THE ROLE OF ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS IN ENHANCING BUILDING SAFETY Jane Elvins, Specification and Business Development Manager at GEZE UK, delves into the role of access control systems in enhancing building safety. In today’s environment, ensuring building safety has become a top priority for businesses. Access control systems - including speed gates, turnstiles, and revolving security doors - are instrumental in enhancing the safety and security of modern structures such as office buildings, airports, data centers, stadiums, and gyms. First of all, when reviewing manufactures of these systems, its imperative to ensure they are adhering to the EN 17352:2022 standard. This specifies the
requirements and test methods for power operated pedestrian entrance control equipment, as well as the level of safety which can be expected of each product type. With that in mind, let’s now explore how access control systems can play a crucial role in building safety: Preventing Unauthorised Access: The primary function of access control systems is to prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas within a building. Speed gates, turnstiles, and revolving security doors work by allowing only individuals with valid credentials - such as access cards, biometric scans, or keypads - to enter. This prevents unauthorised persons from entering sensitive or secure areas, such as offices, server rooms, or executive floors. Speed gates, in particular, are widely used in high- traffic areas, offering both speed and security. They allow quick passage for authorised individuals while stopping unauthorised access in its tracks. Turnstiles provide a more robust physical barrier, ensuring that people can only enter one at a time, reducing the risk of tailgating or unauthorised group entry. Mitigating Security Threats: Access control systems help mitigate a wide range of security threats. For instance, they reduce the likelihood of theft, espionage, or vandalism by restricting access to sensitive areas. In a corporate building, this could
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