Iain Entwistle, Product Marketing Manager at Meesons A.I. Ltd, looks at how combining manned guarding with physical entrance control solutions can help prevent intruders.
“There are many building managers and owners that believe hiring a security guard team is sufficient to protect their premises and the people within. Likewise, some believe that installing a comprehensive security system is all that is required. However, it has been found that rather than choosing one or the other, the use of security guards alongside an entrance control solution such as a Speed Gate, often works best to provide a high and extremely effective level of security.
Modern entrance control solutions such as Speed Gates, linked to a manned security centre and team of guards can work together to create the best level of defence for any facility. They also make the job of a security guarding team easier, for example, Speed Gates can be specified to sound an alarm so that in the event of an incident a guard is alerted as soon as an intruder attempts to tailgate their way into the building, creating a faster response time. Furthermore, Speed Gates provide a safer environment for the guards and other employees, particularly if there is only one or a small team of security personnel on site.
Working in unison
A considerable amount of effort has therefore gone into developing entrance control solutions that can help prevent unauthorised access and tailgating and help security personnel to keep the building and its occupants safe. These latest devices work by only permitting one person to enter or leave the building at once using an intelligent physical barrier, or electronically by incorporating sensors that detect when an unauthorised person attempts to tailgate or piggyback their way into the building.
On a busy premises with multiple entrances where identification needs to be presented in order to gain entry, Speed Gates allow a high throughput of people whilst providing an effective physical and electronic deterrent against tailgaters. These devices become the first line of defence, should the security team be distracted or working elsewhere on the premises.
Anti-tailgating is incorporated into Speed Gates through the use of sensors that cause the glass wings to close on unauthorised users who attempt to follow closely behind the person in front of them. When an attempt at tailgating takes place, security personnel are alerted through an inbuilt alarm system, which can be programmed to manned intervention. To increase the level of security and assist the facilities team further the Speed Gates can also be supplied with a unique pressure sensitive cabinet top feature. The feature will sound an alarm and/or alert security via the access control system should a person use the cabinet to attempt to climb over the glass wings.
A ‘fail safe’ feature that can be activated during an emergency, avoiding the need for a separate emergency exit, is incorporated into these designs. In addition, an optional Control Panel device for remote controlling of the Speed Gate, which can be free standing or mounted to a desk, can allow security personnel or reception staff to control multiple lanes per panel.
Grade A choices
12 New Fetter Lane, London, the headquarters of international law firm Bird & Bird, is a great example of a modern office development that was in need of a physical entrance control solution to support the existing security team.
Due to the high number of employees and visitors entering the building on a daily basis, additional security was required that would be able to cope with the high level of footfall whilst creating a secure entrance control solution that could prevent unauthorised access. We installed six lanes of EasyGate DG Speed Gates, consisting of five single wing passage lanes and one dual wing passage lane for wide access in the reception area.
The Speed Gates were designed with a brushed stainless steel finish and black glass top lid to provide a modern look to complement the design of the reception. Due to a high number of clients visiting the building and passing through the Speed Gates, visitor card collectors were also integrated into six of the cabinets and each with a capacity of 150 cards.
The client also specified that the Speed Gates should be controlled from a central location to enable reception and security staff to operate them as required. We were able to provide controls for the Speed Gates at each of the three lecterns located at the front of the building. Remote control fobs were also integrated for the security team to be able to control the barriers from anywhere within the reception.
Summary
The options available to increase the levels of building security are continuously developing, particularly when it comes to entrance control solutions to prevent tailgating. However, in many cases they are not being designed to remove the need for security guards, they are being developed to act as a useful tool to help the team be more efficient in their role. A mixture of manned guarding and anti-tailgating devices is often more effective than one or the other, both in terms of security and safety, whilst providing an open inviting feel to the building.”
Founded in 1864, Meesons has over 30 years’ experience specialising in entrance control solutions in the UK Security Industry. Over the years Meesons has held fast to its core principles of individual client attention, focus and market adaptation to ensure that help you find the right solution to meet your needs.
Meesons has established a nationwide presence installing and maintaining projects throughout the UK.
We will continue to offer unbeatable service and care, exceeding expectations from our smallest to our largest customer, whilst still offering the personal touch only a family firm can provide. We do this by listening and supplying you with a truly bespoke solution that matches your needs perfectly.
For more information on anti-tailgating solutions from Meesons A.I. Ltd., visit; www.meesons.com