Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
vulnerability and have instituted programs to lock hydrants; for exam-
ple, USEPA Region 1 includes locking hydrants as the seventh item in its
Drinking Water Security and Emergency Preparedness “top ten” list for
small groundwater suppliers.
A hydrant lock is a physical security device designed to prevent unauthor-
ized access to the water supply through a hydrant. Such locks can ensure
water and water pressure availability to fire fighters and prevent water theft
and associated lost water revenue. These locks have been used successfully
in numerous municipalities and in various climates and weather conditions.
Fire hydrant locks are basically steel covers or caps that are locked in place
over the operating nut of a fire hydrant. The lock prevents unauthorized per-
sons from accessing the operating nut and opening the fire hydrant valve.
The lock also makes it more difficult to remove the bolts from the hydrant
and access the system that way. Finally, hydrant locks shield the valve from
being broken off. Should a vandal attempt to breach the hydrant lock by force
and succeed in breaking the hydrant lock, the vandal will only succeed in
bending the operating valve. If the operating valve of the hydrant is bent, the
hydrant will not be operational, but the water asset remains protected and
inaccessible to vandals; however, the entire hydrant will have to be replaced.
The locking mechanisms for fire hydrant locking systems ensure that
hydrants can only be accessed by authorized personnel who have the special
key wrench required to operate a hydrant without removing the lock. These
specialized wrenches are generally distributed to the fire department, pub-
lic works department, and other authorized persons so they can access the
hydrants as needed. An inventory of wrenches and their serial numbers is
generally kept by a municipality so the location of all wrenches is known.
These operating key wrenches may only be purchased by registered lock
owners.
The most important features of hydrant are their strength and the security
of their locking systems. The locks must be strong so they cannot be broken
off. Hydrant locks are constructed from stainless or alloyed steel. Stainless-
steel locks are stronger and are ideal for all climates; however, they are more
expensive than alloy locks.
Hatch Security
A hatch is basically a door installed on a horizontal plane (such as in a floor,
a paved lot, or a ceiling), instead of on a vertical plane (such as in a building
wall). Hatches are usually used to provide access to assets that are located
underground (e.g., in basements or underground storage areas) or above
ceilings (such as emergency roof exits). At water and wastewater facilities,
hatches are typically used to provide access to underground vaults contain-
ing pumps, valves, or piping, or to the interior of water tanks or covered
reservoirs. Securing a hatch by locking it or upgrading materials to give the
hatch added strength can help to delay unauthorized access to any asset
