Gallagher Safety & Security Gates  (1)

Metal theft is nothing new, but the impact of the pandemic has left many in financial uncertainty, couple this with the rising price of metal, and one result is an increase in the level of acquisitive crime. It seems there is no limit to the types of materials stolen. Just recently, lead stolen from church roofs has caught the media’s attention again, but this type of theft reaches to more commonplace materials too, including steel, cast iron, and aluminum, and even items like street signs and fencing panels. As such, publically accessible infrastructure could be left vulnerable if measures aren’t taken to properly protect them. Perimeter fencing solution Begin this process by thoroughly checking and assessing the perimeter fencing of the site. Here, you’re looking for any signs of tampering or wear and tear, and checking if the fencing is still robust. If the fixings in fencing systems can be removed easily, the entire perimeter fencing solution risks being compromised with little effort. Both the fixings themselves, and the metal fence panels they secure can be targets for theft, and if stolen would significantly reduce the security on and around the site. The connectors, fittings, and fixings are arguably the most integral part of any security fencing installation The connectors, fittings, and fixings are arguably the most integral part of any security fencing installation. They’re responsible for holding the fencing and gates together and keeping them in place. Remember, fencing solutions will only be as robust as the components used to hold them together, if these have inherent flaws, the fencing and gates in question will be more vulnerable to attack. Equal level of protection This is because poor quality fixings can often be easily broken or removed by their design or placement, so it’s best to steer clear. Further, while fencing labelled as ‘quick and easy installation’ may sound cost effective, if it takes no time to install, it’s likely it will also be quick to take down, defeating the purpose of perimeter fencing. There’s a multitude of varying types of fixings available on the market, and it’s important to remember that not all fencing and gates provide an equal level of protection. Below we take a closer look at fixings that should be avoided where possible. Standard head screws Standard head screws and bolts. This can be extended to anything that looks like it can be easily removed with a screwdriver or drill. Security Torx or ‘Star’ screws. These were once an effective tamper-proof fixing, however, in more recent times the driver bits have become more readily available in most DIY toolkits, and as such these fixings are now far from secure. Installing screws on the outside of the fence line. Leaving the fixings accessible from the outside of the fence ultimately means you’re exposing them to anyone and everyone, authorized or not. This enables them to attempt to remove the fixings without the added deterrent of having to climb the fence and risking being caught. Low quality fixings. All fixings should be galvanized or stainless steel to ensure they don’t rust away. Tamper-Proof fixings Vertical bar fencing and metal railings have concealed bolts and screws So now we know what not to specify, let’s take this one step further and discuss some of the most effective design components found in fencing systems. Look for security fencing with ‘tamper-proof fixings’. We believe this is so essential, that all Jacksons metal fencing is produced using these in one form or another. Vertical bar fencing and metal railings have concealed bolts and screws, while the welded mesh panels have tamper-proof screws with unique heads that can’t be loosened or fastened with normal tools. Be wary when specifying fencing types such as steel palisade fencing; not only does this type of fencing hinder surveillance and provide an unattractive aesthetic, but the bolts and rivets are also very easily accessible meaning it isn’t very secure. Twin wire panels V mesh and twin wire panels can be attached to posts in different ways. Most commonly this will be via the use of clips. These vary in the level of security they provide, for example, generic mesh clips secured with generic Torx screws can be easily removed using a standard toolkit. However, there are other products on the market which make use of anti-vandal connectors and tamper-proof fixings. Once tightened, the hexagonal part of the nut breaks off, leaving a smooth dome These fixings can only be accessed from the secure side of the fence, significantly improving the level of security. Shear nuts are arguably one of the most secure fixings which should ideally be used on gate hinges. They are a type of breakaway nut which are almost impossible to remove once installed. Once tightened, the hexagonal part of the nut breaks off, leaving a smooth dome that is hard to grip with normal tools. Knit mesh fencing With tightly knit mesh fencing such as 358 mesh, panels can be fixed to the posts in different ways, but again not all ways are secure. Some manufacturers use smaller clips and screws/bolts, however, the clips are susceptible to damage – being so small, and it also leaves the edge of the panels exposed to tools that could prise the panel away from the posts. Close-knit mesh panels with clamp bars and tamper proof bolts are highly secure. Concealed panel to post connectors and tamper proof bolts help to further enhance the security of the fencing, these are commonly used in vertical bar and metal railings. Highly secure finish Here rails are sleeved onto the pales and welded for a seamless, highly secure finish. There are no bolts or rivets that could be removed to enable swing pales to be set aside and gain access. The role that fixings and connectors play is absolutely crucial to the level of security of the perimeter fencing. This article touches on the myriad of different options available on the market, but if in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult an expert on what type of components should be used when specifying fencing and gate solutions for your specific project.

