Public and commercial refurbishments are constantly having to balance security against the need to maintain a welcoming, non-intimidating entrance area. Here, Martin Washby, Technical Services Manager at Meesons A.I. Ltd, looks at some of the options available.
There can be a number of reasons why people who shouldn’t be on the premises want to gain access. It can range from petty thieves stealing personal belongings, through to organised criminals accessing sensitive records, hacking or sabotaging IT systems. In many cases, they simply walk unchallenged through the main entrances. Alternatively they may follow closely behind someone with a valid ID credential (e.g. badge, biometrics or pin), which is known as tailgating.
There has been much focus on this aspect of security in recent years although the latest Speed Gate designs now incorporate a high level of tailgating detection – up to 40 pairs of sensors to prevent anyone trying to follow the person in front without presenting valid ID. Those that simply try to climb over the barrier can be stopped with options to increase the height of the glass wings and pressure sensing tops. The wings themselves should also be capable of achieving a high holding force to prevent individuals forcing their way through.
Our range of Speed Gates are access control neutral, which means they are able to integrate with a wide number of access control systems on the market. Before specifying Speed Gates, it’s worth checking that they can be integrated with the building management systems you have in place. The latest Speed Gate designs incorporate additional usability features, including integrating these with third party devices, making them an important element of creating a physical barrier that stops would-be intruders.
Although the need to protect people living or working in buildings is clear, a key requirement for owners and managers is to retain an aesthetically pleasing entrance area and a level of user comfort. It’s one of the reasons why we have developed customisable options for our Speed Gates, enabling them to complement an existing reception area or be designed to suit a new scheme or layout. These customisable options can include client logos and branding as well as colour and specialist finishes for the cabinets, such as corian, copper bronze, stone and timber.
Incorporating Speed Gates into an existing reception that is being refurbished can be a challenge if space is limited, although this has been made significantly easier since we introduced short length cabinet sizes. Alternatively, where there isn’t sufficient room in order to complete the lane with using two cabinets an option can be to use a sensor wall, where sensors can be surface mounted or recessed into the wall or reception desk. This performs in the same way and maintains a high level of tailgating detection.
Ease of installation and the likely disruption to existing fixtures is always a consideration on refurbishment projects, especially those that are listed or heritage buildings. As a result, ramps have been developed that allow Speed Gates to be installed without the need for the additional cost of civil works and mean there is minimal impact on the existing floor. It can also result in a quicker turnaround for installation when ramps are used.
A ‘fail safe’ feature that links up to the building’s fire system and activates during an emergency, avoiding the need for a separate emergency exit, can be incorporated into the Speed Gate system. In addition, where a smart card or RFID controlled Speed Gate is specified it can provide essential information during a fire via the building management system, informing management who is still in the building.
Finally, standards and guidelines provided by the BSIA (British Security Industry Association) state that the design of the access control system should take account of the Equality Act 2010 (which replaces the Disability Discrimination Act). This sets minimum widths for the Speed Gate lanes. The standard width of a lane is 500 – 660mm, which ensures that two users can’t enter through the turnstiles by walking `side by side’ in order to gain unauthorised access. Wheelchair accessible lanes should be set at 900 – 940mm, allowing passage for wheelchair users and those with other impairments or who are in need of assistance.
A physical barrier at the entrance is the first line of defence when it comes to controlling who is entering or leaving the premises. However, it should be able to do this without creating an austere aesthetic and where possible, be completely discrete. Compared to security doors, Speed Gates are a more design-led solution that have the advantage of maintaining an open and welcoming reception point, prevent tailgating and can be fitted without disturbing the existing floor.
Tel: 0870 787 7846 Email: enquiries@meesons.com Web: www.meesons.com
