Heras announces drive towards simplified perimeter protection product range

A move towards a simplified range of permanent perimeter protection and entrance control solutions will be the platform from which Heras can achieve strong growth in 2022.

The company – which was founded in 1952 and has grown to become one of Europe’s leading end-to-end suppliers of permanent and mobile perimeter protection solutions – has been undertaking a wide-ranging review of its product portfolios to identify its most popular and adaptable lines and meet the changing needs of its customer base.

Heras has always prided itself on having an extensive range of solutions for nearly every eventuality of a site’s requirements and recognises the benefits of having a smaller selection of solutions as part of a plan to further improve its speed and agility to fulfil orders, deliver projects and maintain the highest standards of customer service.

The Group Product Strategy Review was initiated by Heras Group in the Netherlands and included all 25 European territories where the brand operates.

The process has been a challenging one. In the UK alone, the company serves sectors including transport and logistics, critical infrastructure and the utilities, manufacturing and industry, the Government sector, public places and recreation and retail and trade. The review has covered both the demarcation (fencing/railing) and entrance control (gates/barriers/bollards/blockers) product portfolios.

Strong message

Ian Crosby, chief marketing technology officer at Heras, has stated that, in days gone by, offering a comprehensive range of products sent out a very strong message to the market that Heras is a one-stop-shop provider of permanent perimeter protection and entrance control solutions, but the company recognises that too much choice could present its own challenges for customers.

“The Group Product Strategy Review has been a great opportunity for Heras to look at the changing needs of our customers and evaluate the process by which we present them with solutions,” explained Crosby. “Having a more targeted portfolio of products will be at the heart of a drive to improve the speed and efficiency of specifying the requirements of a site – and then the timescale for installation – as part of a fundamental requirement to improve the Heras experience.”

With its UK head office in Doncaster, Heras is also planning to use 2022 to embed two “ground-breaking” innovations that it launched last year.

In 2021, Heras introduced the next generation of perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDSs) to provide even greater levels of perimeter protection. Solutions were developed for high-security sites (such as infrastructure of national or strategic importance), but are also used for sites such as transport and logistics hubs (and notably so where there’s high-value stockholding).

The two systems, GeoMic and GeoPoint – which both have Pro versions – are designed to complement and greatly increase the overall effectiveness of both existing and specified perimeter protection fencing and gate lines.

PIDS are usually perimeter fence mounted (but they can also be wall or ceiling mounted) and installed on the fence fabric to detect any potential intruders attempting to enter a given site by climbing over, cutting through or even going under the fence.

Cloud-based portal

The other innovation that Heras launched last year, and which is currently rolling out, is Connect: a cloud-based portal that offers real-time insights into the status of an entrance control system, including swing, sliding and bi-fold gates, with remote monitoring of user access and automatic alerts and notifications via smart phone, tablet or PC.

The Connect solution enables end users to open access systems via mobile phone, as well as enabling Heras to provide remote and proactive monitoring of the systems. 

Crosby concluded: “2022 is going to be a very important year for Heras, not least because it marks our 70th Anniversary. The Group Product Strategy Review has been central to driving greater clarity from which we can deliver more effective solutions that support our ability to speed up the whole process of giving customers an exceptional experience.”

*Further information is available online at www.heras.co.uk

OPTEX and FiberSensys showcase advanced perimeter security solutions at Intersec

From 16-18 January, OPTEX and FiberSensys – both OPTEX Group companies – are showcasing their latest innovations in advanced perimeter protection and intruder detection at Intersec 2022.

OPTEX is demonstrating the latest evolution of its multi-award winning LiDAR sensor series, which featuring its longest range yet. The REDSCAN Pro Series consists of two models, the RLS-3060V and the RLS-50100V, offering 30 metres by 60 metres and 50 metres by 100 metres detection range respectively. It provides highly accurate detection outdoors and indoors, without any ‘gaps’ or the detection reliability ‘fading’ with range. 

The rectangular detection patterns provide “excellent” coverage for virtual wall applications, and for virtual planes to cover open areas, ceilings and roofs. Its innovative panoramic camera module means that detection can be visually verified through pre- and post-event images, as well as video stream footage.

Featuring advanced analytics, a high level of network communication security and ONVIF Profile S compliance, the REDSCAN Pro is the ideal solution to protect the highest security sites.

