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22 Apr 2026

How Window Film and Flexible Anchoring Reduce Blast-Related Glass Hazards

Despite the fact that glazing tends to be the weakest point in a building, it’s often overlooked as a security risk. This means that windows are particularly susceptible to bomb blasts, break-ins and attacks, as they are fragile and can shatter very easily. A broken window is easy for intruders to force through and gain access to a building.

As well as being relatively easy to break, glass can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an attack. The force of a bomb blast or explosion can cause glass to shatter into numerous shards, which act like projectiles that can cause devastating injuries, so finding ways to strengthen windows can significantly reduce this risk.

What safety and security window film does

Safety and security window film is designed to hold shards of glass together in the event of an attack. It’s a thick, durable film that can absorb energy from an impact to reduce the chances of injury. Flying glass shards are a significant cause of injuries as a result of bombings and explosions, so safety film was created to keep broken glass in the frame. Because it holds the glass together and doesn’t create gaps in the frame, it also doesn’t give an easy access point for would-be intruders.

It doesn’t stop the glass from breaking during impact, but it creates an extra layer of security by holding the pieces together, making forced entry more difficult, and strengthening your glass windows against impact.

Why anchoring matters as well as film

Whilst safety window film can significantly improve the security of a building, film alone doesn’t prevent the glass pulling away from the frame. An anchoring system is used in conjunction with window film to secure a window directly to the structure of the building itself, keeping it firmly in place. Anchoring makes a window film more stable against impact, adding an extra level of security.

How OVAGLAS® Flexible Anchoring System works

The OVAGLAS® Flexible Anchoring enhances the performance of safety and security window films in the event of an explosion. They secure the filmed glass to the frame, creating a continuous connection between the glass, window film and the frame. Using an anchoring system allows a window to better absorb shock, rather than failing under pressure from an impact. The OVAGLAS® system has a FlexZone, which is an energy-absorbing design to allow for this.

Just like security window film, the anchoring system can be retrofitted into existing buildings, which is significantly less disruptive than installing new windows.

Testing, certification and what buyers should look for

The security and safety of your building should be a high priority, so checking that a window system has been thoroughly tested and complies with safety standards is key. Although laboratory testing can give a good idea of how a window film or anchoring system could work under impact, it’s better if there is evidence of real-world testing to see how it holds up.

There are recognised safety standards that products should comply with, like ISO or EN, as this is evidence that the products have been tested and are legally compliant, so you can be assured that they can be trusted. Our anchoring system has been tested to European and international standards, including ISO 16933 EXV25.

Additionally, you should feel confident that the installer of the film or anchoring system is accredited, as if they are fitted by someone without the relevant knowledge or experience, you can’t be certain that the film will be up to scratch.

Typical applications for safety window film

All venues and building types can benefit from safety window film, as it’s a simple, effective and durable way to improve the safety of a property. It can be used in:

Venues – No matter the size of the venue, window film can add extra security and help to protect crowds
Transport hubs – A more common target for terrorist attacks as there is high footfall
Retail premises – Shops can be targeted by thieves, so window film can help to prevent this
Government buildings – Also a potential target of attacks and threats
Commercial offices

If your property has any valuables on site, carries sensitive data, or is frequently busy, it might be more at risk of attacks.

How this fits into wider protective security planning

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re planning how to improve the security of your property. From training your staff on safety procedures to controlling access to your building, taking a multi-layered approach to security means that more bases will be covered. This is especially important with the new regulations that will be coming into force under Martyn’s Law, which was passed in 2025 to improve protective security and preparation by requiring public venues and events to implement measures against terrorism.

Using window film and anchoring systems can reduce the risk of injury caused by flying glass in the event of attacks, or can help to buy time in which to react or call authorities during forced entries. It’s an incredibly straightforward way of upgrading the safety of your existing windows, and comes with little downtime, so it’s an excellent way of further bolstering the security of your property.

Speak to OVAGLAS about assessing glazing risk in your building

As part of your practical preparation for Martyn’s Law, reviewing the glazing risk in your building can be an excellent precautionary measure. To find out more about how window film can add extra security to your commercial property, get in touch with the OVAGLAS team.

21 Apr 2026

What Martyn’s Law Means for Venues and Public-Facing Businesses

Martyn’s Law – officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – is a new piece of legislation that was created to strengthen safety protocols in public venues and events.

The new law is named after Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of the new law, which was created to strengthen security at public premises and events. It will establish a minimum legal standard of security at venues and events that host more than 200 people.

Martyn’s Law means that venues need to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of occupants and visitors and reduce the risk of physical harm. Although the law was passed on 3 April 2025, it won’t come into effect until at least 24 months from this date, giving venues plenty of time to prepare.

