Physical Security

Chapter II.
Chapter II. Physical Security
Topics
1. Definition of Physical Security 7. Personnel identification and
movement control
2. Barrier
8. Protective cabinets
3. Security Lighting
9. Animal barrier
4. Protective Alarms
10.Human barrier
5. Fire Technology
6. Protective Locks
Physical Security – system of barriers placed between the potential
intruder and the objects/matter to be protected. It is the broadest
branch of security, which is concerned with physical measures adopted
to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, facilities, materials and
documents and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage,
damage and theft.

Objectives

a. To protect the organization’s asset;

b. To make access so difficult that an intruder will not dare Physical Security
attempt penetration

Concepts

a. Enemy agents will always seek access.

b. Surreptitious entry is the greatest hazard to security.

c. There are no impenetrable barriers.

d. Each installation is different.

 Purpose of the Barrier:

a. Outline the area of perimeter to be secured;

b. Crate a physical and psychological deterrent to

Barrier
unauthorized entry;
defined as any structure or physical device capable of
c. Delay intrusion, thus facilitating apprehension of intruders;
restricting, deterring, or delaying illegal access to an
d. Assist in more efficient and economical employment of installation.
guards;

e. Facilitates and impose the control of pedestrian and

vehicular traffic.
 Barrier three lines of defense

1. First line of defense – Perimeter barrier/fences – a

medium or structure which defines the physical limits of an
installation or area to restrict or impede access thereto;

2. Second line of defense – doors, floors, windows, walls,

roofs, and grills

3. Third line of defense – Storage system like steel cabinets,

safes, vaults and interior files.
 General types of physical barrier

1. Natural barrier – includes mountains, rivers, seas, desserts

or terrain difficult to traverse. To be fully effective, these
barriers must be under surveillance of guards;

2. Structural or Man-Made Barrier – structural constructions

made by man like fences, walls, floors, roofs, grills or other
physical means to deter or impede penetration
 Types of Fences

1. Solid Fence – constructed in such a way that visual access

through the fence is denied. Its advantage is that it denies
the intruder to become familiar with the personnel,
activities and the scheduled movements of the security
personnel. On the other hand, it prevents the guards from
observing the area around the installation and it creates
shadow that may be used by the intruder for cover and
concealment. A masonry wall should be the same as the
chain linked and surrounded by the barbed wire as top
guard.

2. Full View Fence - constructed in such a way that visual

access is permitted through the fence. One of its
advantages is that it allows the security personnel to keep
the surrounding of the installation under observation. On
the other hand, it also allows the intruder to become
familiar with the movements of the security personnel.
 Types of Full view Fence
1. Chain Link Fence
Specifications:
a. Should be constructed minimum height of seven feet excluding top guard;
b. Nine gauges or heavier;
c. Mesh openings of not larger two inches per side;
d. Twisted;
e. Securely fastened to rigid material or reinforce concrete;
f. Reach within two inches of hard ground or paving;
g. On soft ground, it must reach below the surface deep enough to compensate
for shifting soil or sand

2. Barbed Wire Fence

Specifications:
a. Standard barbed wire is twisted double strand, 12-gauge wires, with four-
point barb spaced on equal distant part;
b. Barbed wire fencing should not be less than seven feet high, excluding the top
guard;
c. Barbed wire fencing must be firmly affixed to post not more than 6 feet apart;
d. The distance between strands will not exceed six inches and at least one wire
will be interlocked and midway between posts

