Here at Charter Global, we receive a variety of requests from a range of sectors, and a request that is becoming increasingly more popular is car park roller shutters that provide both security and ventilation.
Last year we were tasked with installing a ventilated security roller shutter for a residential parking area, following the site’s review by Secure by Design.
On sites such as this, adequate ventilation is an essential requirement as harmful gases from exhaust fumes build up inside the premises.
But the car park roller shutters installed also needed to be appropriately secure.
So an SBD (Secure by Design) approved shutter certified to LPS 1175 SR2, was specified.
Why is Car Park Ventilation Important?
Day-to-day ventilation is needed to control the build-up of vehicle exhaust fumes.
With constant vehicle movements in car parks, there is a high level of heat and fumes which must be extracted.
This in itself can bring challenges to fire plans.
Car Park Roller Shutters – Our Solution
Typically to meet this standard, security shutters use solid shutter grilles, which provide no means of ventilation.
The Obexion UD SR2 security shutter, however, is the only ventilated security shutter certified to this standard, which still leaves approximately 20% of the shutter’s area free for ventilation.
With help from our innovative R&D team, the Obexion SR2 car park roller shutter made the perfect solution; providing effective security whilst still allowing adequate airflow into the car park.
We were also able to incorporate our unique LockDown technology into the design, ensuring the car park roller shutter could not be left in an insecure position through operator error.
Since the car park was for local residents who would need to regularly operate the shutter door, LockDown conveniently prevented any mishandling.
In addition to the security and ventilation requirements, the car park security shutters are controlled via remote control units given to each resident.
These made use of high duty cycle motors to allow for frequent use of the shutters throughout the day.
Security Shutters for Car Parks Case Study
Originally, this site started life as a Victorian workhouse, before being incorporated into a hospital.
The site has now been redeveloped, and now provides 396 accommodation units within walking distance of Romford town centre.
The development included a secure car park for the residents, primarily NHS key workers and local nurses, but also to the local community.
A review of the site by Secured by Design officers highlighted the need for a Secured by Design ventilated security shutter in the car park, which also had to remain accessible the residents.
The Challenge
As with all underground car parks, ventilation and airflow are required to control carbon monoxide build-up through exhaust fumes.
Outlined in Part F building regulations, the ventilation requirements for car parks above ground level should meet three air changes per hour (ACH) when combined with natural ventilation, such as through the security shutters.
This requirement for ventilation often conflicts with the need for security to the car park entrance.
The Secured by Design (SBD) Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO) specified an SBD approved roller shutter certified to LPS 1175, Issue 7, SR2 to the openings.
In order to meet this security requirement, the majority of security shutters are only available with a solid shutter curtain, therefore providing no means of ventilation.
Solution – Security Car Park Shutters
Working with the developer and the design team the Obexion SR2 Car Park shutter was the perfect solution to the common problem of providing an effective measured security solution whilst meeting the requirements for ventilation and airflow.
The Obexion ventilated security shutter system included the unique LockDown technology, which ensures the shutter cannot be left in an insecure position through user misuse – ideal for areas such as with this project where the public are operating the shutter.
In addition to the security and ventilation requirements, the shutters are controlled via remote control units given to each resident and utilise a high duty cycle motor to cater for the frequent use of the shutters throughout the day.
After more technical information? Access the Obexion Technical Area Below:
Outcome
The final specification of the Obexion UD SR2 ventilated security shutter met the requirements of all parties involved in the build, without any compromise on either the security or the ventilation requirements.
Following the completion of the project, the service and maintenance package for the Obexion shutters guarantees the continued smooth running of the shutters on an ongoing basis and ensures the legal requirements for shutter maintenance are fully up to date.
Further information on Security Shutters for Car Parks
If you’re in need of bespoke security solutions for your site or require car park security grilles, you can get in touch with the team here at Charter Global. Call us today on 0845 050 8705, or message us via the contact page.
We’ve also published a completely free e-guide to choosing the right secure roller shutter for your project or premises.
It covers all essential variables you should consider, from your sector to the physical location and the nature of what you’re protecting.
There’s even information on additional functionality you may not have considered.
