/ By admin / court house security • perimeter security • physical security/ 0 Comments

Court House Physical Security Tips

court house security

Despite being the home to justice, courthouses are not immune from threats of crime or the actual crime itself. A recent report from The Guardian newspaper highlighted how thousands of pounds have been spent in recent years upgrading security for judges and members of the court. Indeed, polling underlined that 22% of circuit judges, who try the most serious criminal cases, 21% of court appeal judges, and 19% of high court judges feared for their own personal safety. This deep concern was shared by 15% of judges across the board.

Whether facing threats from organised drug gangs, violent criminals, or warring families, courts require a robust approach to physical security and must be protected from dangers. The key way to ensure that a courthouse is protected should therefore be to create a complex, and multi-tiered approach that plans for the worst possible eventualities and helps prevent these dangers from coming to fruition at any stage.

Balancing the scales

One of the most common conundrums for courthouses are that many of their buildings are antiquated. While their historic nature provides a purpose in underlining their importance, it can present challenges when it comes to security. This is why it is essential that a risk assessment is carried out to factor in the uniqueness of each building, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach that may be more suited to wide, spacious, open buildings.

Another problem that courthouses face is their need to balance security with the rights of visitation. Whether it be those having their day in court, members of the judicial, the public, or members of the press. Entry needs to be secure, yet quick, to maintain busy court schedules.

Another concern, particularly with high-profile cases, is that of media and public interest. These types of cases may bring increased attention from members of the public, or press, and therefore crowd control and interior access controls can become a high priority that needs to be addressed. It is important to liaise with both media outlets and policing officials in advance in order to assess the risk factors of these types of cases.

Exterior security

Security should always begin with the perimeter and in the case of courts, this often means considering car parks and entry points. It is essential that car parks are limited to authorised visitors and that protection is given to important vehicles. This might be achieved through
automatic barriers with pins or biometric devices, or through cutting-edge ANPR systems that reserve entry to whitelisted vehicle number plates.

Interior security

Indoors, turnstiles and barriers can be used to manage human traffic and allow security personnel to carefully search, and later monitor visitors. Equally, access control and barriers can be used to reserve access to specific areas, such as jury rooms, courtrooms, or staff rooms.

Together with other solutions like manned guarding, barred windows, supervisors, and crowd control, you can develop a comprehensive security protocol that ensures proceedings go ahead safely and securely and that the security of both visitors and the judiciary is respected. To begin this process you should endeavour to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment which accounts for all of the aforementioned factors.

Gateway Automation provides a range of products including access control equipment to help businesses and individuals secure their sites against crime. We also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, and how we may be able to help, please call us on 01522 682255.

/ By admin / barriers • car park security/ 0 Comments

How Barriers can be used effectively in car parks

Sometimes the strongest of solutions come in the simplest of forms. When it comes to creating a safe, secure, and well-transitioned car park – barriers play a critical role, Let’s take a look in detail at how barriers can be used effectively in car parks.
Site owners know that access control is incredibly important when it comes to managing car parks. Ensuring that traffic can flow easily, but still be monitored and managed responsibly is essential to providing a positive experience for visitors. After all, a car park that is unsafe or outdated is likely to be unappealing to drivers, and lead to dwindling numbers and uptake.

Managing entry points

One of the most effective ways to manage that traffic is through the use of an automated barrier system installed at entry points. Automatic barriers require electricity to operate, they are built to high specifications and are difficult for criminals to bypass.

In public settings, barriers can be used to slow down traffic and ensure that payment procedures are adhered to, and in private settings, they can help prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering your site. Equally, they can be used to partition specific areas of a car park for staff or delivery vehicles. Automatic barriers require no manpower and can be operated through an array of different entry configuration methods: granting movement through tokens, tickets, pins, or codes.

