Full Description
This standard states minimum and user-specified requirements for personal body armour. This standard describes four protection ratings, each with a corresponding threat description. This standard specifies the Duty Handgun and Duty Submachine Gun protection ratings. This standard also permits User-specified Handgun and User-specified Submachine Gun protection ratings.
This standard allows for the evaluation of personal body armour against a minimum requirement (duty handgun) and if specified, an additional duty submachine gun or user-specified protection rating. Appendix A of this standard describes the protection ratings and threat descriptions.
This standard includes three distinct test methods that may be specified by the user (par. 5.1) depending on which is the most appropriate for their application.
Although this standard includes the option of a test block or mannequin and outlines test procedures for panels, the complete garment must be tested to ensure compliance with this standard.
This standard also incorporates a mandatory wet (spray) test and also an optional water immersion test procedure that can be specified by the user for all three tests listed in par. 5.1.
Although it may be recognized that personal body armour may offer some protection against common knife attacks, particularly slashing type actions, this standard does not cover this type of testing.
In the cases of user-defined handguns, shotguns and machine guns, rigid plates may be tested using this method.
The testing and evaluation of a product against this standard may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.