Security grilles are a specialized type of HVAC air distribution device that contribute to institutional security. Their unique risk-resistant design reduces the risk of securing ligature and tie-off points as well as deters vandalism and unwanted tampering.
Common applications for security grilles include:
Secure facilities such as correctional facilities and behavioral health facilities
Hospitals
School safe holding rooms
Courthouses
Police departments
What Are the Options and Applications for Security Grille Face Configurations?
Passageway: Passageway security grilles have unique V-, Z-, or W-shaped louvers. All three shapes greatly reduce the risk of securing tie-off points, making them the preferred choice for high- and maximum-risk areas of secure facilities.
Perforated: Perforated security grilles stagger holes in a pattern across the face plate. This configuration helps reduce the risk of securing tie-off points. Perforated security grilles are suited for medium-risk areas of secure facilities, as well as hospitals, schools, courthouses, and police departments.
Lattice: Lattice security grilles offer an anti-vandalism design that prevents tampering with the air distribution device and the ductwork beyond. They are best used to enhance facility security and deter unwanted intrusion. Lattice security grilles are not risk-resistant and should only be used in areas under regular supervision.
Bar-Style: Bar-style security grilles are ideal for common areas in secure facilities, such as gymnasiums and recreation rooms, as their design stands up to incidental contact and heavy use. They are not risk-resistant and should only be used in areas under regular supervision.
What Are the Options for Mounting Security Grilles?
Surface mounting with tamper-resistant screws: The security grille is mounted to the wall or ceiling on its surface and secured with tamper-resistant screws. These screws have a unique head shape that can only be adjusted with a special tool, preventing tampering by conventional screwdrivers.
Mounting Angles: The security grille is built with mounting angles or frames that slot the device securely into place when aligned behind a wall or above a ceiling. This method is more secure than surface mounting as the grille is only removable from behind/above.
Pour-in Place Masonry Anchors: The security grille is built with thick metal anchors that are locked into place by poured concrete. The grille cannot be removed unless the wall is demolished, making it the ideal method for high- and maximum-risk secure facilities.
What Are the Options for Security Grille Materials?
Painted Steel: A cost-effective material commonly used for security grilles.
Aluminum: A mid-cost material with enhanced corrosion resistance compared to painted steel.
Stainless Steel: A high-cost, heavy-duty material ideal for facilities with heavy sanitation practices or those that work with harsh chemicals.
What Accessories are Available for Security Grilles?
Opposed Blade Dampers: Opposed blade dampers are installed behind the face of the security grille face for airflow volume control.
Mesh or Woven Screens: Heavy-duty mesh or woven screens are inserted behind the security grille to further prevent passage of contraband.
Integrated Security Grate in Sleeve: A security grate is included behind the face of the security grille for enhanced security.
Hinged or Removable Face: The face of the security grille is hinged or completely removable. This feature is commonly used for cleaning and maintenance, to gain access to the filter for replacement in a filter grille.
Square to Round: The face of the security grille is square while the neck transitions from square to round. This transition piece enables a security grille with a square neck to be connected to round ductwork.
Eased Edges and Radiused Corners: The edges and corners of the security grille are softened and rounded, reducing sharp points that could be an injury or tie-off risk.
What Are the Best Security Grilles for Secure Facilities?
The best security grilles for secure facilities looking to maximize patient or inmate safety are those that maximize risk-resistant design, like the KEES “W” Passageway Grille.
W-Shaped Louvers: The wavy shape of the KEES “W” passageway grille greatly reduces the risk of securing tie-off points.
Heavy-Gauge Steel: The KEES “W” passageway grille is made of heavy-gauge steel that gives the product protection from vandalism and break-ins.
Approved by Standards Organizations: The KEES “W” passageway grille features a design approved by the major secure facility standards organizations in the U.S., including the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS-OMH), California Board of State and Community Corrections Title 24, and the Behavioral Health Design Guide (BHDG).
What Are the Best Security Grilles for Hospitals?
The best security grilles for applications in hospitals are those that are easy to clean and have space for a filter, like the KEES stainless steel Security Filter Grille with Perforated Face.
Filter Grille: The KEES security filter grille is built to accommodate a filter, combining security with the air quality required for a hospital environment.
Hinged Face: The KEES security filter grille features a hinged face that provides access to both the filter and the inside of the grille, simplifying cleaning.
Stainless Steel Construction: Stainless steel’s corrosion-resistant qualities enable the KEES stainless steel security filter grilles to withstand harsh chemicals used in the sanitation process, ensuring hospital rooms are ready for the next patient.
What Are the Best Security Grilles for Schools?
The best security grilles for application in schools and school safe holding rooms are those that are cost-effective while meeting security standards, such as the KEES Security Retrofit Grille with Perforated Face.
Retrofit Design: The KEES security retrofit grille is designed to fit over existing commercial grilles, retrofitting a preexisting space into a secure space.
Cost-Effective Solution: Installing a KEES security retrofit grille over an existing grille saves schools the time, labor, and cost of demolishing walls and removing existing grilles.
Risk-Resistant Design: Alongside ease of installation, the KEES security retrofit grille meets the requirements of secure facility standards organizations’ risk resistant designs.
KEES Offers the Most Options for Specifying Security Grilles
At KEES, our commitment to safety and security is complemented by our product flexibility and customization options. No other HVAC manufacturer provides the breadth of options for specifying security grilles, nor the capacity to design custom products to exact requirements. Additionally, KEES security grilles are recommended by both NYS-OMH and BHDG for meeting compliance standards while ensuring proper airflow. When specifying security grilles, trust KEES to solve your unique compliance challenges.