3. Concertina Wire or Dannert Wire – type of barbed wire or razor wire

that is formed in large coils which can be expanded like a concertina
Specifications:
a. Made of high strength steel clipped together to form a cylinder;
b. Opened concertina wire is 50 feet long and 3 feet diameter
 Additional protective barrier
1. Top Guard – an addition overhang or barbed wire place on vertical
fences facing upward and outward with a 45-degree angle with three to
four strands of barbed wires space six inches apart. This will increase
the protective height and prevent easy access
2. Entry stations – provided at main perimeter entrances to secure areas
located out of doors, and manned by guards on a full-time basis
3. Towers – house-like structures above the perimeter barrier. Height of
tower increases the range of observation during day and night with
artificial illumination
4. Clear zone – unobstructed area maintained on both sides of the
perimeter barrier. It affords better observation and patrol movement. It
should be cleared of anything that may provide concealment or
assistance to a person seeking an authorized entry.
a. 20 feet or more between the perimeter barrier and exterior structure
(Outside);
b. 50 feet or more between the perimeter area and structure within the
protected areas.
5. Protection in Depth – in large open areas or grounds where fencing or
walling is impractical and expensive warning signs should be
conspicuously placed
6. Signs and notices – erected where necessary in the management of
unauthorized ingress and preclude accidental entry
 Security Lighting

The nature of the facility is often different at night than during

the day. Night time environment is very different from the day
time environment by virtue of the diminished natural
illumination and sometimes the changed status of the
surrounding community. Many establishments are unoccupied
at night or being guarded by few security personnel.

Security lighting is important since it provides sufficient

illumination to areas during hours of darkness.

Purposes of security lighting

a. It improves visibility so that intruders can be seen,
identified and apprehended;
b. It gives psychological fear, which serves as a deterrent to
thieves, pilferers, trespassers, and sabotage;
c. It makes the routine of works of guards in identifying
employees, vehicles during night time easier;
d. If placed in certain areas, may even reduce the number
of stationary guards, and instead, may require only
roving patrols at night
Types of security lighting

1. Stationary Luminary – most common type consisting of

fixed series of luminaries. It is commonly used on entry
gates of employees and vehicles
a. Glare Protection Type – the intensity is focused on the
intruder while the observer or the guard remains in
comparative darkness;
b. Controlled lighting – the lighting is focused on certain
objects than the background

2. Standby Lighting – similar to continuous lighting but can be

turned on manually or by special device or other automatic
means, when there is a suspicion of entry;

3. Emergency Lighting – standby lighting which can be utilized

in the event of electrical failure
Types of light lamps

1. Incandescent Lamps – these are common light bulbs that are found in every home. They
have the advantage of providing instant illumination when the switch is turned on and most
commonly used protective lighting system. It is the most expensive in terms of energy
consumed and the quantity needed. As such, incandescent lighting is generally recognized
as the least efficient and economical type of street lighting.

2. Gaseous-Discharge Lamp – the use of these protective lighting is limited since it requires a
period of two to five minutes to light when they are cold and even longer period to light,
when hot, after power interruption. It is very economical to use but for industrial security,
it is not acceptable due to long time of lighting.

3. Quarts Lamp – it is a lamp that emits very bright light and lights on almost as rapidly as the
incandescent lamp. They are frequently used at very high wattage and they are excellent
for use along the perimeter barrier.
a. Mercury Vapor Lamps – it gives a blue green color light due to the presence of mercury
vapor. These lamps have long life but are slow to fully illuminate and are generally dim
lighting fixtures with little spread of illumination beyond the light source. These types
are typically recommended for single structure location such as: garage or access point
to an infrequently used walkway.
b. Sodium Vapor Lamp – this type of lamp emits yellow light. It is an efficient bulb and due
to its color, it is used in areas where insects predominate

4. Metal Halide Lamps – lamps with bright white light, with instant on, and provides great
white color
Types of lighting equipment
1. Floodlights – project light in a concentrated
beam. Best used in boundaries, building or
fences. It is also known as reflectorize or
spotlight
2. Searchlight – highly focused incandescent lamps
3. Fresnel lights – wide beam unit, primarily to
extend the illumination in long horizontal strips.
It projects a narrow horizontal beam which is
approximately 180 degrees in the vertical plane.
4. Street lights – produce diffused light rather than
direction beam. They are widely used in parking
areas.
1. Protective Alarms

It is an aural or visual signal given by the annunciator to the

security when the intruder actuates certain devices in a
protected area.

An annunciator is a visual or audible signaling device,

which initiates conditions of associated circuits.

