Unveiling the Benefits of LPS 1175 Issue 8 for Security Fencing

The LPS 1175 Loss Prevention Standard, developed by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), provides a benchmark for protection against forced entry through the use of intruder-resistant and security-rated fencing. LPCB, part of the BRE Group, is a globally recognised third-party certification body that set standards to ensure security products perform efficiently.

In 2010, LPS 1175 Issue 7 was introduced, offering a single-digit performance classification to rate security products. The classification was determined through rigorous testing using various toolkits, assessing the product’s delay time. However, recognising the need to keep pace with evolving security trends and attack methods, LPCB revised the standard in 2019, resulting in LPS 1175 Issue 8.

In Issue 8, the security rating system was redefined and divided into two components:

Threat Level

Threat level is represented by a letter from A to H, corresponding to the toolkit used to evaluate the product’s resistance against intruders and the number of attackers involved.

Delay:

Delay is represented by a numeric value from 1 to 20, indicating the minimum delay time provided by the product in minutes.

The following graph illustrates the security ratings in LPS 1175 Issue 8:

What are the toolkits used for the Issue 8 rating?

Toolkit A: Cable cutters, hexagon wrenches, knives, lever and pliers

Toolkit B plus those within Toolkit A: Bolt cutters, claw hammers, drills, junior hacksaw, metal plate shears, multiple slip joint pliers, pipe wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, socket sets

Toolkit C plus those within Toolkit A & B: Axe, Bolt cutters, brick bolster, cold chisel, crowbars, drills, hacksaw, pad saw, scissor jack

Toolkit D plus those within Toolkit A, B & C: Bolt cutters, ‘A-tool’ lock puller, fire axe, general purpose saw, grinder, hole saw, hooligan bar, jigsaw, plate shears, sledgehammer

Toolkit E plus those within Toolkit A, B, C & D: Circular saw, drill (rotary and hammer action), cordless grinder, reciprocating saw

Toolkit F plus those within Toolkit A, B, C, D & E: 36V battery, chisel bits, circular saw, disc grinder, rotary hammer action and SDS drill, step drill/cone cutter drill bit, glasmaster saw, pickaxe, pinch bar,

Toolkit G plus those within Toolkit A, B, C, D, E & F: 54V battery, chisel bits, chainsaw, 54W circular saw, 54V disc grinder, 54V drill, 450mm enforcer, grinder (2 stroke), 4 tonne trolley jacks

Toolkit H plus those within Toolkit A, B, C, D, E, F & G: Arcair, concrete chainsaw, diamond core drill bit, 800mm enforcer, 5 tonne hydraulic head and toe jack, oxyacetylene cutting kit, rescue chainsaw, 5kW ring saw

The introduction of Issue 8 brought several benefits to the security fencing industry:

Alignment with Current Threat Levels and Attacks: Issue 8 ensures that security-rated fencing products undergo testing and certification against real-world attacks, instilling confidence in their performance against the latest threats.
Easier Selection Process: Issue 8’s division into threat levels and delay time simplifies the process of selecting appropriate security fencing options. Buyers and specifiers can now choose products that align with their specific requirements more easily.
Flexibility in Layered Approach: Recognising that achieving extended delay may require a layered approach involving multiple security measures, Issue 8 allows for a more practical and achievable implementation of security solutions.
The impact of Issue 8 on the physical security landscape has been significant. It has shifted the industry away from a repetitive cycle and stimulated innovation. This has resulted in the introduction of highly innovative security fencing products in the market. Specifiers and security consultants now have the ability to assess the attack matrix and select the necessary security fencing solutions based on their specific needs, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. This change has fostered a more dynamic and adaptable approach to physical security in the industry.

The introduction of LPS 1175 Issue 8 revitalised the stagnant physical security industry by prioritising innovation and customisation instead of a generic approach. By focusing on specific requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, Issue 8 enabled us to ensure our products contribute effectively to overall defence strategies.

We recognised that achieving Issue 8 certification meant surpassing previous standards in both deterring and delaying attacks. Consequently, this breakthrough has brought remarkable innovative products to the market and empowered specifiers and security consultants to assess the attack matrix and determine the specific measures necessary for their individual needs.