AUSTRALIA'S SECURITY SCREEN INDUSTRY RAISES THE BAR
The NSSA Dual Direction Knife Shear Test ICP
The NSSA has developed an Industry Code of Practice which introduces a new Knife Shear Test for security mesh.
This initiative was developed based on evidence that low quality mesh was entering the Australian market. This new dual testing process replicates multiple attacks in two different directions on a single mesh sample to simulate a real-world break-in attempt and eliminate the risk of a false positive test outcome.
What is an ICP?
An ICP, or Industry Code of Practice, is an industry technical document outlining a process, set of rules, or a standard that stakeholders from a particular industry agreed to adopt. In our case, this ICP is a voluntary code, developed by the NSSA Technical Committee, in collaboration with industry businesses who make, sell or test, security mesh. Relevant businesses can sign an agreement to be a “Participating Business”, bound by the rules within the ICP, and by doing so be recognised as following Industry Best Practice.
Why Does This Matter?
Type 3 (fine) security mesh used in security screens is predominantly manufactured offshore and shipped into Australia by a variety of organisations. While the majority of businesses do the right thing and use high-quality tested mesh, there is a significant amount of low-quality mesh being bought into Australia. This low-quality, non-compliant mesh uses softer, weaker wire, which is easier to weave, and much cheaper to buy. Unfortunately, it is also easy to cut, may have poor corrosion resistance, and is extremely difficult to visually identify. Sadly, the lure of cheaper, low-quality materials means there are businesses substituting non-compliant mesh into products they promote and sell as “Security", leaving homes and businesses vulnerable to attack.
The NSSA Dual Direction Knife Shear Testing process provides certainty that mesh in products and systems sold by these businesses is compliant and has been tested to meet real world conditions.
Buy With Confidence
Security screens are a significant investment, whether they be for your home, a business or a commercial construction project. The fundamental value of these products is to resist forced entry, which is why the NSSA and its members are passionate about compliance. While it can be very difficult to visually identify an impostor product, it is easy to protect yourself when purchasing security screens. Look for the security screen brands and participating businesses listed here, and always buy from an NSSA Member to ensure you actually get what you pay for.
