EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS THE SAFEST ROUTE


In the event of a terrorist attack, careful planning is needed to move people to a place of safety without sustaining further injuries, as Adam Walsh, TMP Product Manager at Tensator explains.


Recent world events are a sobering reminder of just how vulnerable large public spaces are to terrorists, be they transport hubs or sports, shopping and entertainment centres. With vast numbers of people crowded together, perpetrators target these places precisely because they want to inflict the most harm on innocent citizens.


Acting on intelligence, conducting robust checks and reporting suspicious behaviour all help to reduce the risk of an attack, though security professionals are also conscious that nowhere is completely safe. It’s why they continually review and test their emergency planning policies to ensure they are prepared if militant individuals strike.


As part of their evacuation procedures, managers must give careful consideration to the risks posed by falling debris, hazardous substances and damaged equipment, including furniture and electrics. Secondary blast injuries, caused by flying fragments, can be life-altering or even fatal, so taking steps to avoid them is crucial for public safety.


Given the severity of such injuries, site teams are increasingly looking for ways to prevent further harm if a major incident does occur. At the same time, they’re under pressure to ensure people continue to move swiftly through the building, avoiding any unnecessary delays that might impact negatively on their experience – or indeed cause further injury.


The question of how to balance public safety with positive customer experiences during ‘normal service’ was crucial to the development of the Tensator Micam Protection (TMP) panel and wall systems.


Like the Tensabarrier system, widely deployed in the transport, retail and leisure industries, these barriers create a clear queuing process, while also directing people away from out-of-bound places. Incorporating blast-resistant Micam panels, these barriers are designed to absorb the impact of a blast, without shattering into potentially dangerous debris.


To achieve this, the TMP system was subjected to rigorous testing, including being placed under extreme pressure in line with UK legislation. During this process, large parts of the panel system remained intact, while any fragments were lightweight and harmless. The conclusion drawn was that it does not increase the chances of harm from a Person Born Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED).


These panels, which are also HSE-approved and ASIAD (Aviation Security in Airport Development) compliant, are now viable alternatives in places where acrylic and glass panels are frequently used.


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Such materials are extremely dangerous in the aftermath of a blast because they travel at high speeds and inflict damage outside the immediate vicinity. Safety glass, despite being shatterproof, is another hazard, since the force of an explosion might blow the whole sheet out of the frame, towards a member of the public.


When people need to be evacuated quickly, security teams need to mobilise safety equipment as soon as possible. Communicating the latest messages and ensuring there is a strategy for fast exits is key. Wherever possible, we advise our customers to include panic break tape ends on the Tensabarrier to make it easy to escape from queues.


The threat of terrorism remains very real, and while many of us will fortunately never encounter it first- hand, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare ourselves for the worst. Having a clear and well- rehearsed emergency evacuation plan which aims to reduce further damage will certainly provide reassurances that you are doing everything in your power to protect the public.


www.tensatorgroup.com. www.tomorrowshs.com


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