PERIMETER SECURITY

 an IWA 14-1 certified HVM (hostile vehicle mitigation) system is usually required. The correct specification and configuration of HVM will depend on the level of risk for a specific site, and a threat vulnerability and risk assessment (TVRA) will consider all elements of risk so that the HVM provider can recommend a best-fit solution. This should take into account factors including the layout and topography of the site, the anticipated number of visitors and required flow rates, and vehicle dynamics, such as the likely velocity and mass of a vehicle on approach to the pre-determined location and any stopping distances relevant to the crowded space and fan zone. Specifying the correct HVM system or combination of systems should always be aligned to risk, with any variation from the ‘as tested’ configuration of the HVM system, or additional risk factors due to value engineering, clearly explained in writing by the provider.

Ease And Speed Of Deployment

For temporary event spaces like fan zones, a surface-mounted HVM system is usually the preferred option because this can be installed and removed quickly and easily with no damage to the road surface and without the disruption of civil engineering works. The time it takes to install a HVM system varies depending on the amount of protection required and the system used, but it can be as fast as five minutes for a single array of a system designed for rapid installation, or a day (or overnight) programme for a more complex and larger HVM installs. Regardless of which system is used, it is essential that the HVM solution is installed in line with the specification by trained technicians to quality assured and clearly documented processes. This includes a photographic record of the project. Installation should always be an integral part of the specification and supply contract because HVM performance relies on correct deployment. It is akin to packing a parachute – you would want an expert to pack it to feel assured it would keep you safe and the same principles apply to keeping fans safe at the stadium.

Temporary Vehicular Access

Although the purpose of an HVM system is to prevent vehicles from accessing the location, consideration needs to be given to whether there will need to be authorised vehicular access to the fan zone area at any point. This could include a requirement to allow delivery vehicles, the potential for emergency vehicles to be called to site, or even for normal access to car park areas on nonmatch days. Vehicle access plates can be included in the installation of some HVM systems to enable vehicles to move freely in the area for maintenance and delivery at times when the fan zone is not in use, or to allow rapid access should blue light services be required. Building this type of flexibility into stadium safety and security enables the installation to remain in place for the entire football season, while adapting to different safety and operational requirements.

CUSTOMISATION & AESTHETICS

Alongside their safety and security function, HVM systems at fan zones also provide an opportunity to enhance the environment with branding, signage, wayfinding or advertising. A key consideration for fan zone security is not just how much the physical measures in place improve safety, but how much they make people feel safer, so there is a balance to be struck between selecting a solution that visibly provides protection and one that maintains a welcoming aesthetic. Fan zones exist to celebrate the power of sport to bring people together, and HVM systems can embrace that principle through customisation. Options include club or tournament branding, information, wayfinding or ads – or a combination of these.

Fencing And Turnstiles

If access to the fan zone is ticketed, crowd management for ticket checks must also be factored into the planning and safety provision. Temporary fencing or hoarding can also be used to segregate the fan zone area from other locations within the stadium’s grounds too. Again, it is important to consider any requirements for vehicular access and controlled pedestrian access so that appropriate vehicle access gates, pedestrian gates or pedestrian turnstiles can be incorporated into the installation. Quality-assured deployment by experienced technicians is equally important when temporary fencing or hoarding is installed for fan zones, ensuring that temporary systems are correctly configured, secured and ballasted to provide the protection of a permanent fixture with a temporary installation.

PROTECTING THE STADIUM’S GREATEST ASSET

Vehicle-as-a-weapon attacks are a low complexity methodology used by terrorists to target crowded spaces with the potential to cause mass casualties and serious injury. HVM protection has an important role to play in protecting the stadium’s most important assets – the fans. L

Secure Your Perimeter With Afss Ltd

Vehicle incidents have always been part of our daily lives and with vehicles increasing on our roads year on year incidents increase. Organisations should put in place HVM systems where the public are put in vulnerable lifethreatening situations. PIPS HVM is the only HVM system designed and impacted specifically for these alfresco applications.

STANDARDS

• PAS68

• IWA-14.1

• ASTM

We will be operating the New NPSA ISO 22343 standard, which is affected from late summer 2023 and replaces PAS68 & IWA - 14.1

Whether it’s a perimeter solution incorporating HVM products with integrated access control and detection systems, AFSS Ltd will deliver a calibrated solution which fits each specific organisations operational demands and needs.

• Event physical security measures

• Pedestrian Access control

• Facial Recognition/CCTV

• Stadia security systems

• HVM Measures www.asset-frontline.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1767 318 620

Perimeter security is essential to prevent break ins and break outs. A marked, safe and secure perimeter is crucial to protect any property, especially if the building is high-risk or in a high-risk area