Ensuring accessibility without compromising security

(02/12/2005)

The challenge of creating an effective balance between security and access control is steadily growing. In addition to preventing theft and vandalism, building and facility managers are increasingly being forced to compromise between the need to control and monitor the movement of both staff and the public, while allowing increased access as set out by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Until recently, access control or building security could often only be prioritised at the expense of the other, but new developments in lock and access control equipment look set to allow building managers to resolve this dilemma and to comply with ever tougher legislation.

prEN13637 European Building Hardware standard for electrically controlled emergency exit systems is already being adhered to throughout the UK. New buildings are already being scrutinised by Fire Officers and will not be approved if they do not comply with this regulation.

In particular, prEN13637 stipulates that all electrically controlled emergency exit doors must open under a side pressure of 1000N, yet be intrusion resistant. To meet this specification a new generation of electric locks is being introduced, offering exceptional performance – the effeff 351 RR AK RR for example has been tested to release up to 5000N.

Fire routes require a quick and safe exit, so standards such as BS EN179 and BS EN1125 must be followed. Final exit doors in particular can be operated using panic exit devices in conjunction with a lock that will open under side pressure. This type of device is available with mechanical or electrical operation; when connected to a central security system, electronic panic exit devices can improve levels of flexibility and security, and can be monitored and operated either remotely or centrally.

In addition, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) became law on the 1st of October 2004, and means that doors offering hands free operation will become commonplace. Designing building access control systems to include door operators, touch pads and even the correct door furniture from the outset will ensure that regulations are met

Access can also be provided to all legitimate visitors by means of a remote access switch controlled by a receptionist or security personnel. This device can, when linked through a door operator, allow the door to be unlocked remotely; and to ensure security is maintained, will relock once closed.

Products such as proximity readers allow balance to be achieved between the levels of access specified by the DDA and the need for adequate security. Unlike push buttons or swipe cards, which can be awkward or difficult for physically disabled people to use, these devices allow easy access while preventing unauthorised entry.

A range of products suitable for improving disabled access to buildings includes the hi-tech ABLOY Automatic Swing Door Operator, which is used extensively in banks, hospitals, hotels and increasingly in the homes of disabled people. Installed in conjunction with access control, interlocking and central locking systems, the door operators can offer high security as well as easy access.

Creating and maintaining buildings and working environments that provide both access and security has always been a challenge; however with the introduction of new technology and with the correct advice and product awareness, that challenge becomes considerably less daunting.

Related topics:  Access Control   Fire, Health & Safety 

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