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Security and protection

Barriers and building security equipment

We advise on physical security measures for government buildings to help protect them against terrorist attack.

FenceOur physical security work

We advise on the most secure and appropriate type of fences, doors and walls to use to protect buildings. We also provide advice on security equipment such as safes, locks and window protection. Our work includes:

  • undertaking trials of security equipment, fences and barriers to establish their suitability for government use
  • research into, and trials of, new equipment and materials for physical security applications
  • developing standards for testing physical security equipment
  • undertaking structural surveys for the police in support of major events such as party political conferences
  • conducting research, including explosive and ballistic trials, to develop protective materials and standards
  • training, for example at the Police National Search Centre.
  • attending security incidents to gather data to help research into future protective measures and preparing incident reports

Recent projects

  • The Glazing Hazard Guide to enable consultants working for government to specify glass to withstand specific blast threats
  • Standards for ‘blast resistant’ litter bins, designed to withstand a certain size of explosive device
  • Standards for Perimeter Intruder Detection Systems (PIDS)  designed to promote the development of PIDS that best suit government security requirements while not inhibiting the development of novel solutions to existing problems. 

See also

Contact Us

If you have an enquiry or request, you can contact us at HOSDB or call us on 01727 865051.  If you do not know who you want to speak to, call our Information Service on 01727 816400

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