An experienced provider will be able to design a system that fits the particular needs of your site. This means taking into account the type of car park that you operate, be it public or private, the availability of staff and manned guards, the type of vehicles that need access to your site, the availability of electricity, and the space that you have to work with. This ensures that you are given recommendations bespoke to your business, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that could provide you with headaches later on down the line. They will also be able to provide you with maintenance and support when you need it.

Additional equipment

We take a holistic approach to site security and there are times when car parks may require additional equipment in order to strengthen their facilities. One such piece of equipment that can greatly benefit car parks is our new ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) System.

With direct access to a specialist server, our ANPR Systems can identify vehicles that are either whitelisted or blacklisted and grant permissions on those basis. It can control flow to private areas, blacklist troublesome vehicles, and save money on staffing. Equally, it can be used to monitor staff from an HR perspective and clock entry and exit times.

For car parks where overstays and unauthorised long-term parking issues have become problems then another option may be height-restrictor barriers. These prevent access for high vehicles such as lorries or caravans.

Gateway Automation provides a range of perimeter security systems to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites. We also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, access control equipment, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment too.
To find out more, contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure.

/ By admin / bollards/ 0 Comments

Bollard Maintenance Tips

Bollard Maintenance

Across the country, bollards are one of the most commonly seen forms of security equipment seen in locations as diverse as ports and power stations to high street pavements and sporting arenas. Bollards serve a dual purpose in protecting both buildings and pedestrians from impact and can be utilised as a simple yet effective means of access control. However, like other forms of perimeter security, bollards require a certain level of respect and upkeep to maintain their effectiveness. Here we share some top bollard maintenance tips.

Risks to bollards

Like everything else, bollards require periodic maintenance to preserve their looks and their effectiveness. Often placed outdoors, bollards are at risk from environmental conditions and human interactions.

The outdoors, particularly in the UK, bring adverse weather conditions throughout the year. Heavy rain, sleet, and winds can wear down materials with time, and heat and prolonged sun exposure may warp or dull exteriors.

Equally, bollards are at risk from their surroundings and human interaction. A bollard’s purpose is to protect and limit vehicular movement and as such may occasionally be struck or scraped by cars, lorries, and other types of vehicles. They may also be subject to vandalism or improper repair or usage.

Signs of damage and how to deal with them

So, what are some of the warning signs that your bollard may be in need of repair or upkeep? And what should you do to both prevent and deal with any problems that may arise?

Check bollard condition regularly

The first step in ensuring the longevity of your bollard system is to periodically check and clean your equipment. A simple clean with soapy water can often remove dirt, grime, and other pollutants that may build up over time, however always discuss your proposed cleaning routine with your manufacturer to avoid any problems. Having a regular clean can counteract many other issues down the line and ensure that all the parts are working properly. Consider diarising a bi-annual appointment to clean down your security equipment.

Avoid vandalism

The second type of problem that you may encounter with your bollard may be from vandalism or sabotage. While vandalism and crime are sad facts of life, there may be steps that you can take to prevent this from happening and send a clear message to criminals that you won’t take their actions lightly. You may achieve this by installing CCTV, warning signs, increasing manned patrols, or taking a broader look at your site’s needs and how you can upgrade your perimeter security with tools like gates or access control equipment.

Check for vehicle damage

Finally, the third type of problem with bollards may be of the technical variety. If a bollard has been damaged by a vehicle, fittings have jarred or become loose, or general wear and tear have resulted in reduced performance, then it may be time to call in the experts to bring your equipment back up to scratch. After all, a bollard is no use at all if it doesn’t operate as it is supposed to. Indeed a broken bollard may hinder your operations as a business, or cause a public health hazard. So it is important that you can call on experts to quickly assess and repair any damage.

As well as providing nationwide manufacturer and installation of perimeter security systems and devices, Gateway Automation also offers a servicing and repairs option. We provide nationwide maintenance contracts, and supply parts for all manufacturers’ equipment, so you can rest assured that we will have you back on track with minimum disruption to your business. To find out more, please contact us here.

