SAFETY & SECURITY Secure in the knowledge
Stuart Glen of Jacksons Fencing discusses the considerations that need to be taken into account when specifying security fencing
pecifying fencing for safety and security purposes requires careful consideration of key components that will ultimately determine whether the chosen solution will stand the test of time, and serve the purpose it was designed for. The type of fence that should be specified depends on the application. For perimeter security, look for steel fencing that has been designed to British Standards and is galvanised or zinc alloy coated for long- lasting protection. The main types of perimeter security fencing are welded mesh panels and vertical bar railings, and there are many variations of each. Both can offer good visibility and do not impede surveillance, are aesthetically pleasing, and offer excellent security against climbing and attempted breaches. For welded mesh panels, wire thickness is a key indicator of quality and compliance with the various British Standards. Welded mesh fence panels are almost always sold with a protective coating covering the wire. Some manufacturers measure their wire diameters after the coating is applied. A smaller diameter wire with a heavier layer of coating will not provide the same structural strength and resistance to cutting as a product made from heavier diameter wire, even though both will be shown as being the same diameter.
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When choosing vertical bar railings, look for fencing with welded pale-through-rail construction (the pale being the upright itself). Pales that are affixed on the front of rails can be easily removed to create a gap in the perimeter, while pales which are inserted through rails and welded have no visible fixings, and create an extremely secure fence.
For areas where children are present, such as play areas, the safety of the fencing is just as important as the play equipment within. Look for RoSPA-approved designs, and fencing designed to BS EN 1176 with anti-trap properties. Fencing that can't be easily vandalised is essential to avoid creating an unsafe scenario of broken fencing and hazardous nails sticking out.
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Where noise reduction is required in addition to security, look for tested acoustic barriers with an anti-climb flat profile, no gaps that would allow sound to escape or which would provide a foothold, and a solid construction to increase privacy. There are also LPS 1175 rated versions available; these are an ideal choice for data centres. The height of the fencing specified will depend on the type of property it is securing. School perimeters should ideally have fences of between 1.8 metres and 2.4 metres, while high security sites such as data centres and utilities generally require fencing of at least 3 metres, and prisons may have at least 5 metre high fencing. Playgrounds will require much shorter fences at a minimum height of 1 metre to allow for independent play, without creating an intimidating environment.
ADF DECEMBER 2020
With all of us trying to make more responsible, sustainable choices, it’s important to choose fencing that has a traceable supply chain, and which offers a long guarantee
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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