Perimeter access controls

Restricting access to your facilities with perimeter access controls can help your organisation to reduce threats.

Some types of perimeter access controls are:

• fences and walls
• pedestrian barriers
• vehicle barriers.

Work out if your organisation needs perimeter access controls during your security risk assessment and before you complete any site selection process.

Fences and walls

Fences and walls are used to define and secure the perimeter of a facility.

Fences might not be practical in urban environments, particularly in central business districts.

The level of protection a fence gives depends on its:

• height, construction, material, and access control method
• any additional features used to increase its performance or effectiveness, such as topping, lighting, or connection to an external alarm or CCTV system.

If you choose to use fences or walls to deter unauthorised access, you must develop supporting procedures for:

• monitoring and maintaining the fences or walls
• monitoring the grounds for unauthorised access.

Make sure any access points are at least as strong as any fence or wall you use.

Related standards

• BS 1722-12:2006 Fences - Specification for steel palisade fences
• BS 1722-14:2006 Fences - Specification for open mesh steel panel fences
• AS 1725:2003 Chain-link fabric security fencing and fates — chain-link fences provide minimal security unless used with other security measures, such as perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS)
• AS/NZS 3016:2002 Electrical installations - Electric security fences

Pedestrian barriers

Pedestrian barriers are used to restrict access through fences or walls by controlling the entry and exit points.

Examples of pedestrian barriers are:

• locked gates
• gates connected to electronic access control systems (EACS) or alarm systems
• guard stations
• turnstiles.

Vehicle barriers

Vehicle barriers are used to prevent hostile vehicle attacks. Vehicle related threats range from vandalism to sophisticated or aggressive attacks by determined criminals or terrorists.

Examples of vehicle barriers are:

• gates
• retractable barriers or bollards
• fences and walls
• bunds and berms.

More information on selecting the right fixed barrier for your needs:

• PAS 69:2013 Guidelines for the specification and installation of vehicle security barriers
• Hostile vehicle mitigation

 

Page last modified: 27/11/2020