/ By admin / gate security • gates • sliding gates/ 0 Comments

How sliding gates can be ideal for your business

Sliding Gates

Crime, particularly the opportunistic type, all comes down to psychology. Be it a broken lock, an unlocked window, or a lack of security lighting, there are a great many ways that criminals can be swayed into taking their chances on your property. However, they can be dissuaded just as easily, provided you’ve put time and thought into building a robust perimeter. And nothing sets the foundation for that as well as a strong security gate. One of the most popular forms of security gate is the sliding gate and we explain how sliding gates can be ideal for your business.

One excellent solution for businesses looking to secure their entry and exit points is a sliding gate. As the name suggests, sliding gates are wheel-mounted gates that move along a track at the opening of a driveway or the line of a site or property. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of sliding gates when compared with other forms.

Space Saving

Unlike swinging gates, sliding gates do not take up an arc of space, and run horizontally which can be ideal if you have specific obstacles or space limitations that need to be bypassed. They facilitate easy access for approved cars and vehicles who can be confident as to when it is safe for them to move forwards. They can also be a smart solution when entry points are positioned on hills or slopes where other forms of gates may drag against the ground unless opened the opposite way.

Variety of Materials

Swinging gates can be constructed using a variety of different materials. They might be made from iron, wood, steel, aluminium, or composite. However, here at Gateway, we opt for aluminium and steel materials which we find to be the strongest and most resilient options.

Secure

In the past, one of the concerns regarding cantilever sliding gates has been the safety of others. Without proper installation and forethought, gates have resulted in serious accidents. However, customers can be confident in the safety of their tools provided that they choose a Gate Safe provider like Gateway Automation. Gate Safe providers have undergone rigorous training to understand the importance of regular safety checks and proper installation provided by IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health). In addition to this, we fit our sliding gates with several safety devices as standard.

Can be upgraded to meet your needs

Every business is different and while our sliding gates are already built to the highest quality, there may be additional requirements that are important for your business. Our gates can be upgraded with a number of additional extras including razor wire, anti-climb spikes, electric fence, traffic lights, warning sirens, and more. Access can be customised and controlled through keypads, proximity cards, photocells, intercoms, tokens, key switches, and fobs.
Sliding Gates are used in a variety of different businesses across a broad scope of sectors, and provide a professional and practical method of securing entry points. However, your first step should be to discuss your needs with a reputable supplier. After undergoing a proper risk assessment you will be able to ascertain which type of gate is most suitable for your requirements.

Gateway Automation provides free, no-obligation quotes and feasibility surveys for your premises. To assess your security requirements, please contact us here.

Perimeter Security
/ By admin / News/ 0 Comments

8 Ways To Increase Your Perimeter Security

The dangers are clear. Financial losses, disruption to your supply chain, harm to consumer confidence, and low staff morale. These are just a few of the negative ways that crime can impact your business. Businesses of all sizes can be affected by a serious incident, regardless of their industry, or their location, which is why steps need to be taken well in advance to offer maximum protection. Perimeter security is the cornerstone of business security, and here we will outline some of the most effective tools on the market.

Access Equipment

Right at the cutting edge of perimeter security lies access control equipment. Utilising tools like cards, fobs, keypads, and even biometric technology like fingerprint readers, you can add real sophistication to your security protocol. Whether using access control to restrict access to specific areas, rooms, or bays, or to enhance existing features such as gates or barriers, this is one of the most tech-savvy ways to guard your business against crime.

Barriers

A simple to use, but super-effective solution, barriers are a great tool in your perimeter security arsenal. Made from aluminium or steel, barriers ensure that you have the final say over who gets access to your site. They can be either manual or automatic, and enhanced with access control, or monitored by your own personnel. Either way, unwanted visitors will know that they won’t find it easy to gain access to your premises.
Bollards

One of the most commonly used and cost-effective tools on the market for vehicular access management, bollards can play an important role in your perimeter security plan. While the idea of a bollard may typically draw to mind a concrete pillar, they have in fact come a long way in recent years and many have advanced designs that make them highly effective and suitable for a range of different purposes. They can deny entry to sites without the need for a gate or barrier, can be used to protect pedestrians or buildings from vehicles, and restrict access during specific hours, Some bollards like the robust Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) bollards are even used to protect sites from terrorist vehicle attacks.

