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209 Guide To Security Turnstiles
209 Guide To Security Turnstiles
security turnstiles
July 2014
For other information please contact:
Form No. 209 Issue 1.1 © This document is the copyright of the BSIA and is not to be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.
Acknowledgments
The BSIA acknowledge the assistance given by the following member companies for the development of this guide:
The material in this guide is for general information and is not intended to constitute professional advice. No liability is
accepted for reliance upon this guide.
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Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Scope 4
3. Terms and Abbreviations 4
4. Types 5
5. Security levels 6
6. Typical Locations & Example Use 7
7. Systems Integration 8
8. Interconnection 9
9. Installation Requirements 9
10. Configuration 10
11. Environmental Benefits 12
12. Insurance requirements 12
13. Service and Maintenance 12
14. Standards & legislations 12
15. Summary 12
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1. Introduction
A turnstile or entrance control system is designed to deter or completely stop unauthorised entrants, whilst enforcing
the use of an access control system to ensure the ‘one token one person’ rule applies. Security levels vary depending on
style and type of the products.
2. Scope
This guide provides details of the different style and type of turnstile systems, along with an indication of installation,
interconnectivity and interoperability of available systems. Comparisons between styles and types are included to help in
the specification of the correct product.
Anti-piggybacking: Where methods have been put in place to avoid unauthorised people gaining access to a secured
area by passing through in collusion with another person who does have authorisation.
Anti-tailgating: Where measures have been taken to avoid an unauthorised person following another through a
secured entrance way, therefore achieving access without the authorised person’s knowledge or consent.
Biometric Control: The use of biological features i.e. Fingerprints, eyes, voice etc to ensure that the user is carrying
their access control card and that fraudulent entry is not being gained by a 3rd party.
Breakaway force: The level of force, required by the turnstile user, to collapse the turnstile barrier or barriers to allow
emergency escape.
DDA Compliance: Indicates whether a particular product is capable of allowing use by a disabled person.
Previously this related to The Disability Discrimination Act, 1995. The applicable Act (except in Northern Ireland) is
now The Equality Act 2010. For further information refer to BSIA Form 173, An Access Control Guide to Disability
Discrimination.
Fail safe: The turnstile will collapse or release all locking to allow non-secure egress during an emergency situation.
Used in the majority of situations as part of a cohesive fire strategy.
Fail secure: During an emergency situation the turnstile will ensure that any user is not `trapped’ within the unit before
locking to ensure that security is maintained in all situations.
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Optical turnstiles: Turnstiles that monitor the number of transactions, and detect unauthorized entry and signal this
through an alarm of some form rather than a physical barrier.
Return signal: A signal or pulse from a turnstile to signify that a user has activated/used/or carried out an unauthorised
passage through the units.
Volumetric security: A security measure (normally used to prevent piggy-backing) where the physical volume of the
turnstiles user is measured rather than purely the weight.
Weight sensing: A method of preventing piggy-backing by the turnstile weighing the occupant(s) of the turnstile during
operation. If the weight exceeds the permissible weight of user, access will be denied.
4. Types
Tripod Barrier
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5. Security levels
The majority of waist height turnstiles are reliant on the user responsibility to prevent collusion between users enabling
unauthorised ingress/egress.
Key:
1
Indicates whether a product of this type is typically DDA compliant. Products vary and compliance can be dependent on other circumstances
2
Level of physical security in comparison with other types
3
Speed measured in persons per minute
4
Level of emergency access for this type of product
5
DDA access possible depending on diameter
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6. Typical Locations & Example Use
Key
Financial
• Banks
• Data Centres
• Protecting areas containing
sensitive data
Airports
• Passenger separation
• Self check-in
• Self boarding
Leisure
• Stadiums
• Museums
• Theme parks
• Libraries
• Attractions
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7. Systems Integration
Security turnstiles can be integrated with the following peripherals, with many physically integrated within the body of
the units:
Care must be taken to ensure the access control reader choice is compatible with the usage and speed of the chosen
turnstile. Proximity readers will provide higher flow of traffic, whilst bio-metric readers may be deemed inappropriate for
an optical type turnstile.
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8. Interconnection
Most turnstile manufacturers are fully compatible with the majority of access control systems in the market today,
purely requiring a two door controller to control ingress and egress through the units.
Two separate inputs are required, per barrier, to operate the unit in each direction, in the majority of cases being a
normally open, going closed connection.
Other inputs may include visitor access and override + modes and operation controls. The majority of units provide a fire
alarm input to allow emergency egress, either allowing break-out or providing unhindered egress if required.
Outputs will give passage confirmation in each direction for accurate occupancy counting and appropriate use of the
chosen security method. Alarm state outputs are provided, either remotely or within the unit, to indicate a security
breach or misuse.
Newer products are capable of direct connection, control and monitoring over existing Ethernet networks ensuring full
compatibility with IP Access Control, CCTV and Building Management Systems with no need for further connection.
9. Installation Requirements
Units will require a structurally sound, level surface to allow their installation and to ensure reliable operation, but
specialist fixings can be used to allow installation on raised access floor and soft screed finishes.
All units will require a number of input and outputs which are facilitated by conduits located within the floor, the design
of which should always be referred to the manufacturer for details.
In existing locations, where the user does not wish to damage the existing floor, the majority of turnstile types can be
installed on raised plinths which allow the units to be easily removed, and does not necessitate the adaptation of floor
finishes.
Full height units can be cabled from above which make the installation easier with less disruption being required to the floor.
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10. Configuration
As a rough guide when calculating the number of turnstiles required the following formula (based upon 15% of the
building population entering/exiting the building in a five minute period) can be used. However, it is highly recommend
that all users consult with a reputable turnstile manufacturer for an accurate recommendation.
Barriers:
Most turnstile manufacturers will provide a variety of turnstile designs to suit the individual clients’ requirements, and to
provide an aesthetically seamless appearance.
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Standard configurations
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11. Environmental Benefits
In conjunction with an access control system and connection to buliding management system turnstiles can facilitate
savings on energy loss by detecting when certain building areas are unoccupied.
Most products use steel, stainless steel and glass along with recyclable plastics so can be recycled at end of life.
15. Summary
Security management plays an increasingly important role in today’s society, and ensuring you offer your customer the
perfect access control solutions to meet their security needs is vital.
With the extensive range of security turnstiles available in the market today, each designed to suit different levels of
security, you are sure to find the perfect solution that fits your requirements.
Seeking professional advice from a BSIA registered turnstile manufacturer prior to specifying a turnstile system is highly
advised. Not only will they will be able to advise you on the best type of product suited to your required level of security,
they can also provide recommendations on installation and access control integration.
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This document was created by the Access and Asset Protection Section (formerly Access Control Section) of the British
Security Industry Association (BSIA).
The British Security Industry Association is the trade association for the private security industry in the UK. Our members
provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards.
Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles in, out
and around a building or site. Products range from token based systems and digital keypads, through to biometric
identification systems and the associated hardware.
Access control products are subject to fast-moving technological development. A major focus of the BSIA Access
Control Committee is to raise awareness amongst end-users and specifiers of the different types of equipment that is
available and the most appropriate environments for using them.
BSIA membership will raise your company profile and ensure that your business is at the heart of influencing the future
of the security industry. You will become part of a unique group of high quality and professional companies which are
well-respected and well-represented to government, end users, specifiers, standards and legislative bodies. For more
information contact the BSIA.
BSIA
Kirkham House
John Comyn Drive
Worcester
WR3 7NS
www.bsia.co.uk
email: info@bsia.co.uk
tel: 0845 389 3889
fax: 0845 389 0758
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