Forced entry

Physical protection is just as vital as electronic security when it comes to deterring criminals. Until recently, however, security end-users have had to rely on personal judgement and manufacturers' promotional literature when buying physical security products.

The physical security sector has suffered from a lack of recognised standards which provide a benchmark for product performance, quality of manufacture and materials. While the majority of installers sell reputable security products, there are products out there which simply aren't fit for the job. Insurers are now demanding that end-users choose physical security products which have been subjected to independent testing.

The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is the body which sets physical security standards for the British insurance industry. The LPCB recently merged with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) under the umbrella of the Foundation of the Built Environment. The BRE, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyd's work together to develop and maintain guidance documents and certification schemes, as well as maintain state-of-the-art research capabilities to meet the needs of insurers and specifiers.

Every year, the LPCB publishes a list of tested and classified products. The publication, called the "List of Approved Fire and Security Products and Services", is better known as"the red book".

Gates and shutters

Loss Prevention Standard 1175 issue 4 applies to retractable security gates and shutters. The standard details a specification for testing and classifying the burglary resistance of building components, strong-points and security enclosures.

LPCB testing and certification is based on three criteria:

• Product performance and construction

• Ongoing product conformity

• The manufacturer's quality management system to ISO 9000

The LPCB classification can quite literally involve testing products to destruction and represents the most stringent tests applied by the insurance industry to any physical security device.

Insurers are now demanding that end-users choose physical security products which have been subjected to independent testing.

To ensure that the nature and character of the tests is consistent and to guarantee the integrity of the test standard, they are carried out by experienced professional engineers. Equipped with a detailed knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication, they use the range of attack tools to maximum effect.

In addition to the manual intervention tests, products are also subjected to a soft body impact test, which simulates shoulder blows and kicking. Static load tests are also used to highlight structural weaknesses in the product.

With the advantage of several weeks to study technical drawings and product details to determine the most vulnerable areas, test engineers are also able to spend days prior to the test carrying out trial attacks on an identical product, refining their methods and techniques before the actual Classification tests take place. By the time they launch their final assault they know the product as well as the company which made it, or the installer who fitted it and are guaranteed to find any flaws in design or manufacture. The odds are all stacked against the product.

Security ratings

LPS 1175 has 6 security ratings, 1 being the lowest and 6 the highest. Each successive classification allows the engineers to employ an ever more powerful and aggressive array of tools, either one-at-a-time or in combination. They are also given an increasingly longer time limit to gain entry.

Even with a comparatively limited time span, the testers can take turns at attacking the shutter or gate to ensure that the assault is unrelenting and highly concentrated. They can stop the clock for a rest at any time and then set it running when refreshed and able to continue the attack.

• Classification 1 is designed to simulate an opportunist attack using minimal tools, physical force and stealth. The testers are allowed up to one minute working time over a period of 10 minutes for each chosen method and area of attack. Attack tools can be used in combination.

• The tools available at Classification 2 include the full Classification 1 tool kit plus an additional range of tools of a more aggressive character such as a claw hammer, pipe wrench and hacksaw. The tester is allowed up to three minutes working time over a period of 15 minutes for each chosen method and area of attack. Abuse of the tools is quite acceptable under the standard's terms.

• Classification 3 simulates a forced entry of well-protected premises employing a wide selection of attack options including a cordless power drill. The testing process now includes a scissor jack capable of lifting 750 kgs. Up to five minutes constant and unrelenting working time is allowed over a period of 20 minutes for each chosen method and area of attack.

• Classification 4 is currently the highest level achieved by any product. This simulates an extremely specialised attack by an experienced and skilled criminal. Available tools include a sledge hammer and a cordless disc grinder. The tester is allowed up to 10 minutes constant and unrelenting working time over a period of 30 minutes for each chosen method and area of attack.