can complicate any structural fortification needed for bulletproof systems, especially in shared-use spaces like nurses’ stations, triage desks, and specialist offices. This is a big reason that hardening physical security in healthcare requires strategy and experience.
A ballistic security expert can guide healthcare facilities on the most meaningful locations to secure, and the measures that are least disruptive from a structural standpoint. As an added benefit, this type of strategy is also the most cost-effective, since it reduces project scope, labor and time.
Bulletproof Security Tips for Healthcare Environments
Securing healthcare facilities is all about preventing a breach from occurring. In the event that a breach does occur, the top priority is containment. In most industries, this is done by funneling all visitors through a single entrance. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities present a unique challenge from a security standpoint, since they often require 24-hour accessibility, with many entrances and areas of heavy traffic. One advantage is that they’re typically segmented into different wings and departments, which can simplify a facility’s containment strategy.
So, with these unique factors in mind, hospital bullet-resistant architecture tends to have some things in common. A physical security plan for a hospital will most likely involve securing these critical points:
- Main Entryway: If possible, limit 24-hour access. Hospitals may be able to limit entry to the main entryway and emergency entrance during times of higher risk. Install bulletproof doors with a vestibule or man-trap to prevent a breach from occurring. This comes with the added benefit of built-in containment and a logical location for additional security features like security guards and ID verification.
- Emergency Reception: The nature of the emergency room is 24-hour access. Emotionally-charged conflicts can put both parties of a dispute in the queue for emergency care. Protect reception staff with bulletproof transaction windows, voice ports, and transaction trays.
- Pharmacies: These locations tend to be tucked away, near a secondary entrance, with limited staff. Add a bulletproof door with electronic access to prevent unauthorized entry. Protect staff with a full ballistic barrier system, including rated walls and transaction windows, with a package passer. The goal is to secure the people and medication, without disrupting customer service.
- Behavioral Health: Fully-rated nurses stations offer security without compromising patient care. Plus, bulletproof glass with a high level of visibility will give a better appearance of open accessibility and friendliness while providing maximum protection.
Interior Rooms: A central lab or staff lounge can transform into a safe room with a ballistic retrofit. Bulletproof glass and fiberglass panels can provide protection from live fire as well as blunt-force assaults. - Interior Entryways: Replace existing doors, or add security doors, to the interior transitions between different wards or departments. This is a natural place to add containment and protect a wing of vulnerable patients and staff. These locations often have existing doors, which can be replaced with matching bulletproof doors for a seamless increase in security.
An important aspect of physical security in hospitals is to right-size the protection level. Bulletproof barrier products are tested to different levels of protection according to the UL 752 standard. Matching the protection level to the expected threat is a key part of any facility’s security strategy.
Bullet Guard: Bulletproof Protection Since 1976
At Bullet Guard, we’ve been designing, fabricating, and installing custom ballistic barrier solutions for almost 50 years. Our in-depth experience and knowledge has made us trusted partners for the architects and builders who need to learn about these materials. We understand the unique challenges that hospitals present, and gladly work with our customers to ensure that their bulletproof systems meet their structural and aesthetic goals.
To learn more about the design requirements for ballistic barriers in hospitals, including characteristics of specific bulletproofing materials, reach out to Bullet Guard by calling 916.373.0402 or sending us a message. We’ll gladly dig into the details of your design, and let you know what kinds of options exist for your bulletproof security.