Terrain Defender 100 

FiberSensys will also be showcasing the Terrain Defender 100, the next generation of its buried sensor solution featuring point location. The Terrain Defender 100 provides one-metre target detection and adds another layer of precision and accuracy for perimeter protection for the most demanding sites such as military and nuclear bases, as well as VIP residences.

With the Terrain Defender 100, a detection field consisting of radio frequency energy is formed between two parallel buried leaky coaxial cables. Processors on both ends of this cable pair transmit and receive radio frequency energy forming a bi-directional static field using end-to-end correlation.

End-to-end correlation is a technology developed and patented by FiberSensys that dramatically increases the performance and reliability of buried radio frequency sensors, making the Terrain Defender 100 the best performing buried sensor available.

“We’re delighted to be able to meet with our customers and technology partners in person again and gather industry feedback,” enthused Masaya Kida, managing director of OPTEX EMEA. “Intersec provides the ideal opportunity for us to deliver an engaging and interactive on-stand experience to demonstrate our latest technologies and solutions for enhanced security.”

*Visit OPTEX and FiberSensys at Intersec 2022 on Stand S1-K33  

Gallagher’s perimeter security technology achieves latest CPNI standards

Gallagher’s Electronic Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (E-PIDS) now boasts an extra seal of approval having achieving the latest Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) standards, with the Z10 Tension Sensor added to the Catalogue for Security Equipment (CSE) for the first time.

Meeting these latest standards further demonstrates Gallagher’s commitment to delivering high-security solutions for Governments in the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance.

The CPNI is the UK Government’s National Technical Authority for physical and personnel protective security. To gain approval, systems must go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet the required standards outlined by the CPNI and provide the protection needed for the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure.

Gallagher’s latest range of perimeter technology solutions has once again successfully achieved the latest standards and remains in the CPNI’s CSE, with the addition of the Z10 Tension Sensor. The CSE is designed to help organisations choose appropriate physical security equipment that will then protect the assets for which they’re responsible.

Assurance for customers

“To be listed in the CSE provides assurance for all customers, not just those in the high-security and critical infrastructure space,” explained Richard Huison, regional general manager for the UK and Europe at Gallagher. “Businesses of all sizes and industries are adopting the attitude that: ‘If it’s good enough for the Government to use, then it’s good enough for my business as well’.”

Two variations of Gallagher’s Monitored Pulse Fence were tested. Both passed the CPNI’s stringent alarm threshold and full attack testing in an external environment over an eight-month period.

Huison has explained that the results of the false alarm testing over this period demonstrated the reliability of Gallagher’s Monitored Pulse Fence.

“We received a report every month,” affirmed Huison, “and there were no alarm activations that couldn’t be accounted for (ie adverse weather or wildlife interfering with the fence). For the majority of PIDS, these kinds of results are pretty much unheard of and validate precisely why our Monitored Pulse Fence is the ultimate in both deterrence and detection, providing outstanding performance levels for our customers.”

Huison continued: “Gallagher protects more than 800 UK sites with its perimeter technology. A large number of these sites are critical infrastructure or military-focused. Across the UK and Europe, we’re helping to keep the lights on, water flowing and the gas lit. Having a robust and resilient system in place with minimal false alarms is key to a successful solution for these customers.”

Richard Huison

Z10 Tension Sensor

Gallagher’s Z10 Tension Sensor was included in the latest round of CPNI testing and proved to be pivotal in achieving the latest standards. The Z10 Tension Sensor measures the mechanical disturbance of a tensioned fence wire to raise an alarm whenever a wire’s deflected during an attack. It continuously measures and reports wire tension in real-time to identify when maintenance is required, or if the security fencing has been damaged in some way.

“Our Z10 Tension Sensor is an absolute game-changer for perimeter detection,” observed Huison. “It adds an extra layer of security to the system that increases the probability of detection over and above the high probability of detection our Monitored Pulse Fence solution already provides.”

Also, the Z10 Tension Sensor takes cyber resilience to the fence line with the HBUS communication protocol, which itself protects against attacks, including sophisticated cyber attacks, between edge devices and control hardware, duly raising alarms if communications are tampered with in any way.

“If an attacker touches a Gallagher Monitored Pulse Fence, it gives them a compelling reason not to touch it again,” noted Huison. “While safe, people are inherently afraid of an electric shock. Over the years, monitored pulse fencing has proven to be the best and most effective intrusion detection and deterrent an organisation can choose at the procurement stage.”

