ASTM F2542-05(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Ventilation Grilles for Detention and Correctional Facilities

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A major concern for administration officials is security of barriers used in detention/correctional facilities. These test methods are designed to identify the security levels for ventilation grilles mounted within these barriers.  
4.2 The purpose of these tests is to approximate levels of abuse to which grilles will potentially be subjected in the field, and to provide assurance of protection to the public, facility administrative personnel, and inmates.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated service tests and testing equipment for determining the performance characteristics of ventilation grilles used in secure areas, including detention and correctional facilities. The testing equipment provides for the setup and testing of specimen grilles and mounting systems. It is recognized that, in order to meet the intent of these test methods, ventilation grilles must be compatible with the level of performance require by Test Methods F2322.  
1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to ensure that security ventilation grilles meet minimum performance levels to control the passage of unauthorized materials into secure areas, to confine inmates, to resist vandalism, and to delay or frustrate escape, or both. It is also the responsibility of the user of these test methods to insure that the grille selected is appropriate, based on relevant regulatory, health, and safety concerns and requirements. Such concerns include, but are not limited to, injury and suicide avoidance. These test methods do not quantify such concerns.  
1.3 Take care to provide access to return and exhaust ducts for cleaning as required by NFPA 90A. If access cannot be provided though an interstitial space behind walls or ceiling, the use of filter grilles needs to be considered as an option. When filter grilles are provided, filters shall have a minimum UL-900 class 2 rating, and a filter replacement program needs to be in place at the facility.  
1.4 Airflow performance shall be catalogued in accordance with ASHRAE 70–91. Manufacturer’s catalog data must include grade level achieved.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 91.040.10 - Public buildings
• Technical Committee: F33 - Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F33.04 - Detention Hardware

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2542-05(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Ventilation Grilles for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2322-12(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2322-12 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2322-03 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities (Withdrawn 2012)
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003

Overview

ASTM F2542-05(2019): Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Ventilation Grilles for Detention and Correctional Facilities provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the security and durability of ventilation grilles installed in secure environments, such as prisons and detention centers. Developed by ASTM, this international standard aims to ensure that ventilation grilles function as effective barriers against vandalism, assault, and unauthorized passage, helping safeguard both facility staff and occupants.

Security of physical barriers is a significant concern in correctional environments. These test methods simulate potential abuse and attack scenarios to validate grille performance under conditions similar to those found in the field. Compliance with ASTM F2542 demonstrates due diligence toward protection, regulatory compliance, and facility safety.

Key Topics

• Simulated Service Tests: Outlines requirements for setting up and executing testing scenarios to assess grille performance when subjected to assault and vandalism.
• Prying, Impact, and Egress Tests: Establishes procedures to simulate typical methods of grille compromise, such as using hand tools or blunt force.
• Security Grading: Classifies grilles into security grade levels based on their ability to withstand specific numbers and types of assaults.
• Safety and Regulatory Considerations: Addresses additional health, safety, and suicide avoidance concerns, emphasizing the critical selection of appropriate grille types for different facility requirements.
• Test Specimen Requirements: Specifies construction criteria for test specimens, including grille sizes, allowable face openings, material, and mounting methods.
• Airflow Performance: Requires that airflow characteristics are measured and reported in line with ASHRAE 70–91, ensuring that security does not compromise HVAC system performance.
• Test Reporting and Certification: Mandates independent laboratory certification and detailed test reporting for quality assurance and documentation.

Applications

• Correctional and Detention Facilities: Essential for specifying, procuring, and verifying secure ventilation grilles used in prisons, juvenile facilities, and similar institutions.
• Facility Security Retrofits: Supports evaluation and upgrade of existing ventilation systems to meet current security standards and reduce risk.
• Architectural and HVAC Design: Assists architects, engineers, and security consultants in integrating compliant secure ventilation solutions into new and renovated facilities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps facilities adhere to relevant codes and best practices, including requirements for injury and suicide prevention, airflow standards, and cleaning access as per NFPA 90A.
• Procurement Specifications: Serves as a benchmark for manufacturers and facility operators when selecting, testing, and certifying security grilles.

