LIFE-SAFETY PROTECTED

Physical Security
Design Manual for
VA Facilities
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
July 2007

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LIFE-SAFETY PROTECTED

Physical Security
Design Manual
for
VA Facilities
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
July 2007

FINAL DRAFT

FINAL DRAFT
Chapter 2
1

Project Team
Earle Kennett
Vice President
National Institute of Building Sciences
Washington, DC 20005

John Lundgren, PE
Senior Mechanical Engineer
GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc.
Tucson, AZ 85716

Nanne Davis Eliot, NCARB, Esq.

Project Manager
National Institute of Building Sciences
Washington, DC 20005

Thomas A. Evans
Senior Electrical Designer
GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc.
Tucson, AZ 85716

Stuart L. Knoop, FAIA

Principal
Oudens Knoop Knoop + Sachs Architects
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Ellen G. Alexander
Project Manager
GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc.
Tucson, AZ 85716

Tom O. Sachs, AIA

Principal
Oudens Knoop Knoop + Sachs Architects
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

J. Lisa Vickery
CAD Technician
GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc.
Tucson, AZ 85716

Eric J. Lorenz, AIA

Senior Architect
Oudens Knoop Knoop + Sachs Architects
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Robert A. Cizmadia, CPP, FSO

Senior Program Manager
Risk Consulting Division
Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc.
Chantilly, VA 20151

Robert Smilowitz, PE, PhD

Principal
Weidlinger Associates, Inc.
New York, NY 10014
Peggy Van Eepoel, PE
Senior Structural Engineer
Weidlinger Associates, Inc.
Washington, DC 20006
William I. Nelson, PE
President
GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc.
Tucson, AZ 85716
Theodore C. Moeller, PE
Department Manager, Electrical Engineering
GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc.
Tucson, AZ 85716

Scott A. Matile
Security Specialist
Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Walter Lee, CHS-IV
Senior Project Manager
Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Phillip R. Waier, PE
Principal Engineer
RSMeans/Reed Construction Data
Kingston, MA 02364
Wanda Rizer
Publication Designer
design4impact
Abbottstown, PA 17301

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Chapter 1

Department Of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee

Lloyd H. Siegel, FAIA
Director, Strategic Management Office
Office of Construction & Facilities Mgmt.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Kurt D. Knight, PE
Chief, Facilities Quality Service
Office of Construction & Facilities Mgmt.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington DC 20420
Marcelle Habibion, EdD
Director, Program Evaluation Service
Office of Policy, Planning, & Preparedness
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Fred S. Lau, PE
Structural Engineer
Office of Construction & Facilities Mgmt.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
William W. Graham, PE
Director of Operations Services
Office of Emergency Management
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Keith Frost
Security Specialist
Team Leader, Policy and Security Operations
Office of Security & Law Enforcement
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Scott A. Shorr
Industrial Engineer
Project Manager
Office of Facilities, Access & Administration
Veterans Benefits Administration
Washington, DC 20420
Katti Zand
Project Manager
Office of Facilities, Access & Administration

Veterans Benefits Administration

Washington, DC 20420
John D. Stenger
General Engineer
Veterans Health Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
John D. Sourbeer
Architect
National Cemetery Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Louis Sinclair
Architect
National Cemetery Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington DC 20420
Ezra Safdie, PE
Director
Healthcare Engineering
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
Kevin Vassighi
Management Analyst
Assistant Secretary for Management
General Administration & Coordination Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Patrick Villaloboz
Management Analyst
Assistant Secretary for Management
Office of Asset Enterprise Management
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Julius Sztuk, AIA
Architect
Office of Construction & Facilities
Management
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420

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Table of Contents
1

Introduction...................................................................................................... 1-1
1.0

Purpose. .................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1

Authority.................................................................................................. 1-2

1.2

VA Facilities............................................................................................. 1-3

1.3

Introduction To Physical Security Concepts.............................................. 1-4

1.3.1 Concentric Levels of Control and Protection ............................ 1-4
1.3.2 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)..... 1-5
1.3.3 Security Operation Requirements.............................................. 1-5

