Facing the threats

A growing range of perimeter security measures have been developed by industry to meet ever-changing security threats, with full accreditation to give specifiers and clients confidence. Sally Osmond from Frontier Pitts explains the options

With a range of potential threats to premises and people including forced entry, a wide range of intruder resistant security gates and turnstiles have been designed and manufactured in recent years. They are tested to the LPCB (Global Certification and Standards for Fire and Security); to LPS1175, including different security ratings, range of tool sets, and for specified lengths of time. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation, or ‘HVM’ is the name for the approach taken against vehicles used as a weapon, and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. HVM impact is tested to the international specification IWA14:2013 and/or BSi PAS68.

Many sites, including data centres and logistics warehouses, are being designed with a layered security approach. This provides a site with ‘onion’ like layers of protection around a built asset designed to deter, detect, delay, and deny any attack. Depending on the site’s particular threat assessment level, a layered approach could include anti-terrorist HVM gates on the outer layer to protect the site from possible terrorism and vehicles used as a weapon, with LPS1175 intruder resistant gates on the inner layers to protect the asset. Alternatively, if a security interlock system is preferred (to ensure all vehicles entering site are securely checked), the first gate would be an LPS1175 intruder resistant model, with the second, final ‘denial barrier’ being a HVM anti-terrorist gate (which is also LPS1175 certified).

Another option would be a system with a combination of products installed and programmed to work together to meet the site’s requirements. LPS1175 gates can be backed by HVM blockers and bollards, or rising arm barriers with HVM blockers and bollards. All options are dependent on the site-specific threat assessment, operational requirements, and the client’s ‘control philosophy.’ 

It is also important to provide a separate access point for pedestrians by installing pedestrian turnstiles and/or gates adjacent to the vehicle gates. All should have the same security rating (that rating depending on the site’s specific threat assessment), and match the fence lines’ security rating and height.

For sites and locations such as crowded places and public realm, it is vital that any security equipment blends into the surroundings, and that the public feel safe to visit. ‘Pedestrian permeable’ HVM such as bollards are particularly popular with these types of sites, allowing free passage for pedestrians, while stopping vehicles.   

As each site is different, made to order security installations are typically available with a wide range of options.
For instance, inner city areas where foundation depths may be limited due to underground services, HVM rising bollards are available with shallow foundation depths, plus road blockers with shallow or surface mount alternatives. 

With LPS1175 and Secured by Design Gates, it is important that the gate mechanism, locking, hinges, and the gate infill are tested to the standard. Many options have been tested to LPS1175, such as a bi-folding gate with overhead guidance, designed for underground car parks. Alongside the tested mechanisms, there are also a variety of security rated infills for architects to choose from.

Further info as standard

The standard covers the requirements and testing procedures for the LPCB approval and listing of intruder resistant free-standing barriers. All LPS1175 approved products are listed Red Book Live (BRE) at www.redbooklive.com

LPS1175 covers what’s thought to be the broadest scope of physical security products and services of any publicly available standard in the world. It is the result of many years of work by LPCB, Government, insurers and the police, and has rapidly become a core element of physical security specification across many sectors. The standard comprises several security ratings with test requirements of ascending intensity; these are measured in terms of attack tools and time available to the attacker, and enable specifiers to select products according to the specific risks that their property faces. LPS1175 can be used in a range of applications, including critical infrastructure projects. The correct specification of security products and systems is critical in protecting people and property from losses associated with crime and terrorism.

Sally Osmond is brand and development manager at Frontier Pitts