Schools were never designed and built with social distancing in mind. So it’s perhaps not surprising that as children returned to schools for the autumn term this year, the prospect of outdoor classes and assemblies was mooted in the media and by the Government. Many in the education sector are making the case that, should there be further COVID-19 outbreaks, in the coming months, it would be better to utilize outside space, rather than resort to closing schools. In the COVID-19 era, head teachers are considering taking learning and large gatherings, such as assemblies outdoors, when possible. Managing ‘class bubbles’, hygiene and ventilation While Dr. Yvonne Doyle, the Medical Director of Public Health England (PHE) has publicly reassured parents that schools are not the ‘drivers’ or ‘hubs’ of COVID-19-19 infection in communities, there is a lot of pressure on school leaders to manage ‘class bubbles’, extra cleaning and hygiene, ventilation, and COVID-19 testing, to protect families and staff. It’s a logical step to switch, in certain circumstances, to outdoor activities where fresh air is on tap, and social distancing is far easier to manage. Specially built outdoor classrooms Across the school and nursery sector, there’s ongoing investment in specially built outdoor classrooms Across the school and nursery sector, there’s ongoing investment in specially built outdoor classrooms, which had been growing in popularity, even before the pandemic. These facilities offer numerous benefits as an extension of existing learning spaces and provide children the opportunity for hands-on learning, beyond a stuffy classroom. However, if outdoor spaces are routinely called upon as part of COVID-19 contingency planning, how can schools ensure that their outdoor classrooms and wider areas are secure, robust, and fit for purpose? When specifying outdoor classrooms and learning spaces, it’s essential to take into account the well-being of the students and staff, who will use them, noise pollution and acoustics. Most importantly, education managers need to ensure the surrounding area is secured and adequately protected from threats, including terrorism. Perimeter security measures for schools How can schools and nurseries secure their perimeters, so that outdoor learning is totally safe for all? A starting point is to seek out architects and suppliers, who have a good understanding of security standards. Worryingly, Jacksons Fencing’s research recently found that only one-third of architects are seeing both LPS 1175 and the UK police initiative, Secured by Design (SBD) physical security standards, specified for schools. This highlights a lost opportunity for architects to propose solutions that are appropriate to the level of risk and needs of the school, without turning the site into an unwelcoming fortress. Helping schools identify specific security needs Head teachers would be wise to work with architects, who not only know the latest security standards inside and out, but are also are willing to play a more advisory role, helping the school identify exactly what is needed. Head teachers should prioritize solutions appropriate to their site’s specific risks It’s also vital that architects don’t simply replace existing fencing and gates, with the same security systems that have been in place for years. Instead, they will need to meet changing needs and risks. Our research finds that teachers often report issues, with the school perimeter and gates, from being climbed over (28%) and causing injury, to gates not locking properly (10%). Head teachers should prioritize solutions appropriate to their site’s specific risks, which sometimes require altering of existing measures. School fencing is an important aspect of any education site. As well as defining its boundary and making a visual distinction between public and private property, the fencing and gates that surround and secure a school, will typically meet a wide variety of other important criteria, including preventing unauthorized entry to the grounds, protecting pupils, staff, and visitors from accidents and injury, deterring theft and anti-social behavior, and reducing the risk of malicious damage, and acts of terrorism. Welded mesh panels for perimeter fencing Popular options for schools include welded mesh panels for perimeter fencing or sports areas, and railing systems to act as demarcation, in order to control foot and car traffic. Within the outlying boundary, barriers, bollards and parking posts will keep pedestrians, and vehicles safe from each other, while timber fencing and gates can be designed to control the flow of people, around the grounds and reduce the areas, where students can be hidden from view. Automated gates and access control Perimeter fencing must be complemented with safe entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians. Every school has unique entry-control requirements, determined by factors, such as size, location and the local environment. These needs influence the decisions you make, when preparing technical specifications for school security gates. Do you require gates to be steel or timber, manual or automated, single or double leaf? Specialist suppliers will be in the best position to offer inputs on school gates, which typically need to offer solid security and durability, with a welcoming aesthetic. Specifying access control system When specifying