1.4

Objectives of VA Physical Security Design................................................ 1-5

1.5

Budgeting and Programming for Physical Security.................................. 1-6

1.6

Risk Assessment of VA Facilities.............................................................. 1-6

1.7

Document Distribution, Use, and Control.................................................. 1-6

1.8

Administration and Enforcement.............................................................. 1-7

1.9

Interpretations and Exceptions. ............................................................... 1-7

1.10 Revisions................................................................................................. 1-8

Glossary............................................................................................................ 2-1

Site Considerations. ....................................................................................... 3-1

3.0

Scope. ..................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1

Stand-off Distance................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Existing Facility Stand-off Distance........................................ 3-1

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3.2

Perimeter Fences..................................................................................... 3-1

3.2.1 Location..................................................................................... 3-1
3.2.2 Height......................................................................................... 3-1
3.2.3 Material...................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.4 Gates......................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.5 Existing Facility Perimeter Fences . ....................................... 3-2

3.3

Vehicle and Pedestrian Screening............................................................ 3-2

3.4

Vehicle Barriers. ...................................................................................... 3-2

3.4.1 Active Barriers............................................................................ 3-2
3.4.2 Stationary (Passive) Barriers..................................................... 3-2
3.4.3 Existing Facility Vehicle Barriers . .......................................... 3-3

3.5

Parking.................................................................................................... 3-3
3.5.1 Location..................................................................................... 3-3
3.5.2 Access....................................................................................... 3-3
3.5.3 User Type.................................................................................. 3-3
3.5.4 Existing Facility Parking ......................................................... 3-4

3.6

Site Lighting. ........................................................................................... 3-4

3.6.1 General Requirements............................................................... 3-4
3.6.2 Lighting Locations...................................................................... 3-5
3.6.3 Existing Facility Site Lighting ................................................. 3-6

Building Entrances and Exits........................................................................ 4-1

4.0

Scope. ..................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1

Public Entrances and Lobbies.................................................................. 4-1

4.1.1 Entrances................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Screening Vestibules................................................................. 4-1
4.1.3 Lobbies...................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.4 Access for Emergency Responders.......................................... 4-2
4.1.5 Planning, Construction Details, and Materials........................... 4-2
4.1.6 Security Monitoring.................................................................... 4-3
4.1.7 Existing Facility Entrances and Lobbies................................. 4-4

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4.2

Drop-offs. ................................................................................................ 4-4

4.2.1 Vehicular Access....................................................................... 4-4
4.2.2 Parking....................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.3 Existing Facility Patient Drop-offs........................................... 4-4

4.3

Building Exits and Life Safety Considerations.......................................... 4-5

4.3.1 Site Requirements..................................................................... 4-5
4.3.2 Planning, Construction Details, and Materials........................... 4-5
4.3.3 Security Monitoring.................................................................... 4-5
4.3.4 Existing Facility Building Exits and Life Safety
Considerations........................................................................... 4-6

Functional Areas............................................................................................. 5-1

5.0

Chapter 1

Scope. ..................................................................................................... 5-1

Building Envelope .......................................................................................... 6-1

6.0

Scope. ..................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1

Walls........................................................................................................ 6-1
6.1.1 Non-load Bearing Walls............................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Existing Facility Walls ............................................................ 6-2

6.2

Fenestration............................................................................................. 6-2
6.2.1 Faade Fenestration.................................................................. 6-2
6.2.2 Existing Facility Fenestration ................................................. 6-2

6.3

Atria......................................................................................................... 6-3
6.3.1 Atria............................................................................................ 6-3
6.3.2 Existing Facility Atria . ............................................................ 6-3

6.4

Roofs. ...................................................................................................... 6-3

6.4.1 Roof Structure............................................................................ 6-3
6.4.2 Skylights ................................................................................... 6-3
6.4.3 Penthouses Enclosing Mission Critical Equipment . ................. 6-4
6.4.4 Existing Facility Roofs . .......................................................... 6-4

