Security Gates: Their Importance and Types

Introduction

In recent times, incidents of theft, vandalism, and breaches of security at facilities have increased, necessitating that owners implement safety and security rules and procedures. This includes enforcing regulations that compel managers, information security departments, and employees to adhere to these guidelines, utilizing electronic or security gates, and following the instructions of the guards in charge.

The use of security gates has become one of the reliable methods for protecting property, whether in private establishments like stores and malls or public spaces such as banks, hospitals, and companies. These gates are designed with the latest advanced technology in all its forms.

The Role of Electronic Gates in Organizing Work

Electronic gates play a significant role in organizing the operations of a facility, adapting to the nature of the establishment. For example, they dictate the instructions for allowing individuals and the public to enter the premises. These instructions are specific to each facility; what works for one may not apply to another, even if they serve the same function. The primary goal is always to provide security and safety for visitors, based on the nature of the facility’s operations. Thus, understanding the nature of the establishment determines the prioritization of security measures.

For instance, hospitals have specific visiting hours for patients. Without gate guards, chaos may ensue as the public enters during prohibited times. Moreover, if electronic gates are not employed to screen materials, unauthorized tools and substances could enter the hospital, posing serious risks to patients and the facility. This includes the potential for prohibited food items to be brought in.

Factories, on the other hand, have unique regulations that match their operations, encompassing entry and exit times for workers and the public, alongside vehicle inspections. Without proper checks, factories could face equipment theft or the smuggling of dangerous materials. Hence, gate guards must verify vehicle permits and their purposes to prevent unauthorized items from entering.

Types of Electronic Gates and How They Work

There are various types of electronic gates designed to detect specific materials, including:

1. Metal Detection Security Gates: These divide the human body into several zones. If any zone detects metal, indicators light up, showing the direction of the metal, accompanied by an alarm sound.
2. Explosive Detection Security Gates.
3. Retail Security Gates: Commonly used in large stores and malls, these gates feature a sleek design and high efficiency. They include clothing detection alarms that activate if merchandise passes through without removing a security tag.
4. Garage Security Gates: These come in various types and designs, including:
   • Horizontal Garage Gates: Automatic with remote or cable operation, effective for metal detection with audio alarms and lighting that indicates the metal’s location.
   • Hinged Garage Gates: Suitable for doors weighing between 400 and 700 kg, with openings ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 meters, and can be equipped with photoelectric cells for automatic closing and opening.
   • Sliding Automatic Garage Gates: Designed for sliding doors, accommodating weights from 600 to 6000 kg, including photoelectric cells for automated functions.
   • Automatic Revolving Gates: Designed for retail stores and garages, weighing up to 160 kg per door, with a width of up to 6 meters, also equipped with photoelectric cells.
   • Automatic Barrier Gates: Operated by raising an arm, typically 3 meters long, with photoelectric cells for automated opening and closing.
5. X-Ray Bag Scanners: These serve a similar function to security gates by revealing metals but do so via an X-ray display system that shows the contents of bags.
6. Small Retail Clothing Sensors: These discreet sensors are installed on store doors and work with small tags attached to clothing. If an item with a tag exits the store, the sensors trigger an alarm, alerting security personnel to prevent theft.
7. Vehicle Inspection Devices: These are connected to mirrors that detect metals and alert personnel if any irregularities are found under vehicles.

Leading Companies in Security Gates

• CEIA: An Italian company that has established itself in the security and electronic gate sector, notably with its excellent Zone 60 gates introduced in 2024.
• Garrett: An American company known for its security gates, particularly the outstanding Zone 33 model, specifically the PD6500i.