NCJ Number
86489
Journal
Security Management Volume: 26 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1982) Pages: 70,73-76,79
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article considers types of vaults for fire and theft protection, standards and classifications for such vaults, and alternate vault wall constructions.
Abstract
An entire vault should be considered as a single unit, with the door, walls, floor, and roof providing the same degree of burglary resistance. It should be constructed structurally independent of the building. A vault-security classification system established by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. is based on the length of time the vault will resist the efforts of skilled technicians, using tools and torches, to make a significant penetration. Some of the materials used in constructing vault walls are reinforced concrete, steel lining, laminated panels, and reinforced concrete block. Vault walls of reinforced concrete block provide a level of protection better than that of steel lining but not as good as that from a reinforced concrete wall of equal thickness. The construction of fire-resistant enclosures to protect contents against fire should be in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standard. Two types of fire-resistant enclosures are defined by the National Fire Protection Association: standard records vaults and file rooms, neither of which should be used as working spaces. The rating recommended for a particular vault or file room is determined by the type and quantity of combustible material stored inside and the construction of the building. Types of vaults that meet various standards for burglary and fire resistance are described.