‘Five Eyes’ nations

Gallagher has delivered systems to meet Government compliance standards, particularly so across the ‘Five Eyes’ nations, for more than 20 years now.

“As a responsible manufacturer, we’re committed to attaining the correct approvals and standards across all the markets in which we operate,” explained Kevin Godfrey, strategic business development manager for the UK and Europe at Gallagher. “It’s one of the things we do extremely well.”

Godfrey went on to state: “Achieving CPNI approvals and meeting national standards is recognised and valued by our customers and provides critical infrastructure and Government agencies alike with the assurance they need. It’s Gallagher’s investment in meeting these standards that has given us the longevity and continuity of business here in the UK for more than 25 years.”

Richard Huison concluded by observing that Gallagher is the only manufacturer that sits across multiple categories in the CSE, providing CPNI assurance across the various components that make up the Gallagher system.

“No other manufacturer sits across Access Control Equipment, CAPSS Approved and Detection and Tracking Systems which benefits customers with one robust, assured system from the perimeter to the core. This, along with the fact that Gallagher was invited to work with the Cabinet Office in the development and testing of GovPass, a new functional standard developed to provide one access credential for all Government buildings in the UK, is what sets us apart.”

Temporary high security perimeter protection delivered by Hörmann UK

Designed to realisee the very highest security standards, Hörmann UK offers a range of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) systems that deliver a flexible and temporary solution for the protection of entrances, outside venues and events.

OktaBlock, the company’s mobile vehicle blocker, has been developed as a direct response to ‘Vehicle-as-a-Weapon’-style terrorist attacks. Designed to replace temporary concrete or similar barriers, OktaBlock provides the highest standards in safety and flexibility, while also being easy to deploy without the costs normally associated with fixed security bollards or blockers.

Tested as a single module, OktaBlock has been proven to stop a 7.5-tonne truck travelling at 50 km/h and is certified according to international crash standards PAS68 and IWA14-1.

Ideal for areas where fastenings into the sub-surface are not possible, OktaBlock can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, thereby offering a completely flexible solution to meet each venue’s specific requirements.

Due to its axisymmetric geometry, OktaBlock has no predefined impact side, which means the angle of the collision is inconsequential, making it equally suitable for a variety of situations from narrow streets and cycle paths through to wider pedestrian areas. OktaBlock has been designed to be unobtrusive, making it suitable for specification throughout public spaces.

Recently, OktaBlock has been awarded the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure’s Vehicle Attack Delay Standard ratings in specific configurations using four to eight units. These can protect entryways from as little as 2.5 metres wide or linked together in sequence to prevent vehicle access to a much wider concourse, while in parallel still allowing free pedestrian access without bottlenecks.

OktaMover launch

The recent launch of the OktaMover manual handling device makes it simple to install and remove OktaBlock, while providing ease of access for Emergency Services/rescue vehicles as and when required. With its tamper-proof and non-flammable construction, there’s also no need for physical guarding before, during and after the event.

The Hörmann 500 SF and 1000 SF road blockers have been designed for the protection of temporary or permanent entrances and passages. Installed without the need for foundation works, they’re certified to PAS68/IWA14-1/ASTM standards, with the 1000 SF capable of withstanding the impact of a 7.5-tonne vehicle at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Offering a high visibility deterrent, the SF road blockers are available in two barrier heights, specifically 500 mm or 1,000 mm, and in widths of up to 5.5 metres. They’ve been developed to enable simple and fast fixing on to existing concrete finished floor surfaces without the need for costly groundwork, with only the provision of a suitable power supply needed.

Optionally fitted with an emergency fast operation function, both the 500 and 1000 SF road blockers are suitable for frequent use and capable of managing 2,000 cycles per day.

Effective physical security

Mark Lester, internal doors manager at Hörmann UK, explained: “Both the OktaBlock and SF range of road blockers provide effective security and are simple to install, making them ideal for situations where a temporary vehicle blocking solution is needed.”

Lester went on to state: “Both product ranges have been designed and developed to ensure that the exacting standards of protection required haven’t been compromised in any way. They can be used to provide flexible access control and security in a wide variety of applications.”

In conclusion, Lester noted: “They can be used to form part of a family of cutting-edge perimeter protection systems, all offering the Hörmann guarantee of reliability and high quality.” 