Related Standards

• ASTM F2322 - Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities: Complementary standard for other security barriers within secure environments.
• NFPA 90A - Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems: Guidance on duct access and cleaning essential for safety and maintenance in secure facilities.
• UL 900 - Standard for Air Filter Units: Recommends filter ratings for grilles that incorporate filtration.
• ASHRAE 70–91 - Method of Testing for Rating the Performance of Air Outlets and Inlets: Governs airflow performance evaluations, ensuring secure grilles do not hinder system effectiveness.

Summary

Adherence to ASTM F2542-05(2019) is key for organizations seeking to assure the performance, security, and safety of ventilation grilles in detention and correctional facility applications. These standards not only minimize the risk of vandalism and escape but also address broader concerns around airflow, regulatory compliance, and occupant well-being, making them vital for secure facility design and operation.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2542 − 05 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Methods for
Physical Assault on Ventilation Grilles for Detention and
Correctional Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2542; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
service tests and testing equipment for determining the perfor-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mancecharacteristicsofventilationgrillesusedinsecureareas,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
including detention and correctional facilities. The testing
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
equipment provides for the setup and testing of specimen
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
grilles and mounting systems. It is recognized that, in order to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
meet the intent of these test methods, ventilation grilles must
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
be compatible with the level of performance require by Test
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Methods F2322.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to ensure that
security ventilation grilles meet minimum performance levels
2. Referenced Documents
to control the passage of unauthorized materials into secure 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
areas, to confine inmates, to resist vandalism, and to delay or
F2322Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed
frustrateescape,orboth.Itisalsotheresponsibilityoftheuser
Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities
of these test methods to insure that the grille selected is
2.2 NFPA Standard:
appropriate, based on relevant regulatory, health, and safety
NFPA90AStandard for the Installation ofAir Conditioning
concerns and requirements. Such concerns include, but are not
and Ventilating Systems
limitedto,injuryandsuicideavoidance.Thesetestmethodsdo
2.3 UL Standard:
not quantify such concerns.
UL-900Standard for Air Filter Units
1.3 Take care to provide access to return and exhaust ducts 5
2.4 ASHRAE Standard:
for cleaning as required by NFPA 90A. If access cannot be
ASHRAE 70–91Method of Testing for Rating the Perfor-
provided though an interstitial space behind walls or ceiling,
mance of Air Outlets and Inlets
the use of filter grilles needs to be considered as an option.
When filter grilles are provided, filters shall have a minimum
3. Terminology
UL-900 class 2 rating, and a filter replacement program needs
3.1 Definitions:
to be in place at the facility.
3.1.1 bars—method of reinforcement or prevention of
1.4 Airflow performance shall be catalogued in accordance
egress installed in the sleeve. Bars may be of a material, size,
with ASHRAE 70–91. Manufacturer’s catalog data must in-
shape, and spacing as selected by the manufacturer to provide
clude grade level achieved.
the desired test results and meet applicable federal, state, and
local jail and prison standards.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and are not considered standard.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.
Detention and Correctional Facilities and are the direct responsibility of Subcom- Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Corporate Progress, 333
mittee F33.04 on Detention Hardware. Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F2542–05 (2012). Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
DOI: 10.1520/F2542-05R19. 30329.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2542 − 05 (2019)
3.1.2 diffuser—ceiling-mounted device designed to provide 6. Specimen Preparation