6.5

Air Intakes and Exhausts Servicing Critical Equipment............................. 6-4

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6.5.1 Intakes and Exhausts................................................................ 6-4

6.6

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6.5.2 Existing Facility Air Intakes and Exhausts Servicing

Critical Equipment...................................................................... 6-4

Calculation Methods................................................................................ 6-5

6.6.1 Design and Detailing.................................................................. 6-5
6.6.2 Blast Loads................................................................................ 6-5
6.6.3 Dynamic Response.................................................................... 6-5

Structural System........................................................................................... 7-1

7.0

Scope. ..................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1

Blast Resistance...................................................................................... 7-2

7.1.1 Priority for Protection................................................................. 7-2
7.1.2 Existing Facility Blast Resistance........................................... 7-2

7.2

Progressive Collapse. .............................................................................. 7-2

7.2.1 Existing Facility Progressive Collapse.................................... 7-3

7.3

Column Protection. .................................................................................. 7-3

7.3.1 Existing Facility Column Protection ....................................... 7-3

7.4

Anti-ram Resistance ............................................................................... 7-3

7.4.1 Vehicle Barriers.......................................................................... 7-3
7.4.2 Existing Facility Anti-ram Resistance . ................................... 7-4

7.5

Calculation Methods................................................................................ 7-4

7.5.1 Design and Detailing.................................................................. 7-4
7.5.2 Blast Loading............................................................................. 7-4
7.5.3 Dynamic Response . ................................................................. 7-4

Utilities and Building Services..................................................................... 8-1

8.0

Scope. ..................................................................................................... 8-1

8.1

Utility Entrances....................................................................................... 8-1

8.1.1 Mechanical................................................................................. 8-1
8.1.2 Electrical ................................................................................... 8-1
8.1.3 Telecommunications.................................................................. 8-1
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8.1.4 Existing Facility Utility Entrances............................................ 8-1

8.2

Site Distribution....................................................................................... 8-1

8.2.1 Mechanical................................................................................. 8-1
8.2.2 Electrical.................................................................................... 8-2
8.2.3 Telecommunications.................................................................. 8-2
8.2.4 Existing Facility Site Distribution............................................. 8-2

8.3

Energy Center ......................................................................................... 8-2

8.3.1 Concepts . ................................................................................. 8-2
8.3.2 Storage Considerations ............................................................ 8-2
8.3.3 Existing Facility Energy Center . ............................................ 8-2

8.4 Water and Fuel Storage . ......................................................................... 8-2

8.4.1 Storage Volume Criteria ........................................................... 8-2
8.4.2 Water Treatment ....................................................................... 8-2
8.4.3 Protection of Equipment ........................................................... 8-2
8.4.4 Existing Facility Water and Fuel Storage . ............................. 8-2

Building Systems............................................................................................ 9-1

9.0

Scope....................................................................................................... 9-1
9.0.1 Modularity.................................................................................. 9-1
9.0.2 Security Considerations............................................................. 9-1

9.1

HVAC Systems. ........................................................................................ 9-2

9.1.1 Requirements............................................................................. 9-2
9.1.2 Intakes and Exhausts................................................................ 9-2
9.1.3 Existing Facility HVAC Systems ............................................ 9-2

9.2

Electrical Systems................................................................................... 9-2

9.2.1 Stand-by Power Systems ......................................................... 9-2
9.2.2 Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS)....................................... 9-3
9.2.3 Existing Facility Electrical Systems . ...................................... 9-3

9.3

Telecommunications Systems.................................................................. 9-3

9.3.1 Demarcation Room (DEMARC)................................................. 9-3

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9.3.2 Telephone Equipment Room..................................................... 9-3

9.3.3 Main Computer Room................................................................ 9-3
9.3.4 Telecommunications Distribution Rooms.................................. 9-3
9.3.5 WLAN System .......................................................................... 9-3
9.3.6 Portable Radio System ............................................................. 9-3
9.3.7 Satellite Radiotelephone System............................................... 9-3
9.3.8 Public Address System ............................................................. 9-3
9.3.9 Distributed Antenna System ..................................................... 9-3
9.3.10 VSAT Satellite Data Terminal.................................................... 9-4
9.3.11 Existing Facility Telecommunications Systems...................... 9-4

