DSI ES8900, Installation And Operation Manual

Page: 38 / 41

38
DESIGNED SECURITY INC
800-272-3555 www.dsigo.com
1402 Hawthorne Street Bastrop, Texas 78602 Fax 512 321 9181 Email: dsi@dsigo.com
INS-8900-151110
When planning for an elevator lobby consider the maximum number of users that may need to be accommodated while
waiting for the elevator. Allow adequate space for the users to congregate beyond the turnstiles while not restricting traffic
flow through the lane(s).
The Ideal Application
The ideal placement will encourage users to approach slowly, enter, and pass through the lane, but discourage rushing
through or stopping either in, or just after, the lane. One example of ergonomics designed with this in mind would be a “T”-
type traffic pattern, with the entrance traffic flowing into the base of the “T”.
If the OT were placed in the corridor just before the “T”, users would not be prone to rush through the lane because they will
see a wall or other barrier (rope, chain, etc.) before them. After passing through the lane, there should also be some
incentive to encourage moving on. An inviting, open space like a lobby or waiting area or some place which is perceived as
less confining than the security entryway would be ideal.
Slowing traffic through the lanes minimizes false alarms generated through beam interruption by briefcases, bags, umbrellas,
coats, etc. A rapidly moving user could be swinging these items and this has been known to generate a tailgate violation.
Placing the turnstile in a long straight corridor may encourage this “swinging” of personal items by fast walkers or those
users in a hurry, especially on free-exit applications.
A free-entry/exit user does not have to pause to present a card, he may be moving more rapidly. A back-swing into the
beams could be interpreted as an entry attempt by the electronics, thus producing a nuisance alarm.
Naturally there will be a balance to be reached, in that the security entryway must also allow smooth traffic flow during peak
traffic periods each day while still serving the purpose of limiting access to valid users of the system.
With this knowledge of turnstiles, traffic flow and turnstile operational parameters in mind, a little planning beforehand could
prevent conflicts later between users, operators, the integrator, and the customer’s original security plan.
Moving the users through a psychologically “restrictive” area into an “inviting” open space, while also providing a security
threshold large enough to allow smooth traffic flow during peak periods, would exemplify the ideal installation.