deflection of air flow.
6.1 Construction:
3.1.3 filter grille—grille incorporating a replaceable filter in
6.1.1 Grilles must be available in 4 in. (101 mm) incre-
the grille sleeve or body.
ments. Manufacturers shall be permitted to offer intermediate
sizes also, at their discretion.
3.1.4 forcible egress—opening created in the specimen
6.1.2 Openings in face shall not exceed ⁄16 in. (4.76 mm)
which allows a 5 in. × 8 in. × 8 in. (127 mm × 203 mm × 203
diameter. Multiple passageways with ⁄16 in. (4.76 mm) maxi-
mm) rigid rectangular box to be passed through with force not
mum openings are also acceptable.
exceeding 10 lbf (44.5 N).
6.1.3 Airflowperformanceshallbecatalogedinaccordance
3.1.5 grille, security grille, or ventilation grille—device
with ASHRAE Standard 70-91 and need to include filter
installed to allow passage of air while protecting ventilation
pressure loss if the grille is so equipped.
openings.
6.1.4 Where bars are required for purpose of testing, they
3.1.6 grille face—portion of grille exposed to the occupied
mustbelocatednomorethan5in.(127mm)maximumbehind
space.
face.
3.1.7 manufacturer—party responsible for the construction,
6.2 Test Fixture—Fixture shall be fabricated of structural
fabrication,orsupplyofthetestspecimensusedtoconductthe
steel, shall be large enough to accommodate the specimen and
tests.
allow for mounting of the specimen in a method common to
3.1.8 mounting method—method of retaining a device in a
detention and corrections installations.
wall or ceiling.Typical methods may include angles welded to
the sleeve, a sleeve formed to capture the wall or ceiling, or 7. Procedures
imbed masonry anchors, or both.
VANDALISM PRYING TEST
3.1.9 openings—passageways in the grille face, allowing
7.1 Scope—Simulate attack with common hand tools.
flow of air through a device.
7.2 Significance and Use—Crowbar, screwdriver, and pliers
3.1.10 sleeve—portion of the grille that attaches to the face
are used to remove face or create an opening.
that can be used to connect ductwork, and provide a means to
affix the grille into the wall, ceiling, or structure.
7.3 Apparatus:
3.1.11 suicide avoidance—punched plate with through pen- 7.3.1 A 10 in. (254 mm) screwdriver,
etrations not exceeding ⁄16 in. diameter, or another acceptable 7.3.2 A 24 in. (610 m) crowbar, and
technology, such as multiple passageways, as deemed accept- 7.3.3 An 8 in. (203 m) pliers.
able by the approving authority. 7.3.4 Procedure:
7.3.4.1 Test must be conducted prior to the Vandalism
3.1.12 test completion—conduct one test sequence for each
Impact Test.
grille.
7.3.4.2 Specimen must remain in fixture for use in the
3.1.13 testing laboratory—accredited independent third
Vandalism Impact Test.
party testing laboratory.
7.3.4.3 Attack grille with tools for time required in Table 1.
3.1.14 transfer grille—device with two exposed faces serv-
7.3.4.4 Specimen is exposed to the Prying Test at each
ing adjacent spaces, providing a means for air movement from
successive grade level. The specimen is deemed to have failed
one space to the other, due to room pressure differences.
if a 2 in. (51 mm) cube can be passed through any opening in
3.1.15 vandalism—opening created in the specimen which the face with a force not exceeding 10 lbf (44.5 N). The
specimen will be classed at the highest Vandalism Prying Test
allows a 2 in. (51 mm) rigid cube to be passed through with
force not exceeding 10 lbf (44.5 N). grade level achieved prior to failure.
7.3.4.5 Transfer grilles must have both faces of a single
4. Significance and Use
specimen tested for the appropriate grade. If the grille is
4.1 A major concern for administration officials is security
symmetrical in all aspects of construction and mounting
of barriers used in detention/correctional facilities. These test
method, then testing on one face is permitted for Grade Levels
methods are designed to identify the security levels for
3 and 4.
ventilation grilles mounted within these barriers.
4.2 The purpose of these tests is to approximate levels of
abuse to which grilles will potentially be subjected in the field,
TABLE 1 Security Level
and to provide assurance of protection to the public, facility
Grade Grade Grade Grade
administrative personnel, and inmates. 1 2 3 4
Vandalism Prying 45 30 20 10
5. Sampling
Test min min min min
Vandalism Impact 200 150 100 50
5.1 Specimens shall be constructed in accordance with 6.1
Test blows blows blows blows
andshallberepresentativeofgrillesmadebythemanufacturer.
Egress Test 400 200 Not Not
additional additional required required
5.2 Onespecimenforofsize16×16in.(406×406mm)to
blows blows
be offered for each grade.
...