the C3S security airlock system
Controlling the entrance to a building is a well accepted principle of security in all walks of life, a principle which applies equally to a bank or building society branch where the risk of armed raid is a constant threat or an industrial or commercial building where unwanted intrusion is a constant problem.
In a bank or building society branch, it is often just the outer door which is controlled. This requires constant attention by staff who must decide whom to allow to enter. Whist the door is locked, the branch is secure: once the door is open, however, all security is lost. Single door control cannot prevent tailgating.
Our SAS overcomes the problems of staff operation and tailgating. It comprises an outer and an inner door with any necessary partitioning to form an entrance lobby. The two doors are electronically interlocked which means that they cannot be opened simultaneously. Signage on the outer door tells users that the SAS forms part of the branch's security system. This ensures that the bona fide customers are aware of its existance and the reason for its being there. It alerts a raider to the fact that entry is and, therefore, exit could be controlled, possibly leading to being held in the SAS until the police arrive.
The physical presence of the SAS is reinforced by this psychological deterrance to make the SAS a very effective security measure.
As the objective of the SAS is to deter a criminal from entering the premises in the first place, branch customers are re-assured that the branch's security system is there to protect them as well as the branch staff.
In particularly busy branches, a single SAS (one where the lobby is used for both entry and exit) may not be able to cope with the peaks of usage that occur, for example at lunchtime.
For these branches, we would install a double SAS. This comprises two lobbies, one of which is used for entry and the other for exit.
Our SAS, whether single or double, are operated through our control system which allows a number of operating modes. These operating modes accommodate different circumstances in a branch allowing direct customer operation through to full lockdown of the SAS.
Our SAS can be constructed from timber, aluminium or steel/stainless steel depending upon our clients' requirements. Security levels can be either physical or ballistic resistant.
operating principles
The outer and inner doors of the C3S SAS are equipped with the C3S electric locking system to eliminate the problems associated with other types of electric locks such as electromagnetic locks and electric strikes.
Both doors linked to an electronic interlocking system that prevents the opening of both doors simultaneously.
Single entry door systems require constant attention from a member of the branch staff to ensure that customers are not kept waiting too long before being allowed to enter. The SAS automatically fulfils the control and filter function of people wishing to enter a branch, allowing staff to concentrate on their main function, dealing with the branch's customers.
The C3S Interlocking System allows several levels of SAS control to be introduced. The use of these levels depends on many circumstances, including:-
• Security Policy
• Branch location
• Time of Day
• How busy the branch is
typical sas operating modes
Automatic: Entry through Doors 1 & 2 is allowed without intervention by staff. The customer enters the lobby from the street (Door1). The customer must wait for the engagement of the lock on this door at which time it will be possible to open the second door (Door2).
Semi-Automatic: Entry through Door 1 is still allowed without intervention by staff. However Door 2 is staff controlled from the control panel. This mode gives staff the opportunity to check visually the person wishing to enter before allowing them to proceed. The intercom system allows dialogue between staff and the person in the SAS if further proof is necessary.
Manual: Both doors are controlled from the staff control panel. As in Semi-Automatic mode, the door controls allow a visual and audible verification of the customer to take place before allowing entry.
Exit Only: To avoid the need for a member of staff to stand by the branch entrance at the end of the day's business, letting customers leave but stopping others entering, the use of the Exit Only mode automatically fulfils this function. Exit of customers already in the branch is permitted through the SAS: entry is prevented. |