*For further information on Hörmann UK’s product suite visit www.hormann.co.uk

Jacksons Fencing’s EuroGuard security system specified for St George’s Church of England Foundation School

St George’s Church of England Foundation School in Broadstairs was founded in 1841. As members of staff work to educate and enrich the lives of 1,800 children aged from four up to 19 years old, they focus on values as relevant today as they were over 150 years ago: forgiveness, compassion and friendship.

The school prides itself on its history and Christian traditions. It aims to deliver an atmosphere where every student, member of staff and individual is appreciated, nurtured and supported regardless of their circumstances.

Recently, the school’s management appointed Jacksons Fencing to help create an environment where students and staff alike are safe while on site, and the buildings and school assets are protected out of hours. The physical space needed to be designed across two adjoining sites in order to achieve that aim.

Bigger, better, safer

The management’s main desire was to install fences around the perimeter of the school. This was felt necessary to ensure that those within the establishment are always safe and secure. Protective fencing was also considered vital in order to prevent any form of disruption to the students’ education.

Jacksons Fencing and St George’s Foundation School’s management agreed that one of the site’s boundaries needed to be expanded, while it was also decided that the pre-existing fencing had to match the newly installed fencing.

St George’s Foundation School’s management wanted fencing and gating which would be welcoming for staff, students and visitors alike. Anything too intimidating wouldn’t be conducive to a friendly or effective learning environment. Importantly, the new perimeter needed to both suit the natural surroundings and replicate the colour of the existing fencing.

372 metres of 1.8 metre-high green EuroGuard Flatform mesh fencing has now been installed around the school’s perimeter, along with 285 metres of the same product in black. Colours were applied within Jacksons’ powder coating facility in Ashford and selected to match the school’s existing fence lines.

Two EuroGuard Flatform heavy double leaf gates have also been installed to ensure secure access between the primary and secondary sites which have a public footpath running between them.

Safe and secure

Decision-makers at the school care passionately about the future of the premises and have a keen interest in sustainability. It was therefore important that all products would stand the test of time. Both the fencing and the gates are coated in a premium Galfan zinc alloy which provides long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion. As is the case with all of Jacksons Fencing’s products, they also come with a 25-year service life guarantee.

As a business, Jacksons Fencing also understands that schools need to protect against multiple threats, such as vandalism, burglary and trespass. EuroGuard Flatform fencing is designed with anti-vandal features and manufactured from high-quality materials to improve durability, thereby protecting the school’s grounds from a range of risks.

Peter Jackson, managing director at Jacksons Fencing, commented: “We’re delighted to have helped St George’s Church of England Foundation School create a secure environment for its staff and students.”

He continued: “In this post-pandemic world, so much is out of our control. Parents will need more assurance than ever before that their children are physically safe when they’re outside their care. We’ve worked closely with the team at the school to ensure the final solution is fit for purpose for the community both now and well into the future. We hope that our products will help ensure the students and staff at St George’s Church of England Foundation School feel welcomed, safe and secure as they use the school and its facilities.”

Gate Safe lobbies against sale of automated gate kits to members of the public

Gate Safe continues to challenge those in the gate manufacturing industry to play a stronger role in ensuring the safety of automated gates and barriers, including companies selling automated gate kits. The charity has set up a petition to lobby against the sale of such kits to members of the general public.

Currently, anyone can buy a kit to transform a regular manual gate into a potentially dangerous machine. Unsurprisingly, 96% of the Gate Safe installer community believe that such kits should not be readily available direct to consumers. There are several reasons why.

Automated gate kits will contain literature within the box of components and, within this, there will invariably be a mention of the fact that these kits should only be installed by a professionally trained installer. However, this important detail is generally only in the small print and can quite easily be missed. 

More significantly, by the time the purchaser reads this, the kit has already been purchased, presumably with the reader intending to undertake the necessary installation work themselves.

The kit may contain an operator, some electronics, a remote control device, some metal brackets and a pair of photocells. It’s likely that, in order to create a secure fitting of the ram on to the gate and post, a welder will be required. If the gate is hung on the back of the posts, the metal fittings provided may not even be suitable. Immediately, then, the product is not fit for purpose, but will the customer be prepared to pay for the cost of a welder? There’s every likelihood that the ram will not be fitted correctly and/or that a welder will not understand the correct positioning needed.