a school access system, it’s important to consider the areas of the school When specifying a school access system, it’s important to consider the areas of the school, such as sports fields, car parks, and children’s play and learning areas, and whether it requires playground segregation. Selected gates should meet the design of the fencing, to create a secure perimeter with no weak points, with automated gates conforming to all current safety regulations. . Noise pollution can be a problem as well, including noise coming in or leaving the school in residential areas. If more teaching is to be carried out outside, it’s worth considering acoustic barriers to reduce noise in and around the school. Timber acoustic barriers for security and privacy Timber acoustic barriers offer security and privacy, and can reduce noise levels, by as much as 32 decibels (in laboratory conditions), so are ideal for city center schools or those located close to busy highways. There are many ways to build an outdoor classroom. Timber products can help to create a welcoming environment, such as wooden shelters, pergolas, fencing, and decking. Always check that high quality timber, ideally guaranteed for 25 years against rot and insect attack, is being used to provide an attractive, cost-effective, safe and sustainable solution, for all weather conditions. DBS approved installers And of course, installers must be DBS approved, so that they can install outdoor classrooms, during school holidays, or within term time, with minimal disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on schools and learning. While nobody wants to think of fresh outbreaks of the infection, or any other virus, installing an outdoor classroom made from high-quality, long-lasting materials is a great way to future-proof school learning and ensure safety, and preparedness. Putting extra thought and care into the security angle will provide schools with decades of protection against a host of unforeseen events.

Heras was a premium partner exhibitor at this year’s International Security Expo (ISE) – and it’s fair to say that visitors couldn’t miss the stand, which was at the entrance of the Grand Hall at London’s Olympia. Heras’s Country Marketing Manager (UK) Rebecca Hughes pinpoints five things that the Heras team learned from the show and talking to visitors. 1) Physical still just as important as cyber Cyber(security) was the buzzword of the show – and there was lots of innovation on display. But what came across loud and clear for Heras was that physical security is still absolutely vital for UK sites of national importance, data centers, warehouses, and distribution hubs. These sites need clear demarcation, effective entrance control, and detection to make sure that perimeters aren’t breached and that only authorized personnel and visitors can enter the site and specific areas within the site. And, if there are any deviations from this, there needs to be a swift and accurate response. The rapid growth in the construction of warehouses to cope with the demand from online shopping highlights the need to secure these sites and protect the valuable stock held in them. 2) PIDSs the star of the show Heras showed PIDSs complement and increase the overall effectiveness of both existing and specified perimeter protection We piqued a lot of media interest with our ‘listening fence’, and our team enjoyed demonstrating our newly launched, next-generation perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDSs). GeoMic was mounted on Zenith A1 (SR1) fencing, and GeoPoint was mounted on Zenith SR3 fencing. Both were demoed by the Heras team to show how PIDSs complement and greatly increase the overall effectiveness of both existing and specified perimeter protection fence and gate lines. GeoMic uses a discreet microphonic sensor cable (alpha) that listens for sounds – such as those generated from an intrusion attempt – around the entire perimeter. And the GeoPoint sensor system utilizes multiple sensors that are distributed along the fence line to detect movement and vibration. 3) Fuel shortages prompt downtime conversations The ISE fell just after a weekend of panic fuel buying across the UK, after widespread media reporting of a shortage of truck drivers for fuel tankers. This naturally led to lots of conversations with visitors about the issue of business interruption and the risks and implications if sites are compromised. We work closely with the operators of many sites of national importance, data centers, warehouses, and distribution hubs, and disruption – be it protestors blockading entrances to sites or more aggressive tactics involving breaking into sites – is not an option because the knock-on effects can be costly and potentially damaging to an organization’s ability to operate. 4) More than fencing The issue of business interruption flowed into conversations with visitors about the range of products we offer. Put simply, everyone knows us as the ‘fencing people’ – but that’s the tip of the iceberg. Connect offers real-time insights into the status of an entrance control system, with remote monitoring of user access and alerts As Europe’s end-to-end supplier of permanent and mobile perimeter protection solutions, we delighted in telling visitors about our key areas of expertise: demarcation, entrance control, detection, integrated systems, and maintenance. For us, maintenance is the unsung hero of effective security, and we had demonstrations of Connect, our breakthrough cloud-based portal that offers real-time insights into the status of an entrance control system, with remote monitoring of user access and automatic alerts and notifications via smartphone, tablet or PC. It also enables users to open access systems via cellphone, as well as enables Heras to provide remote and proactive monitoring of the systems. This integrates with the company’s Essential, Premium and Premium VIP maintenance support packages. 