Access All Areas?
Balancing Venue Entry Requirements And Risks
Matthew Holliday, Head of Approval Schemes at the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), highlights the value of access control solutions in venues to protect fans and stadium staff, following the launch of an important new code of practice.
Stadia Security Under The Spotlight
The reopening of stadia across the UK and Ireland for attended sporting and other events, following the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on visiting fans, has shone a spotlight on the operational importance of access control systems and procedures at these venues.
Recent news coverage of security breaches at Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 final on 11th July provided a pointed reminder that arrangements to ensure the safety of those attending events are paramount.
This incident followed scenes at Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford ground in May this year, when more than 100 fans broke into the stadium and invaded the pitch and other areas including the players’ tunnel, which focused similar attention on appropriate stadia security measures including perimeter access control systems and related staffing measures.
The cost of such incidents is seen in terms of disruption, personal injury or worse, along with inconvenience and financial costs, not to mention the negative reputational impact of press and social media coverage.
Reassessing Risks
Appropriate access control measures for a range of security-related challenges faced by stadia are best informed by effective risk assessment and threat determination. This process ensures measures including door and turnstile entry mechanisms are both fit for purpose, effective in their operation, adaptable and user-friendly.
Risk assessment also assists in the identification of access control needs, the location of access points to be secured/monitored, and any requirements for remote monitoring and manned response to identified incidents. It is factored into design, along with the risk classification of access points which can vary e.g. inside/outside working hours, during daylight/hours of darkness, at weekends, or during other open/closed periods.
Updated Code Of Practice
Responding to evolving standards, NSI has introduced a 2021 update to its NCP 109 Code of Practice for access control systems. The Code draws on the Equality Act 2010, British Standard BS 7273-4 for fire protection (activation of release mechanisms for doors) and BS 7671 for electrical installations – all key to safe and well-designed systems.
Stadium buyers choosing system providers which comply with the revised Code gain valuable reassurance that the venue’s access control system design will reflect their specific user needs, usability and operating requirements. This latest Issue 3 of NCP 109 embraces new technologies and methods. It covers threat assessment, the determination of higher exposure points, expected people flows, means of escape in the event of a fire or security incident, and assessment of the most suitable type of recognition technology.
Classification
The updated Code also now references BS EN 60839, which classifies each access point (door, hardware and access components) based on a risk assessment. Additionally, it defines access functions that should be included based on risk levels, for example for higher risk access points, anti-pass back, door forced alarms and door held open alarms, including the remote notification of emergency release operation.
Data Management
Access control record-keeping and data security are essential elements for any access control system. Typically, ‘log-ins’ and permissions are a point of risk. Yet this needn’t be complicated: fail-safe system controls and procedures can ensure recognition log-ins are up to date, with permissions for stadium staff and the capability to add and withdraw contractors’ access – simple yet essential risk management. Access control systems store personal data that must be held securely, adhering to GDPR requirements (applicable since 25th May 2018).
Conclusion
The successful operation of appropriate, cost efficient and operationally effective access control systems is built on clear collaboration between users, specifiers and installers. Stadium managers can use the latest NSI Code of Practice as a reassuring means of verifying their providers are specifying and installing to the latest standards and best practice, with their competency underlined by independent approval.
The wider benefits to stadium managers of choosing approved providers lies in assurance of their integrity, technical expertise and professionalism – as recognised by the Police and the insurance industry – for their role in keeping people and property safe.
For more information contact NSI by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone: +44 (0)1626 764886 or visit the website: www.nsi.org.uk
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