SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT
Improving gate security
ates are by definition
G the most vulnerable part of a perimeter . Public sites will often have multiple gates for different purposes . To achieve the highest possible security , the number of perimeter entrances in active use should be kept to a minimum , but for some sites this isn ’ t realistic and , in these cases , the same security advice should be applied to every gate .
Pairing gates with access control devices means that site managers will have full control of who enters the premises throughout the day , if they need it . The type of site will determine if this level of security is needed or not . Public sites , for example , generally give free access to visitors during the daytime , while restricting some sensitive or dangerous areas . It is recommended that the whole premises is fully secured and illuminated in hours of darkness and either patrolled or monitored by CCTV .
GATE POSITIONING It ’ s important to consider where your gates are located . Positioning – of both the gates themselves - as well as your premises in relation to its surroundings . This will affect the level of security and type of monitoring required .
Are the gates along a busy road ? Is there a lot of activity in the area ? Or is it relatively removed from residential areas and therefore mostly abandoned at night ?
For low-level security areas , a simple improvement is to add security toppings to a standard gate . When higher security is needed , an LPS 1175 certification will assure you that your premises are as impenetrable as required .
Introduced in the mid-1990s , the LPS 1175 certification classifies products in terms of their resistance to attempts at forced entry . It focuses on the physical security of intruder resistant building components , and was established through close collaboration with UK government security agencies , police services , risk consultants , and architects .
GATE DESIGN AND HEIGHT While providing excellent privacy , solid gates are not always best for security . This may sound counter-intuitive , but they limit visibility through the gate from both sides , impacting clear-view surveillance .
Although this doesn ’ t mean a solid gate is necessarily a bad choice , as privacy and security need not be mutually exclusive , but it is important to ensure that any CCTV cameras are positioned to combat blind spots . I would recommend considering semi-solid gates , such as vertical bar and mesh , as these gate styles allow for sightlines through . Ensuring the height of the gate matches the height of the fencing means it cannot be used as a climbing aid , this is an essential consideration during the specification stage .
MANUAL OR AUTOMATED ? The choice between a manual or automatic gate usually hinges on convenience but can also play a part in the security level . A manual gate requires someone physically present to open it , which usually adds waiting time . Whether this is practical , depends on the volume of traffic passing through . However , it can also add the temptation to leave it open , increasing the likelihood of unwanted visitors gaining access .
24 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | March / April 2023