10

9.4

Plumbing Systems................................................................................... 9-4

9.4.1 Medical Air and Oxygen Systems.............................................. 9-4
9.4.2 Existing Facility Plumbing Systems........................................ 9-4

9.5

Fire Protection Systems........................................................................... 9-4

9.5.1 Fire Department Hose Connections.......................................... 9-4
9.5.2 Existing Facility Fire Protection Systems................................ 9-4

Security Systems.......................................................................................... 10-1

10.0 Scope . .................................................................................................. 10-1
10.1 CCTV Monitoring and Surveillance (CCTV).............................................. 10-1
10.1.1 System Uses, Compatibility, and Integration .......................... 10-1
10.1.2 Networked versus Stand-alone CCTV System . ..................... 10-2
10.1.3 Cameras ................................................................................. 10-2
10.1.4 Additional CCTV System Components.................................... 10-6
10.1.5 Controlling and Recording Equipment..................................... 10-7
10.1.6 Video Motion Detection............................................................ 10-8
10.1.7 Camera Locations . ................................................................. 10-8
10.2 Intrusion Detection System (IDS). .......................................................... 10-8
10.2.1 System Elements and Features............................................... 10-9
10.2.2 System Integration................................................................... 10-9
10.2.3 Planning and Selection Criteria .............................................. 10-9
10.2.4 Networked versus Stand-alone................................................ 10-9

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10.2.5 Hardwired versus Wireless ................................................... 10-10

10.2.6 Environmental Conditions . ................................................... 10-10
10.2.7 Interior Sensors .................................................................... 10-10
10.2.8 Exterior Sensors ................................................................... 10-11
10.2.9 Alarm Conditions .................................................................. 10-12
10.2.10 Installation . ........................................................................... 10-12
10.2.11 IDS Locations ....................................................................... 10-13

10.3 Physical Access Control System (PACS)............................................... 10-13

10.3.1 System Elements and Features ........................................... 10-13
10.3.2 System Integration................................................................. 10-13
10.3.3 Stand-alone versus Network Multiple-Portal System............. 10-13
10.3.4 Control/Communications Panel ............................................ 10-14
10.3.5 Electronic Security Management System (SMS) . ................ 10-14
10.3.6 Picture ID and Badging Station Interface ............................. 10-14
10.3.7 Card Credentials and Readers.............................................. 10-15
10.3.8 Entry Control Device ............................................................. 10-15
10.3.9 Biometric Systems................................................................. 10-15
10.3.10 Portal Control Devices........................................................... 10-15
10.3.11 Door Status Indicators........................................................... 10-16
10.3.12 Transmission Media . ............................................................ 10-16
10.3.13 Locations .............................................................................. 10-16
10.4 Duress, Security Phones, and Intercom System (DSPI)......................... 10-16
10.4.1 System Elements and Features ........................................... 10-16
10.4.2 Security Phones or Emergency Call-Boxes . ........................ 10-18
10.4.3 Duress/Panic Alarms ............................................................ 10-19
10.4.4 DSPI Locations...................................................................... 10-21
10.5 Security Control Center (SCC). ............................................................. 10-21
10.5.1 Operational Requirements..................................................... 10-22
10.5.2 Primary and Secondary Locations......................................... 10-22
10.5.3 Accessibility........................................................................... 10-22
10.5.4 Physical Security .................................................................. 10-22
10.5.5 Construction........................................................................... 10-22
10.5.6 Space Requirements............................................................. 10-22
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10.5.7 Electrical................................................................................ 10-23

10.5.8 Environmental Applications .................................................. 10-23
10.5.9 Security Console/Workstation . ............................................. 10-24
10.5.10 Security System Equipment and Interface............................. 10-24

10. 6 Detection and Screening Systems (DSS) Optional................................ 10-25

