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 And a security gate that is outdated or faulty is of no use at all.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
The Importance of Safe Gates
Protecting museums and galleries with access control equipment
Art gallery thefts are not uncommon, and another high-profile theft happened in 2008, when pieces by Cezanne, Degas, Monet and Van Gogh were stolen in less than 5 minutes from a gallery in Zurich. Famous pieces of art command high prices on the black market and because of this very few are ever successfully recovered, which makes it all the more important to have proper security controls in place.
They key way to ensure that a museum or art gallery is protected is to create a complex, multi-layered security system that plans for the worst eventualities, and access control equipment can play an important role. Where CCTV may simply document a crime taking place, access control equipment can actually help prevent and deter crime.
The conundrum for many gallery and museum owners is how to balance making exhibits easily accessible and appealing while still maintaining high-levels of protection. While art galleries and museums are public places and should not look like prisons, it is important that security fundamentals are not overlooked. Compromises can be found and sometimes security measures actually enhance the experience of the visitor. Barriers and turnstiles should be installed at entry and exit points around the building which can help to manage human traffic and allow security personnel to successfully monitor and check who is accessing the building. This not only helps to cut down on incidents but also reassures the public that their security is taken seriously.
What’s more, a multi-tiered privilege system must be in place which ensures that only the people who need access to certain areas of the building are given it. Museums and galleries are at high risk of so-called ‘inside jobs’ and so these types of measures are an absolute must. High risk areas where paintings, artwork and antiques are kept in storage should always be secured with access control such as biometric fingerprint readers, keypad or fob systems.
Together with other solutions like manned guarding, plainclothes supervisors, alarmed windows, motion detection, environmental sensors, glazing and vibration sensors, access control equipment can form a comprehensive security plan as detailed as the pieces of art hanging on the walls.
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 please call us on 01522 682255.