Specifiers Journal 2016

Specifying safety
and security
Security is an important issue for
property owners and can be a key
influencing factor in the purchasing
decision. However, no one wants to
live or work inside a prison! Designing
security in to the specifying process
from the start makes it easier to
strike the right balance between
performance, comfort and style.
Building in layers is the key to
effective security. Lights, locks on
windows, doors and gates plus
electronic entry systems are all
important components of perimeter
security. Next, a visible alarm system
should both act as a deterrent and
alert, limiting the burglar’s time in the
property. The final line of defence is
securing items inside the property, by
hiding them from sight and making
them difficult to remove.
against AiS recognised standards (EN
14450 or the higher EN 1143-1). Most
insurers will specify that a safe has to
be professionally installed.
Scriptwriters would have you believe
that safes need to be hidden behind
paintings. In reality, a good quality,
professionally installed safe will
provide its specified level of protection
regardless of its location. Rather
than fixing it into a wall or under
the stairs, it’s preferable to site it in
a more accessible area. Specifying a
freestanding safe allows the owner to
choose the most convenient location
and modern safes can be produced in
any high gloss colour to complement
the decor.
Available all shapes, sizes, styles,
colours and finishes, it’s possible to
find a post box to suit any building
design. They can be manufactured
from a variety of materials, with
Often overlooked in the design process,
safes are becoming an increasingly
popular item in both residential and
commercial properties. Consequently,
Burg-Wächter believes that safes
should be at the heart of modern
building project specifications.
When specifying a safe, it’s important
to consider what might be secured
inside. The property’s usage will
provide some guidance; residential
owners are likely to store jewellery,
cash and a
few important
documents;
offices will
have more
commercial
documents and
cash; retailers
usually handle
larger volumes
of cash. These
factors will
help determine
the size, cash
value and fire protection requirements
for each project. Whichever model is
specified, it’s recommended that the
safe has been independently tested
32 SPECIFIERS JOURNAL
Preventing post-design
problems…
Post boxes are a more common
sight in all building projects, not just
multiple occupancy developments,
where communal postal areas are
the norm. Security and environmental
concerns are leading designers to
move away from the traditional letter
flap on single occupancy buildings
too. A hole in the door lets heat
out and provides an opportunity for
“fishing” items out, without even
entering the property. A post box
eliminates this easy opportunity and
helps the thermal efficiency of the
building. Lockable models also keep
mail secure and protected from the
elements.
high impact plastic being particularly
durable for exposed locations. Models
for banking are ideal for multiple
occupancy developments. Whether
they are fixed to a wall or mounted
on a stand Post boxes need to be
properly installed, and should conform
to EN 13724 for assured performance.
Burg-Wächter are Europe’s largest
manufacture of safes & post boxes
www.burg.biz/uk