AAMA Tackles Security Hazard Mitigation
February 27, 2012

by Tara Taffera, ttaffera@glass.com

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association's (AAMA) Security Hazard Mitigation for Fenestration Products group reported today that a draft of the document, "Voluntary Guide Specification for Blast Hazard Mitigation for Fenestration Systems," is ready for a ballot. The document is an update to AAMA 510 and came about due to recent interest in the area of security hazard mitigation.

Much of the discussion centered around a form at the end of the document that had gone through various discussions in past meetings. "The Blast Fenestration Certificate Authorization" form was intended to streamline a supply chain "that gets so convoluted," said one AAMA member in attendance, referring to the fact that someone supplies the glass, another supplies the frame, etc.

The meeting also served as a forum to talk about these installs in general and, as it often does, it comes back to poor window installations.

"I've seen installations on military installations that are not well done," said Steve Fronek, vice president of technical services at Wausau Window and Wall Systems of Wausau, Wis.

What does Fronek want?

"I want the Department of Defense to say these windows should comply with AAMA 510," said Fronek.

"To think that we are going to get them to reference it is a long road," said one attendee. Another attendee commented that the document has been in place for 6-8 years so the association and its members need to promote it better.

Scott Warner, executive vice president at Architectural Testing Inc. of York, Pa., clarified that the document is "intended to fill the holes that the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense do not fill. It is intended to be complementary, not contradictory," he said.

The meeting was held as part of AAMA's annual conference in Naples, Fla.

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