What are the top reasons to install automatic gates for schools? Update your school security and convenience with automatic gates. Explore key reasons to install: enhanced access control, improved safety, streamlined traffic flow, aesthetic appeal, and advanced campus management. Secure Automation offer made to measure access control and gate installation for schools throughout Newcastle and Tyne And Wear. Discover the advantages now!
Gate Safety for Schools
Gate safety is of paramount importance in schools to ensure the well-being of students, staff, and visitors. It requires careful consideration of installation, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines.
By implementing robust security measures and following best practices, schools can create a secure environment for all. Let's explore the key aspects of gate safety in schools.
Prior to installation, a thorough risk assessment should be conducted by a competent and suitably trained installer.
This assessment evaluates potential hazards and determines appropriate safety measures for the specific gate installation. It is crucial to enlist the services of professionals who have the expertise to identify potential risks and implement necessary safety precautions.
All automated gates and barriers must be fitted with multiple safety devices or features. These include photocells, light curtains, laser scanners, and pressure edges. These devices detect obstructions and prevent the gate from closing, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Gates should bear the CE/UKCA marking, indicating compliance with safety standards. Full training should be provided to staff upon gate installation, ensuring they understand gate operation, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
Access to manual release keys should be readily available to authorised personnel for situations requiring the manual operation of the gates.
Routine maintenance by qualified professionals is crucial. Gates and barriers should undergo maintenance every six months, or more frequently for heavily used gates. Regular maintenance checks ensure the gates operate smoothly and safely, identifying and addressing any potential issues promptly.
Relevant staff members should be trained in manually operating the gates and have easy access to release keys. They should understand how to place the gate into manual operation mode during power failures or emergencies. This empowers staff to respond effectively and safely in such situations.
Additionally, routine checking and monitoring of gates and barriers should be conducted by designated staff members. This helps ensure their ongoing functionality and identifies any maintenance or safety concerns. Regular checks contribute to a proactive approach to gate safety.
Physical Vulnerabilities for School Premises
Primary and secondary schools serve as accessible spaces for students, parents, teachers, contractors, and visitors. However, it is essential to strike a balance between accessibility and safeguarding children within the school perimeter.
By addressing physical vulnerabilities, schools can enhance security without compromising their open and inclusive ethos. Let's explore some common vulnerabilities and effective solutions for securing school premises.
One area of vulnerability within schools is the staff car park, which serves as a point of access for both staff and external visitors. Managing this area can be challenging, but automatic gates have emerged as a popular solution.
Working closely with schools, companies like 1st Choice Security Systems offer tailored gate solutions that provide enhanced security. These range from fully automated systems to gates utilising swipe cards or keypads for staff access, while incorporating access control measures such as video surveillance or intercom systems for visitor management.
Implementing access control systems is another effective measure to enhance safety within school premises. 1st Choice Security recently installed an access control system at a school in Hertfordshire.
This system allows staff to have real-time visibility of individuals present on the premises during the school day. Before being granted entry, visitors seeking access to the premises are assessed by a member of staff, ensuring a secure and monitored environment.
Furthermore, the integrated access control system and fire alarm system provide a seamless safety solution. In the event of a fire, all doors automatically become free access, facilitating a swift and safe evacuation for staff and students from the school buildings.
This integration highlights the importance of leveraging access control technology not only for security but also for emergency preparedness.
Why Schools Should Have An Automatic Gate System
In today's increasingly security-conscious world, schools face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors.
Implementing an automatic gate system provides numerous benefits that enhance security, efficiency, and aesthetics. Let's explore in more detail the key reasons why schools should consider investing in an automatic gate system.
Deterrence: Enhancing School Security
One of the primary advantages of an automatic gate system is its powerful deterrence factor. The presence of security gates acts as a strong visual deterrent, sending a clear message that the school takes security seriously.
Potential intruders are less likely to attempt unauthorised access when faced with a robust physical barrier. By investing in security gates, schools create a safer environment, reducing the risk of incidents and promoting a strong sense of security for students, staff, and parents.
Cost-Effective: Long-Term Savings
While the initial investment in an automatic gate system may seem significant, it offers long-term cost savings for schools. By effectively controlling access, schools can prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the premises, reducing the need for additional security personnel.
Moreover, automated gates minimise the risk of vehicle accidents within the school grounds, potentially saving on insurance costs. Additionally, modern automatic gate systems are designed for durability, requiring minimal maintenance and providing reliable performance over an extended period.
This results in reduced maintenance expenses and long-term savings for the school, allowing resources to be allocated to other critical areas.
Safety: Protecting Students and Staff
The safety of students and staff is of utmost importance in schools. Automatic gate systems offer enhanced safety by providing controlled access to the premises.
With features such as access control technologies, including key cards or biometric scanners, schools can ensure that only authorised individuals can enter the campus.
By restricting vehicular access during school hours, automated gates create safer pedestrian areas, minimising the risk of accidents and improving overall safety for everyone within the school community.
The controlled access also allows for better monitoring and identification of individuals on the premises, further enhancing the safety measures and providing greater peace of mind for the entire school community.
Visitor Control: Managing Access Effectively
An automatic gate system allows schools to efficiently manage visitor access. By integrating access control technologies, such as video surveillance or intercom systems, schools can vet and authorise visitors before granting them entry.
This ensures that only authorised individuals gain access to the premises, providing an additional layer of security. Visitor management becomes streamlined, enabling staff to focus on their primary responsibilities while ensuring the safety of students and staff.
This also helps in maintaining a record of visitors and their activities, enhancing accountability and safeguarding the school environment.
Aesthetics: Enhancing the School Environment
In addition to the functional benefits, automatic gate systems contribute to the overall aesthetics of the school environment. Modern gate designs can complement the architecture and landscaping, enhancing the visual appeal of the premises.
Schools can choose from a range of gate styles, materials, and finishes to create a welcoming and professional appearance that aligns with their brand identity. The enhanced aesthetics not only improve the school's image but also create a positive impression on students, staff, and visitors, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
Investing in an automatic gate system is a proactive step for schools to strengthen security, improve access control, and enhance the overall environment.
By deterring unauthorised access, achieving long-term cost savings, ensuring safety, effectively managing visitors, and enhancing aesthetics, schools can create a secure and welcoming environment that fosters a conducive learning environment for students and provides peace of mind for staff and parents.
Are you looking for school gates installation and automation in Tyne and Wear? Find out more about our automatic gates throughout Northumberland, Sunderland and Newcastle.