Keeping our utility network safe
31/07/2017 Cubis Systems
There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when assessing how to keep our utility network safe. Water, gas and electricity providers need to be aware of how gaps in their physical security can leave the country vulnerable. Here Andy Hobbis, business director of utility kiosk specialist, MCL Industrial Enclosures, looks at what has been done to secure kiosks.The Water Act 2014 amended existing legislation and stressed the importance of the long-term resilience of water and wastewater systems, meaning that there is an even greater need to increase the level of security on public infrastructure assets.
It's vital for the security of our national grid and water systems that utility providers embrace these changes and work with kiosk manufacturers to develop new and innovative methods to protect our utility infrastructure.
The majority of the kiosks and enclosures used to cover key utility sites, such as bore hole pumps that supply fresh water to cities and towns. Therefore, the kiosk itself has to provide all the physical security needed to protect vulnerable assets that could result in our water supply being compromised.
Essentially, kiosks must take on the role of a safe that is protecting valuable jewels. As a result, many traditional kiosks comprise of brick and steel. However, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite utility kiosks, such as those supplied by MCL Industrial Enclosures, are not vulnerable to rust and the composite can be altered and adapted to be hardwearing.
Selecting kiosk and enclosure suppliers that are LPCB (loss prevention certification board) certified, like those provided by MCL Industrial Enclosures, means that the products are in adherence with industry and government standards that are recognised in the UK and worldwide.
Part of BRE Global, LPCB is an independent third party approvals body that offers certification of fire, security, sustainable products and services to an international market. Any product certified to LPCB standards is rigorously tested and manufacturing sites are annually audited.
With the risk of security threats on the rise, the utility industry has to look beyond the basics and kiosk manufacturers need to provide products that meet higher security standards. This is combatted by the latest Asset Management Programme (AMP6) that demands an increase in the security level for kiosks to LPCB SR4.
Many manufacturers, like MCL Industrial Enclosures, can provide additional features that don't compromise the LPCB certification ratings, but can increase the suitability of the kiosk or enclosure to its specific environments. For instance, catflap cable access points can be added to provide ease of access to specific cabling networks, while partition walls can be incorporated to allow for a separated control panel compartment within the kiosk.
We cannot afford to be complacent in an industry that provides vital resources to billions of people across the world. As the tests become more rigorous, our products will become more secure, meeting the highest of specifications.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Liversidge
Cubis Systems
4 Silverwood Ind Estate
Lurgan
Co. Armagh
BT66 6LN
Tel: +44 (0)28 3831 3100
Email: mliversidge@cubisindustries.com
Web: www.cubis-systems.co.uk
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