Copy of The Science behind the security doorstop (SDS)!

Author: Colin Howe, CMgr MCMI, MSc, MSyI, SRMC? P.

19th March 2023

Disclaimer

The content covers complex events and environments, it equips the reader on how to stay SAFE-R. The advice provided here, shares on the experience of the author and is designed to improve the readers’ situational awareness. It would be impossible to offer the answers to every situation that one may encounter, and should not be used as a substitute for the readers own instincts.

There are so many security professionals out there who are rightly suggesting the cheap and cheerful security option of a door wedge/stop. This simple suggestion offers an affordable solution for feeling safe. Quoting so many in the security industry, ‘this is only a temporary option but rapid and effective’.

Everyone should carry a doorstop or wedge, but that is a ridiculous suggestion and requires an explanation of its use to better understand who should consider carrying this item. There are a number of door-stops out there and it is worth being aware of what is meant by the term security door-stop (SDS). ?In simple terms a doorstop / wedge is “a device (such as a wedge or weight) for holding a door open”. (Merriam-Webster, 2023, para. 2) When we talk about a Security Doorstop (SDS), it is best described as ‘a device used to delay or deter unwanted access. This in most cases will be a wedge like device that fits under a door but also includes lock attachments, chains and bars. ?

The one term that seems to be more out there than ever is the ‘lone worker’. While there are more people working remotely, businesses still have a responsibility to their staff and need to consider the safety of staff in remote locations including overseas work. Clarity is a key component for keeping employees safe and informed. While this topic may look simple we can do more than just suggest a SDS wedge.

Selecting the ideal SDS wedge

The key principles of a SDS wedge is finding the right type that will be effective for all surfaces including the top side that makes connection with the bottom side of the door. It needs to be durable so a compression can be created above and below, but not too much that the door simply pushes over it. This compression should create a ground reaction force (GRF), but be mindful not to select one with big gaps under the wedge as the will result in less contact and more expansion rather than GRF. If there is good GRF between the door-stop and floor then friction can be considered. Will the materials react in a manner that creates abrasive friction with adhesive properties that are adherent to the likely surfaces? This is the first problem, then you need to consider the point of applied force where the door is likely to be charged or kicked. This should be matched, strengthening the hinge action and fulcrum of the door. The research on door barging is something that needs wider study, but following our own assessment there appears to be a pattern in the shoulder charge technique and left and right foot kick. The natural impact point someone will try to force a door, is around 62% from the length of the hinge. Placement of the SDS wedge should match this point. It is also worth having a second door-stop, this deals with the issue of adjoining rooms or at the very least doubles the reinforcement of the door.

We can all admire the tales and adventures of Greek pilot [Vasileios Vasileiou] who in 2018 hid in a bed frame when the Taliban stormed the Intercontinental hotel in Kabul, killing almost 50 people. Vasileiou innovation in crisis goes without question but he exposed himself to a lot of risk. (BBC News, 2019, para 6-8) ?Great story It is worth noting he was very lucky, the best thing anyone can do is secure their location and reduce any signs of presence. The moment someone knows you are in, they will commit to gaining access if this is their intent. This is relevant to the harassment students may face when in university accommodation, to the hostile events seen at the Intercontinental hotel. The door-stop provides the lone work/traveller/student the first step towards a good night sleep, knowing where to place the SDS wedge for it to be effective should provide reassuring and allow for a healthy and good night sleep. Remember, this is only a temporary solution, more can be learned on the fortification of door/rooms through security awareness training like the & courses.

Who may consider carrying a security door-stop/wedge

Every teacher should carry one, there is no point to rehearsing exercises in schools, colleges and universities if you are missing this key item. I would prefer to see this rather than a gun in a holster, which is already a heavy debate across the U.S. (Aimee Dinnin Huff, 2022, para. 3-7) There needs to be clarity in the response to active threats, where schools are focused on developing ‘life skills’ for a concurrent response. There is nothing clean about engaging a threat, things go wrong very quick especially when knives and guns are in play. The engagement should only be a last resort when there is no other option.

Very easy to get distracted here and start debating ‘RUN, HIDE, FIGHT’ or ‘RUN, HIDE, TELL’, better to save this for another post that looks at the cultural approach to the practice and how this is understood.

(Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2022, para. 4)?(National Counter Terrorism Security Office, 2020, p. 1)

Then we have the traveller, you may not be thinking about the Taliban when you go on holiday this year but there are a lot of petty and sophisticated crimes to be concerned with. /NFC crimes are becoming more common, gaining access through the theft of a card or even cloning has always been a common issue in the hotel industry. The SDS wedge is not going to help you when you’re out but you can have the added layer of protection when you’re in. This is a topic that will be picked up next month and address access gained following power cuts and fire alarms or unlatching of door handles with a wire hook or tie. Simple answer – SDS!

There is even debate for these to be included in trauma/first aid kits. A SDS wedge allows you to prop doors open in secure buildings to allow emergency services access, speeding their response time up, but can also provide a level of protection to help make a scene safe. There is never enough time spent on situational awareness around first aid situations which needs to be the primary focus of any response. If attending an incident where someone has been assaulted in a building, it is very easy to become tunnel visioned on the task at hand to administer first aid. Stop doing first aid courses and asking the question ‘is the scene safe’? Start thinking how do I make the scene safe. When evaluating the scene, consider the events, perhaps you need to evacuate or secure the scene. One way of doing this is by using a SDS to secure the door to deter an attacker or positioning self, facing potential threats.

For more, COMERA RISK & ROCKY ROAD Resilience offers expert advice on security and risk for groups and individuals. We have a proven track record of delivering results, working alongside UK government bodies, education providers and private clients. Our team have operated in highly challenging environments and understand the risks posed and how these are best mitigated.

References

Aimee Dinnin Huff, M. B. (2022, para. 3-7). Arming teachers – an effective security measure or a false sense of security? Retrieved 03 18, 2023, from The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/arming-teachers-an-effective-security-measure-or-a-false-sense-of-security-183909

BBC News. (2019, para 6-8). 'The bed that saved me from the Taliban' . Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-46882917

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2022, para. 4). Active Shooter Safety Resources. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/active-shooter-safety-resources

Merriam-Webster. (2023, para. 2). doorstop. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstop

National Counter Terrorism Security Office. (2020, p. 1). Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA): RUN. HIDE. TELL. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crowded-places-guidance/marauding-terrorist-attack-mta-run-hide-tell