BACK TO SCHOOL – A GOOD TIME TO REVIEW FENCING AND GATES

With schools reopening after the summer break, it’s a good time for fencing contractors to help schools review their external perimeter fencing, entrance control, internal fencing, and even service and maintenance requirements.

That’s the view of Heras – Europe’s leading end-to-end supplier of permanent and mobile perimeter protection solutions – which understands the pivotal role that fencing products play in creating a secure learning environment as part of schools’ safeguarding obligations.
As well as keeping pupils in during the school day, good perimeter solutions also help keep intruders out.
Key markers – such as the start of a new academic year – are points at which schools are receptive to offers of external reviews and inspections.
Roger Markham from the company – which has its UK head office in Doncaster – says that it’s the ideal time of year to throw the spotlight on some core and specialist products that are perfect for schools.

Play safe bar fencing

Heras’s flagship Tangorail is a one- of-a-kind, innovative self-raking railing system. TR800, for example, is ideal for primary schools because it is made from vertical tubular
bars with horizontal rails. It has been manufactured to meet the expectations of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for playground fencing, ensuring no potential for head, neck or finger traps, along with no opportunity for children to slip through or under gaps.

Mesh fencing

Heras has a well-earned reputation for its ranges of mesh perimeter fencing – such as Pallas, a welded mesh fence that combines the transparency and versatility of chain link fencing with the strength and appearance of bar fencing.
Other, more specialist ranges, include Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA) that is ideal for use around sports courts – where a multitude
of games such as football, tennis, basketball and netball can be played.

Entrance control and gates

Effective perimeter protection requires safe, secure entry points, and Heras’s entrance control products are designed for both
pedestrian and vehicle access
and address all levels of security. They also incorporate features that enable easy access for users with disabilities, including hands free entry.
Bi-fold gates are by far the most flexible solution for busy school sites, which at peak times have large volumes of both traffic and pedestrians. They are ideal
for sites where the extra space required for conventional hinged or sliding gates is not available. They can also open and close in a matter of seconds, thus providing quick controlled entry to a location.

Turnstiles

In some circumstances, turnstiles may be an appropriate option. Heras products offer programmable control units that can integrate with most available access control and membership systems.
Roger said: “Heras has a comprehensive range of products that are ideal for schools that we can supply direct or to fencing contractors who already work
with schools. Now is a good time
to talk to schools to review what’s already installed, explore options to upgrade, and even introduce service and maintenance packages.”
For more information, visit www.heras.co.uk/education.