Safeguarding chemical plants and facilities requires robust perimeter security solutions. The United States has a thriving chemical industry that is projected to reach a value exceeding $230 billion in 2024. Regardless of that number, it has been a volatile few years with a dip in production in 2022 and a moderate rebound in 2023.
Output and economic woes aside, one of the greatest challenges the industry faces today is chemical plant security. The hundreds of thousands of chemical facilities in the United States produce tens of thousands of products. The manufacture, storage, and handling of these chemicals, combined with the unique nature of the properties housing them, present significant safety risks.
Measures like the Executive Order on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security and the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) have provided a robust framework for safety standards. Each encourages maintaining site security and working with all stakeholders to help improve the security landscape. Although cybersecurity and protecting digital aspects are among the industry’s leading concerns, physical security remains a pivotal focus and topic of conversation.
That’s where robust perimeter security comes into play. As the threat landscape evolves, solutions like those from industry-leading security gate manufacturer TYMETAL Corp. adapt to meet the challenge head-on. With more than three decades of providing the highest quality service and USA-manufactured commercial gates and barriers, TYMETAL understands what is at stake. We’re here to help enhance petrochemical security and safeguard the people, properties, and assets involved.
The Importance of Enhanced Perimeter Security
Chemical facilities are unique because they typically require large properties and many moving parts. Working with outside contractors, transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing while managing access at every point requires innovative security solutions. Controlling physical access to these facilities is paramount to combat internal and external security risks while ensuring compliance with ever-tightening regulations.
Current Chemical Plant Standards and Regulations
Securing chemical plants requires a multifaceted approach, and current standards reflect this. Petrochemical security has been a major concern for decades, particularly after 9/11. Concerns over the potential for chemicals to be used as weapons of mass destruction paved the way for the creation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), enacted in 2002. MTSA focuses on high-risk transportation vessels, including barges, oil and gas platforms, ports, tanks, and barges. The goal is to control access to chemicals and govern the import and export of potentially hazardous materials.
Later, in 2007, the Department of Homeland Security established the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The goal is to mitigate the risks the chemical industry faces. It also established a series of Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS) for high-risk facilities to follow to remain compliant with CFATS. Some of those standards are devoted to perimeter security, including:
- Securing side assets
- Restricting the area perimeter
- Implementing measures to deter, detect, and delay
- Providing screening and control access
The Critical Role of Perimeter Security
Perimeter security is the first line of defense in safeguarding facilities against threats. Crash test-rated gates and bollards prevent vehicular intrusions and control access. Implementing these measures protects properties, assets, and people. Also, installing reliable perimeter security solutions provides peace of mind and ensures that facilities remain compliant with regulations and standards.
Innovative Barrier Solutions by TYMETAL
TYMETAL has been aiding chemical facilities and other properties in maintaining strict security standards since opening in 1985. Decades of expertise make our ISO 9001:2015 registered company an industry-leading provider of innovative, durable, reliable barrier solutions.
TYMETAL’s broad range of solutions, including standard options for crash-rated barriers, including gates, bollards, and fences — all shipped from our Texas and New York manufacturing facilities. From standard options to customized perimeter security solutions, TYMETAL security features instill confidence in properties across the U.S. Additionally, the TYMETAL team’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and superior service help pave the way to smooth installation and secure operations.
Crash-Rated Gates: Design and Functionality
For crash-resistance and access control, it’s difficult to match the superior design and engineering of a TYMETAL crash-rated gate.
TYMETAL offers various gate options, including cantilever slide, vertical lift and swing gates, with integrated crash beam and stanchion configurations which have undergone rigorous third-party testing and are certified to ASTM F2656. During the testing process, a 15,000-pound vehicle makes contact with our crash-rated gates while traveling at 30, 40, or 50 miles per hour. This ensures reliability and predictable performance when securing high-risk properties.
The TYMETAL team can help walk you through the various options available, including custom-designed gates. We understand that each property and project have unique requirements. That’s why we are committed to providing the utmost in design, highest-quality manufacturing, and outstanding support throughout every phase of the project. From planning to installation and beyond, TYMETAL’s technical support is there to help ensure everything continues to work smoothly.
Bollards: Flexible Protection for Various Threat Levels
Form and function combine with attractive, high-performance bollards that help secure properties. Each of TYMETAL’s crash-rated bollards has undergone rigorous testing under BSI PAS 68 or IWA standards, which are comparable to U.S DoS, DoD and ASTM crash rating standards for medium duty trucks relative to vehicle weight and speed. Depending on the property’s needs, TYMETAL offers a wide array of crash tested bollards that can satisfy ASTM M30, M40, M50 and storefront protection requirements.
Aesthetics, technology, and reliability have made TYMETAL’s security bollards a favorite across many industries. Our security bollards were used at London’s 2012 Summer Olympics. They are designed to save on installation costs and provide flexible applications and predictable protection.
The TYMETAL team can help walk you through all the options. Ultimately, our goal is to help each customer find the crash-rated bollards that are best suited to their property’s needs. Additionally, the team is committed to providing outstanding technical support every step of the way.
Integrated Security Systems: Combining Gates, Bollards, and Surveillance
Robust, effective perimeter security is rarely as simple as installing a fence and a gate. It requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates various solutions and innovative technologies to ensure optimal results. Having gates, fences, barriers, and bollards in place is only one aspect of a comprehensive security strategy. Augmenting these physical deterrents with sensors and surveillance equipment enhances facilities’ ability to detect potential intrusions more effectively.
TYMETAL’s products seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure to augment security strategies that are already in place.
Implementing TYMETAL Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide
When a chemical facility chooses TYMETAL, they can rest assured that they are partnering with a company that truly understands everything that is at stake. The TYMETAL team understands the unique requirements of each property and project and provides unparallelled site planning and project management support at every stage.
Initial Assessment and Consultation
No two properties are alike. That’s why the initial consultation is so pivotal. Understanding the physical requirements of the property and the precise security risks will help guide the project. This information is vital to choosing the right mix of gates, fences, bollards, and other solutions.
Custom Design and Engineering Support
After assessing the property, the TYMETAL team will guide project leaders to ensure the selection of the best possible solutions. From creating custom finishes on standard options to completely customized designs, this talented, knowledgeable group provides all the support necessary to ensure a successful outcome.
Installation, Testing, and Training for Optimal Performance
TYMETAL’s technical support includes onsite representation throughout the installation process. We can also aid in training staff on the proper use and preventative maintenance to ensure you get the most out of each product.
Repair, Parts, and Advice
Even after the project is completed, the TYMETAL team is here to provide continued support. TYMETAL’s outstanding reputation goes beyond its award-winning products and extends to its exceptional support for the life of the product.
Future Trends in Perimeter Security for Chemical Plants
Emerging technologies are shaping the trends of tomorrow’s perimeter security. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) can parse through huge amounts of data to provide improved threat assessments and situational awareness. Video analytics enhances surveillance for increased responsiveness to any abnormal activities. The use of radar and sensors, as well as drones with high-resolution cameras, has taken surveillance to new heights.
Protecting the critical assets of a chemical facility is TYMETAL’s utmost priority. The team continues embracing new and emerging technologies, with an ongoing dedication to continual improvement and innovation.
Rely on TYMETAL for Comprehensive Perimeter Security Solutions
Petrochemical security is an ongoing national priority because of the potential for these facilities to be targeted by bad actors and terrorists. The devastating implications of the effects of such an attack and the need to protect the property, assets, and people, make perimeter security mission critical.
Installing innovative barrier systems that work together and integrate with other security solutions requires partnering with an industry-leading expert. TYMETAL has decades of expertise and a reputation for being the best in the industry. From standard options to custom designs, TYMETAL’s perimeter security solutions offer performance, durability, and reliability for the ultimate peace of mind.
Contact the TYMETAL team today to learn more about specific products or for a consultation.
