Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE
New Keralite® SafeGuard Glass Provides Triple-Threat Protection Against Fire, Impact, and Active Shooters Auburn, WA, April 24, 2017 – In the face of increasing safety concerns at schools, hospitals, and other public buildings, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain has introduced Keralite® SafeGuard, an economical fire-protective-rated glazing product offering combined protection against fire, accidental impact, and intruders. In addition, the glass features Keralite Select’s industry-leading color and clarity qualities, ensuring safety does not come at the expense of aesthetics and views.
“As of 2016, U.S. schools were reported to have experienced more than 200 active shooter incidents, with an estimated emergency response time of four to 12 minutes. In addition, there are an estimated 4,000 school building fires each year,” says Lindsay Hampton, Keralite Product Manager for Vetrotech. “Keralite SafeGuard was created to provide peace of mind against intentional and accidental threats that are increasingly common in public spaces.”
As an intrusion barrier, Keralite SafeGuard deters or delays an active shooter to help prevent an attack or slow an attack until first responders arrive. In bullet-resistance tests, SafeGuard did not shatter. In threatening situations, this feature will protect occupants from injuries that can result from shattered glass. In the event of fire, SafeGuard contains smoke and flames, allowing more time for occupants to escape.
Along with standard accidental impact tests under CPSC 16CFR Part 1201, Vetrotech tested SafeGuard in simulations designed to mimic attacks in which an intruder is attempting to gain access to a building. Additional testing showed the glass could withstand the impact of a 300-pound person.
To preserve appearances and views, Keralite SafeGuard has a 97.1 (out of 100) color rendering index and the lowest haze value of any fire-rated glass ceramic in its class, providing unprecedented clarity and aesthetics.
SafeGuard is available with fire ratings up to three hours. It has a sound transmission rating of 37.
The ceramic glazes into standard fire door and window frames, and can be used in new construction as well as retrofit applications. Window widths and heights can be specified up to 95-3/8 inches; non-temperature-rise door glass up to 46-1/2 inches by 78 inches, and temperature-rise door glass up to 10 inches by 33 inches.
“We set out to create a glazing product that delivers the best combination of fire and impact protection, and Keralite SafeGuard does just that,” says Sean Ross, Testing and Certification Manager for Vetrotech. “SafeGuard allows schools and other buildings to meet the needs of multiple dangers—fire, intruders, and accidental impacts—without settling for solid doors.”

About Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America:

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America is part of the Saint-Gobain group. Vetrotech specializes in the development, manufacture and sales of high-performance safety glass for the building and marine sectors, with a focus on providing multi-functional security, comfort and design features for safe and seamless building integration. By offering a broad selection of high-security glass and framing products, including resistance to the threats of fire, impact, attack, bullet, blast, pressure, and hurricanes, we can provide innovative solutions for even the most demanding of applications. Vetrotech has eight main production sites, situated on three continents, ensure reliable supply to more than 60 countries over regional sales offices capable of providing global coverage.

For more information visit
www.vetrotechusa.com or follow us on twitter @vetrotechUSA.

About Saint-Gobain:
Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the well being of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change. With 2016 sales of 48 billion, Saint-Gobain operates in 68 countries and has more than 170,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain visit www.saint-gobain.com

Press Contacts:
Lori Jerome
Regional Marketing Manager, North America
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
2108 B Street NE, Ste 110, Auburn, WA 98001
Phone 253-347-9829
Lori.jerome@saint-gobain.com