Are your turnstiles safe? How Fastlane ensures secure entry without compromising user welfare
The primary goal of any entrance control system is to prevent unauthorised access, safeguarding people and assets. Such security often involves a physical barrier that restricts entry to those with valid credentials. However, this shouldn’t mean compromising user safety or exposing an organisation to liability by causing harm.
At Integrated Design Limited (IDL), we prioritise secure entrance control that’s both user-friendly and safe. Our turnstiles are designed to uphold security protocols without compromising safety, ensuring compliance with emergency and accessibility requirements.
Here’s how IDL addresses these critical safety factors with Fastlane turnstiles for a secure and safe entrance control solution.
Security and safety: Why we advise against ‘normally open’ mode
The issue: In the past, ‘normally open’ mode was sometimes used to streamline entry, particularly in high-traffic environments, where barriers remained retracted until an unauthorised user caused the barriers to close. We strongly advise clients not to utilise this for safety, as unexpected barrier closures can be startling and lead to accidental injuries.
Current best practice: Fastlane turnstiles operate in ‘normally closed’ mode, allowing safe passage only after valid credentials are presented. Our leading technology and the latest access control user-friendly features, such as touchless or mobile access, achieve better pedestrian traffic flow and smooth throughput at peak times, improving user safety and securing locations more effectively.
Toughened laminated glass: Strength meets safety
Why toughened laminated glass?: Toughened glass is typically used for glass barriers, IDL also offers toughened laminated glass on a range of tall barrier Speedgates. This durable material resists impacts, like the glass in car windscreens, minimising shattering risks.
Layered protection: Each barrier consists of two layers of toughened glass with a PVB plastic middle layer, preventing debris from spreading upon breakage and meeting the highest health and safety standards.
Accessibility for all users
Compliance with disability requirements: We are committed to ensuring all users have a comfortable and intuitive access experience. The Fastlane range of turnstiles offers a variety of models fully compliant with the UK Equality Act (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act – DDA), as well as most similar international standards.
Standard features: Most Fastlane models offer 914mm lane widths as standard, accommodating wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility. We can also offer lane widths up to 1.2m, subject to model. Fastlane turnstiles are available in a range of barrier height options. Audio and visual feedback is provided as standard.
Safety-driven technology:
Locking or friction brakes for enhanced barrier security: Most Fastlane products employ friction brakes for safety, as the barriers can be forced open. Locking brakes are also available as an option on most models. The locking brakes allow turnstile barriers to effectively lock in the closed position. It is important to note that turnstiles used in an emergency exit route will require an emergency break-glass to release the barriers.
Intelligent detection for user safety: IDL’s intelligent technology better identifies people and objects, improving safety and preventing barriers from accidentally closing on users or belongings. Fastlane turnstiles employ a low energy motor drive system. Whilst the barrier won’t close on someone or something if the turnstiles sense a blockage in a lane, it will try to close the barriers. Still, this movement is at low speed and low torque, encouraging who or whatever might be causing the blockage to back out of the lane and seek whatever assistance they need to access the facility.
Touchless entry: Reducing contact and enhancing hygiene
Increased demand for touchless solutions: For heightened security and ease of user experience, Fastlane products integrate with touchless third-party access control technology, including mobile entry, biometric technology and facial recognition software. For example, for a government building in Saudi Arabia, three customised Fastlane Glassgate 150s use IDEMIA’s MorphoWave™ Compact readers – with their touchless 3D fingerprint technology – meaning authorised users are able to gain access with a simple wave of the hand.
Customisable hygiene protocols: Touchless access credentials can also help meet health and safety requirements, reducing contact points and enhancing sanitisation.
Fail-safe functions for unhindered emergency egress
Fail-safe and power-fail modes: During power failures or emergencies, Fastlane turnstiles release their locks to allow free, unobstructed egress. The motor drive can also operate a battery backup mode to automatically retract the barriers upon power failure.
Forced egress mode: Available on Glassgate models, this patented optional feature lets users exit by gently pushing on the barriers. This triggers an alarm to notify security but maintains clear egress in emergencies.
The IDL approach: Balancing security and safety
IDL’s Fastlane turnstiles combine robust security with uncompromising safety, ensuring a seamless balance between entrance control and user welfare. With intelligent design features and compliance with safety standards, IDL offers reliable entrance control solutions for modern, high-traffic environments.
Fastlane turnstiles offer a range of optional features to meet your specific security and safety requirements, putting control in your hands. To discuss your needs with the IDL team, call +44 (0)208 890 5550 or email info@fastlane-turnstiles.com.