Gates

Gates are, without a doubt, the most impactful form of perimeter protection, and often seen as the foundation of a good security strategy. They send out a clear signal to would-be intruders that their entry and their escape routes are going to be difficult to clear. So when criminals are marking out their next job, your business will be a less than attractive proposition. The types of gates that are typically available include bi-folding, swing, and sliding gates. There are also anti-terrorism gates emerging onto the market which prevent high-impact intrusions from heavy vehicles.

Height Restrictors

Often seen in car parks, height restrictors deal with a different type of crime. Rather than putting up the walls against theft and burglary, height restrictors help businesses to avoid the nuisance of unwanted vehicle access. If a business wants to cut off access to large vehicles, or heavy goods vehicles then this can be a clever fix.

Road Blockers

An uncompromising tool to stop traffic, road blockers can be used for a variety of reasons. One of course is to prevent vehicles from entering specific areas of your site. This might be to protect pedestrians, or buildings, or block off sensitive areas. Equally, road blockers can be used to prevent vehicles from making quick entry and escapes in the event of a burglary. Visually they are a strong deterrent and can be further enhanced with signage, sirens, and traffic lights, and controlled through access control equipment.

Speed Ramps

A reliant, and cost-effective tool, speed ramps are another strong method of controlling traffic. Used to manage speed, and calm traffic, they are a common sight in areas as varied as construction sites through to housing estates and hospitals. Our speed ramps are made from heavy-duty recycled PVC segments and configured with cats-eyes and high-visibility black and yellow sections to provide visual notice.

Turnstiles

Used to control the pedestrian entry and exit of both visitors and employees, there is no denying the impact that turnstiles can have on your perimeter security needs. Not just a way to slow down, and authorise traffic, they can also provide savings for businesses as they remove the need for costly security personnel, especially when fitted with access control tools. Every business has different needs and turnstiles are available to suit. There are waist-height forms available for corporate environments, as well as ¾ and full height versions for more functional settings.

Overhauling your perimeter security is not something that should be taken lightly. While protection is critical, you must seek advice from experts before making your purchase decisions. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to remove the guesswork. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business, please call us on 01522 682 255.

School Security
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4 Ways To Increase Your School Security

With the school holidays fast creeping up, it’s that time of year again where schools around the UK begin to consider their upgrades and renovations. With children out of the classrooms, this is the perfect time to take a handle on any repairs that might need to be taken care of. However, this is also a great opportunity for schools to review their security protocol and identify weak points in their strategy, creating an award-winning atmosphere that provides peace of mind to both staff and students. Let’s take a look at four concrete ways to improve school security this year.

Undertake a risk assessment

The first step for any organisation in developing a more secure environment is to figure out exactly where they are vulnerable and where they might be exposed. For instance, many businesses, and indeed schools, rely too heavily on CCTV cameras which can be easy to disable or avoid. They can identify a vehicle or a trespasser, but they do not prevent their entry, simply they monitor it.

A risk assessment will take a deep-dive analysis into the potential threats and then look at ways to mitigate that risk comprehensively. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach that often doesn’t quite cut it.

A risk assessment should be carried out by an experienced and qualified perimeter security company that understands the constraints, considerations, and overall nature of your business. The final result should be a set of suggestions that will protect your school from criminal activity and create a safe learning environment.

Guard against truancy with access control equipment

A common headache for schools lies with their safeguarding responsibilities, and how this can play into truancy. Ensuring students are safe within the walls of their school is pivotal, not only for the well-being of their students but also for the reputation of the establishment. One way that schools can guard against truancy and manage student traffic is through the use of access control equipment. Entry and exit points can be upgraded with tools like intercoms and readers to limit flow during school hours.

