Continuous optimum site security begins with periodic maintenance. Many companies and organisations think only of the electrical access points, because they can ‘do more wrong’. But that is a misconception. In this blog, we will explain why it is a good idea to also pay attention to manually operated access points and fencing.
Site security must always do what it is supposed to do. Is there a gate malfunction? Then your business continuity is at risk. And that costs money and time. Regular maintenance of your access points can prevent this. This reduces the chance of malfunctions and extends the lifespan of your security installations. All logical so far, right? But whereas service and maintenance of electrical access points is commonplace, maintenance of manually operated gates and fences is not. Yet so-called mechanical maintenance is just as important.
Non-electric gates, turnstiles and fencing are part of an integrated site security system. All security installations together ensure that you can do your work without being bothered by undesirable persons and vehicles on your premises. There are a few concrete reasons why mechanical maintenance is just as important as the maintenance of electric gates:
1. Keeping moving parts supple
Like an electric gate, a manually operated gate has many moving parts. All these parts move several times a day, all year round. Therefore, it is essential to check these parts regularly. For example, it is not a good sign if your employees have to pull on a sliding gate. It should open and close easily so that your premises can be secured quickly and easily. Even if a gate does not open and close regularly, maintenance is important. For example, you do not want a gate to jam or not open in case of an emergency.
2. Avoiding weak links
Your site security is only as strong as its weakest link. If there is a loose component somewhere, or a hole in the fence, the risk of unauthorised access and even break-ins increases dramatically. Make sure that all the gates and fencing on your site do not undermine your security level through lack of maintenance.
3. Ensuring the safety of those present
Without periodic checks of manually operated gates and fencing, you have no idea of the condition of those security installations. And that creates serious safety risks for those present. A loose swing gate, for example, can fall over, with the risk of the gate landing on people. Obviously, you want to prevent that at all costs. Regular maintenance guarantees the safety of your employees and visitors.
4. Preventing false alarms
Does your property have fencing in combination with a detection system? If so, maintenance of the fencing is a good idea in any case. A loose piece of fencing or one that is not stretched tight enough can come into contact with the detection wires. The result is false alarms and therefore unwanted alarms.
5. Continuation of CE marking
Every security installation must comply with all kinds of European rules and legislation in the field of, among other things, functionality and safety. If this is the case, an installation receives a so-called CE mark. This also applies to non-electrically driven installations. Such a CE mark must then be kept up-to-date. You can only be sure of this with regular maintenance.
6. Radiate professionalism
Your fencing and gates are in full view. Often, that is the first thing a visitor to your company sees. Neat fencing and well-functioning gates radiate professionalism and security.
Periodic mechanical maintenance is indispensable
In order to keep your premises continuously secure and safe for employees and visitors, inspection and maintenance of all security installations is indispensable. Periodic maintenance of non-electric gates, turnstiles and fencing should therefore become just as standard as maintenance of electric gates. Only in this way can you reduce the risk of security risks and break-ins, and ensure that your work can continue at all times.
Our service and maintenance solutions include mechanical maintenance. Want to know more about mechanical maintenance? Feel free to get in touch with Heras to discuss the possibilities.