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Critical infrastructures safeguard their sites

Technology from Gallagher has successfully secured hundreds of utilities sites across Europe, the USA, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Utilities are critical infrastructures that affect us all. Key challenges facing the utilities sector stem from multiple sources including deregulation, increasing demand and significantly, terrorism, vandalism, theft and even the weather. A successful attempt to disrupt electricity, gas and water supplies could have devastating effects on national security, the economy and every citizen's life. The responsibilities of utilities companies towards staff, the public and the environment are also of primary concern and provide a constant challenge.

Since the early 1980s, a variety of utilities companies have relied upon PowerFence from Gallagher Security Management Systems to safeguard their sites and their ability to provide uninterrupted service to customers.

The systems provide perimeter fencing solutions for utilities which:

* Deter attack by sending a regulated, non-lethal, electric pulse around the fence.

* Meet stringent safety criteria, providing a humane solution.

* Are easy to maintain. Gallagher Security Management Systems can provide maintenance agreements.

National Grid

National Grid is a prime example of how the system provides optimum perimeter security in the electricity industry. National Grid is the owner and operator of the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, carrying power from the generators to the regional network operators. This network consists of over 300 substations, 7000 km of overhead line and 650 km of underground cable, providing a secure and reliable electricity transmission system.

Safety, security and a continued regard for the environment remain over-arching priorities in the planning and operation of the network. In May 1993, following a number of forced, unlawful entries into National Grid's High Voltage Electricity Substations, a decision was taken to improve perimeter security.

National Grid followed recommendations from Government Security Advisers (GSA) to install a PowerFence system. The system was installed in various sites including High Voltage Substations considered to be high security. The system's reputation for a low rate of false alarms and robustness was particularly important to National Grid. Since its installation the system continues to meet National Grid's security needs in over 150 sites:

* It has predominantly solved their problems of theft and vandalism - saving thousands of pounds per attempt.

* The system provides a complete deter and detect solution 24 hours a day, seven days a week enabling National Grid to effectively fulfil its 'duty of care'.

* It has met stringent legal and health and safety criteria.

* It has reduced the need for and cost associated with guards.

Transco

Like National Grid, Transco places a high priority on executing its 'duty of care' towards staff and the public while maintaining high security around its various sites. Transco is the national gas transportation company, responsible for ensuring that gas is delivered to over 20 million consumers around the UK safely and efficiently.

Based on positive reports from other PowerFence system users and importantly, legal and Health and Safety clearances, Transco installed the systems in 14 of its sites. The installation proved to be most successful as an effective and reliable security system. The subsequent confidence generated among all site users is such that Transco is committed to the perimeter security system for the foreseeable future.

Watercare Services

Another utility that has entrusted the protection of its sites to Gallagher Security Management Systems is Watercare Services. Watercare Services provides high quality water treatment and supply, wastewater removal and treatment, and associated services to more than one million people in Auckland, New Zealand.

The organisation undertakes its operations in a manner that safeguards public health and takes into account the preservation of the natural environment and the sustainable management of resources. To optimise its ability to protect and secure the safety and purity of the water supply and the other services it provides, Watercare Services installed several kilometres of the system at its sites in the greater Auckland area.

Like other utilities, Watercare Services security requirements are highly specialised and complex. A perimeter security system that detects unauthorised entry or exit into defined area and deters intruders is required to secure their sites. The system has to be highly reliable and not generate false alarms, differentiating between serious breaches of the fence and disturbances caused by wildlife, birds or weather conditions.

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