The difference between standard tier and enhanced tier

The kinds of measures that venues need to implement depends on the tier that the new law assigns them. There are two tiers: Standard and Enhanced.

Premises and events that fall under the Standard tier are those that host between 200-799 people at the same time. There will need to be a named responsible person for each premises, who needs to notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This person will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate security measures are in place, including procedures for:

Evacuation – getting people out of the building safely
Invacuation – bringing people into the premises if necessary
Lockdown – securing the premises to restrict or prevent an attacker gaining access
Communication – alerting people of danger

This tier is more about introducing more stringent safety procedures and training staff to make sure that everyone knows how to react in the event of an emergency.

If your premises has a capacity of 800 or more, it will fall under the Enhanced tier. Venues of this type will also need a responsible person to notify the SIA, and will also need to implement the security measures listed above. However, Enhanced premises also need to consider public protection measures that will mitigate risk of harm and offer greater public protection. These measures are in relation to:

Monitoring the premises/event and the immediate vicinity
Controlling the movement of people around the premises
Physical safety and security of the premises/event
Security of information that might assist in the planning or execution of terrorism

These measures can be implemented through training people, introducing new processes, or carrying out physical security measures.

Why physical security enters the discussion for larger premises

Martyn’s Law focuses on proactive security measures by identifying potential weaknesses in how venues operate, rather than reacting after an incident has occurred.

Large venues concentrate hundreds or even thousands of people in a confined area, which can make them a significant target for terrorist attacks. Introducing more stringent physical security measures, such as thorough bag checks and CCTV systems, can act as a deterrent, as would-be attackers are more likely to be caught before they gain access. Having physical security measures can act as a deterrent.

In the event of an attack, a venue will need to be able to respond quickly and effectively. In a bigger venue, this can be harder to control, as there are more people across the building. Having physical safety features like clear evacuation routes and barriers can help a crowd move through the venue more efficiently and safely.

The actual building itself can also play a role in the safety of larger venues. Physical protective measures like reinforced windows and doors, barriers around the perimeter of the venue and access control systems can be used to delay or prevent forced entry, and make the venue safer for occupants in the event of an attack.

Why glazing deserves more attention in security reviews

Glazing is often overlooked during security reviews, despite the fact that it tends to be the weakest point in a building. This means that it is particularly susceptible to bomb blasts, break-ins and attacks, as it is fragile and shatters easily. A broken window is easy for intruders to force through and gain access to a building.

As well as being relatively easy to break, glass can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an attack. The force of a bomb blast or explosion can cause glass to shatter into numerous shards, which act like projectiles that can cause significant injury. Injuries from broken glass are extremely common in attacks, so considering ways to strengthen glazing can significantly reduce this risk.

What blast protection window film and anchoring systems are designed to do

Blast protection window film is designed to withstand impact and protect against damage. In the event of an attack, window film will keep the shards of glass safely in the window frame. Because it holds the glass shards together, it doesn’t create a gap in the window where attackers can easily gain access, which also gives staff more time to react and call the emergency services.

Anchoring systems are a unique type of glass containment system, which can be used in conjunction with blast protection film for added security. It further strengthens a window by holding the glass in place if it gets broken – in fact, it has achieved the highest performance rating of any glazing retention system in the world.

Questions venue and estates teams should ask now

It’s important for venue and estate teams to start planning for Martyn’s Law as soon as possible, to make sure that your staff are fully trained and that your building is protected. As you start preparing, you should be asking:

What are the most likely scenarios that we should be planning for?
Have we carried out a thorough risk assessment of the building?
How secure is our venue currently against forced entry?
Are there vulnerable areas of the building that need reinforcing?
Is there comprehensive CCTV in the building, and it is monitored regularly?
Are there clear evacuation routes?
Do staff know their responsibilities in the event of an emergency?
Do we know how to communicate with each other and visitors in an emergency?
Who is going to be responsible for decision making?
Which level of Martyn’s Law applies to our building?

Having a comprehensive plan in place makes sure that you are adhering to the upcoming legislation, but also means that if the worst does happen, your venue is prepared to react appropriately to keep people safe.

Speak to OVAGLAS about assessing glazing risk in your building

20 Apr 2026

Martyn’s Law, Venue Security and the Role of Glazing Protection

Martyn’s Law – officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – was passed in April 2025 to improve protective security and preparation by requiring public venues and events to implement measures against terrorism.

The Act will not come into force for around 24 months after it was passed, to give businesses plenty of time to plan and prepare.

What Martyn’s Law means for public premises and venues

The introduction of Martyn’s Law means that public premises and events venues that have a capacity of more than 200 people will need to have clear plans to protect the general public in the event of an attack. Prior to this, there was no legal obligation to have set safety measures in public spaces, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

The Law means that anyone who is responsible for venues and events will need to implement appropriate public protection measures that can reduce the risk of harm if attacks occur nearby. The Standard Tier, for venues with a capacity of 200-799, primarily focuses on strengthening staff training and procedures, such as evacuation and lockdowns.