10.6.1 System Elements and Features ........................................... 10-25

11

References..................................................................................................... 11-1

Appendices
A

Security Door Openings (SDO).................................................................. A-1

Security System Application Matrix. ........................................................ B-1

Index

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Introduction

1.0 Purpose
This Manual contains the physical security standards for improving
the protection of life-safety protected facilities of the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA). Life-Safety Protected facilities are required to
protect the life safety of the VA patients, staff, and visitors in case of
an emergency. Although indispensable to the mission of the VA, these
facilities are not required to remain operational during a natural or
man-made extreme event or a national emergency. Design and
construction standards are provided for the physical security of new
buildings, additions, and major alterations. In addition, recommendations
and strategies are provided to improve the physical security for existing
life-safety protected facilities.
The requirements of this manual are to be coordinated with all VA design and
construction requirements for the mitigation of other hazards, such as earthquake
and hurricane, in order to complete a multi-hazard approach to physical security
planning, design, and construction. Throughout this manual where it is mandatory that
construction be in an area that is not subject to flooding, refer to the FEMA flood map
information available at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/fmapinfo.shtm.
In order to meet the physical security standards of this manual the design team must
include a security specialist as well as a structural blast specialist. These specialists
must be experts and have a minimum of five years experience in physical security or
blast design. This manual assumes the use of qualified security and blast experts.
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1.1 Authority
It has long been the policy of the United States to assure the continuity and viability
of mission critical infrastructure. Executive Order 12656, issued November 18, 1988,
states, The head of each Federal department and agency shall be prepared to
respond adequately to all national security emergencies. Furthermore, the head
of each Federal department and agency shall ensure the continuity of essential
functions in any national security emergency by providing for: succession to office and
emergency delegation of authority in accordance with applicable law; safekeeping of
essential resources, facilities, and records; and establishment of emergency operating
capabilities. The Order also requires that the head of each Federal department and
agency shall: identify facilities and resources, both government and private, essential
to the national defense and national welfare, and assess their vulnerabilities and
develop strategies, plans, and programs to provide for the security of such facilities
and resources, and to avoid or minimize disruptions of essential services during any
national security emergency.
Public Law 107-188, Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and
Response Act of 2002 enacted June 12, 2002, requires actions to enhance the
readiness of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to enable them to fulfill
their obligations as part of the Federal response to public health emergencies. Under
section 154 the law specifically requires that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
take appropriate actions to enhance the readiness of Department of Veterans Affairs
medical centers to protect the patients and staff of such centers from chemical or
biological attack or otherwise to respond to such an attack and so as to enable such
centers to fulfill their obligations as part of the Federal response to public health
emergencies.
Public Law 107-287, Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Preparedness Act of
2002 enacted November 7, 2002, requires that the Secretary take appropriate actions
to provide for the readiness of Department medical centers to protect the patients and
staff of such centers from chemical or biological attack or otherwise to respond to such
an attack so as to enable such centers to fulfill their obligations as part of the Federal
response to public health emergencies and that the Secretary take appropriate
actions to provide for the security of Department medical centers and research facilities,
including staff and patients at such centers and facilities. This Act also states that the
Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical services to individuals responding to,
involved in, or otherwise affected by that disaster or emergency.
38 USC Sec. 901 gives the Secretary the authority to prescribe regulations to provide
for the maintenance of law and order and the protection of persons and property on VA
property.
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1.2 VA Facilities
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is composed of a Central Office (VACO) and
three administrations, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits
Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VHA manages
one of the largest health care systems in the U.S. In addition to providing health care,
VHA also has missions to provide training for health care professionals; to conduct
medical research; to serve as a contingency backup to DOD medical services; and,
during national emergencies, to support the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).
VBA provides benefits and services to veterans including compensation and pension,
education, loan guaranty, and insurance. NCA deliveries burial benefits to veterans and
eligible dependents. In total, VA provides a mission critical medical and economic
infrastructure to the government and population of the United States.
Life-safety protected facilities shall include all of the following:
n Accessory Non-Building Structures