Pair of photocells

One pair of photocells will not be sufficient for any gate. There may be additional risks which need to be mitigated. How would a member of the public understand exactly where these photocells should be fitted?

Contact safety seems to be omitted from the majority of automated gate kits and, as per the photocells, even if safety edges are included, the untrained consumer wouldn’t know where these should be installed to mitigate all the risks or have the tools to fit them correctly.

Wiring the ram into the control board is not a job for an unskilled person, connecting the controls box to the mains even less so. Yet these kits happily advocate that such tasks should be undertaken by the purchaser.

The kits do not contain all the necessary components. For example, it’s unlikely that they will include the clips and fittings for cables to avoid them becoming caught up by a strimmer/mower. Another vital safety consideration overlooked, then.

There appears to be no guidance on the dangers associated with leaving unacceptable gaps between the gate and the post and recognising the risk of a child trying to squeeze under the gate or the potentially lethal crushing zone created if the gate opens against a brick pillar or similar.

Potential dangers

These are just the headline issues associated with automated gate kits, but the overriding concern is that a member of the public who has no previous experience in gate automation is likely going to be oblivious to the potential dangers of an automated gate and, doubtless, will not have undertaken a thorough risk assessment of the site. Such individuals are able to purchase a kit online with no questions asked.

Gate Safe wrote to both Amazon and eBay in 2019 questioning the validity of this approach, and with very disappointing results. Amazon advised that they had ‘forwarded this issue to the Product Safety team. Please be assured they’ll investigate this and take appropriate action.’ Needless to say, the charity is still waiting to hear from Amazon. Gate Safe will be appealing to both organisations to reconsider their responses.

Gate Safe will also be taking up this issue with the Advertising Standards Authority in the UK since advertisements for these kits are rife on Google in addition to other search engines.

Richard Jackson, founder of Gate Safe, commented: “Consumers will always seek out what they perceive to be a ‘bargain price’. It falls to installers to explain that skilled and professional expertise comes at a cost, but that in the long run having the job done by a suitably qualified installer is worth every penny. What price can you put on safety?”

Jackson added: “Those who choose to go down the DIY route may find themselves facing higher costs than anticipated, ending up with a gate that no competent gate installer will agree to ‘fix’. That would then leave them with an unsafe installation that’s capable of endangering the very people – that is their friends and family –it was intended to protect. Once again, it’s down to those who care about safety in the fencing/automated gate industry to initiate change.”

*The Gate Safe campaign to restrict the sale of automated gate kits to members of the public can be access online at https://bit.ly/3mrloQP. The petition is to be found on Change.org

OPTEX Redscan PRO LiDAR sensors fully integrated with Genetec Security Center for enhanced perimeter protection

OPTEX, the global sensor manufacturer, has announced that its Redscan PRO LiDAR sensors are now fully integrated with Genetec’s Security Center to provide enhanced perimeter protection for high-security sites.

The announcement follows a long period of engagement between the two businesses prior to the launch of the latest OPTEX sensor series to ensure the data and algorithms could be fully integrated and interpreted by the Genetec Security Center platform. By integrating the two technologies, a series of advanced features exclusive to Genetec have now been unlocked.

Genetec is the only company to leverage the live X&Y co-ordinates provided by the Redscan LiDAR to create critical area mapping and video tracking, including advanced intelligent features such as automatic target path fusion. This feature automatically merges singles out targets detected by multiple sensors together as one to help reduce the number of events presented via the Security Center Platform to the security staff and make them more relevant.

David Lenot, critical infrastructure practice lead at Genetec, informed Security Matters: “The integration of the OPTEX Redscan PRO Series into our Security Center solution is a game-changer for perimeter security. With detection, tracking and video verification all in one device, it’s not only more efficient and cost effective, but end user customers can now expect higher levels of security and surveillance than ever before.”

Automatic tracking

Automatic tracking of targets and camera handover is also enabled, duly providing a complete visual audit trail of events through a single interface. Additionally, the Redscan integration with Genetec can be used specifically in vertical mode to precisely map areas on a virtual wall. It could be mapping each window of a building façade, for instance, or each painting on a museum wall, in order to enable any intrusion or alarm to be quickly located and visualised.

Tomohiro Tsuji, general manager at OPTEX, believes that the shared beliefs and principles between OPTEX and Genetec have helped to build a strong working partnership.

