There is a wide range of security gate options available on the market, each providing different functions and levels of security.
While it may be tempting to choose the lowest-price option, particularly if you have a restricted budget, this can put your security, valuables - and even the health and safety of your staff and service users - at risk. Organisations should therefore carefully consider their risk level when choosing their gate system.
In this article, we will address the steps you should take when selecting a security gate system, and outline other key factors you should consider.
Carry Out A Thorough Risk Assessment
While commercial buildings generally only need to assess the risk of burglary and data theft, in retail outlets, public-facing organisations, and local government services, your premises may be at elevated risk from members of the public, making this an extra factor you will need to consider.
You will also need to determine the threat of severe incidents, such as terrorist attacks, violence - and in the case of police stations, prisons, and secure mental health units - breakouts by detainees. Even if a potential danger seems unlikely, it should be reviewed in detail to ensure it is fully covered by your risk assessment.
By assessing your organisation’s risk level thoroughly, you can ensure that you choose the best gating system for your premises. A comprehensive risk assessment can also inform any additional security measures - like perimeter surveillance and CCTV systems, for example - that you choose to integrate with your gating system to provide a higher level of protection.
Choose Manual Or Automated Gates
As a general rule, if your property is identified as high-risk, you should choose an automated gating system. This will allow your organisation to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a security incident. When selecting your automated gate system, you should consider its’ ability to swiftly alert you to any security breaches.
However, if your organisation is identified as lower risk, you may choose to consider a manual gating system. These are typically lower in cost, and therefore more appropriate for sites with a lower budget - however, you may need to consider the additional cost of manning the gates for an extended time.
Ensure Correct Gate Positioning
You should make sure that your vehicle and pedestrian security gates are positioned in a way that will prevent traffic collisions on your premises. This may include ensuring that there is sufficient perimeter surveillance to identify drivers.
Achieving the right gate position can be done by carefully considering the right type of gate opening for your property, whilst bearing in mind the available space – the gate options to choose from include swing gates, folding gates, and sliding gates.
Ideally, you can position the entrance gates far enough onto your property that vehicles will not block the adjoining road whilst queueing to gain access to your site. Another helpful feature is a magnetic ground loop, which can be installed to ensure the gates automatically open when a vehicle approaches the exit.
It would help if you also considered whether the security rating of your perimeter fencing aligns with the security rating of your gating system. This may inform whether you need a more secure gate, or should replace your current perimeter fencing altogether.
Consider Health & Safety Concerns
One of the most important points to consider when installing automated gates is the health & safety implications. Perhaps more than any other, this factor illustrates the need to choose a reputable provider to install your security gate system.
Among other reasons, health & safety should be considered a top priority when installing automated gates due to the need to prevent crushing incidents occurring.
A quality security company will provide features to mitigate this risk, such as anti-crush hinges, rubber safety edges, and safety beams that automatically stop the gate closing if they detect an object or person in the path of the gate.
Additionally, after the gate is installed, the installer should conduct pressure testing and provide certificates, as well as add conformity (UKCA/CE) and voltage stickers to the gate’s motor. Routine maintenance should then be regularly carried out in line with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that all safety measures remain compliant.
Select The Right Security Features
Whether manual or automated, there are many access control systems that can be integrated into your security gates. These access controls include tools such as card readers, keypads, video intercoms, and alarm systems, among other technologies.
If your property is medium or high-risk, you should also consider integrating other, more advanced security features into your gates. These include anti-tailgating, automatic closing, and anti-climbing measures.
However, bear in mind that your security gates will need to be safe for any persons entering your site. This means you should ensure that the risk of injury is as low as possible. Therefore, consider using safety sensors to prevent accidents and other mishaps on your property.
Use Encryption And Authentication
If your site is identified as high-risk or holds valuable items, you may be at elevated risk of break-ins by professional criminals. Unlike basic ‘smash-and-grab’ burglars, professional criminals are highly experienced in tampering with systems, and will likely have the required skills to disable or override security systems.
In this case, we strongly suggest that you consider using advanced encryption to prevent unauthorised individuals from tampering with your gating system.
Ensure Effective Integration
In the case of public-facing and local government organisations, you will most likely have multiple security systems operating on-site. To ensure effective security management, you should carefully consider how these systems should be integrated to give your premises the maximum security coverage.
Consider using a centralised computer system, which will give you full control over all access points throughout your building and the ability to manage every security feature installed on your premises.
Effective security management also includes ensuring that your team is fully trained on all aspects of how to manage your security systems. That’s why, at KCS Projects, we provide full training to all our clients’ security staff on how to use our systems.
About KCS Projects
At KCS Projects, we understand that security management for public-facing and local government organisations can be complex. With over 20 years in the Security industries, we are highly experienced in delivering solutions for the public and third sectors - including hospitals, schools, and police stations, among other institutions.
If you have any questions regarding your security needs, we will be happy to help! Call us on 01234 230690 to speak to one of our friendly advisors.
Want to ensure your premises is properly protected against all the common security threats and more? Contact our expert team!