Each security rating is appropriate to the level of risk to forced entry or removal, and covers everything from the secure storage of tools in the domestic environment, to protection of remote equipment on railway and telecommunications infrastructures. Some examples of applications include: secure site tool and plant storage units, portable office buildings and shipping containers.
The use of appropriately rated and installed physical security enclosures will protect the contents of the enclosure from the unwanted attentions of the opportunist or professional intruder.
LPS 1175 Requirements and testing procedures for the LPCB approval and listing of intruder resistant building components, strongpoints, security enclosures and free-standing barriers confirms the resistance to forced entry provided by security enclosures. While Issues 6 and 7 specified eight levels of resistance (security ratings), the latest version of LPS 1175 (Issue 8) defines a performance classification formed of the following two elements:
- Threat level (first element) - Letter (A to H) corresponding with the tool kit used to evaluate the product’s intruder resistance and the number of attackers involved.
- Delay (second element) - Numeric value (1, 3, 5, 10, 15 or 20) corresponding with the minimum delay (in minutes) provided by the product when placed in a locked condition.
Unless otherwise stated, an enclosure’s resistance to forced entry is rated according to its ability to resist the creation of an aperture through which it is possible to pass a 400 mm by 225 mm elliptical test block. This is considered to be a size through which most intruders could pass. In some cases alternative failure criteria are used as the basis for the security rating attributed to the enclosure. Where used, the alternative failure criterion is designed to suit the enclosure’s intended application, and is noted in the relevant product entry.
Further information about the security rating system can be found in LPS 1175, copies of which can be downloaded for free from www.redbooklive.com.
It is important to ensure that enclosures are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All exposed fixings, the substrate onto which the enclosure is fitted, and the locking mechanisms should also be regularly checked to ensure that they are in good condition and that they have not been tampered with.
It is recommended that cash and jewellery should preferably be stored in safe storage units or strongrooms approved by LPCB. Those looking to prevent unauthorised removal of computer equipment should consider using physical protection devices.