Businesses with a capacity of 800+ will also need this, but there is an additional requirement for a thorough risk assessment of the premises, a security plan, and potentially physical improvements to the property to further reduce harm and damage in the event of a terrorist attack.

Both Standard and Enhanced premises require venues to nominate a responsible person, who must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of their details and the details of the premises.

Which premises are most likely to be reviewing physical security measures

Under Martyn’s Law, any public venue with a capacity of more than 200 people will need to review and implement anti-terrorism safety measures. There are two tiers: Standard and Enhanced, and depending on which your building falls under, your obligations will be slightly different.

According to the Home Office, premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:

There is at least one building (or the premises are in a building);
The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the uses specified at Schedule 1 to the Act, e.g. a restaurant or a shop;
It is reasonable to expect that at least 200 individuals may be present at least occasionally; and
The premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act

If 800 or more individuals may be expected, the premises will be an enhanced duty premise, and will therefore need to follow stricter measures. However, there are exemptions, as not all buildings are covered under the new regulations, so make sure to check if your premises are exempt.

Why glazing is a physical security vulnerability

In the majority of buildings, the glazing is the weakest point of a building, making it more vulnerable to bomb blasts, attacks and break-ins. Glass – especially tempered glass or standard annealed glass – is fragile, shattering easily in the event of an attack. Once a glass window has broken, the shards of glass can be quickly cleared from the frame, making it easy for intruders to gain access to a building.

In the event of a bomb blast or terrorist attack, windows are considered one of the most dangerous elements of a building. The force of an explosion can cause windows to shatter into high-velocity shards, which can cause a significant amount of damage – in fact, up to 85% of injuries from an explosion are caused by flying glass.

Because of this, strengthening the glazing in your property should be a top priority to ensure that it’s safer for occupants and visitors.

How blast protection window film and flexible anchoring systems help reduce risk

Bomb blast protection window film is designed to withstand significant impact in the event of an attack, keeping the shards of glass safely in the window frame. Window film can also deter potential intruders, as it can withstand a certain amount of repeated impact without creating gaps in the window for them to enter.

Around the world, the risk of a terrorist attack is at a critical level, so businesses increasingly need to think about the safety of their staff and visitors in the event of an explosion. Whilst it’s impossible to eradicate the possibility of an attack, bomb blast window film will improve the overall safety and security of your building, particularly when used in conjunction with an anchoring system. An anchoring system is a unique glass containment system that further strengthens a window, helping to hold glass in place and preventing intruders from gaining easy access into the premises.

Where bomb blast films can be used

Bomb blast films are more commonly used on buildings that need extra security, such as government buildings or major transport hubs. However, with the new law, bomb blast films and anchoring systems are a straightforward way of upgrading the security of any building that accommodates more than 200 people.

This includes properties such as:

Entertainment and leisure venues
Public services
Retail and food outlets
Sports grounds
Places of worship

Why early review matters before the law comes into force

Early preparation for Martyn’s Law is key to making sure that your business is fully prepared when it comes into force. You will need to determine which tier your premises falls under – either Standard or Enhanced – to properly plan for the changes that you will need to make.

As well as making sure that existing safety procedures are strengthened and staff are fully trained for emergency situations, you should leave plenty of time to plan and implement extra safety measures. Assessing your building needs and level of risk now means that you have plenty of time to prepare for the upgraded safety measures, which is especially important if you have multiple properties that will need to be looked at.

Fines and penalties of up to £10,000 for Standard Tier and higher fines for Enhanced Tier properties will be issued for non-compliance, so you should start taking proactive steps as soon as possible to make sure that your business complies with the law.

Speak to OVAGLAS about assessing glazing risk in your building

Martyn’s Law FAQs

Is Martyn’s Law in force yet?

Although Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April 2025, it hasn’t come into force just yet. Businesses have at least 24 months from this date to prepare for the new regulations.

Which premises fall into standard and enhanced tier?

Business premises or event venues with a capacity of 200 – 799 fall under the standard tier, whilst those that are for 800 people and above fall under the enhanced tier, and so will be subject to additional regulations.

Do physical security measures apply to all premises?

Implementing physical security measures is not a legal requirement for businesses under the standard tier. However, businesses in that tier may still consider upgrading their building’s security for added protection.

Can blast protection glazing help reduce injury risk?

Yes, blast protection glazing can help to reduce injury risk. Injuries as a result of flying glass shards are extremely common in the event of a bomb blast or terrorist attack, and safety glass film can help to minimise this by keeping glass in place.

