Following the installation of speed gates at one of our recent projects, The Euston Skills Centre, we have put together a Q&A of some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to turnstiles. We thank Record UK for their input.
Q1 What are the different types of speed gates and what are their pros and cons?
A1 The main difference is the ‘swing arm’ versus the ‘retracting arm’ style. The retracting arm style tends to be more secure because it is more efficient at blocking tailgating. Generally, the longer the pedestal, the more secure the lane because the more anti-tailgating sensors you can include and the further it is to jump to avoid sensors. In some cases, a full height solution may be required, and this could be in the form of a revolving door, or one way corridor.
Q2 What are the different specifications of turnstiles, and how do they differ in design and functionality?
A2 As described previously, the ‘swing arm’ and ‘retracting arm’ is the main difference. The speed gates can also be configured with different heights of glass to add more security, and ‘jump over’ sensors to alarm when someone tries to jump over a pedestal. Turnstiles can all be installed on ramps if for example there is underfloor heating in the area, or a client does not want the floor dug up.
Q3 What are the typical widths for turnstiles (both standard and DDA compliant) – What are the Building Regulation standards around this and how do these compare with other Countries ?
A3 The minimum width for a DDA compliant lane is 900mm, and a standard width lane is 650mm. The minimum width is 500mm according to BS EN 17352. CEM is the governing body for Europe, whilst outside the EU, it’s the Machinery Directive. This sets out the regulations for the H&S of any machine with moving parts. Harmonised standards provide a technical basis to assess the performance of construction products. They enable manufacturers to draw up the Declaration of Performance as defined in the Construction Products Regulation, and affix the CE marking.
Q4 What are the common problems incurred during design and construction of turnstiles, and what should architects and builders do better ?
A4 The biggest issue with speed gates is the floor – digging containment and getting the supports right. This was experienced at the Euston Skills Centre, where drawings had to be carefully coordinated with the Main Contractor to ensure the steel beams under the floor were spaced correctly.
Q5 What are the issues installing turnstiles in modular buildings ?
A5 The fixing method in the floor can be one of the biggest issues. Generally, with raised floors, composite floors and computer access floors, the slab would be built up to finished floor level (FFL). This is the easiest and cheapest solution. The alternative is to build brackets that sit under the tiles/FFL, which are then connected to the slab to provide a rigid fitting. The fixing frame attaches to the concrete floor and the speed gates are then fixed to the fixing frame. Technically you could probably get away with just attaching to e.g. the steel floor tiles, but some sort of fixing frame is belt and braces.
Q6 What are the common issues surrounding control systems, IT and power and interfaces with electrical and IT contractors ?
A6 This happens very rarely if at all. The biggest issue is the right number of cables, the right type of cable and enough space in the containment to take all the cables to the turnstiles. Spare cables are always recommended. It is amazing how often sites employ a non-expert to dig the containment with little thought or care, and then wonder why they cannot pull the cables through or they break / get damaged when they do because of sharp or right-angled corners. A single fused 13A spur will power 3 lanes easily, but typically a spur per lane is best practise and the same applies for the emergency system interface.
Q7 What maintenance requirements are associated with different types of turnstiles, and how can these be managed effectively ?
A7 Generally the turnstiles are serviced after 1 year or a million cycles. You need to be mindful of open/closed protocol as this will affect who is able to service the turnstiles. All of Record’s products are open protocol so any suitable trained technician can service and maintain them. They need to be ADSA EN 17352 trained in order to service the lanes.
Q8 Are there any case studies or examples of successful turnstile installations in modular buildings that can provide insights or best practices ?
A8 The Euston Skills Centre is our first modular building where we have installed turnstiles. This Q&A has been produced following the site installation.
Q9 Are there any emerging trends or future developments in turnstile technology that may impact design and installation practices in the UK ?
A9 British Standard EN 17352 was designated in January 2024 in the UK and brings a new level of safety requirements for speed gates. BS EN 17352 as a standard is going to affect the industry as people become aware of it. There is a risk that people will take companies to court because of frivolous opportunistic legal claims from the public. The biggest defence is that they are security device and to make them completely safe in use (like an automatic door), would void 99% of the security features – risk assessments are key. It is a new standard and some leeway will be given initially, but after a year or two that will no longer hold. Certainly in terms of trends, look and feel is becoming a bigger issue, so-called side-gating (2 people walking side-by-side) and integration with building management systems. Developments in sensor technologies are coming too with regards to in-lane detection and safety.
Q10 What should you consider when setting out turnstiles ?A10 The available space will determine the width and number of speed gates that are able to be installed. Whilst the flow of people coming in and out of the building needs to be considered, there will be restrictions around the location, for example, are the gates between walls or is there a reception desk that needs to be factored in. Bespoke glass panels can be manufactured to fill in any gaps either side of the turnstiles to keep the entrance secure. The Euston Skills Centre turnstiles had to be located between a wall, and a large curved edge reception desk. Steel posts were used at each end of the speed lanes to fill the small gaps.
