The Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is a comprehensive research base with its main efforts focused on high energy physics, R&D of advanced accelerator technologies, advanced synchrotron radiation technologies and applications. Taking advantage of the multi-disciplinary research, IHEP carries out the development of new technologies and high tech products with sophisticated science and technologies like radio frequency, UHV, microwave, precision magnet fabrication, etc. The developmental fields cover accelerator technology, nuclear medical instrument, nuclear instrument and meter technology, industrial automation technology, information technology, precision machining, etc. IHEP contains 11 laboratories. The research efforts are centered on high energy physics, cosmic ray and high energy astrophysics, theoretical physics, accelerator physics and technology, synchrotron radiation and free electron laser and nuclear analysis technology and application, etc. Large scientific tools include Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPC), Beijing Spectrometer (BES), Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) and Beijing Free Electron Laser (BFEL.).
Challenge
"We were seeking an advanced method of managing access control and for higher security,” said Li Tie Hui of The Accelerating Control Center in China. Access to restricted lab areas was being manually managed by staff -- individuals requiring access to the lab had to physically use a key located in a central control unit. The key then had to be returned to its location and all staff had to evacuate the lab in order for the lab operations to initiate. The lack of a sophisticated security procedure generated a high risk of people remaining in the lab and potential exposure to radiation. Concern for safety of the lab staff prompted IHEP to seek a more securely automated system.
Solution
Beijing Access Control Technology Co., a local access control solutions provider, won the project out of nine bidders to exclusively develop an advanced safety and security system featuring HID RFID access control technology integrated with networked security, custom software, video surveillance, and a pre prevention/detection system. “Convenience, safety and process automation were key considerations when we selected HID products. We had HID cards and readers at other IHEP facilities and knew those existing products were providing the kind of security needed at the lab,” said Hui.
Manual access to each door of the lab is now accompanied by an HID reader with sound and a separate LCD. The HID® reader outputs an identification number that furnishes the customized system with a higher level of security and shows the identify of the entrant, time of day and how many people remain and/or exit in and out of the restricted lab area, displaying their names on the LCD screen. Once a departure confirmation is complete by ashing on a “departure confirmation” reader, the remaining name on the LCD screen disappears. HID access control technology controls entry into the lab, prohibiting anyone from entering while the lab is operating. In addition, HID ProxPro card readers were modified to overcome power disturbances created by the radioactive lab environment, delivering a reliable solution for the environmental challenges at the Institute of High Energy Physics.