5) It’s good to meet people again The last thing we learned is just how great it is to meet people again. The UK security industry came out in force for the ISE, and it was fantastic to meet people who we’d only ever seen on a screen via Zoom or Teams. Nothing beats talking to a real person over a cup of coffee – and boy, had we missed it! As a business, the ISE was fantastic for Heras, not just in the quality of enquirers but more importantly in the connections we made with new people and in reconnecting with people we hadn’t seen for a couple of years. One last thing… Fight Club Heras's new projects include UK sites of national importance, data centers, warehouses, and distribution hubs OK, it’s not strictly the sixth thing we learned, but it reminds me of the film Fight Club, starring Brad Pitt. And that is: “The first rule of Fight Club is: you don’t talk about Fight Club.” The first rule at Heras is that we can’t talk about the vast majority of the projects and installations we get involved in because of the sensitivity around many of the sites we support – which is hard, especially at shows such as the ISE. We generally say that these have included UK sites of national importance, data centers, warehouses, and distribution hubs. But no names. This is such a shame, as one journalist said that the likes of the BBC would feature Heras much more prominently if we were able to give examples of the scope and complexity of the projects we get involved in.

Allegion US (Allegion plc), a globally renowned provider of security products and solutions, and Gallagher (Gallagher Security), a global security manufacturer, have announced that the US Government has approved their new electronic access solution. Schlage AD-302 FIPS 201-2 is integrated with Gallagher’s Command Center security software platform and is the first electronic lock listed on the General Services Administration (GSA) Approved Product List (APL), expanding access to key government clients. Schlage AD Series locks Schlage’s AD Series locks are adaptable, allowing for upgrades to be made, without taking the lock off the door, so as to ensure a seamless transition to new technologies in the future. The durable design replaces several pieces of equipment with one system, which is cost-effective and requires less time for installation. The comprehensive solution combines the electrified lock, credential reader, and access control sensors The comprehensive solution combines the electrified lock, credential reader, and access control sensors (door position switch and tamper switch). The electrified lock brings more visibility and control to the opening, allowing for real-time communication and enables centralized lockdown capabilities, when necessary. Schlage AD-302 FIPS 201-2 solution To further simplify accessibility, control, and compliance, the Schlage AD-302 FIPS 201-2 solution is compatible with Personal Identity Verification (PIV) and Personal Identity Verification Interoperable (PIV-I) credentials, as well as the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Common Access Cards (CACs) and performs certificate validation, at the time of access. The solution also provides challenge-response for the CAK certificate, ensuring compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and meets Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201-2) Allegion - Gallagher integrated solution “As government entities are only permitted to procure GSA APL-listed compliant products and services, we are pleased to offer the first electronic lock, through our collaboration with Gallagher,” said Mark Casey, Director of National Electronics Sales at Allegion. Mark Casey adds, “With budgets top of mind for agencies, the solution provides a cost-effective, all-in-one reader lock that is FIPS 201-2 compliant, for ease of procurement.” GSA APL approved and NIST standards compliant solution The integrated solution successfully passed extensive government security vulnerability and interoperability testing, based upon the standards outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and governing bodies. Schlage AD-302 FIPS 201-2 is now available to all federal agencies for procurement and listed under APL #10133 on the GSA APL. “We are deeply committed to developing best-in-class security solutions that are optimized for our government clients,” said Scott Elliott, the Vice President (VP) of The Americas, at Gallagher Security. Scott Elliot adds, “We are the first Physical Access Control System (PACS) provider to complete this integration with Allegion and to gain GSA APL approval for the integrated FIPS 201-2 approved solution. As we continue our strong partnership with Allegion, we intend to advance additional solutions to market that are secure, unified, and that solve the unique and evolving security challenges of our customers.”

