Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
activities or a deposited CBR source are
preferred. The restricted area should also
include an open buffer zone between the
public areas and the intake louvers. Thus,
individuals attempting to enter these protected
areas will be more conspicuous to secu-
rity personnel and the public. Monitoring
the buffer zone by physical security, closed-
circuit television (CCTV), security lighting,
or intrusion detection sensors will enhance
this protective approach.
∗
2.
Prevent public access to mechanical areas
.
Closely related to the relocation of outdoor
air intakes is the security of building mechan-
ical areas. Mechanical areas may exist at
one or more locations within a building.
These areas provide access to centralized
mechanical systems (HVAC, elevator, water,
etc.), including filters, air handling units, and
exhaust systems. Such equipment is suscep-
tible to tampering and may subsequently be
used in a CBR attack. Access to mechan-
ical areas should be strictly controlled by
keyed locks, keycards, or similar security
measures. Additional controls for access to
keys, keycards, and key codes should be
strictly maintained.
∗
3.
Prevent public access to building roofs
.
Access to a building's roof can allow
ingress to the building and access to air
intakes and HVAC equipment (e.g., self-
contained HVAC units, laboratory or bath-
room exhausts) located on the roof. From a
physical security perspective, roofs are like
other entrances to the building and should
be secured appropriately. Roofs with HVAC
equipment should be treated like mechanical
areas. Fencing or other barriers should restrict
access from adjacent roofs. Access to roofs
should be strictly controlled through keyed
locks, keycards, or similar measures. Fire and
life safety egress should be carefully reviewed
when restricting roof access.
Figure C.2
the intake out of reach of individuals without
some assistance. Also, the entrance to the
intake should be covered with a sloped metal
mesh to reduce the threat of objects being
tossed into the intake. A minimum slope
of 45
is generally adequate (Figure C.4).
Extension height should be increased where
existing platforms or building features (i.e.,
loading docks, retaining walls) might provide
access to the outdoor air intakes.
Establish a security zone around outdoor air
intakes
. Physically inaccessible outdoor air
intakes are the preferred protection strategy.
When outdoor air intakes are publicly acces-
sible and relocation or physical extensions
are not viable options, perimeter barriers that
prevent public access to outdoor air intake
areas may be an effective alternative. Iron
fencing or similar see-through barriers that
will not obscure visual detection of terrorist
4.
Implement security measures, such as guards,
alarms, and cameras to protect vulner-
able areas
. Difficult-to-reach outdoor air