Basically, alarm system is designed to alert security

personnel of attempted or consummated intrusion into an
area, building or compound. Each type of alarm is activated
in the event that an intruder tampers with the circuitry, a
beam or radiated waves. Alarm is also for fire, smoke, or
other emergencies and presence of hazards.
Three Basic Parts of Alarm System

1. Sensors or triggering device - It is a device that can sense

an abnormal condition within the system and provide a
signal indicating the presence or nature of the abnormality.

2. Circuit or Transmission Line/Control Panel - It is the

communication channel that conveys the information from
all sensors in the system to the signal by means of wire,
radio waves. It is also called Control Panel (brain of the
system). The control panel has a back up battery to be used
for continuous operation in case of power failure and
keypad for arming and disarming. The Control Panel has
also a tamper switch which causes an alarm if an
authorized person opens the control panel.

3. Signal - The actual alarm may be audible or silent, a bell,

buzzer, phone ringing, or flashing of light.
Types of protective alarms
1. Central Station System – Several separate compounds tie their
alarm system to ta central station so that in case of need, the
central station calls for assistance to the police, fire
department, hospital or with other government assisting units
2. Proprietary System – similar to the central station type except
that the proprietary console is located inside the subscriber’s
installation who owns or bases the system
3. Auxiliary System – an installation owned system which is a
direct extension of the local enforcement agency and/or fire
department by special arrangements.
4. Local Alarm System – system in which a siren or bell is sounded
with no predictable response. This system is used in residence
or small establishment which cannot afford a respond system.
It consists of rigging up a visual or audible alarm near the
object to be protected. In case of alarms, response will be
made by local guards or other person within sight or hearing.
5. Dial Alarm System – this system is set to dial a predetermined
telephone number which is connected either to police station
or others. When the alarm is activated, the predetermined
number will ring and when answered, a recording voice will
state that an intrusion is in progress.
 1. Metallic Foil or Wire -it will detect any action that will break or move the
foil or wire

2. Photoelectric or Electric Eye Device – a light beam is transmitted at a

frequency of several thousand vibrations per second. It is connected by a
wire to control station and when an intruder crosses the beam, he breaks
the contact with the photoelectric coil which activates the alarm

3. Audio Detection Device – a supersensitive microphone speaker sensor that

is installed in the walls, ceilings and floors of the protected area

4. Vibration Detection Device – devices mounted on barriers an are used

primarily to detect an attack on the structure itself. When movement or
Types of alarm devises vibration occurs, the unstable portion of the circuit moves and breaks the
current flow, which produces an alarm.

5. Magnetic Door Contact – a protective device usually placed on the door

and window which can send notification when opening and closure occurs

6. Passive Infrared Detector (PIR) or Motion Sensor – PIRs are able to

distinguish if an infrared emitting object is present by first learning the
ambient temperature of the monitored space and then detecting a change
in the temperature caused by the presence of an object

7. Panic button – often located under the counter or table, the button can be
pressed in times of distress (Such as robbery, disruptive or threatening
behavior, or a situation which may warrant assistance), triggering a silent
alarm
Metallic Foil or Wire -it will detect any action that will break or
move the foil or wire
Photoelectric or Electric Eye Device – a light beam is
transmitted at a frequency of several thousand vibrations per
second. It is connected by a wire to control station and when
an intruder crosses the beam, he breaks the contact with the
photoelectric coil which activates the alarm
Audio Detection Device – a supersensitive microphone speaker
sensor that is installed in the walls, ceilings and floors of the
protected area
Vibration Detection Device – devices mounted on barriers an
are used primarily to detect an attack on the structure itself.
When movement or vibration occurs, the unstable portion of
the circuit moves and breaks the current flow, which produces
an alarm.
Magnetic Door Contact – a protective device usually placed on
the door and window which can send notification when
opening and closure occurs
Passive Infrared Detector (PIR) or Motion Sensor – PIRs are
able to distinguish if an infrared emitting object is present by
first learning the ambient temperature of the monitored space
and then detecting a change in the temperature caused by the
presence of an object
Panic button – often located under the counter or table, the
button can be pressed in times of distress (Such as robbery,
disruptive or threatening behavior, or a situation which may
warrant assistance), triggering a silent alarm
 1. Foot Rail Activator – these are placed on the floor in such a
position that tellers may activate the alarm by placing the
front of their foot-to-foot rail to activate the alarm

