Controlling access to remote sites to keep people safe

Like all power infrastructure owners Oman's main transmission owner knows that protecting staff and the public from the dangers posed by its own assets is a responsibility that cannot be compromised. When issues did occur - and a life was lost - it acted fast to implement a solution which ensures such incidents are never repeated.

Oman Electricity Transmission Company – case study:

• About the challenge
• The solution
• Saving money while keeping people safe

Based in Muscat, Oman, the Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) owns and operates the main electricity transmission network, transferring electricity from generating stations to distribution load centres in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

Protecting the company’s assets while ensuring the safety of the public is central to ensuring business continuity for OETC and reliable distribution of electricity to over 4.6 million people. However, with 90 grid stations in remote locations, identifying and responding to unauthorized intrusions in a timely way was challenging.

….OETC required a robust perimeter
security system to deter intruders,
manage risk, and protect the public
from harm.

“It can take up to an hour to reach some of our sites after an alarm is triggered. By then it’s too late, the intruder is gone,” says ESC Gulf Project Lead.

Members of the public were also entering the sites to have picnics, unwittingly risking injury or even death. After a fatality when someone interfered with an electricity transformer, it was clear the OETC required a robust perimeter security system to deter intruders, manage risk, and protect the public from harm.

The Gallagher solution

OETC work in partnership with an established local consultant ESC Gulf who provide a wide range of services including design, tender evaluation and project implementation support.

During tender submission stages, security contractors Majees Technical Services and Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, proposed a Gallagher Security monitored pulse fencing solution to protect OETC’s remote sites. Upon contract award the certified contractors installed the system, while Gallagher provided support and oversight of the installation and commissioning works.

Using Gallagher’s effective and reliable fencing solution, perimeter breach attempts are deterred by an energised pulse, delivering a short but safe shock. The monitored wires detect unauthorized entry or exit and trigger instant alerts.

Fast facts
Industry: Electric Power
Area of monitored pulse fencing: 25 kilometres
No. of sites: 70+ controlled by Gallagher perimeter solutions

The Gallagher Z20 Disturbance Sensor in use at the gate heightens perimeter security by ensuring continuous monitoring and detection of vibration or movement of the gate when it is closed and the system is in an armed state.

Gallagher delivers robust perimeter security systems suited to the most rigorous requirements of high security sites.

The ability of Gallagher technology to easily integrate with CCTV cameras, automated lighting and a remote monitoring system, further ensures a safe and secure environment.

A world class solution, Gallagher perimeter products are designed to comply with international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. These standards set out the safety requirements for the design, installation, and operation of pulse fencing and associated equipment.

Saving money while keeping people safe

Gallagher perimeter control solutions are now under construction or completed at 70 of the remote grid station sites – including over 25 kilometres of monitored pulse fencing. Unauthorized entry to these sites has been reduced to zero.

OETC now has peace of mind that assets at its remote sites are protected while being secure from unauthorized access – ultimately keeping people safe from harm.

Gallagher’s accurate and responsive security monitoring systems have also resulted in significant cost savings and business efficiencies for OETC.

“OETC were employing up to six guards on each grid station at a significant cost,” says ESC Gulf Project Lead. “With a fully monitored solution, the number of guards has been reduced and they have been redeployed on other tasks”.
Gallagher security solutions are successfully supporting OETC’s mission to transmit and dispatch electricity safely, reliably, securely and economically.

ESC’s Gulf Project Lead concludes “Gallagher provides a great amount of support to all stakeholders and both OETC and ESC Gulf are very pleased with the outcome of this project.”