Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Allegion Provides Bomb Blast Protection at Heathrow The threat of terrorism has escalated across the west since the unforgettable events of 911, and nowhere is this threat more noticeable than in airports – from limitations on how much liquid is allowed on board, to the removal of shoes for security checks and even the introduction of full body x-ray scanners. Historically, there have been 15 recorded terrorist attacks on airports worldwide, and for passengers the counter-terrorism measures go much further than meets the eye, with specifically designed construction products integrated into the fabric design of new airport terminals. Bomb blast doors are one such product being specified on new build and refurbishment projects for international airports including Heathrow Terminal 5. David Keeble, Area Sales Manager for Allegion – formerly known as Ingersoll Rand – explains why bomb blast doors were such an integral part of the T5 design. On the 30th June 2007, a Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters was driven into the glass doors of Glasgow International Airport and set ablaze. Thanks to the fast reactions of airport security and a number of brave members of the public, the fire was contained before most of the canisters could explode and the only fatality was that of the perpetrator. The Government temporarily raised the on-going terrorist threat assessment level for airports to ‘severe’ as a result of this attack and a failed attack in London the day before. The likelihood of a reoccurring threat of this nature has been very closely monitored ever since. For airport management companies such as Heathrow Airport Holdings (formerly BAA) which is responsible for four UK airports in total, the Glasgow bomb attack was a turning point in the construction of new terminal buildings. With the new Terminal 5 set to open in 2008, protecting it from this sort of vehicle bomb attack was at the top of the specifier’s agenda. Welcoming around 28 million passengers each year on around 193,000 flights, it was essential that the terminal would be as accessible as possible to facilitate the movement of foot traffic whilst providing necessary protection against terrorist attack. As a result, Allegion was chosen as a partner to develop products to offer added security and protection. Dor-O-Matic bomb rated automatic doors were specified and installed on all main entrances throughout the Terminal building. Specifically designed for high risk areas such as government offices, transport hubs, public buildings, military establishments, financial institutions and other potential targets, the Dor-O-Matic bomb rated doors are a perfect solution for projects requiring a blast resistant secure bi-parting automatic door system. Designed and manufactured to be similar in appearance to its standard automatic counterparts, bomb blast doors from Allegion meet the same standards for functionality as traditional doors, delivering unrivalled protection against vehicle bomb attacks, without compromising on accessibility. 24 THE door industry journal spring 2014 industrial doors feature