2. Knee or Thigh Buttons – it is installed inside the teller

station so that they can be activated by knee or thigh
pressure

Types of Bank Alarm 3. Foot Button – like the foot rail, it permits alarm activation
in relative safety, while both hands remain clear in view of
the robbers

4. Double Squeeze Button – it requires pressure on both side

of the device to activate the alarm, hence the probability of
accidental alarm will be lessened
1. Foot Rail Activator – these are placed on the floor in such a
position that tellers may activate the alarm by placing the
front of their foot-to-foot rail to activate the alarm
2. Knee or Thigh Buttons – it is installed inside the teller
station so that they can be activated by knee or thigh
pressure
3. Foot Button – like the foot rail, it permits alarm activation
in relative safety, while both hands remain clear in view of
the robbers
4. Double Squeeze Button – it requires pressure on both side
of the device to activate the alarm, hence the probability of
accidental alarm will be lessened
 1. Smoke Detector – a device placed at the ceilings of the floor
that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of fire
2. Fire Bell – a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing
sound if the smoke detector detects presence of fire
3. Automatic Sprinkler – a type of built-in sprinklers which works
Fire Protection System by the increase of room temperature and which automatically
operates the system to put out the fire Attached and distributed
Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal produced in the ceilings of the rooms. These sprinklers will go into one
by a device or system to warn the occupants of action once a fire starts, and those that will open are those that
the building or firefighting elements of the are directly above the fire and water is delivered where it is
presence or danger of fire to enable them to needed.
undertake immediate action to save life and 4. Stand Pipes – G.I. steel or plastic pipes located inside the
property and to suppress the fire. Fire Alarm building from the lowest to the top floor with water under
system is commonly integrated with the intrusion pressure for use in case of fire. Located near the stand pipe is a
alarm system. The system feature zones that fire hose usually enclosed in a glass box.
indicate whether the alarm is burglary or fire
5. Fire Hydrant – a mechanical device strategically located in an
installation or in a street where a fire hose will be connected so
that the water will be available to extinguish a fire
6. Fire Extinguisher – a firefighting equipment which can be
portable or in cart that is used to put out fire depending on the
contents to extinguish certain types of fire
 How to operate Fire Extinguisher

If you need to operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word

PASS:

 PULL the pin – Fire extinguishers often have a pin, latch, or

puncture lever that you need to release first;
Fire Protection System  AIM low – Aim the nozzle or hose of the extinguisher at the
base of the fire;

 SQUEEZE the handle – this releases the extinguishing

agent;

 SWEEP from side to side – Move in close, and sweep across

the base of the fire. Watch for re-flash of the fire.
 1. Class A Fire – involving ordinary combustible materials
such as wood, cloth, and paper, requires an extinguishing
agent which cools. A water or multi-purpose dry chemical
can be used.

2. Class B Fire – fire involving flammable and combustible

liquids and gases, such as solvents, greases, gasoline, and
lubricating oil, require an extinguisher which removes
oxygen or cuts the chain reaction. Foam, carbon dioxide,
Classes of Fire and dry chemical are effective

3. Class C Fire – fire involving energized electrical equipment

(live electrical wires, electrical appliances). A non-
conducting extinguishing agent such as carbon dioxide or
multi-purpose dry chemical must be used

4. Class D Fire – the result of combustion of certain materials

in fire-divided forms. These metals can be magnesium,
potassium, powdered aluminum and zinc
Classes of Fire
Protective Locks

Lock is a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or electronic device

designed to prevent entry to a building or room.

