Products & Advice

Solutions in use

In order to ensure that any HVM installation has the best long term outcome, there are a number of factors relating to the solution in use that should be considered as part of the initial project decision making process. Failure to consider these factors prior to selection and installation of a HVM solution can result in the requirement for costly rectification measures and or the failure to meet operational requirements for the site in question.

This article covers some of those factors to be considered

A clear overall plan should be in place covering as a minimum:

  • How and under what circumstances the products are intended to be used.
  • Overall responsibility for plan management and maintenance.
  • Health and Safety – actions/processes necessary to address all items highlighted in the site specific risk assessment.
  • Training of authorised operatives – these personnel need to be clearly identified and be fully trained in the operation of the equipment. An ongoing training plan needs to be in place to address staff turnover, periods of leave and as a refresher for existing operatives.
  • Training/education of other site personnel – this is not necessarily for operatives but for relevant site personnel who may need to know what will happen with the product/solution in the event of activation, particularly if it impinges upon their employment responsibilities.
  • Routine testing – just as with fire alarms, is the installation or nature of the site best served by occasional ‘in house’ testing? If so, how frequent, who does it, who monitors it, who decides if changes of any kind are required as a result?
  • Maintenance – the equipment is likely to be a critical piece of equipment and the correct level of support for the equipment either internally or externally needs to be readily available (if it does not close then you have a safety breach and if it does not open you have a blockage). Be clear about who will oversee the maintenance and who will actually carry it out. In the event of an emergency how quickly can the equipment be tended to by qualified personnel?
  • Operatives – be aware that by implementing automated HVM you are recognising that there is a threat and this threat will now be crystallised at the point of entry control. There is a specific duty of care to operatives deployed at the HVM position and the risk should be assessed and mitigated wherever possible.

Further help and guidance on this subject can be obtained from HVM product manufacturers, specialist installers, or security consultants. PSSA members in all three categories have already demonstrated their expertise in this area and will be a good source of information and assistance.

In association with

Request a CPD Seminar at
your premises

The latest advice and guidance.

Request CPD.