Office Security Upgrade

To create a secure line in the reception area Meesons installed and commissioned twelve small Security Portals, three large Security Portals along with surrounding ballistic rated glazing and framework to provide the required level of security and throughput for authorised users. The 24/7 operation of the Security Portals adds an additional layer of security to this highly secure building. The larger Security Portals allowed for authorised wheelchair access. A tiger trap interlock was also supplied and installed to cater for large delegations of visitors and VIP’s to access the building as required. Due to the building remaining fully operational and only the reception area to work in, phased deliveries were carried out to enable all contractors to work in the restricted space. With the site being a central London location and the only access across a pedestrian walkway, early morning deliveries had to be made. One of the key challenges encountered on this project was the size of the products being installed within an operational building. The refit and upgrade of the security was within the main reception area which posed a challenge in accessing the building with heavy and large products and equipment, along with working in the confined reception area with other contractors. Security and access for the building’s users needed to be maintained throughout the refit. To achieve this Meesons temporarily loaned five lanes of EasyGate SG 1000 Speed Gates on ramps to provide anti-tailgating detection for the interim staff entrance to the side of the building, whilst the security upgrade was being carried out. Both the temporary and new security needed to work in conjunction with the existing building management system. An on-site technical presence was also provided as the building went live to ensure the smooth transition from the old reception turnstiles and to educate building users on the operation of new Security Portals. Following further expansion and refurbishment of the reception area, a second phase of the project involved the installation of four small Security Portals to the existing secure line. This provided a higher throughput capacity following an increase in the number of building occupants.

On completion of the project the security enhancement provided accurate tailgating detection with an attack and bullet resistant security barrier, in-line with the assessed security threat levels. Martin Washby, Technical Services Manager at Meesons commented: "The Project provided a number of technical challenges for the installation team. Large installations such as this usually take place when a building is unoccupied, however in this instance the security upgrade was carried out whilst the building remained fully operational. The refit programme was delivered within tight timescales, whilst employees continued to work throughout it. The security phase of the project was delivered on time and with minimal disruption, resulting in a smooth transition to the new security measures."

Office Security Upgrade Case Study