Padlock is a portable and detachable lock having a pivoted or

sliding hasp which passes through a staple ring or the like and
is made fast or secured.
 1. Key-Operated Lock – it uses some sort of arrangement of
Types of Lock
internal physical barriers which prevent the lock from operating
unless they are properly aligned. The key is the device used to
align these internal barriers so that the lock may be operated.
Key is also the standard method of accomplishing entry
through a locked door and the normal way of locking it.

2. Combination Lock - a lock that requires manipulation of parts

according to a predetermined combination code of numbers

3. Card Operated Lock/Coded Lock – type of lock that can be

opened by inserting a coded card in a slot in the lock, or by
pushing the correct button on the surface of the lock

4. Electronic Lock - type of lock that can be closed and opened

remotely by electronic means

5. Biometrics – a machine that can be used for identification of

humans by their characteristics or traits which is also used as a
form of identification and access control. It is equipped with
recording device that can identify the person operating the
lock and the time it was operated.
 1. Warded Lock – type of lock that uses a set of obstructions,
or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the
correct key is inserted. The correct key has notches or slots
corresponding to the obstructions in the lock, allowing it to
rotate freely inside the lock.

2. Pin Tumbler Lock – a lock mechanism that uses pins of

varying lengths to prevent lock from opening without the
correct key
General groups of locks 3. Lever Tumble Lock – lock used in safe deposit box and is for
all purposes. It is also used in desk, lockers and cabinets
and is generally less secure than pin tumbler lock

4. Disc Tumbler Lock – a lock composed of slotted rotating

detainer discs. A especially cut key rotates these discs like
the tumblers of a safe to align the slots, allowing the
sidebar to drop into the slots, thus opening the lock. Disc
tumbler lock is commonly designed for automobile industry
and is generally used in car doors today.
1. Warded Lock – type of lock that uses a set of obstructions,
or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the
correct key is inserted. The correct key has notches or slots
corresponding to the obstructions in the lock, allowing it to
rotate freely inside the lock.
2. Pin Tumbler Lock – a lock mechanism that uses pins of
varying lengths to prevent lock from opening without the
correct key
3. Lever Tumble Lock – lock used in safe deposit box and is for
all purposes. It is also used in desk, lockers and cabinets
and is generally less secure than pin tumbler lock
4. Disc Tumbler Lock – a lock composed of slotted rotating
detainer discs. A especially cut key rotates these discs like
the tumblers of a safe to align the slots, allowing the
sidebar to drop into the slots, thus opening the lock. Disc
tumbler lock is commonly designed for automobile industry
and is generally used in car doors today.
Key control a. Change Key – a key to a single lock. The change key is the
standard type of key that fits a single lock within a master key
Key control is the management of keys in a plant system
or business organization to prevent unauthorized
individual access to the keys b. Sub-Master Key – a key that can open all locks within a
particular area or grouping within a facility. The locks may be
those of one floor of a multi-storied building or a particular
operation.

c. Maison Key – type of sub-master key which is very common in

apartment houses and office buildings. Tenants are given a
single key that operates both their apartments and the main
entrance door lock

d. Master Key – the Master Key can open all locks in the facility
that are incorporated into the master key program. A special
key capable of opening a series of locks.

e. Grand Master Key – a key that can open all locks in a keying
system involving two or more master key program

f. Peterman – a term used in England for lock picker, safecracker,

and penetrators of restricted areas or rooms
 A written record and log should be maintained on all keys and
locks. The issuance of keys should be controlled to provide keys
only to those persons who have shown to need keys that allow
entry into an area of facility. When a key is issued, the record
should indicate the key number, the name of the person to
whom it is assigned, the holder’s position within the company,
the date of issuance and any other relevant data that might be
Lock and Key record beneficial.

