Toby Roberts-Davies, Product Innovation Manager at First Fence provides insights into how high-security perimeter fencing is brought to the market.

High-security perimeter fencing is often marketed with companies highlighting their latest certifications. Yet, rarely do we get a glimpse of the intricate processes that bring these specialist products to market.  

In this article, we aim to provide an in-depth look into the procedures involved, spotlighting First Fence and similar high-security manufacturers. 

Defining ‘high security standards’ 

Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to clarify what we mean by “high security standards.”

In perimeter security, key factors include detection time and response time, which must be calculated first.

The delay time must then match the combined detection and response times.

To determine this delay, it’s crucial to assess the tools an offender may carry.

Questions such as “is this an opportunist or a targeted attack?” and “how many individuals might be involved, and what is their motivation?” come into play. 

This approach, known as the “security triangle,” has been popularised by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) through their LPS 1175 standard.

Simply put, this standard classifies physical security products, such as fences and gates, based on the delay time they offer, and the tools likely used by offenders. 

Now that we have some context, it’s important to note that being a manufacturer of LPS 1175-certified systems involves regular audits to ensure the product being manufactured adheres to the approved standard in all its variations (finishes, heights, widths, infills, etc). 

How is a sales order handled? 

BRE Global, which oversees LPS 1175, conducts regular audits against the PN111 protocol.

This Factory Production Control audit ensures that every step, from product enquiry to system delivery, is handled appropriately. Essentially, it’s an extension of ISO 9001 but more focused on consistency within a specific product range. 

The first step is identifying the security requirements of an enquiry.

While clients often specify an LPS 1175-certified system, when a request mentions “high-security fencing,” sales teams are trained to validate if LPS 1175 certification is necessary.  

Clause 5 of PN111 states that advisers must be competent and undergo periodic review of their education, training and product knowledge.

To ensure this, First Fence retrains its security advisers every six months, covering everything from the certification system to stock segregation and dealing with non-conformance. 

What happens when a sale is processed? 

Gates can be complex, specifically when you add up to five heights, ten widths and three infill variations into the mix, such as the First Fence PaliFence gate range.

This complexity means it’s impractical to physically test every variation at BRE’s test facility, or at the manufacturer’s facility by BRE.

The testing therefore focuses on the most onerous configurations, such that the resulting data can be used as part of the product assessment to LPS 1175.  

The product assessment will normally be based on a set of documentation defining a size range, and other design options where appropriate.

With a size range covered by the scope of the LPCB certificate, manufacturers can confidently scale up or down the gate sizes without compromising security. 

As part of the sales process, a fabrication drawing is created using components only from the approved BRE materials register and critical components list.

Any product not on this list is not covered by the scope of the certification, and therefore, no data exists on how it would withstand an attack.

First Fence has automated the process of creating fabrication drawings, saving up to 95% of time while maintaining strict adherence to the approved materials list. 

Fabrication process 

Once the drawing is complete, the order moves to fabrication.

If the product is already fabricated, it is stored at the central distribution facility.

The fabrication process is tightly controlled, with daily updates to calibration records for tools and welding equipment to ensure compliance with certified tolerances. 

As an extension of ISO 9001, every welder working on LPS 1175 fabrication is coded, and their work is peer-reviewed by another certified welder to ensure complete accuracy. 

Post-fabrication handling 

Once fabricated, it’s critical that LPS 1175-certified items remain separate from non-certified products.

Even during transport to galvanisers and powder coaters, cross-contamination must be avoided.

For example, switching a horizontal rail for a non-certified rail could result in too few pales being installed, compromising security.

To prevent this, First Fence employs a stock segregation plan, ensuring certified components are kept separate throughout the process. 

Stocking and distribution 

The First Fence National Distribution Centre (NDC) is the only facility among the company’s seven sites audited to hold finished stock ready for customer orders.

Here, the process is as strict as the fabrication yard. Every product range is organised under clear signage, labelled “LPS 1175 FGM.”

This minimises picking errors and ensures that consumables and fixings are sourced from a critical components rack, preventing substandard materials from being used. 

As outlined in PN111 clause 16, the NDC also follows a quarantine process with a Root Cause and Corrective Actions protocol to ensure that damaged products are not accidentally sent to high-security sites. 

While this article outlines many aspects of manufacturing high-security perimeter fencing, it doesn’t cover every detail—some of the most important steps remain intentionally undisclosed.

From our facility to yours, we ensure that the product certified to LPS 1175 today will maintain the same high standards tomorrow, next week, and in the years to come, providing you with the peace of mind that your security fencing will indeed secure your site. 

This article was originally published in the November Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.