Manage parking problems with bollards

Schools up and down the country share a common problem when it comes to parking. Some parents ignore parking-free zones established by schools and pose a hazard to pedestrians. Bollards provide an effective solution in this scenario. Electric bollards can be raised when needed to limit access and lowered when
access is required for staff or contractors. Static bollards can be introduced in areas that require no vehicle access.

Use gates for 24hr safety

A strong security gate is one of the most formidable ways to deter crime. Gates have an important role to play during school hours, preventing both unwanted pedestrian and vehicular traffic. However, they are just as important in the evenings, and out of term time. Schools house expensive equipment and technology and are often not given the same level of security consideration as that of organisations in the private sector. Gates of proper build quality that are robust and maintained well will send out a message to opportunistic criminals that your school takes their security needs seriously.

With school budgets stretched, your school must get the best attention to detail. Here at Gateway Automation, we provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation process free of charge. This means you can be sure that you are spending your money only on areas where it can make the biggest impact.

For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please call us on 01522 682 255.

 

Reasons your business needs gates and barriers
/ By admin / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

7 Reasons your business needs gates and barriers

Although the onset of the coronavirus saw a significant decrease in crime rates across the UK due to enforced lockdown, there are very few reasons for businesses to take this as a sign of things to come. Indeed businesses should take this time to consider their security protocols and begin to address any shortcomings in good time as restrictions lift and we move closer to the ‘new normal’. Here we will look at some of the benefits of two of our most popular forms of perimeter security: gates and barriers.

1 – Barriers and gates are strong deterrents against crime

Time and time again we hear stories of criminals that have acted on opportunity when committing a crime. A broken fence, unlocked door, insufficient lighting, the list goes on. Having outdated, broken or a complete lack of perimeter security almost guarantees you to be viewed as an easy target by criminal gangs. Barriers and gates are the first port of call for many perimeter security overhauls because they actively send out a message that your business is not going to be easy pickings.

2 – Barriers and gates allow you to control movement

While tools like CCTV are a great way to monitor the flow of traffic and pedestrians throughout your site, they do nothing to act on it. One of the main shortfalls of CCTV is that it simply takes a record of actions. The job of dealing with any issues is left to others. With barriers and gates, you can proactively limit entry to your site. With the use of pin pads, tokens, and fingerprint recognition you can reduce the need for manpower to administer front-of-house duties.

3 – Real-time savings

This brings us to our next reason to invest in gates and barriers. Perimeter security is essentially an investment in your future. These enhancements protect you from the disasters that follow on from a serious crime. Businesses that are victims of serious crimes like theft, burglary, vandalism, and arson can face significant losses in several different ways. The initial impact of stock loss or damage, losses from downtime for your business, and an impact on your customer relationships or reputation are all very real consequences. They can be successfully averted by investing in your security needs before the worst happens.

4 – Curb appeal

Gates and barriers are often the first thing that visitors to your site or passers-by will see. A high-quality installation will provide a level of professionalism to your company brand and reputation and show that you care about the safety of your employees, assets, and visitors.

5 – Privacy

For businesses that operate in sensitive areas or highly competitive fields, privacy is often high on their agendas. Gates and barriers extend your footprint to the far exterior of your property and mean that the only people who can approach your site are those who you have given explicit authorisation to do so.

6 – Restrict vehicular access

Smash and grab type crimes are on the rise. This is when a perpetrator uses a vehicle to approach their target quickly, commits their crime, and then escapes again before the police arrive. By utilising gates and barriers you can effectively shut down the chances of a speedy approach or escape and thwart their plans.

7 – Easy use

Tried and tested by a variety of different companies across industries, barriers and gates are a simple and easy-to-use method of increasing your security levels. Depending on the model you select barriers and gates often require no manpower. Access can be controlled via a variety of different methods including tokens, cards, and pin pads and manual barriers can be left open at the start of the day before being closed at the end of the day.

