Incorporating entrance security measures within your data centre security provision will help to further reduce the risk of intruders gaining access to the valuable data stored in your facility.
A secure perimeter needs secure entry and exit points, which don’t create areas vulnerable to attack.
Deciding upon whether you need turnstiles with your data centre security fencing will very much depend on the amount of control you need to have over ingress and egress.
In this post, we identify best-practice solutions for data centre turnstiles, helping you decide what provision is right for you.
TurnGuard turnstiles
A turnstile that matches your LPS 1175 certified fence line
Entrances should uphold the same security rating as to your fence line. Failure to do this will result in creating a ‘weak spot’ within the perimeter, making it vulnerable to would-be attackers.
This is particularly important if your turnstile forms part of high security, tested fencing system, as it could well be the first point of attack in the event of a security breach.
Opting for a perimeter security provider that offers turnstiles that match security fencing is strongly advised. Here at Barkers, we have developed 3 turnstile variations that seamlessly match any of the Barkers LPS 1775 certified fence ranges. They are:
- TurnGuard Pro SL1 – LPS 1175 A1 (previously SR1) with SecureGuard SR1 or Twinguard SL1 infill
- TurnGuard Pro SL2 – LPS 1175 B3 (previously SR2) with StronGuard SR2 or SecureGuard SL2 infill – with SecureGuard SL2 infill, the turnstile is also accredited to C1.
- TurnGuard Pro SL3 – LPS 1175 C5 (previously SR3) with StronGuard SR3 infill
If you aren’t providing a security tested perimeter we also have:
Data centre turnstiles: key features to look out for
When specifying turnstiles for data centres, there are numerous characteristics that you should be aware of/lookout for.
These days, turnstiles don’t just facilitate safe, authorised access into a building; they’re highly technical pieces of equipment, and when used correctly, can increase efficiencies within your setting, whilst improving security provision.
Here are some key features to look out for:
- Compatibility
Is your turnstile compatible with access control systems? We would advise a passive access control system that automatically records data and are coded to perform specific functions.
For example, requiring a key code entrance to enter a locked room is a form of passive access control because nobody is actively monitoring that device. The information from these access control systems can be saved to view later. This data can be crucial in aiding investigations from any wrongdoings which may have occurred.
- Fire alarm functionality
Does your turnstile integrate with your fire alarm? In the event of a fire, your turnstile should facilitate the safe evacuation of a building.
- Programmable control panel
This makes for much more efficiency when entering and exiting the premises.
In addition to the above, it’s crucial that a turnstile is compliant with all the latest safety standards. We recommend a turnstile that is force tested to 1200 Newtons, and one that has been 100% duty rated for long-lasting heavy-duty performance.
Conclusion
Each data centre is different, and this will reflect the level of security you go for. To recap:
- Your data centre turnstile should match the performance of your perimeter fencing.
- Turnstiles provide a much higher degree of control than pedestrian gates
- Check your turnstile is compatible with your access control system, is safe and user friendly.
At Barkers, we’ve recently launched our latest turnstile range, TurnGuard Pro to match all of our LPS 1175 accredited fencing systems. Each variant has been carefully designed to resist attack to the desired threat level. Ideal for industrial, data centres, utilities, vaccine and biochemical facilities, military and critical national infrastructure.
