Martin Washby, Technical Services Manager at Meesons A.I. Ltd, looks how specifiers can meet fire regulations whilst creating a physical access control system that prevents unauthorised people entering secure areas within a building.
Many data centres have a certified fire-rated security doors. However, security doorsets, although meeting fire performance requirements and creating a robust physical entrance barrier, don’t prevent tailgating. This is where a person gains entry to a building or a restricted area within the facility by closely following the person in front without presenting valid credentials.
Risk assessments carried out prior to a refurbishment often identifies this anomaly and is the reason why we identified that specifiers were seeking a fully integrated, stand-alone entry barrier that would meet fire ratings on both sides of the portal, create a robust physical barrier and prevent tailgating.
It isn’t just datacentres where a need for this kind of solution exists. Anywhere that there is a requirement to protect electronic or physical data records from fire and criminals requires a combined solution. This can include offices, laboratories or research facilities, all of which undergo refurbishment at some stage.
The standard covering fire rating of Security Portals in these kinds of applications is European Fire Resistance norm EN 13501-2 & EN 1634-1: 2014. We have recently received approval for our FPJ140 2SF Security Portal which now provides fire protection and smoke control on both sides of the flat side doors as per the standard for up to 60 minutes. For facilities looking for a more cost effective solution the FPJ140 1AF can be provided with a fire rating to meet EI60 and fitted with a manual swing door. Whilst the FPJ140 1AF also has the option to be provided with fire resistance to up to 120 minutes. All our Fire Rated Security Portals are supplied as a fully standalone interlock solutions and remove the need for a fire curtain.
Achieving the fire rating from both directions of the flat side of the Security Portal means that architects and specifiers have reassurance that the Security Portal will provide the required levels of resistance to fire. Certification means the Security Portals will retain their structure and integrity in the event of a fire and prevent the passage of flames and hot gases as well as limiting the temperature on the unexposed face of the unit.
When specifying a fire rated Security Portal it is important to verify that it prevents tailgating and is suitable for both new buildings and retrofitted into existing openings. Achieving the fire rating on both sides means that it is suitable as part of a wider fire safety strategy ensuring the containment or the prevention of fire spreading. In addition, our Fire Rated Security Portals available with Attack Resistant Class 3 & 4, EN1627-30:2000 or Bullet resistant glazing up to BR4–EN 1063 on the external curved side. This makes them an ideal entrance control solution for highly secure areas that also require the fire line to be maintained.
In terms of installation, our Security Portals are available as a surface mounted format, which minimises disruption to the floor. It is possible to customise Security Portals with different types of finish options as well as the integration of third party devices. Battery backup is provided, so in the event of power loss the units will remain operational for up to 6-8 hours.
Although there is a wide choice of Security Portals available, there are only very few that offer a combined fire-rated, attack-resistant and anti-tailgating solution. When a refurbishment involves creation of a restricted area within a building there really is no substitute for specifying Security Portals that cover all bases.
For more information on Fire Rated Security Portals from Meesons A.I. Ltd., call; 0870 787 7846, email; enquiries@meesons.com
