What is a turnstile and does your lobby need one?

The world we live and work in has undergone significant changes over recent years, with evolving security threats impacting modern business operations. Turnstiles, now a top priority for security and facilities managers, serve as the first line of defence in protecting both the people and assets within buildings.

If you’re new to the industry, you might be wondering where to begin when it comes to specifying entrance security. We thought we’d go back to basics and provide an overview of what a turnstile is, the various types available, and how to decide if your lobby requires them.

What is a turnstile?

A turnstile is a type of mechanical entrance control gate, allowing one person with authorised credentials to pass at a time, and preventing those without the right authorisation from gaining access.

Turnstiles have become an essential feature in fast-paced environments where security concerns are common – such as office buildings, government institutions, healthcare facilities and university campuses – as they serve some critical functions:

• Enhancing security: in an era where safety is paramount, turnstiles offer a controlled entry point that ensures only authorised individuals gain access, thereby protecting the premises and people within it from potential intruders.
• Streamlining the movement of people: turnstiles manage the flow of people in and out of a building, reducing the need for security personnel to manually check ID and minimising bottlenecks during peak hours, contributing to a more organised and professional lobby environment.
• Optimising building use: when integrated with other access control and building management systems – such as lighting control, HVAC and lift destination controls – they help provide facilities managers with information about how a building is used by occupants, so efficiencies can be made in its management.

 

For any building prioritising security and user experience, installing a turnstile is a wise investment.

Different types of turnstiles and their uses

Turnstiles come in various forms and can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of different environments and the required security levels.

Key types of turnstiles include:

• Speedgates: This type of turnstile or entrance gate is the most common option today, increasingly replacing the traditional tripod turnstile and other options due to its greater throughput. A typical speedgate, including all of the models in our own range, has vertical glass barriers that move quickly out of the way when an authorised credential is presented.
• Full-height turnstiles: A high security entrance gate, often specified for high-profile public-sector buildings, ideal for those requiring a highly visible yet still attractive security option. Full-height barriers serve as a strong physical and psychological deterrent, as well as offering reassurance to those working within or visiting buildings which can be considered to be under growing threat.
• Tripod turnstiles: A traditional type of turnstile with three metal arms that can spin in one or two directions, often found in outdoor environments such as amusement parks and sporting venues.
• Optical turnstiles: The term optical turnstile describes an entrance control unit that monitors passage using infra-red beams and responds to unauthorised entry by alerting guards.
• Barrier arm turnstiles: These turnstiles use retractable metal arms to create psychological deterrence and a physical barrier.
• Dual barrier turnstiles: sometimes referred to as a ‘mantrap’, this type of turnstile features double barrier gates and is ideal for high security areas like airports and data centres.

 

Turnstiles are more than just physical barriers though; they are increasingly integral parts of an advanced integrated security and building management system. Fastlane turnstiles seamlessly integrate with various technologies – you can read more about this here – including proximity card readers, security cameras, HVAC systems, lift destination controls, and more. These kinds of integrations create a multi-layered security and building management approach, essential for all modern, smart buildings.

So, does your lobby need a turnstile?

If your priority is ensuring the safety of people and assets within your facility, the simple answer is, yes.

Your lobby is the primary gateway for both employees and visitors and, as such, it’s a critical area for building safety and security. Despite their welcoming nature, lobbies face numerous security threats and challenges. One common threat is tailgating, where an unauthorised individual follows closely behind an authorised person to gain entry without proper authentication. Such breaches can cause significant threat, and this kind of breach can be particularly difficult to detect in busy lobbies with constant foot traffic. The person being followed may not even be aware of the breach.

By requiring every individual passing through a turnstile to authenticate themselves before entry is granted, modern entrance control turnstiles can address this issue effectively, ensuring that only authorised personnel gain access to the building, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, or harm to occupants. In the event of a security breach, an entrance control system will alarm and allows for a quick and efficient response from security personnel.

The lobby also sets the tone for a user’s experience when first entering a building. The continuous flow of employees, visitors and deliveries creates a dynamic environment which requires proactive management. A well-secured entry point, which is seamless for authorised users, enhances the overall impression of an organisation’s professionalism and standards.

Since lobbies facilitate various activities, effective security planning is essential to maintain order and safety. Whether used as a waiting area, social space or information centre, a well-planned and controlled entry and exit point allows security personnel and facilities management teams to monitor and manage crowds effectively and can help to signpost users for more efficient movement around a building.

Enhancing lobby security with entrance control turnstiles is crucial for overall building security. And, when integrated with other building management systems, turnstiles are a key component in improving how efficiently a building is managed. By deploying these systems, organisations can ensure a safe, secure and user-friendly environment for employees and visitors, as well as protecting critical assets.

If you’d like help assessing your security needs, and guidance around specifying an appropriate entrance control solution, please get in touch.