At Sureguard Window Films® we provide Window Films for a variety of purposes, and since the provisional legislation around Martyn’s Law was announced, we’ve been seeing more and more interest in our Bomb Blast Protection Window Film.
We’ve written before about how Bomb Blast Protection Window Film can be used to bring business premises into compliance with the new bill.
Now that the bill has been given the green light, we thought we’d let you know more about it, especially in the light of recent events in Gateshead causing two schools to go into voluntary lockdown.
Let’s recap first – what is Martyn’s Law, and how could it affect your property?
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is a new bill named in tribute to Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, who was tragically one of the 31 who died in the terrorist attack.
In response, this new legislation ensures higher levels of protection from terrorist attacks in public spaces, placing a duty of care onto those responsible for public premises and events.
Those who own public spaces, or run events which the public may attend, will now come under the requirements of Martyn’s Law, and need to demonstrate that they have appropriate procedures in place to prepare for an attack.
What are the requirements of Martyn’s Law?
The new bill requires those owning public premises or buildings to evidence that they have measures in place which reduce the risk of physical harm to people in the event of an attack.
Some actions they can take are very simple, for example locking doors, closing shutters and identifying a safe route to cover which can be taken in an emergency.
The requirements of the bill vary depending on the size and capacity of the premises; those which reasonably expect 200-799 people to gather there at once will fall into a standard tier, whilst those who gather over 800 people at once will be under legislation applying to an enhanced tier.
Requirements for standard tier premises
The legislation for standard tier premises largely requires simple, low-cost actions to be taken to implement procedures – some of which may already be in place.
The Bill specifies that those responsible for premises under the standard tier will not be required to physically alter their premises or purchase new equipment; the aim of the legislation at this level is merely to improve the readiness of staff to respond to events.
Requirements for enhanced tier premises
Additional public protection measures will be required for those falling under the enhanced tier, where 800 or more people are expected to be present at one time.
The Bill specifies that these are to be implemented ‘as far as is reasonably practicable’, in order to reduce the vulnerability of the premises or event to acts of violence.
These measures will involve monitoring the premises or event, and the area in its immediate vicinity, as well as documenting their compliance with the Bill and providing evidence to the regulator.
What does this mean for schools?
One application of Martyn’s Law that may come as a surprise to some is the need for schools to bring in new measures in order to comply with the Bill.
Schools with over 800 pupils and staff present will fall into the enhanced tier of the legislation and will therefore need to implement and evidence these additional public protection measures.
It is also prudent for schools with lower numbers of people under their roof to consider whether they might choose to implement further procedures than those required of them by Martyn’s Law.
Schools play an important role in safeguarding some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and we’ve heard from a number of schools who simply want to make sure that they’re creating the safest possible environment for their pupils.
Regardless of the nature of your premises, the tone of Martyn’s Law is not just legal compliance but care for the people who make up our communities, and school safety is one of the ways that this can be most clearly demonstrated.
One way that you can improve school safety is by focusing on your window security, and our Bomb Blast Protection Window Film is the ideal solution.
How can Bomb Blast Protection Window Film help with school safety?
Increasing your window security is a great way to improve school safety, and our Bomb Blast Protection Window Film does just that.
In the event of a bomb blast, many would assume that injuries are primarily sustained from proximity to the explosive itself, but in fact a large proportion of injuries are from the effects of the blast, such as flying glass as a result of shattered windows.
The installation of our anti-shatter Bomb Blast Protection Window Film will prevent glass shards from glazed areas of buildings or doors from causing injury after an explosion by holding them in place, as well as strengthening the glass itself to help prevent breakage in the first place.
We are currently installing Daylight Hours Privacy Window Film for a group of schools to increase visual security. The appearance outside is mirrored whilst allowing vision from the inside out through the treated windows within vulnerable areas around the school. The project ensures privacy and protection during school times with the added solar control benefits.
Ensure compliance with Martyn’s Law with Bomb Blast Protection Window Film
Now more than ever it’s not worth taking any chances when it comes to protecting the public, not just from a moral standpoint, but now from a legal perspective too in light of the new legislation.
Our Bomb Blast Protection Window Film will not only assist you in demonstrating your commitment to public safety on your premises but will put your mind at ease as you’ll know you’ve done all you can to protect the people using your property from harm.
At Sureguard Window Films® we work with clients every day to make sure we provide and install the perfect Window Film for their needs, so contact us today to ask us about how Bomb Blast Protection Film can improve window security and public safety on your premises.