Gallagher, a pioneer in access control and perimeter security solutions, and Invixium, a premier manufacturer of innovative touchless biometrics, jointly announce a global agreement where Gallagher will distribute Invixium products for access control. This distribution agreement aligns with Invixium's and Gallagher's continuous efforts to modernize and adapt physical security in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement also follows the successful integration of Gallagher’s command center with IXM WEB. Healthy access solution The new integration unlocks the full potential of Invixium temperature screening, mask detection and face recognition while wearing a mask. The joint solution, provided by integrating Gallagher’s command center with IXM WEB, delivers a complete answer for visitor screening, access control or healthy workforce management, including temperature screening, mask detection and more. The command center platform will notify administrators of elevated body temperature The command center platform will notify administrators of elevated body temperature or mask-related access events in the Alarm Viewer. Along with Invixium's flagship healthy access solution, Gallagher will re-sell Invixium products to provide their global customers with a range of products to satisfy their most demanding health and safety requirements. Securing healthy buildings "Gallagher is proud to offer our customers innovative solutions that meet today's demands," said Mark Junge, Global General Manager for Security at Gallagher. "This partnership is one of many activities that allow us to remain at the forefront as a security provider, and we look forward to offering our customers new technology options that complement our security platform and deliver a safer, healthier future.” “This distribution agreement with Gallagher allows Invixium to expand our global reach and respond to the needs of customers that demand high security,” said Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President at Invixium. “Our Healthy Access biometric solutions integrated with command center permit Gallagher customers to manage Invixium products from within command center easily and secure their healthy buildings for the future.”

Global security manufacturer, Gallagher Security, has launched Gallagher Care Plan, a tailored system and support package, designed to deliver significantly more value to software maintenance customers. Gallagher Care Plan Through the Gallagher Care Plan, customers will have access to added value and benefits, including an extension of the current five-year hardware warranty on selected Gallagher security solutions, allowing customers total warranty protection for up to 10 years. As with a number of recent product and service offerings, Gallagher will provide Care Plan at no cost to customers in their software maintenance program. Optimising system configuration Gallagher Care Plan was developed in response to Gallagher’s Voice of the Customer program, which highlighted an opportunity to help customers optimize their system configuration, gain a wider understanding of Gallagher solutions, and maximize the value of their investment. Through this new initiative, customers have access to support across four key areas: product releases and warranty, training, advisory services, and development, complementing the support and service offerings that they receive from their integrator. Innovating solutions Care Plan gives customers peace of mind that their Gallagher investment is optimized and protected now" Gallagher’s Global General Manager for Security, Mark Junge said, “Care Plan gives customers peace of mind that their Gallagher investment is optimized and protected now, and in the long term. Gallagher’s commitment to bringing innovative solutions to market, combined with benefits such as an incredible ten-year warranty, makes Care Plan an industry leading initiative.” Mark Junge adds, “It also represents an exciting opportunity for us to work closer with our customers and, along with integrators, deliver greater customer value through a broader collection of support offerings than ever before.” Online and in-person training courses As part of Gallagher’s commitment to product training and education, Gallagher Care Plan offers online and in-person training courses for customers, so that they can gain a deeper understanding of how their security system works, helping customers utilize their solution in the best way for their site’s unique needs. In the last 12 months, over 7,000 security professionals around the world have enrolled in Gallagher’s online training certifications. Customer operator and administration training will continue to be made available through the Gallagher Care Plan at no additional cost, with further online courses being continually added. Security Health Check and Contact Tracing Report  Gallagher Care Plan adds to Gallagher’s long history of delivering outstanding value, including an industry renowned warranty and the award-winning Security Health Check and Proximity and Contact Tracing Report tools, both made available free-of-charge to Gallagher’s customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.