Security fencing is designed to delay, deny, and deter unauthorised access to a site. It helps to form secure perimeters, acting as the first line in defence to protect assets and premises from intruders . There are several third-party accreditations associated with tested fencing systems, providing assurance that fencing delivers the performance expected.
In recent years, the LPS 1175 standard published by LPCB has become widely recognised for the specification and assurance of intruder resistant building components and perimeter solutions, including fencing, gates, turnstiles, covers and cages.
The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) have been working with industry and insurers for more than 100 years to set standards that ensure fire protection and security products and services perform effectively.
LPS1175 has become popular because it’s easy to interpret and use. The latest version (Issue 8) saw the standard become even more universal, with a matrix style performance classification system rather than a number of specific set ratings.
So you might be thinking, how does the classification work and what makes a security fence LPS1175 certified? Read on to find out more…
How Does The LPS 1175 Certification Work?
The LPS in LPS 1175 certification stands for ‘Loss Prevention Standard’. LPS 1175 has been developed to be a universal classification system for intruder resistance and can be applied to a vast range of applications. The classifications range from an opportunist attacker with bodily force and basic tools to multiple experienced attackers using chainsaws and petrol grinders.
The table shows a matrix of how products are classified. Those classifications indicate the tool kit resisted and the delay achieved in minutes. In Jan 2019, LPCB released their latest version of the standard, Issue 8 where the tool sets were updated in line with tools becoming more easily accessible. The SR references in the matrix are the old security ratings and were the only classifications available under the old versions of LPS 1175. The new matrix system allows people a more realistic way of assessing and mitigating threats.
The tool sets are shown below.
Issue 8 completely widened the net and has led to a flexible classification which is far more realistic.
The new classification matrix takes into account the need to mitigate against the threat you are facing and the ability to create a time delay with layers of security solutions.
To choose the correct solution, the first thing should be to choose the level of threat you are protecting against and the associated tool set the threat actors may choose to use. The next step is to consider the length of delay you need to create in order to detect and respond to the attack effectively.
The benefit of LPS 1175 Issue 8 is that it allows a layered approach to be created, with each layer mitigating the relevant threat level. The security fence is the first barrier of protection and should provide an initial delay.
Another handy feature of the new Issue 8 classification is that products can achieve multiple ratings according to the different delays they achieve to different threat levels. For example, Barker’s SecureGuard SL2 fencing system is certified to prevent an attacker using tools selected from tool kit B for at least the 3 minutes and tools from tool kit C for at least 1 minute.
Why choose LPS 1175 issue 8 – here’s a video.
How Are LPS 1175 Products Tested?
Testing to LPS1175 is tough. BRE proudly report that 95% of products submitted fail to achieve the security ratings initially sought by manufacturers. This reflects the thoroughness with which the testing is conducted by BRE’s specialist team of highly experienced, independent testers.
During testing, each assault continues until either:
- The objective is achieved
- The maximum working time has passed
- The maximum test duration has ended
- The testing team decides the attack is ineffective
Additional tests are then conducted to demonstrate all areas of the fencing can resist the damage inflicted from the intruder’s side.
However, if the tester notes a small weakness once the time has been exceeded, the product will not pass. If they spot a weakness, these highly trained professional will try again and again to see if they can gain access within the timeframe. It’s safe to say it’s a rigorous regime they run!
And once the product has passed the test. The company and these products are subject to thorough audits of product and documentation to ensure the certified product is upheld.
All of the physical security products tested must pass to the same standards, to ensure a consistent level of security across the board. This makes LPS 1175 the preferred certification for security products in the UK and we have seen recognition of its benefits expand globally in recent years.
Layering Security Fencing
To help build up delay time, we often see a layered approach to physical security, especially in high-security areas, such as data and research centres.
Issue 8 supports and effective layered approach. If, for example, we take a threat that is perceived to be the use of tools within tool kit C and you need to achieve a delay of 4 minutes for security to act in order to stop the intruder reaching your high-value assets within a fenced building, you could use a layered approach to specifying the security of that building. In this example, you may specify perimeter fencing that achieves a C1 security rating and protection measures on the building envelope, such as security doors and barsets, that are certified to a C3 security rating. Together, the delay provided by these layers adds up to 4 minutes when targeted by tools within tool kit C.
This is where multiple industrial security fences, of different strengths, are put in place to help increase the delay time. For more information about a layered physical security solution, take a look at HS Security, our partnership with 7 companies also owned by Hill and Smith Holdings who specialise in highly advanced physical security solutions.
Conclusion
When it comes to testing products, there are many options available, however LPCB’s LPS 1175 is easy to understand and apply. It is the most recognised forced entry standard in the UK and has a rapidly growing level of recognition internationally.
Here at Barkers Fencing, we have a wide range of fencing and gates which have been tested and certified to LPS1175 by the LPCB, ensuring the highest level of protection for your site.
With over 12 years of experience designing and manufacturing high security fencing and entrance security, you can be sure to receive expert advice for your specific site.
Get in touch today to get free expert advice.
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Adam Savage
Adam has been at Barkers for almost two decades. Starting as a Sales Estimator the Area Sales, travelling to see customers on site.
He has been our UK and Export Sales Manager since 2010 and looks after seven Sales Estimators pricing work for fencing contractors. Adam is great at building relationships and providing excellent customer service.