Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 90 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Automated Gates & Barriers Focus on Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Under new legislation, public venues could be legally required to devise and provide specific security plans for a terror attack. Access control specialist, BFT Automation, is focusing on Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) solutions as part of a protective security strategy. Otherwise known as ‘Martyn’s Law’, the introduction of the Government’s Protect Duty Bill follows the campaign launched by the mother of Martyn Hett, who was among those who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. The Bill took a step closer to becoming legislation when it was included in the recent Queen’s Speech and covered legal duties to consider the risk of terror attacks in public places. As hostile vehicles have become increasingly relied on by those seeking to launch an attack, it’s important to consider Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) as part of a protective security strategy. BFT’s increased focus on HVM over recent years has seen the company harness its expertise in automated perimeter access control products for locations where these measures are needed. Finding the right solution There are numerous HVM solutions which range from automatic bollards, HVM street furniture to static columns and temporary barriers. “If rammed by a truck travelling at speed, conventional barriers may slow the vehicle, but could still be displaced beyond the point of impact and may still strike at anyone in the immediate vicinity,” explained Richard Winstanley, UK Sales Manager at BFT Automation. “The simplest and most versatile solution is to install anti-terrorism bollards, either fixed or retractable, which offer protection without impeding on the movement of pedestrians and cyclists.” Certified HVM bollards are not only designed and tested to withstand impact from vehicles of various sizes and designs but also at different speed ranges, for example, 30mph or 50mph. Fixed vs automated Fixed bollards are an ideal option for protecting a street entrance or in any other environment where a venue is accessed on foot or by bike, as there is no need to lower them to allow vehicles to enter. However, while barriers are designed to keep hostile vehicles out, security teams must also consider the need to allow emergency vehicles in, should the need arise. A solution such as retractable bollards offers flexibility to accommodate temporary changes in traffic flow, allowing access to emergency and operational vehicles. A flexible option BFT’s X-Pass range of automatic bollards is an ideal choice for settings where there’s a need for flexibility to accommodate temporary changes in traffic flow or events. Each bollard has its own self-contained hydraulic pump unit, allowing it to be raised or lowered with just one command. The bollards are equipped with a fail-secure system, meaning that in the event of a power failure, they remain raised, preventing unauthorised access. Furthermore, BFT’s automated bollards can be integrated into a building management system (BMS), where a security team would be able to control them, in the same way, they would a CCTV system and an alarm network. To complement this, the EFO (Emergency Fast Operation) – which rapidly raises the shaft in the event of an emergency – can be specified on the 1200mm bollard. All versions are equipped with an LED light crown and are available in a stainless steel finish. “Once a solution has been specified, BFT offers more than just a manual, with ongoing specialist support and expertise, including advice for installers on the correct fitting of our products, plus maintenance support,” said Richard. BFT is a member of the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA), the trade association for companies involved in the supply and installation of products designed to provide high levels of physical protection and intruder detection. BFT Automation is part of the Somfy group. For more information visit: www.bftautomationuk.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg2Nzk=