Turnstile Access Control for Site Security

Secure Your Premises with Effective Turnstile Access Control Solutions

There are certain high-traffic environments where traditional security gates simply aren’t practical. Think of a busy construction site at shift change, hundreds of workers needing to enter quickly and efficiently, or a sports venue filling up before a big game. That’s where turnstiles are the ideal security solution.

These durable, space-saving solutions manage pedestrian flow, enhance security, and provide valuable data on entry and exit. Turnstile access control for site safety is also used in office buildings, transport hubs, and leisure centres where controlled access is important to the safety and security of the members or employees.

1st Choice Security Systems is a long-established provider of security solutions for commercial environments. We’ve been helping businesses like yours secure their premises since 2006, so we know from experience how important access control is. That’s why we’ve created this short guide to give you an overview of the benefits, types, and considerations when choosing turnstile access control for your site.

What Turnstile Security Can Do For Your Site

The most important aspect to thinking about site security is finding the approach that works perfectly for your specific environment. So, what do turnstiles offer that other security barriers don’t?

First and foremost, a turnstile creates a real, physical barrier. This is especially useful for stopping “tailgating”, if you’re concerned that people without security credentials are accessing your premises. You can also customise turnstiles to work with different access methods, like card readers, fingerprint scanners, or PIN pads.

It’s not just about keeping people out though. Turnstiles are also great at managing the flow of people, especially when you’ve got heavy foot traffic to manage. Turnstiles help keep things organised and moving smoothly, preventing bottlenecks and making site entry safer and more efficient.

Turnstiles can easily integrate existing security measures. You can connect them to your access control system, CCTV, or even biometric scanners. For instance, you could have a turnstile that requires a keycard to enter, and at the same time, a camera could record who’s going through. This creates a really strong audit trail and adds an extra layer of protection.

Finally, turnstiles reduce the need for security personnel. Having people monitoring every entrance can be expensive and sometimes it’s just not practical. Turnstiles can automate a lot of that, reducing the need for constant on-site supervision. This is especially helpful for larger sites or places that need security 24/7.

Choosing the Right Turnstile: A Look at the Options

1^st Choice Security Systems offers a range of different types of turnstiles, each designed for the specific needs and environment of our clients. Choosing the right one for your site is key to effective for security and access control. Here are some of the most popular security turnstiles we offer:

Tripod Turnstiles – These are probably what comes to mind when you picture a turnstile. They’re the classic three-arm design, and you’ll often see them in places like gyms, leisure centres, or even some office buildings. They’re a good all-around option, offering a decent level of security and managing moderate levels of foot traffic

Full Height Turnstiles – If security is your absolute top priority, then full height turnstiles are the ideal choice. These are the ones that extend all the way from the floor to the ceiling, creating a complete physical barrier. There’s no way to climb over or duck under them, making them perfect for locations like data centres or construction sites.

Waist Height Turnstiles (or Half Height) – These offer a sort of middle ground between tripod and full height. They’re shorter, as the name suggests, typically coming up to waist height. They offer a good balance between security and ease of access, making them suitable for places like corporate offices or public transport hubs.

Optical Turnstiles – These are a bit different from the physical barrier types. Instead of rotating arms, they use infrared beams to detect movement. They create an invisible barrier, and if someone tries to pass through without authorisation, an alarm is triggered.

Turnstile Access Control for Site Security – A Unified Approach

Your security turnstile acts as a gatekeeper to your site, but your access control system is what determines who gets a key. By linking these two elements, you put in place a stronger and more effective security system.

With access control integration you can use key cards, fobs, or biometric scanners to allow or deny entry. This means you can tailor access permissions based on individual roles, departments, or even specific times of day.

Beyond just controlling who enters, integrating access control also provides valuable data and insights. Every time someone uses their credential at a turnstile, the system records the event, creating a detailed audit trail.

Should you need a clear overview of who is on site during a particular time frame, with an integrated system, you can easily generate a report showing exactly who entered and exited, and when. This level of accountability is a significant advantage in maintaining a secure and efficient operation.

Integrating access control with other security systems, such as CCTV or alarm systems, creates a holistic approach to site security. For instance, if someone attempts to force entry through a turnstile, the access control system can trigger an alarm and alert security personnel, while simultaneously activating nearby cameras to record the event.

The 1^st Choice Security Systems team works with businesses to create bespoke entry points that provide them with the controls they need to monitor the premises and maintains the security of the site, and safety of everyone accessing it.

Finding the Perfect Fit – Choosing the Right Turnstile for Your Site

Choosing the right turnstile depends on several key factors, and at 1st Choice Security Systems, we’re here to help you navigate those choices. It’s no use installing a generic turnstile and expecting it to secure a site; experience, knowledge and design is required to achieve a secure solution. Here are the key considerations we discuss with our clients:

• Security Level – What level of security do you require? From basic access control to high-security protection, we’ll recommend the appropriate type of turnstile.
• Traffic Volume – How many people will be using the turnstiles? We’ll help you select a solution that can handle your peak traffic flow efficiently.
• Available Space – We’ll make sure that the turnstile you choose fits comfortably within your existing space.
• Budget and ROI – We’ll help you find a cost-effective solution that provides long-term value.

Why Choose 1st Choice to Install Your Turnstile?

We’ve been providing bespoke security solutions to businesses for the past two decades. Our expertise in installing security barriers ensures an efficient installation and optimal protection.

• Professional Team – All our engineers are thoroughly vetted (DBS checked, SafeContractor approved) for your complete confidence.
• Professionalism Guaranteed – Our job management system and adherence to ISO2001-2015 standards mean your project will be efficient, organised, and meet the highest industry standards.

Looking for turnstile security for your site? At 1st Choice Security Systems, we provide tailored security solutions. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs – 0800 1182414