Significance and Use
4.1 The purpose of this specification is to provide performance requirements and test methods for the evaluation of ballistic-resistant shields used by law enforcement officers.
4.2 This specification may be used by suppliers, certification bodies, verification bodies, testing laboratories, research and development organizations, and others assessing the performance of ballistic-resistant shields.
4.3 The specification may be used by purchasers in their evaluation of products to meet their needs and requirements.
Scope
1.1 This standard specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of shields used by U.S. law enforcement officers to protect against handgun and rifle ammunition.
1.1.1 The option for testing either handgun-rated or rifle-rated shields with a shotgun threat is included in Appendix X2.
Note 1: Shields rated as “shotgun only” are not typically produced in the industry because they are not used by law enforcement agencies.
1.2 Products addressed by this specification include hand-held or hand-carried shields (having single or multiple panels, multi-fold shields) and person-portable shields with wheels.
1.2.1 Shields may be stand-alone or may incorporate in conjunction with (ICW) armor appliques.
1.3 Products not addressed by this specification include fixed or mobile barriers not intended to move during an operation and flexible shields that drape across the surfaces upon which they are placed (for example, ballistic blankets).
Note 2: The above products are addressed by Specification E3236/E3236M.
1.4 This specification addresses ballistic performance in terms of resistance to penetration (RTP) of the shield body, body edges, viewports, fasteners, and weak points.
1.5 Shields covered by this specification are classified into ASTM shield ballistic protection levels (see Section 10).
1.6 This specification is applicable for certification testing, verification testing, or research and development testing.
1.7 Values stated in either the International System of Units (metric) or U.S. Customary units [inch-pound] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents. Both units are referenced to facilitate acquisition of materials internationally and minimize fabrication costs. Tests conducted using either system maintain repeatability and reproducibility of the test method and results are comparable.
1.8 This specification is divided into the following sections:
| Section | Title |
| 1 | Scope |
| 2 | Referenced Documents |
| 3 | Terminology |
| 4 | Significance and Use |
| 5 | Equipment and Materials |
| 6 | Conditioning Requirements |
| 7 | Test Requirements |
| 8 | Test Item Requirements |
| 9 | Procedure for Visual Examination |
| 10 | Ballistic Protection Levels and Test Threats |
| 11 | Ballistic Performance Requirements for Handgun-rated Shields |
| 12 | Ballistic Performance Requirements for Rifle-rated Shields |
| 13 | Product Documentation Requirements |
| 14 | Product Label and Package Label Requirements |
| 15 | Test Report |
| 16 | Keywords |
| Appendix X1 | Example Test Item and Shot Distribution Diagrams |
| Appendix X2 | Performance Requirements for Adding a Shotgun Threat to a Handgun-rated or Rifle-rated Shield |
1.9 The tests required by this standard have inherent hazards. 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.
1.10 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.
