Counter-Terrorism: Hostile Vehicle Mitigation With the threat level posed by terrorism in the UK currently set at ‘Severe’, Alice Higginson outlines what can be done by security professionals in their bid to protect crowded places Alice Higginson: Marketing and Sales Coordinator at Bristorm Protection for the Masses The nature of recent terrorist attacks – some of which have involved vehicles being used as weapons – has resulted in a clear focus for practising security professionals. When it comes to general street scenes, crowded and commercial locations, temporary high-profile events and Critical National Infrastructure protection, the attention is necessarily focused on making thorough site and operational assessments to identify vulnerable areas and access points that require solutions appropriate for mitigating a perceived threat. The need to protect and secure locations where the general public are present is increasing. This puts more pressure on security, risk and facility managers, architects and project engineers alike. Considering the integration of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) systems prior to the development of any new or existing site is crucial if appropriate defence measures are to be implemented. The standards associated with HVM systems are still not immediately recognised by the wider industry, often making it difficult for the necessary solutions to be specified and implemented. Alongside this, it’s important to recognise the external factors that may prevent appropriate HVM from being procured, such as cost, aesthetics, operational processes, controlling pedestrian flow and enabling access routes for maintenance and Emergency Services vehicles and personnel. Specific HVM solution manufacturers are now delivering technical presentations to architectural practises around the UK. This is a concept soon to be supported by the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association. There’s a limited understanding of the standards associated with HVM, but these presentations have allowed manufacturers to grasp the aesthetic requirements architects and project engineers have in mind when working on particular schemes. As a result, subtle, sophisticated and unique designs have been developed that will not compromise the overall performance rating of the HVM system. Mitigating the threat Limited understanding may result in the installation of unsuitable HVM systems, meaning that a perceived threat will not be mitigated. Other factors may include cutting costs on the system required, incorrect installation that’s non-compliant with BSI PAS 69 or IWA 14-2, a limited or lack of knowledge on the system required or that an insufficient site assessment was performed. Integrating aesthetics and HVM products will hopefully build a crucial bridge between manufacturers, architects, end clients, project engineers and the local Counter-Terrorism Security Advisors working on one particular project, therefore reducing the need to cut corners by installing inappropriate or untested HVM solutions. The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure has sponsored the development of BSI PAS 170, a Publicly Available Specification that describes an efficient way of testing the performance of a single bollard when hit by a 2,500 kg vehicle at low speed. BSI PAS 170 provides a quick, inexpensive and proportionate way of evaluating bollards that will be installed in a car park or retail outlet and typically be hit accidentally by a low speed passenger vehicle or a vehicle criminal at approximately 10 or 20 mph. BSI PAS 170- tested Stopper Bollards are currently the only systems commercially available in the UK, but they provide end clients, architects and project engineers with a cost-effective and reliable alternative when higher security solutions tested to BSI PAS 68 or its equivalent are not deemed to be essential. Most technical presentations focus on the HVM systems commercially available in the UK and the standards associated with these products, including the aforementioned BSI PAS 68, BSI PAS 170, IWA 14-1 and ASTM F2656-7/15. Testing procedures, compliancy and installation guidelines (BSI PAS 69 and IWA 14-2) are also discussed throughout to ensure that any HVM product may be accurately incorporated within all drawings and plans prior to beginning the procurement process. 36 www.risk-uk.com
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