12 Mar 2026

Why Freezer Doors Are a Finance Issue

Any business owner can attest to the fact that energy prices have skyrocketed in the past few years, making electricity one of their biggest outgoings. Since 2021, non-domestic energy prices have almost doubled, and despite the fact that they’ve come off the peak, they are still around a shocking 75% higher than they were pre-crisis.

For supermarkets and other types of food shops, refrigeration consumes around 30-50% of the total energy of the site, with shops that specialise in frozen food sitting at the top end of that range. It’s clear from the data that refrigeration and freezing comes with a significant cost for businesses.

Door-level economics

ClarifoilⓇ is an anti-fog film designed for freezer doors, with the aim of enhancing product visibility and reducing energy consumption. Traditional retail freezer doors use electrical heating to prevent fogging, which uses a significant amount of energy.

Assuming that ClarifoilⓇ saves 5 kWh per door each day, over the span of a year, that’s 1825 kWh saved. The recent business average for energy costs was between 22-26p/kWh, so we can assume the following cost savings:

Lower cost saving – 1825 x £0.22 = £402 per door per year

Upper cost saving – 1825 x £0.26 = £475 per door per year

Even if the data was conservatively modelled on a cost of 15p/kWh:

1825 x £0.15 = £274 per door per year.

At the current market rates, the cost savings from installing ClarifoilⓇ are significant, especially taking into account the number of freezer doors businesses may have on site. From an an energy perspective, the carbon saving per door per year is:

1,825 kWh × 0.225 kg CO₂e/kWh ≈ 0.41 tCO₂e/door/year.

If your business focuses on ESG or has environmental goals to reach, using freezer door film can have a real impact.

Estate-level scenarios

If you think about how many freezer doors you have on a single site, or across all of your sites, the cost savings can be significant. Assuming the following, you could be making these savings by using Clarifoil:

5 kWh per door per day
10 freezer doors per store
15p/kWh (conservative assumption) or 25p/kWh (in line with current market prices)
CO₂: 0.225 kg/kWh.

Doors in estate	Annual kWh saved	£/year at 15p	£/year at 25p	tCO₂/year avoided
1,000	1,825,000	~£274k	~£456k	~410 t
5,000	9,125,000	~£1.37m	~£2.28m	~2,060 t
10,000	18,250,000	~£2.74m	~£4.56m	~4,110 t

If we’re thinking about the data per store, if you had 10 freezer doors, you would be saving 18,250 kWh per year. If energy cost 15p/kWh this would save £2740 a year, or if it was 25p/kWh, you would save £4560 per year.

Payback period

The payback from using ClarifoilⓇ is a major advantage for businesses. Even when modelled at a conservative 15p/kWh, most large ClarifoilⓇ projects fall inside a sub-three-year payback window.

Compared to other methods of refrigeration plant upgrades, installing ClarifoilⓇ generally offers a shorter payback period and also is far less disruptive to store operations. Many upgrades or plant replacements involve a significant down period, but ClarifoilⓇ is quick and easy to install.

The film takes very little time for our team to fit, with minimal disruption to in-store teams, and no need to unplug or empty freezer cabinets. The fact that it is so seamless to install compared to other cost-saving options makes it a very popular choice for businesses.

Working with ClarifoilⓇ

Although it’s an innovative energy-saving solution, ClarifoilⓇ is by no means a new one. In fact, across the UK, Europe and North America, over 150,000 doors have been treated, showing how well the product performs across different climates and types of store.

We have calculated that our ClarifoilⓇ installations have saved our clients a whopping 15 million kWh of electricity per year, which really goes to show what a significant impact it can have across businesses.

A EUROSPAR trial that we carried out further backs up the efficacy of the product. During the test run, the stores recorded a 75% reduction in trim heater power and up to 6 kWh per door per day saved – and, importantly, the freezer doors stayed clear. This shows that not only does ClarifoilⓇ benefit businesses through its energy and cost savings, but also shoppers, who will find it easier to shop when there is better visibility.

Where fridges fit the finance story

For stores that primarily contain fridges, the benefits are slightly different. Freezers are where you will notice the more quantifiable energy benefits, whereas fridges won’t give the same payback. However, applying ClarifoilⓇ to fridges does still offer benefits.

Protected sales

As ClarifoilⓇ keeps doors clear, it offers better visibility for higher-margin lines such as drinks or to-go food, which reduces the risk of customers walking away because they can’t see the items properly. This means more sales and less food wastage.

Reduced labour

During busy periods where fridge doors are being opened and closed, fog can build up quickly. Installing window film means that staff won’t have to spend their time wiping down condensation during peak trading hours, and can spend their time doing something more productive for your business.

Brand image

Clear doors mean a cleaner, more professional look that is easier to maintain across a chain for estate-wide consistency. Plus, if there are any photos taken in store, it will look far more appealing.