What are Security Gates and Barriers?

A security gate or barrier protects your site from outside security threats. They are usually placed at the entrances and exits of the site, although some security gates and barriers can be used internally as well as externally, such as Turnstiles.

There are many different types of Security Gates and Barriers, some of which can be automated so at a push of a button you can grant access. Some gates and barriers can tie in with access control which again, automates entrance but also gets them to verify their identity

Different types of Security Gates and Barriers

Sliding Gates - are usually used when you have limited space or rough terrain. It’s quite common for sliding gates to be affixed to a wall, so that when they slide open, the gate goes behind the wall. They run on tracks or a trackless cantilever system. Although sliding gates are good for limited space, they are better suited to close off large opening, too, when compared to other types of security gates.

Turnstiles - are great for controlling employee and visitor access. Turnstiles stop people “tailgating” behind others as they only let one person in at a time, through which stops any unauthorised entry.

Drop Arm Barrier – are typically found at entrances to industrial sites, car parks, airport barriers, hotels and event venues. The barrier arm is down until access is granted and then it is automatically raised.

Traffic Control Spikes - control traffic by only allowing entrance via one direction. Should someone drive the wrong way across the traffic spikes, the spikes will pierce and deflate the tyres. When driving the correct direction, the traffic spikes simply retract. Traffic spikes are for direction control and anti-theft control, rather than final denial access.

Palisade Fencing- is a simple solution to protect the boundaries of your site whilst maintaining a view of whether access is being attempted. Palisade fencing acts naturally as a deterrent because of the height, lack of footholds to climb and the points at the top.

Bollards - are useful for traffic management, pedestrian safety and preventing accidental and intentional damage to a business’s building. There are a variety of different types from collapsible, fixed and temporary bollards yet they all offer protection from low- and high-speed crashes.

Pedestrian Gates – an extra layer of security where you can ensure that those are not permitted aren’t allowed in whilst keeping authorised visitors, safe.

Factors to consider when choosing a Gate or Barrier

There are a few factors to consider when you are thinking about the type of security gate or barrier you need as they might dictate the ones you can actually use.

Size and Space

How much space do you have? Is it a walk way or a drive through entrance that needs to be gated?

You need to think about how a barrier or gate will be fitted. Will it need to be supported by a wall? Will it make the entrance, narrower because of the fittings?

Activity level

The area that you want to place a gate or barrier (or both), will there be a high level of traffic? Will everyone need to identify themselves? Does a vehicle and driver need to be both identified?

The level of activity will dictate the type of gate you get and any associated security measures. Likewise, it defeats the object of having a gate or barrier if you are going to leave it open when it is busy.

Regulations

There are specific regulations in relation to automated security gates. All automatic gate systems by law must be installed in compliance with the Machinery Directive MD2006/42/EC and supporting standards. Essentially the regulations focus on the crushing risk, reversing function and having the appropriate force technology in place. They were amended because of tragic crushing incidents involving children.

Integration

When you choose a gate or barrier, you may want to think about adding an extra layer of security by integration it with other security solutions. For instance, you may distribute fob access control to staff, each one is registered to an individual with a picture against the file. When they swipe the fob, ANPR CCTV Camera can be used to recognise if it is that individual, if it is them, they can enter. If it isn’t, it triggers an alarm to a designated person to check.

Think about how secure you need the entrance to be or if it a perimeter fence, how you will know if someone has penetrated it.