No matter the size or nature of your businesses, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess the security requirements of your organization. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or call us on 01522 682 255

How to use physical security for crowd management
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How to use physical security for crowd management

Public events and large gatherings of people require a great deal of planning and forethought in order to be successful. Whether managing a music festival, a sporting event, or something entirely different, it is critical that organisers are able to account for the welfare of their guests while taking reasonable security precautions. Not just to ensure a successful event, but also to balance risks and liabilities. Here we will look at how physical security can be used for this purpose.

Creating a crowd management plan

The first port of call in managing crowds and queues is to create a detailed analysis of the risks at your venue or event. This comes from breaking down factors like the type of event, the type of venue, available entry and exit points, traffic management, communications, staffing abilities, and the overall makeup and demographics of the crowd attending or visiting the premises. This will help provide you with an overview of your needs when it comes to perimeter security and what help is needed. The next step is to discuss with an experienced provider some of the options available to you. Let’s take a look at some of the popular choices for crowd control and queue management that might be recommended.

Choosing physical security tools

While manned personnel can play an important role in the management of large groups of people, offering them instruction, monitoring threats, and dealing with any issues, there are physical tools that should always be considered.

Turnstiles

Turnstiles offer a robust and effective solution to managing the entry and exit of large numbers of pedestrians and can slow down traffic to a manageable level. Turnstiles effectively limit the number of people who can enter at any one time, avoiding a dangerous build-up or rush of people through entry or exit points.
Turnstiles are designed to only let one or two persons enter at any one time and depending on the type of business or event can be enhanced with a range of different access control methods such as manual entry, token or ticket entry, pin pads, and more. Another key benefit of turnstiles is the ability to prevent tailgating where one person quickly enters behind another.

In terms of aesthetics, waist-height variations of turnstiles have a sleeker, more corporate look, while full-height, 3 / 4 height, and full height combi turnstiles are more suited to sporting or arena-based events.

Gates, bollards, and blockers

Another important tool can come in the form of pedestrian gates. They serve a dual purpose in that they can be used to manage pedestrian traffic, but also used alongside turnstiles as a separate means of access for crew and staff during an event.

Pedestrian traffic should not be the only concern with crowd management. For specific venues and events, there are times when vehicular access also needs to be carefully managed. This might be to ensure that only staff and contractors are allowed entry to an area such as a car park, or it may be that members of the public or customers are required to have their credentials or passes checked prior to entry. There are several tools that can be used in these scenarios such as automatic barriers, road blockers, and bollards.

Gateway Automation is a nationwide manufacturer and installer of perimeter security systems and devices. We undertake civil and electrical site preparation and automate existing perimeter security devices and equipment throughout the UK. For a free, no-obligation quotation please contact us on 01522 682 255 or visit our website for further information: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/.

Safe gates
/ By Gateway Team / Uncategorized/ / 0 Comments

The Importance of Safe Gates

One of the most obvious tools in perimeter security is a security gate. Robust, effective, and able to send out a clear message to opportunistic criminals – security gates are often the first port of call for businesses looking to ramp up their security measures. Here, we discuss the importance of safe gates.

An overview of security gates

Security gates can solve many problems for businesses. They help to prevent unwelcome visitors and act as a barrier to unwanted car parking. They can provide you with a way to facilitate and register traffic from visitors to your site.

However, like anything in life, security gates require a little upkeep and maintenance to keep them in prime condition. And a security gate that is outdated or faulty is of no use at all.

Faulty gates present a very real danger to human life and a gate that is not given due care and attention can be very dangerous. Both automatic and manual gates have been the cause of serious accidents, and later legal disputes.

The importance of safe gates

Gateway Automation is proud to be accredited as ‘Gate Safe Aware’ by IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and Gate Safe.

