Safeguard Armour
Posted by Maciej Scheffs on Friday, March 8, 2019 Under: Guest Security Articles
Security guards face risk on a daily basis as part of their job. Security personnel are hired in various capacities across the UK: to patrol shopping centres; keep business estates secure; guard gated communities; provide protection to VIPs; and monitor public & private events. Each assignment comes with its own specific threats, which vary from knife-wielding shoplifters to armed thieves and target assaults.
To ensure they can fulfil your work obligations to the best of your abilities, security guards need protection too.
Body armour provides protection against multiple weapons, such as knives, picks, and guns. However, there is no one-size-fits-all vest to cover all weapons – some defend against most pistol and melee weapons and others protect against higher calibre weapons.
Body armour provides protection against multiple weapons, such as knives, picks, and guns. However, there is no one-size-fits-all vest to cover all weapons – some defend against most pistol and melee weapons and others protect against higher calibre weapons.
Close Protection Security
Some Security Operatives specialize in close protection, which requires offering support and protection in close quarters. This necessitates body armour that is customized to these specific situations. For example, working in crowded spaces or areas where firearms are not available, edged and spiked weapons will be most common, and pose a deadly threat. In these situations a bullet proof vest would simply be unnecessary but a stab proof vest will be suitable. Another common feature of close protection security is maintaining a level of privacy for the operative as well as the person, especially if they are an important figure. This makes covert body armour better suited as it can be concealed underneath a suit or any outfit and not draw attention. This type of armour is designed to be worn under clothes and offer protection without hindering movement.
When thinking about suitable levels - IIa and IIIa provide sufficient protection against the vast majority of threats encountered on the street, including 9 mm, 0.4 and .44 Magnum. Level II-A, II and III-A will stop the overwhelming majority of pistol projectiles you are ever likely to encounter and are effective against slashing attacks.
High Risk Security
Many Security Operatives work in extremely dangerous situations that involve containing riots or disarming terrorists, and need to be prepared for any eventuality. For those that work in active warzones, it is essential that protection is of the highest level. This means bullet proof vests are the most suitable option and they need to be at the right level for the threats faced. Level III and IV hard armour are considered to offer the maximum level of protection against a large variety of pistol and melee weapons, including against high calibre and armour piercing rounds. However, this makes them much heavier and bulkier than lower level, which can affect performance and endurance.
This means it is important to be aware of the most likely threats in any situations and base your choice of armour on the level of necessary protection. The usefulness of body armour can be increased with the purchase of additional protection for areas like the head and neck.
Level IIIa and IV are suitable choices as they minimize blunt trauma injury to allow more effective return fire.
Tags: body armour