In the world of security, blast doors are common tool to provide protection. This could be of equipment, life and/or property. Blast doors are not a modern invention. They have a history that is as old as the original purpose.
Blast Doors: Beginnings
With the invention of gun powder, people sought means through which to protect their belongings and persons. While the earlier doors were made of thick wood, it provided little protection as the power of weaponry increased. Metal doors afforded one response. The ability of the doors to stand firm and protect such things as the money in bank vaults, had to be improved as dynamite and other forceful methods evolved.
Such blast doors were relatively primitive compared to those of today. During World War I and World War II military and various “secret” installations had secure doors installed. These were to protect everyone and everything that was behind them. However, such devices were essentially specialty items. They were not made for commercial use or intended to be put into place by the average business or homeowner. This was not to occur until midway through the 1950s
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Blast Doors: Commercial Availability
War and insecurity have always brought out the need to increase protective measures. During the Cold War and the Vietnam War scientists increased their interest in the field of protective measures – particularly in the study of materials resistant to explosions. The result was the development of a field of science and engineering that focused completely on the physics of blast hazards as well as the means to do more than cope with the potential results. This, in turn, has produced materials that have been turned into very sophisticated blast doors.
By 1991, it was obvious to those involved in this field that standards need to be set. As a result, the United States General Services Administration (GSA) developed a basic construction guide but only as it related to government structures. Their standards were adapted 10 years later by the United States Interagency Security Committee (ISC). These were combined and are now utilized for all federal structures. The only exceptions are those that fall under the Department of Defense (DOD). These tend to be more stringent in all aspects of their design including blast doors.
Blast Doors Today
Currently, no universal standard for the production of commercial blast doors exists. This places the emphasis for finding and choosing the best type of blast door on the shoulders and in the pocketbook of the consumer. This could change, but until then, it is very important to select the supplier of your protective apparatuses with great care. When choosing blast doors for your facility or other structure, make certain you do your research. Find a reputable, reliable and trustworthy manufacturer. Only this type of company, one with a solid reputation, can provide you with high quality, protective blast doors.
