LPS 1673

Understanding NPSA guidance for high-risk individuals

NPSA’s recent guidance, ‘The Preparation and Use of Safer Areas to Protect High-Risk Individuals’, contains vital information for high-risk individuals or those who need to ensure their safety against immediate threats.

247 National is pleased to hear of NPSA’s support towards LPS 1673 within this guidance and believes it demonstrates a significant advancement in the UK’s physical security strategy. LPS 1673 occupies an important space in our physical security standards by filling a gap previously left between PAS 24 and LPS 1175. For those wanting to understand the differences between the standards, and more importantly, what they mean for your site’s security and assets, 247 National are here to provide support to ensure the correct certified products are used in the right scenarios.

Throughout the NPSA guidance, the concept of a ‘safer area’ is frequently referenced. Their advice provides a significant amount of detail on how to create a ‘safer area’ and ensure it is fit for purpose to provide the necessary level of protection for high-risk individuals. There are multiple essential elements to achieve this, but ultimately, it comes down to using the appropriate security systems to ensure your ‘safer area’ serves as an additional layer of security.

Installing LPS 1673-certified systems with 247 National

The most effective way to achieve this is by using accredited systems installed by experts. 247 National are experienced in fitting a variety of physical security systems, and LPS 1673-certified systems are no different. Whether this involves
enhancing your walling, glazing, locks, or doors in your safe spaces, 247 National can offer a turnkey solution from survey to installation, ensuring your needs are met.

Retrofitting devices as physical security upgrades

Where installing a new certified solution is not appropriate, the next best alternative is to survey and utilise your existing assets for security enhancements. The NPSA provides further advice for this scenario within their ‘Enhancing Doors, Windows, Patio Doors and Walls Guidance’ guidance.

Our experts will be able to suggest and install effective and efficient enhancements to create your ‘safer area’ by evaluating your existing security solutions to identify the appropriate reinforcements. This step is essential when considering this route, as seeking advice from expert installation teams is crucial. Selecting the wrong asset for retrofitting could have a detrimental impact on the integrity of your existing security. By fitting additional or higher security furniture (such as locking systems or secondary glazing) recommended by trained experts, you can start to change an existing area of your building into a ‘safer area’.

Some examples of effective retrofitting solutions we can install:

• Single- and multi-point locking systems, e.g. rimlock type devices
• Additional locking bars
• Window lock enhancement kits
• Secondary laminated glazing
• Replacement glass and window
• Enhanced existing walling systems with a variety of materials to meet all security levels

Consultation of a CTSA is recommended in accordance with the guidelines set out by NPSA and is supported by 247 National for the design of all ‘safer areas’.