A log should be kept regarding maintenance and repairs on

locks, lost keys, and actions taken to remedy problems
detrimental to lock and key security. All keys should be
identified and secured in a high security key cabinet. All
unissued and duplicate keys should be protected in this
manner.
 Statutory prohibitions on keys

1. Article 304 of the Revised Penal Code – Possession of

Lock and Key record
picklocks or similar tools

2. Article 305 of the Revised Penal Code – False Keys

Personnel identification and movement
control

Pass /Badge System is issued by security to personnel to be

admitted in the installation. The purpose is to ensure that the
only persons who have the right and authority will be given
necessary access to the area.

The pass system is for general use and not for the restricted
areas, like exclusive, limited or controlled areas.
 1. Single Pass System – authorization to enter specific areas
issued to an employee who keeps it in possession until his
authorization is changed or until terminated

2. Pass Exchange System - the pass issued to a personnel will

be exchanged to another color-coded pass at the entrance
of the controlled areas. It is issued to an employee who
keeps it in his possession until his authorization expired

3. Multiple Pass System – multiple copies of passes are issued

to an individual. The individual changes the badge to
Types of Pass System another color or markings to enter a restricted area. Once
inside, if he needs to enter another restricted area, he
exchanges it to another color

Restricted Area - This is an area in which personnel or

vehicles are controlled for reasons of security.

It is established to provide security for installation or

facilities and to promote efficiency of security operations
and economy in the use of the security personnel
Types of Restricted Areas 1. Limited Area – it a restricted area in which lesser degree of
control is required than in an exclusion area, but which the
security interest would be compromised by uncontrolled
movement.

2. Exclusion Area – refers to a restricted area which contains

security interest to Top Secret importance and requires the
highest degree of protection. The area should be under
surveillance at all times.

3. Security Clearance - It is a certification by a responsible

authority that the person described is cleared to access to
classified matters at appropriate levels.

Access List - An authenticated list of personnel given to the

security allowing entry to a compound or installation

Duress Code - A type of code used by employees and even

security personnel in case they are forced by arms to enter the
installation. This code consists of certain words which can be
said by the employee or security personnel in casual
conversation and can give an alarm to the security personnel
on duty.
 1. Safe – metallic container used for the safekeeping of documents or
small items in an office or installation. It can be classified as both
robbery and burglary resistance depending upon the use and need.

Specifications:
a. At least 750lbs. Below 750 must be anchored to building structure
b. 1 inch thick steel
c. Door should be 1 ½ thick steel

2. Vault – heavily constructed fire and burglar resistance container usually

part of the building structure used to keep and protect cash, documents
and negotiable instruments. Vault is usually bigger than safe but
smaller than File Room.
Protective cabinets Specifications:
a. Doors should be 6 inches thick made of steel;
b. Walls, ceilings, and floors should be 12 inches thick;
c. Floors should be elevated by 4 inches;
d. Not more than 4,000 cubic meter in size;
e. Vault door must be fire resistance up to 4 to 6 hours.

3. File Room – a cubicle in a building constructed a little lighter than a

vault but bigger in size. It can accommodate limited people to work on
the records inside.

Specifications:
a. Should be 12 feet high;
b. Interior cubage should be not more than 10,000 cubic meters;
c. Water tight door, fire proof for 1 hour
 1. Fire Endurance Test – a test by which the safe is subjected to
temperatures in a real office fire. The temperature is around 1000
°C and the safe is placed inside for one or two hours depending on
the test

2. Explain Hazard Test – a test to determine if the sudden rise in

Some Tests for Fire Resistance temperature will not cause the safe to rupture. If the safe can
withstand 2000 F for 30 minutes without cracking or opening then
it has passed the test

3. Fire and Impact Test – its objective is to determine the strength of

a safe to resist the collapse of a building during fire
Animal barrier

The common animal barrier used is K-9 (which is a homophone of

canine). It is a dog that is trained specially to assist the police, other law
enforcement agencies and security personnel in their work. The animal
barrier is also used for search and rescue operations, and detection of
explosives and drugs.

The most commonly used breed is the German Shepherd, although

Belgian Malinois are also popular dogs to use
Security guard

Security guard is any natural person who offers or renders personal

service to watch or guard residential or business premises or both,
government and/or their premises for hire and compensation.