LPS 1175 Security Portals as Physical Entry Barriers

Find out why LPS 1175 – the standard relating to physical entry barriers  – will provide the option of another layer of security in 2019.

The consequence of unauthorised entry into commercial buildings can be far reaching, not just in terms of theft but also for the safety of staff. In some circumstances this can lead to reputational or commercial damage. Business owners and managers have a duty of care to ensure that only those people who should be in the building are allowed to gain access.

Assessing the Risk

When looking to harden your building against unauthorised entry in 2019, the starting point is always an assessment of the overall level of security risk, which will determine the kind of physical entry barrier you need. Factors that can influence this are whether the entry point is monitored by security staff and the number of people entering and exiting the building, especially at the start and end of each day or at peak times.

It is the nature of criminals to try and gain access through a building’s weakest point, which in most cases is the entrance. The easiest approach is to simply tailgate their way into a building unnoticed by closely following the person in front as they pass through the physical entry barrier. An easy way to prevent this is to specify a Security Portal or Speed Gate that is fitted with anti-tailgating detection.

Speed Gates and LPS 1175 Security Portals

Speed Gates are commonly specified for buildings where there is a medium to high volume of traffic because they provide the optimum combination of performance, throughput and aesthetics. Buildings that require more specific entry control measures in 2019 may well find that a Security Portal offers the best solution.

Security Portals offer an enhanced level of protection against unauthorised and forced entry because they create a fully enclosed barrier that only allows one person to transit through the interlock at any one time, and then only after they have presented valid credentials.

They can be enhanced with an anti-piggyback device (APD) with ultrasonic sensors that scan inside the portal to ensure that only one person has entered. If more than one person is detected – indicating someone is trying to tailgate their way into the building – the internal doors remain closed, preventing forward passage. In these situations, Security Portals provide a 24/7 unmanned secure entrance solution enabling only authorised users access day or night.

LPS 1175 Security Portals

We predict that 2019 will see more building owners upgrade their entry barrier with LPS 1175 approved products. Loss Prevention Standard (LPS) 1175 relates to the requirements and testing procedures for the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) for intruder resistant building components, strong point, security enclosures and free-standing barriers. It provides specifiers and their clients with a defined performance level and reassurance they will safeguard individuals and buildings against risk.

LPS 1175 approved Security Portals are able to withstand a forced entry attempt by criminals – a step up from standard Security Portals. LPS 1175 is now a requirement on projects in many different sectors, including: education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, the public sector, residential, retail and utilities.

Specifying Security Portals that meet this standard mean they provide resistance to determined attempts at forced entry using a range of techniques, including those that involve creation of noise. LPS 1175 approved Security Portals can also be supplied with bullet resistant glazing – BR3/S EN1063.

When choosing an LPS 1175 Security Portal, it is preferable to specify one that incorporates large glazed areas and has minimal framework, because it will offer high transparency and enhanced aesthetic appeal, making it a secure alternative to revolving doors. It also avoids the building entrance appearing fortress-like and imposing, which can be the case with a standard security door, which can appear intimidating for staff and customers.

When assessing the overall level of security risk, correctly specifying security products is critical in protecting buildings and their users against the risk of crime. The consequences of not taking action to upgrade your physical entry barrier system in 2019 could have wider-reaching consequences. Conversely, taking steps to address the issue with an LPS 1175 Security Portal that is capable of preventing unauthorised and forced entry can create a sense of enhanced safety and wellbeing with staff and customers.

Martin Washby, Technical Services Manager, Meesons A.I. Ltd, www.meesons.com