“At OPTEX,” stated Tsuji, “we like to work in close collaboration with our partners to deliver the very best solutions. We have worked closely together with Genetec for a number of years now, with a clear focus on innovation and the integration of technologies to provide enhanced security solutions for our customers. Our latest collaboration enables a deeper level of integration between our technologies, delivering a truly advanced, secure and agile perimeter protection solution.”

The Redscan Pro Series – which includes two models, the RLS-3060V with a range up to 30×60 metres and the RLS-50100V offering up to 50×100 metres – provides highly accurate detection outdoors and indoors without any ‘gaps’ or the detection reliability ‘fading’ with range.

The rectangular detection patterns provide excellent coverage for virtual wall applications and for virtual planes to cover open areas, ceilings and roofs. Its innovative panoramic camera module means detection can be visually verified through pre- and post-event images, as well as video stream footage.   

*For more information and details on the OPTEX and Genetec integration visit https://www.optex-europe.com/integrations/genetec

Jacksons Fencing tasked with securing RAF heritage museum

With priceless heritage assets continually on display at the popular RAF Manston History Museum, appropriate security fencing is an essential requirement at the location. That being so, EuroGuard security fencing developed by Jacksons Fencing has been specified for the site’s perimeter zone.

From 1916-1996, Manston airfield located in East Kent was a Royal Naval Station and played an important role in shaping the history of Britain. Indeed, the RAF Manston History Museum was opened to commemorate the history of this famous airfield. 

Home to partial and whole aircraft and artefacts, the museum aims to reflect and educate visitors on the history of the airfield, squadrons and personnel spanning the period from World War I right up to modern search and rescue operations and the subsequent shift to civil aviation. Military vehicles can also be found on display inside the museum, including two WWI trucks that were used in the iconic film ‘War Horse’.

Attracting thousands of visitors every year, the museum is funded by income from admission fees and donations and run by volunteers.

Refurbishment project

Parts of the museum were built as far back as 1917, so it was decided that the leaking roof, outdated electrics and rather tired-looking exhibits were in need of refurbishment. In addition to the maintenance works being carried out, it was also decided that a café would be added using the traditional N.A.A.F.I (The Navy, Army and Air Force Institute’s) name, with the entrance and shop reconfigured to create a more welcoming space.

Additionally, a rare plane is being restored to its former glory in order to enable visitors to appreciate both the inside and outside of the cockpit. 

When COVID struck in March 2020, the museum was forced to close temporarily, duly resulting in a drastic drop in income. Funding for the refurbishment project was then raised by RiverOak Strategic Partners and donations from the local community. 

Rigid mesh panel

The EuroGuard V-mesh fencing system is profiled to create a rigid mesh panel that remains strong over time. With its 200 mm x 45 mm apertures, it provides high visibility, which simultaneously allows clear viewing of the planes on show, while also permitting surveillance of the surrounding area for security purposes. Another key consideration was that the fencing had to allow drivers a clear view at the junction. 

EuroGuard wires are measured before coating to provide an accurate indication of strength. The wires have a 5 mm diameter, with a zinc alloy treatment on top to provide superior protection against rust and corrosion. 

The fencing for this project was polyester powder coated green to blend in with the predominant colours of the vehicles and grassy areas around the site. A single leaf gate allows pedestrian access, whiled a double leaf gate has also been installed for vehicles and to allow ease of movement for transporting the planes.

Peter Jackson, managing director of Jacksons Fencing, explained: “The museum’s management team chose to invest in a long-lasting, high-quality fencing solution. From the raw materials we transform through to the fixings we use, every detail is designed with quality, longevity and security very much in mind. The fencing is helping to protect the site and will allow future generations to learn about its magnificent and important history for years to come.”

Rhinoguard Steel Gatekeeper offers protection for high-traffic environments

Offering versatile temporary protection for crowds at events and in high-traffic environments, Marshalls Landscape Protection’s RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper can provide protection against vehicles of up to 2.5 tonnes travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph.

As a surface-mounted solution, with no requirements for anchorage, RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper gives highway professionals, local authorities, landscape architects and specifiers complete flexibility when it comes to adopting temporary hostile vehicle mitigation measures. With no reliance on kerbing or structural aids, the lightweight solution, which is manufactured entirely in Britain, is perfect for short-term security at a wide range of events, such as sporting fixtures, concerts and pop-up markets.

