PUBLIC SECTOR BUILDING SECURITY

PHYSICAL AND AESTHETIC DESIGN AND CONCEPT OF MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES

Public Sector buildings, including museums and libraries, are enjoyed by millions of us on a yearly basis.  They are a place where the general public can enjoy viewing priceless artefacts and other national treasures and are of major importance to the country’s economy.

Security in these buildings is vital when the safety and interests of the unprotected are at stake.  The physical protection of any of these buildings should be designed in accordance with the level of risk posed balanced by the buildings aesthetics.

A recent study “The Future of Urban Design” has highlighted the importance of striking the right balance between security and aesthetics when securing public spaces, particularly those of historic interest.

Specific public places such as libraries and museums need to ensure they have the best security resources available.  There are many different layers of security which would need to be addressed and it is widely recognised that security management within the sector is complex and wide- ranging.

• Access control
• Windows
• Doors
• Reception/entrance layout
• Other internal working areas

With the right approach these public buildings can ensure a secure environment suitable for both their staff and visitors.

As a specialist in the automation of access control, Automatic Systems is well aware of the issues faced and can offer tailored solutions that not only meet staff and visitor security needs but also the health and wellbeing of all.

When selecting access control equipment that is right for your public building it is important to take into account a variety of factors:

• Number of staff and visitors
• Peak times and flow rates
• Desired level of security
• General atmosphere you would like to create

The security of collections and people in these buildings embrace a large number of responsibilities.  The cost of maintaining, processing and acquiring collections are high and of stolen or damaged it can be difficult, if not impossible, to replace.

The following needs to be taken into account when accessing the individual building and implementing security measures:

• Perimeter of building
• The shell of the building and apertures
• Zones areas (including temporary exhibition galleries and stores)
• Internal doors and the need for access control
• Any presence of security staff for 24 hours
• Any staff in residence
• The requirements for an intruder detection system
• How CCTV can be effectively applied
• Security lighting
• Method of display
• Arrangements for readers
• Arrangements for key management and operating procedures

Recent technology advances have brought about various means of controlling the access of visitors, staff and others to buildings and internal parts of the building.  Methods can include an “airlock” type facility, such as Automatic Systems Clearlock 635 and 637, now certified to LPS: 1175:Issue 8 security rating 1 to 3, approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB).  Here unauthorised entry is prevented into a certain part of the building until credentials are confirmed.

Turnstiles or speedlanes can also be incorporated ensuring only certified personnel with access control readers are allowed to enter.  Automatic Systems in this instance would recommend a speed gate which offers you an increased level of security. Available with swing or retractable glass doors, it ensures a fast and bi-directional flow of traffic. Unlike turnstiles, speed lanes can also offer a greater passage width, guaranteeing greater user comfort: for example, the lane’s width allows people with reduced mobility to access your establishment and allow maintenance teams to pass with a cleaning trolley. Moreover, this access control equipment with transparent glass can blend stylishly into any environment.

Unlike the tripod turnstiles, speed gates are fitted with specialist detection cells that will stop tailgating: an alarm will sound to alert staff and the lane will remain closed, blocking entry to unauthorised users.

In this instance we would recommend Automatic Systems Smartlane, SlimLane or our recently launched FirstLane speed gate.

Security measures will continue to have an increasingly large part to play in ensuring the safety of our public places but also balancing out the need for the aesthetics to be in line with the building type.

By ensuring that all these levels of security measures are met your premises’ is at a much less risk of unauthorised entry.