Selectaglaze secondary glazing helps to get public buildings Martyn’s Law ready

Designed to protect members of the public against the ever-present threat of terrorism, this new piece of government legislation, previously known as Protect Duty, will become law soon. But what is it, does it affect you – and how can Selectaglaze secondary glazing help you get Martyn’s Law ready?

What is Martyn’s Law?

Known as Protect Duty in the build up to it being released, it covers a range of measures to ensure that there is an appropriate and consistent approach to protective security and preparedness at public places. And while the draft legislation released on 2 May 2023 is going through various stages of the legislative process before it becomes law, it is a good idea to start preparing now.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to you?

From art galleries to zoological gardens, the chances are it does. Martyn’s Law also know as the Terrorism Bill exists to enhance security across any place or space where the public gathers, meaning venues like tourist attractions, big department stores or even parks. That is quite a wide-ranging list of public buildings and spaces – and the list of steps you can take is pretty wide-ranging too. You may need to develop a plan on how to deal with a terrorist attack, train staff on preparing for the worst and much more. But what we are most interested in is the requirement to implement ‘reasonably practicable’ protective security measures. Put simply, what safety measures can you put in place to protect the public? Well, you can start with your windows.

Protect against bomb blasts

Terrorist bombings have been an ever-present threat. One way you can help protect lives is by installing security secondary glazing – which can help minimise potentially lethal flying shards of glass. A vehicle bomb will shatter glass at a distance of more than 100m, causing widespread injury and damage. Selectaglaze frames, locks and glass absorb and spread the blast load. Laminated glass is specified as it is made from sheets of glass bonded to a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. Under load, the PVB stretches and holds the glass so that damaging shards are not formed.

Protect against intruders, ballistics and fire

On top of blast protection, Selectaglaze secondary glazing solutions protect against intruders, with frames, locks and fixings that resist driving force and levering. Meanwhile, you can make sure that vulnerable glass is difficult to break.
As for protection against bullets, unlike traditional ballistic protection windows, Selectaglaze units are fitted on the room side of the existing windows to enhance their security performance.

50+ years of sympathetic secondary glazing solutions

While aesthetics and value for money may not be as important as saving lives, security secondary glazing is simpler, less intrusive and more cost-effective than wholesale window replacements. We have over 50 years of working with some of the UK’s most treasured Listed and Heritage buildings – such as the Grade I Listed Banqueting House in Whitehall. Read all about it here – and get in touch if you’d like to discuss Martyn’s Law needs now.