Understanding vehicle attack delay standard and impact testing configurations

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) is crucial for protecting high-risk areas and large events from vehicle-based attacks. Understanding impact testing configurations, distinguishing it from National Protective Security Authority’s Vehicle Attack Delay Standards (VADS), and implementing an integrated security approach can significantly improve protection measures. Paul Jeffrey, PSSA (Perimeter Security Suppliers Association) explains.

Ensuring the integrity and reliability of safety and security installations is paramount. Adherence to impact-tested configurations is often overlooked but critical. Products undergo rigorous impact testing under specific conditions, including the exact number and arrangement of upstands or other support mechanisms. “Deviating from these tested configurations can lead to suboptimal performance and potential security hazards”.

The Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Installers Scheme (HVMIS) ensures accredited companies follow the correct installation guidelines for as tested configurations. PSSA member companies adhere to the HVMIS guidance, which places a strong emphasis on communication, compliance and quality assurance to maintain a consistent standard.

Additionally, mandatory maintenance and operational training are integral to the process, ensuring clients have a comprehensive understanding and management capability of the systems. Impact testing involves subjecting a security barrier to a controlled collision with a specified vehicle (weight and speed) to determine its effectiveness in stopping or mitigating the force of the impact. These tests simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring the barriers can withstand specific levels of force.

When a product is impact tested with a specific number of units/upstands, such as eight, it is vital that it is installed with the same number. “The performance of the barrier is directly linked to its tested configuration - deviating from this setup can significantly compromise the barrier’s effectiveness. The structural integrity of the barrier as a whole relies on the number and placement of upstands. Reducing the number can weaken the overall strength and stability.”

Impact forces are distributed across the upstands. Fewer upstands mean higher force per unit, potentially leading to creating additional penetration through the barrier which could impact the perceived protected space. Testing provides a predictable performance benchmark. Altering the configuration makes the actual performance unpredictable and unreliable.

VADS provides a means for testing Vehicle Security Barriers (VSBs) against aggressive and repetitive vehicle impacts and are designed to stop a slower speed vehicle attack. VADS rated VSBs are not a substitute for ISO 22343, which is the latest vehicle test standard, IWA 14-1, ASTM International and PAS 68 rated vehicle security barriers.

VADS rated VSBs provide an alternative risk-based option for event managers and other risk owners: pragmatic, affordable and achievable levels protection, typically for, but not exclusively, temporary events. “Any installation of VADS should be installed following a thorough risk assessment to determine the vulnerability and risk to understand that this
is a proportionate level of protection and the owner or operator is fully aware of the limitations and residual risk.”

Any installation should be installed based on full understanding of their performance capability, they may include bollards, planters, and decorative barriers. Impact-rated systems, on the other hand, are specifically tested to withstand vehicular impacts. These systems are engineered to absorb and dissipate the force of an impact, providing a higher level of security. Examples include crash barriers, impact-tested bollards/roadblockers/gates and barriers, as well as hostile vehicle mitigation fences.

Guidance

To ensure compliance and safety, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines and configurations, conduct regular inspections and maintenance of installed barriers to ensure they remain in optimal condition, and engage with security experts and engineers to ensure the chosen systems meet the specific security needs and are installed correctly. Proper installation of impact-tested configurations is non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring the effectiveness of security barriers.

Understanding the differences between VADS and impact-rated systems helps in making informed decisions about security investments. By following tested configurations and adhering to strict installation guidelines, we can ensure the safety and security of public spaces and infrastructure against vehicle attacks.

The new NPSA guidance, “Security on Your Side,” emphasises a holistic security approach. This involves integrating physical security measures, personnel training, and robust policies into all aspects of operations. Security should be treated as a fundamental component of every process. The guidance reinforces the importance of using impact-tested configurations for barriers and other security installations, stressing that products must be installed exactly as they were tested to ensure their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Traffic Management

Traffic management is another critical aspect of event security. Effective traffic calming measures, such as installing speed humps, bumps, and rumble strips on approach roads, can naturally slow down vehicles. Clear, visible signage and lane narrowing techniques also help reduce vehicle speeds. Changing the layout by introducing chicanes and setting up security checkpoints at a distance from the main event area can further enhance security.

Tailored Security

A holistic approach to security for each event should be tailored to the specific threats and vulnerabilities identified and assessed. For instance, a major outdoor concert would benefit from impact-rated barriers at strategic points, speed reduction measures on approach roads, and a well-coordinated layered security system. “HVM should never be installed as a stand-alone tick in the box as part of the Traffic management plan. HVM forms part of the overall counter terrorism plan and should always be a combination of correctly installed product and well defined processes.”

Clear signage, effective communication with attendees, and regular training and drills for security personnel ensure a swift and efficient response to any incidents.

In summary, effective HVM relies on a thorough understanding of the specific threat vulnerabilities and risk of what we are trying to protect. Vehicle security barriers should be used in conjunction with thorough training, and procedures so that owners and operators can have adequate time to respond to any potential attack.

Following strict guidelines and taking a comprehensive approach to security can greatly improve safety for public spaces and events. Regular training, maintenance, and sticking to tested configurations are essential to a strong security strategy. By doing this, we can better protect against vehicle attacks and ensure safer environments for everyone.

“VSBs should always be installed as tested and always with the correct amount of upstands that the product was rated to so we fully understand how the product is likely to perform.”

The best practice and standards set out in existing NPSA guidance provides the highest level of protection and include the preferred deployment of permanent and semi-permanent IWA14-1, ISO 22343 and PAS68 rated VSBs.