Design Guide - Introduction
Layout
It is our policy to describe the location of items of any system as “Viewed From Outside” the property. Therefore the position of the component in question, e.g. Key switch would be drivers side or on the right hand side, as viewed from the road, not from the property. With systems that are located within an estate, the outside would be the side furthest from the main building or nearer to the most local access road off site.
Systems
A system is a single installation across a single access route. More than one system may be linked or even work together as a combined system or a combination of systems. However it is important that each system has its own unique identification whether it be by name or reference number.
Associated Items
Items such as Garage Door Operators, Security or Fire Alarm Systems, Specialised Access Control and Surveillance Systems maybe linked to a Gate, Door or Barrier installation either directly or indirectly. These items may be the responsibility of others, but will have an effect on the performance of the main system.
Measurements
Most measurements are given in millimetres or meters and are always subject to site confirmation.
Gates and Garage Doors are usually measured Width first Height second e.g. 3.6m x 1.8m The height being 1.8m. Barrier beams can often be measured by opening width plus the amount lost behind the barrier its self (the ordering size can therefore be larger than the opening)
Users requirement
The performance of the system should fulfil the needs of the user. Therefore it should be designed with the users needs in mind and if possible, by liasing with them.
Local Area
The system will need to work effectively against all the potential hazards the local environment will throw at it. Therefore an Automatic Lift Barrier across a car park opposite a football ground would not be the ideal choice, as fans from the losing team could well vandalise it every Saturday after a match. A durable “Fail release” Automatic Swing Gate would be more suitable.
Environment
Once again the system will need to operate against potential environmental conditions, such as Coastal weather and salt filled rain, where the need for galvanising of the metal-work and detailed finishing is highlighted.
Location
The location of the system may have a bearing on its safe use and the level of convenience offered by it. E.g. Systems installed right by a main road could cause an obstruction if large vehicles are delayed in gaining access.
Access
The type of system may well have a direct affect on suitable access through the opening. For example, a sliding gate may well be best suited to control the entrance of a court yard, where space is prohibited.
Traffic flow
Every site is different and as such will have its own restrictions. Two-way traffic through a single opening is the most commonly found scenario. However separate entrance and exit systems are recommended where the budget and site layout allow. The level of use and type of traffic will have a bearing on the system type and its opening size.
Traffic lights
The long term affect traffic lights will have on a system is subject to each site’s detail. Lights are essential on systems that retract out of site, like Bollards or Road Blockers, so that the user doesn’t drive into them. However when directional traffic lights are used, drivers often follow a “Green Light” without adequate caution and accidents still happen. Traffic flow mirrors can be a better solution, as drivers become more cautious.
Pedestrians
Pedestrian access through a vehicular route should always be avoided/discouraged. A separate gate or path is recommended where possible. Systems that have to cater for pedestrians should include adequate safety cover. NB. Wicket gates are not recommended on any automatic system.
Roller shutters
Most roller shutters are designed to work about 10 times a day and with regular maintenance will offer approx. 25 years service (100,000 operations). This rule is a good guide when considering a roller shutter or grille to secure the entrance to an underground car park. As the number of operations a day increases the life expectancy reduces accordingly, however, the risk of abuse and accidental damage increases dramatically. A shutter serving 50 car park spaces to an office block may well be subject to 125+ operations a day and as a result, could only be expected to last less than 2.5 years!
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