Gate Safe is a registered charity that started in 2010 following the tragic deaths of two children who lost their lives in tragic events involving automated gates.
Gate Safe calls for stronger industry regulations and work with manufacturers to underline both the importance of safe installation and frequent maintenance. They recommend that safety checks are carried out every 6-12 months and more frequently on sites with heavy traffic.

The accreditation is given only to installers who have undergone specific training demonstrating that they can responsibly install gates.

What businesses should know

The burden of care lies not only with the installer of security gates but also with the businesses themselves. A company that has failed to utilise quality gates and properly maintain them will be looked on poorly by the courts, which is why it is critical to maintaining their safe operation.

Common examples of security gate issues over time include gates coming off their runners and hinges failing due to a buildup of dirt or grime. While you might be able to counter some of the causes of hinge failure through your cleaning maintenance, more technical issues may need to be addressed by an experienced technician.

These issues should not be seen as a reason to avoid security gates. Security gates are a formidable tool in protecting businesses from crime and nuisance in the modern age. However, gates must be installed and maintained in a responsible fashion. This can avoid devastating injuries, fines, and damage to your reputation.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, Gateway Automation can help. We provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment. We also offer a nationwide reactive call-out service to deal with any equipment issues and are proud to be Gate Safe accredited. Please contact us on 01522 682255 for more information

barriers
/ By Gateway Team / Uncategorized/ / 0 Comments

How to decide which barriers are best for your business

When it comes to site security, many business owners think of gates, fences, CCTV, and security personnel. However, one of the less obvious, but nonetheless commonly used forms of perimeter security are barriers.

Easy to understand and incredibly useful, barriers are increasingly utilised by those in the know. As their name suggests they act as a strong defence against unwanted intruders, and ultimately provide you with the keys to the castle. Allowing you to decide who can and cannot get entry to your property. If you are interested in installing barriers at your site though, there are a few things you should know first. There are a variety of different options to choose from which will we run through today.

The benefits of barriers

Regardless of whether your premises is a business or a residential site, barriers are commonplace around the UK. Used properly, and installed with care, they are a perfect solution to managing entry to your site. They can be used as a manual tool operated by security staff, or automatic and controlled with keys, codes, or fobs. But with so much variety on offer – which barrier should you choose for your business?

Manual barriers

Manual barriers are one of the more cost-effective types of barriers available on the market. Typically used in rural or isolated settings, manual barriers are operated by hand. However, they are also a good choice when manned security is preferred for operation. They might be used to stop traffic and check the visitors’ credentials before providing them access. Manual barriers are perfect if your site is located away from the grid and electricity is not available to power an automatic barrier. You can also lock them into position, so if you wanted to leave access shut off during the evenings, or open all day then you could.

Automatic barriers

A sophisticated solution, automatic barriers are used in a variety of settings and require electricity to operate. You might use automatic barriers on staff car parks, or at the entrance to a particular area of a site. With automatic barriers, the options for gaining access are almost endless. Depending on your needs you can provide entry via manned guards, CCTV for visual confirmation, pushbuttons, cards, tokens, or even fingerprint recognition.

Height restrictor barriers

Height restriction barriers can be found in a variety of sites from construction and garages to car parks. Their main goal is to block access for heavy vehicles and are often utilised in public car parks where overstays and unauthorised long-term have become an issue. Similar to manual barriers, they are a cost-effective solution and do not require electricity or manned guarding.

Guide your decision with a professional risk assessment

When it comes to deciding which barrier to choose for your property, it is important to take professional advice. Numerous factors need to be considered including but not limited to: available space, the type of business, cost, level of security threats. Every business is different and all of these factors should be taken into account. With a professional risk assessment, we can take a forensic look at your business needs, and requirements to help you make an informed decision and start you on the path to a more secure future.

Gateway Automation can provide free, no-obligation quotes and feasibility surveys for your premises to assess your security requirements. To find out more, contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure