What is a fail secure mechanism, and why is it important?

Traffic control measures like driveway bollards play a huge part in securing countless properties across the UK from intrusion, as well as preventing accidents, and fine-tuning access control. As you might expect, reliability is one of their most crucial qualities – and we know that better than anyone, with more than 15 years of experience behind us right here at Bollard Security! One of the most critical elements that ensures the reliability of any bollard is the fail-secure mechanism – and what’s more, its role is also widely underappreciated. So if you’ve heard the term fail secure before, you may be wondering a bit more about what it means. Here’s exactly why it’s so important.

What is a fail secure mechanism?

A fail secure mechanism refers to a safety feature designed to ensure that a system continues to operate in a secure state during a failure, such as a power cut or mechanical malfunction. In terms of bollards, when a bollard is equipped with a fail secure mechanism, it remains in its locked or upright position during a failure, preventing unauthorised access or accidents. In other words, if there is any malfunction, the system fails in a way that maintains security, rather than compromising it.

This is particularly important in areas where public safety or restricted access is a priority, such as government buildings, airports, and high-security zones. Bollards equipped with fail secure mechanisms are often powered by electricity or hydraulic systems, and when these systems experience a failure, the bollard’s fail secure function ensures that it does not inadvertently lower, or otherwise become ineffective.

Why fail secure mechanisms are important

Fail secure mechanisms are essential because first and foremost, they prioritise safety in the event of an emergency or malfunction. In areas with high traffic or pedestrian volumes, it is crucial to prevent bollards from lowering when they should not. For example, a bollard near a busy roadway must remain in an upright, locked position at all times to prevent vehicles from driving through a restricted area. If the bollard were to fail and lower unexpectedly, it could result in accidents, property damage, or breaches in security.

Fail secure bollards help maintain operational continuity in the face of unforeseen circumstances. In critical infrastructure sites such as embassies or military bases, even a temporary loss of security could lead to dangerous breaches or threats. Fail secure systems ensure that such failures are managed safely and securely, even when other systems are compromised.

Another reason why fail secure mechanisms are important is that they align with the growing demand for automatic bollards in urban planning. Modern city infrastructure often relies on automated systems that respond to traffic or security needs in real time. However, these systems must be designed to fail safely, especially in busy urban environments. Without fail secure mechanisms, automation could unintentionally put public safety at risk.

A quick look at the top applications of fail secure mechanisms

It might not surprise you all that much to learn that fail secure bollards are commonly used in high-security zones, including government buildings, embassies, military bases, airports, and financial institutions. These bollards are critical for protecting sensitive sites from unauthorised vehicles or potential threats, maintaining a physical barrier that cannot be bypassed during a system failure.

Fail secure bollards are also often go-to options in crowded urban environments where pedestrian safety is a concern. For instance, in busy city centres, fail secure bollards can prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian-only zones, ensuring that any technical failure doesn’t inadvertently allow for unsafe traffic flow.

Another application is in traffic management systems, where bollards are used to direct or control the flow of traffic. In the event of a power outage or system failure, the fail secure mechanism guarantees that the bollards remain in place so that drivers are still channelled onto safe routes – rather than lowering and causing chaos with traffic. As you might expect, this is particularly important in areas with heavy congestion or complex traffic patterns.

That’s just a quick rundown of what you need to know! If you have any specific further questions, you can always get in touch with our team on 01535 920362, and we’ll always be happy to help.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for new bollards for your own applications, you’ll find them right here on our website. We were recently chosen as the exclusive UK supplier for Parklio – a supplier with an internationally-renowned reputation for the quality and robustness of its solutions – and for over 15 years now we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. We take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and recommendations on the best bollards for you!