Brian Sims
Editor
Brian Sims
Editor
CHARTER GLOBAL works closely with myriad risk managers responsible for all kinds of national infrastructure and, as a direct result, regularly provides physical security solutions for dedicated professionals operating in the utilities sector. Recently, the company concentrated on a challenging installation for South Staffordshire Water.
In order to adequately protect buildings such as transport hubs or water pumping stations, several layers of security are always advisable given that such developments are often to be found in vulnerable or remote locations. Effective physical protection is an absolute must. For their part, certified security shutters can help to mitigate risk and enhance overall security.
Tackling the threat
Charter Global has developed a ‘checklist’ designed to advise risk and facility managers who are seeking to tackle the threats posed to all types of national infrastructure.
Check that the shutters can interface with other third party security systems, which can cater to location-specific risks. Charter Global’s shutters, for example, are compatible with most building management systems.
Older shutter systems with manual locking can be left in unsecured positions by mistake. Make sure to invest in a modern system with automatic locking, which cannot be compromised in any way by user error. In point of fact, all Charter Global Obexion shutters are fitted with lockdown technology.
Shutters that can be operated from either inside or outside the building means that there’s parallel usage as the first point of entry for employees. Accessibility may be further improved thanks to a remote access system.
Importantly, shutters should be independently tested to the LPS 1175 Issue 8 security standard (or the National Protective Security Authority standard if specified). Security shutters for critical infrastructure sites will need high protection, usually in the form of LPS 1175 Issue 8 C5 or D10 (referred to as SR3 and SR4 under the previous issue 7 of LPS 1175).
Case Study: South Staffordshire Water
Given that water companies are working towards the security requirements detailed in the latest AMP, it’s of no surprise to learn that a number of old and listed buildings require special intensive security shutter solutions in order to ensure they meet the specifications.
The fitting of rolling security shutters into a water pumping station can bring its challenges. Of late, Charter Global has assisted in the design and installation of such shutters for a number of sites located around the UK. One of them belongs to South Staffordshire Water.
The Victorian Grade II-listed water borehole building carries particular historic interest in the engine house where glazed brown and green bricks on the bottom section of the wall are protected by English Heritage. This means that no drilling or damage to the tiles is allowed.
The brickwork for the whole building was of limited structural capacity. A very heavy and strong security shutter solution wasn’t suitable. In addition, the client required visibility through the shutter as well as the security level specified through the security upgrade programme.
Specialist steelwork
Working closely with the client and the fulfilment contractor, the decision was made to use Obexion high-security shutters for this water borehole building. The shutters have been installed on specialist steelwork that didn’t require fixing to the brickwork for the first section above floor level, thereby protecting the glazed bricks as required.
Obexion is an all-aluminium system. Despite the security level required for this project, it maintains a much lower shutter weight than is the industry norm. This meant that the shutter could operate using a tubular motor, while the whole lightweight shutter system could be installed to the original brickwork above the protected glazed brickwork.
Obexion shutters also require a much smaller rolling zone than standard steel security shutters, in turn reducing the visual impact of the shutter on any given property.
Seamless installation
Obexion shutters are one of the highest performing security shutters available with a perforated lath – certified to LPS 1175 Issue 8 B3 (SR2) – providing the necessary visibility through the shutter without compromising security.
The lightweight construction of the Obexion system, coupled with the compact nature of the product range, has ensured a seamless installation for South Staffordshire Water at what is challenging site. Complete security has been delivered for the water borehole building.
*Further information is available online at www.charter-global.com
