SECURING STUDENT SAFETY

Leicester University has consistently ranked in the Top 15 of Universities in England, with over 20,000 students currently studying there. A number of university attendees are housed in dedicated student accommodation, with a number of these blocks recently undergoing an upgrade in the form of an application of window film from The Window Film Company. The accommodation blocks in question featured numerous walkways, staircases and communal areas, each with large expanses of glazing. With the safety of students of paramount importance, the University took the decision to upgrade the safety standard of these windows with an application of specialist window film. Safety window film works by making glass harder to break, and ensures that if the glass does break, it does so in a safe fashion. 100 Micron safety film will bring glazing up to the standards required by law, but the University wanted added protection so specified a tougher 175 Micron film. Clear in appearance, the film is applied to the inside of the glazing and will immediately make the glass harder to break as a result of accidental or criminal damage. In addition to making glass tougher to crack, the film holds the glass together in the event of a breakage. The broken glass is held together in the frame, stopping it from falling in on itself and coming apart in dangerous shards. To enable The Window Film Company to provide an accurate quote and project plan, a full survey was undertaken of the glazing, detailing the sizes of each pane as well as any access issues. A full understanding of what was required allowed for an accurate quote and for an efficient completion of the project once fitting commenced. The installation was undertaken by one of The Window Film Company’s experienced installation teams over a period of five days, with each pane fitted with a kitemark, to display the newly updated safety status of the glass. Safety film is available in a range of finishes and grades and can also be applied in conjunction with other films to provide additional benefits such as privacy and solar protection.