Project Overview

Civils and Environmental Ltd were appointed to undertake the installation of a secure pedestrian access gate and integrated electronic access control system.

The project combined civil groundworks, reinforced concrete construction, steel gate installation, and advanced access control integration near a live substation environment. Due to proximity to electrical infrastructure, all excavation works were carefully controlled and hand-dug where required.

This scheme was designed to improve perimeter security, safe pedestrian access, and controlled entry management within an operational industrial site.

Site Assessment & Pre-Construction Planning

Prior to mobilisation, a detailed site assessment and risk review were undertaken. Key site considerations included:

• Vehicle and pedestrian interface risks

• Proximity to electrical substation infrastructure

• Restricted digging zones

• Requirement for CAT scanning during works

• Controlled site sign-in and induction procedures

Given the location near live electrical equipment, all excavation works were planned as hand-dig operations to mitigate risk of striking buried services.

The team developed a method statement and sequencing programme to ensure works could be completed safely and efficiently with minimal operational disruption.

Phase 1: Civil Engineering & Groundworks

Concrete Pad & Sub-Base Construction

To accommodate the new gate structure, Civils and Environmental constructed:

• A 3.5m x 1.5m reinforced concrete pad (150mm thick)

• Installed over 200mm of MOT Type 1 compacted sub-base

• Designed to provide long-term load-bearing stability

• Finished to level tolerance suitable for secure gate operation

The reinforced pad ensures resistance to cracking, settlement, and vibration from nearby vehicle movements.

Apollo 868 Gate Installation

A 3m x 1.2m Apollo 868 single-leaf dig-in mesh gate was installed, providing:

• Secure steel perimeter access

• Dig-in mesh design to prevent ground-level breach

• Durable galvanised finish for corrosion resistance

Posts were securely concreted into position, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with industrial perimeter security standards.

Access Steps Installation

A 1.2-metre-wide concrete step arrangement was constructed to allow safe pedestrian access up to the newly formed pad, ensuring:

✔ Safe level transition
✔ Improved access usability
✔ Compliance with safe access principles

Steel Trunking Installation

To facilitate cable routing, 7 metres of Salamandre 50mm x 50mm galvanised steel trunking were installed along the existing fence line. This trunking connected into underground ducting leading to the site power supply, ensuring:

• Protected cable containment

• Weather resistance

• Mechanical protection in industrial conditions

Phase 2: Electronic Access Control Installation

The project included full integration of an access control system to manage pedestrian entry.

System Design Proposal (SDP)

The system comprised:

• Salto access reader installed externally on the new pedestrian gate

• External-grade Request to Exit (RTE) button

• Green external Break Glass Unit (BGU)

• S500 external-grade enclosed gate maglock with brackets

This configuration delivers controlled access from both secure and non-secure sides while complying with safety and emergency egress requirements.

Access Control Installation Methodology

Control Panels

• Mounted on structurally sound internal surfaces

• Installed at secure, serviceable height

• Cabling routed via trunking or concealed containment

• Mains power connected in approved terminations

Break Glass Unit (BGU) & Request to Exit (RTE)

• Installed at approximately 1.2m height

• Positioned to comply as closely as possible with DDA accessibility principles

• Flush cabling through walls where feasible

Salto Reader

• Installed at approx. 1.2m height for accessibility

• Cabling concealed where possible

• Secure termination within junctions on the protected side

Maglock Installation

• Installed using L or I brackets as required

• Secure mechanical fixing to structural frame

• Armature plate mounted to gate leaf

• Cabling concealed internally or protected in conduit

This structured installation approach ensures system durability, operational reliability, and compliance with controlled-access best practice.

Operational & Safety Management

Working Hours & Programming

Works were planned to allow flexibility between 06:00 – 20:00 to minimise risk and operational disruption. Where possible, higher-risk activities were scheduled outside normal working hours.

A post-installation “bedding-in period” was allowed for final system adjustments and user calibration.

PPE & Safety Controls

Engineers were equipped with:

• Safety boots (midsole protection)

• Hard hats

• Safety glasses

• Rigger gloves

• Respiratory dust masks

Strict adherence to site safety and controlled excavation protocols was maintained throughout.

Outcome & Client Benefits

✔ Secure pedestrian access point installed
✔ Reinforced concrete pad providing long-term structural integrity
✔ Integrated Salto-controlled electronic access system
✔ DDA-conscious hardware positioning
✔ Secure maglock and emergency release functionality
✔ Safe completion in proximity to substation