Challenge

The data centre market continues to enjoy rapid growth both at a global and national level. Whether a company chooses to fund its own data centre or accesses the services of the increasing number of outsourced data centres, a key factor will always be the resilience of the security measures that are in place to ensure a continuous seamless operation.

A data centre client approached Jacksons Fencing with a very specific requirement. The main priority was to achieve a high level ring of security around the site, while also shielding the building to minimise visual access and prevent any witnesses to the day-to-day activity on the premises.

Solution

Secured by Design accredited Trident Jakoustic 3 was identified for the primary fence, providing a high security timber and steel mesh barrier system. Its robust layer of steel meshing is highly resistant to cutting by power tools. The closely fitting panels possess efficient acoustic qualities and provide a dense barrier which results in zero viewing opportunities.

Perimeter fencing features Alarm-aFence®, a combined alarm and electric fence deterrent that administers a non-lethal electric shock to intruders, and raises the alert that site security has been breached.

Another concern was the risk of travellers trying to gain entry to the front of the site. Steel bow top fencing was installed at the car park providing an aesthetically pleasing yet strong demarcation solution. An automatic traffic arm barrier provides an effective means of monitoring access.

The use of the highest security measures was imperative for the main access point to the building which needed to take into consideration the regular flow of 55ft articulated lorries. While essential to the site's daily operation, this traffic flow needed to be managed to ensure there would be no compromise on overall security. Jacksons’ installed an airlock by including two speed gates, creating a secure area where only one gate could be opened at a time. To accommodate the site's large vehicle traffic, the airlock was created in the shape of a parallelogram. The first PAS 68 crash rated speed gate was installed by Jacksons and a second bi-folding speed gate. Both can be used without the use of a bottom or top track, eliminating height restriction issues and negating the need for large tracks on the road. Automatic rising bollards were incorporated at the top of the ramp leading to the goods loading area within the site.

PAS 68 crash rated bollards surround the front of the building and are located next to the crash rated speed gate to the rear, delivering the finishing security protocol detail.

Outcome

The end result is an impressive - but not oppressive - ultra secure site ideally placed to deter, detect and if necessary withstand a possible security attack.

jacksons-security.co.uk