Successfully crash-tested in accordance with the IWA 14.1 standard, the RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper is an easily deployed modular solution that can be lifted and installed by a team of four, thereby reducing on-site labour requirements and limiting disruption during the installation and removal processes. Similarly, the individual upright elements of the structure can be removed to allow immediate access for Emergency Services vehicles.

While providing superior protection against hostile vehicles, whether from intentional attack or accidental collision, the RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper solution is easily accessible for pedestrians. Additionally, it can be fitted with a retractable barrier tape to allow sections of the GateKeeper assembly to be closed or opened as required.

For those installations requiring vehicle access, drive-over ramps can be installed to support vehicles weighing up to 40 tonnes. Further, these can be used with or without protective GateKeeper uprights.

Quick and versatile solution

Jaz Vilkhu, managing director at Marshalls Landscape Protection, commented: “The RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper offers a quick and versatile solution. There’s complete flexibility, which means that local authorities and event organisers can protect buildings and spaces as required, without overly fortifying these areas when they’re not in use.”   

The modular system has been fully galvanised to protect against corrosion over its lifecycle. What’s more, it’s available with the option of powder coating and brand customisation. To this end, those adopting the solution can customise it with personalised brand logos or specific brand colours.

Additionally, the RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper is available in a number of standard shroud designs.

As well as delivering exceptional design versatility, the RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper can be effectively adapted to accommodate different needs. For example, the solution can be fitted with a more compact end piece for those installations where space is limited.

Also, kerb transition joints can be used to allow GateKeeper assemblies on roads and footpaths of varying heights to be connected in a single continuous run. Finally, a docking station can be fitted to provide storage for installations where uprights and shrouds need to be removed.

*To download a copy of the RhinoGuard Steel GateKeeper brochure, access this link: https://media.marshalls.co.uk/image/upload/v1608210424/RhinoGuard-GateKeeper-Mini-Brochure.pdf

Saros traffic barrier adds to Heras’ car park entrance control portfolio

Heras – the end-to-end supplier of permanent and mobile perimeter protection solutions – has launched the Saros electro-mechanical traffic barrier. Suitable for sites (such as commercial car parks and industrial site entrances) with controlled vehicle entry, Saros has been designed and developed by Heras to meet all market-led functionality and safety requirements and offers a highly functional, reliable and affordable barrier option.

Saros can withstand harsh external conditions, making it particularly suitable for areas such as coastal regions or other places that are prone to strong winds. Rigorous product testing, analysis and calculations have confirmed this.

Even with the arm in a raised position, the four-metre model can withstand wind class 3, which is categorised as a violent storm with wind speeds of more than 70 mph. The six-metre version can withstand wind class 2, which is categorised as a storm with wind speeds approaching 60 mph.

Saros is an electro-mechanical barrier with a fast and efficient operation, making it a great addition to the current offering of the B411, B420 and 94x Series electro-hydraulic traffic barriers.

Heras’s product manager Jonathan Broughton informed Security Matters that the Saros traffic control system has demonstrable longevity, operating reliably over long periods, meaning that there’s no limitation on the number of operations it can perform. This makes it an ideal barrier for busy locations.

Compliant with the latest safety standards, the barrier can provide a ‘plug and play’ solution that’s safe, robust and reliable.

Extensive research and testing

“Saros was developed after extensive research, investigation, design, development and testing,” said Broughton. “The product came alive because of the work of Heras’ own Product and Development Department.”

The introduction of Saros further strengthens the company’s product offer across its five core areas of expertise: demarcation products, entrance control products, detection products, integrated systems and service and maintenance.

Heras is constantly innovating in terms of its existing product ranges and also bringing new developments to market in order to provide an holistic portfolio of perimeter protection solutions. Saros marks another step forward for the company and comes hot on the heels of its launch of the next generation of perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS).

Heras has built on the first generation of PIDS with significant innovations that have resulted in a new and simplified portfolio with next generation capabilities that provide even greater levels of perimeter protection. They can be used on sites with specific security and perimeter protection requirements, such as at warehouses and distribution centres where there is high-value stockholding.

The new GeoMic and GeoPoint systems – which both have pro versions – are designed to complement and greatly increase the overall effectiveness of both existing and newly specified perimeter protection fencing and gate lines.

*Further information is available online at https://www.heras.co.uk/products/entrance-control/barriers/barrier-saros/