Introduction
Security walling systems can be used to provide enhanced levels of security around important assets, sensitive material or people. NPSA has designed walling systems to meet a range of threats including:
- Resistance to forcible entry
- Resistance to marauding terrorist attack
- Ballistic resistance
- Blast protection (either external or internal)
- Evidence of attempted surreptitious entry
Applications
Typical applications include for example:
- Secure working areas
- Secure rooms
- Security control rooms
- Protected spaces, including safe havens
- Armouries
Considerations
Where there is a need to use security walling systems, the following considerations should be taken into account:
- the need to protect against more than one type of threat (e.g. blast and ballistic attack, blast, ballistic and forced entry resistance etc). It is not uncommon for products on the market to specialise in the protection against one type of threat rather than multiple threats
- that doors, windows and other openings provide a comparable level of security
- that the rooms/area themselves are located in the least vulnerable locations
- that the requirements for protection against surreptitious attack are not confused with providing protection against more violent threats
- for protection against surreptitious attack, it is important to confirm that the requirements cannot be delivered through the use of alternative and potentially cheaper solutions; for example using a secure container to protect against sensitive documents rather than building a whole room to secure such items.
NPSA have created a number of generic standard designs which are based on NPSA’s SME knowledge and research to mitigate the threats stated above and are listed in NPSA's Catalogue of Security Equipment (CSE).
NPSA also offer technical drawing packs which aid the design and construction for walling systems constructed with commonly available building materials. To request access to these packs, please complete the Multi Threat Walling Systems request form. Please note that each case will be individually reviewed - access to the packs is not guaranteed.
NPSA has created guidance to assist end users to understand what could be the most appropriate forced entry standard used within the UK (Forced Entry Standards – A guide to forced entry protection standards for facades and other building elements used within UK).
NPSA has also created a MTA standard (MTAS) which explains how the standard classifies the delay a product provides to such entry attempts by attributing one or more performance levels to a product. The sophistication levels are BASIC, LOW, MODERATE, HIGH and EXPERT.
There is a diversity of security walling systems available some of which are modular allowing secure spaces to be retrofitted into an existing building environment. Before making modifications to the building, it is necessary to ensure that floors and the building frame are capable of taking the additional weight of the walling and any items placed within.
Clients of NPSA should contact their adviser for further information on suitable solutions. Other readers should engage the services of a reputable security consultant with demonstrable experience in the relevant area.