n Auditorium

n Biomedical Engineering

n Canteen Cafeteria

(equipment and wheelchair repair)

n Canteen Retail Store

n Cemetery Building Chapel

n Child Care

n Clinical Services Administration Office

n Community-Based Outpatient Clinic

n Connecting Corridor Concourse

(CBOC)

and Bridge

n General Administration Office

n Greenhouses

n Laundry

n Library/Museum

n Maintenance Facility (Shops)

n Maintenance Storage (Equipment)

n Materials Management Storage

n Office

n Parking Garage

n Plant Outbuilding

n Post Office

n Quarters (Residential)

n Recreational

n School

n Student Housing

n Temporary Buildings

n Toilets (Outhouses)

n Training/Education

n Veterans Services

n Warehouse

n Waste Management (Incinerator

n Waste Storage

and Recycle)

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1.3 Introduction to Physical Security Concepts

VA has adopted the low level of protection of the Interagency Security Committee
(ISC) Security Design Criteria (September 29, 2004) for all new life-safety protected
facilities. The VA Natural Disaster Non-Structural Resistive Design (September 2002)
is subsumed and superseded by this physical security design manual. The physical
protection strategies used to develop this manual are documented in the Physical
Security Strategies Report (January 10, 2006).

1.3.1 Concentric Levels of Control and Protection

The physical security of facilities requires the use of concentric levels of control and
protection to provide progressively enhanced levels of security.

1.3.1.1 The first point of control should be at the perimeter of the property
consisting of fences and other barriers with one or two points of entry through
gates controlled by police or other security personnel. In certain urban sites, the
building perimeter may be on the property line. Increased levels of screening of
persons and vehicles, as the Department of Homeland Security Threat Levels
are changed, must be accommodated at the perimeter without burdening
surrounding roads with vehicles waiting to enter the site.
1.3.1.2 The second point of control should be at the building perimeter consisting
of doors and other openings protected as appropriate to the level of protection
needed with or without the first point of control. This includes access control
hardware, intrusion detection, surveillance, and, at selected entrances at various
times, personnel for control and screening.
1.3.1.3 The third point of control should be to segregate with barriers and
hardware generally accessible public and patient areas from staff-only areas
such as pharmacy preparation, food preparation, sterile corridors, research
laboratories, and building operations and maintenance areas.
1.3.1.4 The fourth point of control should be to segregate authorized from
unauthorized staff areas with barriers and access controls such as card
reader-activated hardware. Unauthorized areas may include patient records,
laboratories, vivariums, and cash-handling tellers.
1.3.1.5 The fifth point of control should be to restrict access to restricted areas to
a minimum with card-reader access controls, CCTV monitors, intrusion detection
alarms, and forced-entry-resistant construction. Restricted access areas may
include select agent storage, narcotics storage, and laboratories.

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The more effective the perimeter barrier and screening are the less protection is
needed within the site, such as between buildings, from patient and visitor parking
and the building lobby, and from the site entrance to the other buildings on the site. In
highly urban areas where the VA building may front on a city street with no stand-off
or separation, the building and its occupants can only be protected from hazards of
breaking and entering, vandalism, and even explosive or armed attack by hardening the
building itself to resist, which may lead to undesirable solutions such as faades with
minimum openings and a fortress-like appearance.

1.3.2 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

VA follows the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED,
see www.cpted.net). CPTED promotes the principles that proper design and effective
use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime
and acts of terrorism. CPTED should be used to evaluate VA site and building designs
to create and enhance the concentric circles or layers of security protection.

1.3.3 Security Operation Requirements

Design decisions for the physical security of a life-safety protected facility should
be based on the concentric levels of control and protectionboth physical and
operationalas described in section 1.3.1.

1.4 Objectives of VA Physical Security Design

The primary objective of this manual is to provide the design team with the criteria and
standards for the full range of strategies available for existing and new buildings to
provide unobtrusive protection for VA facilities while safeguarding the veterans, staff,
and visitors.
The physical security standards account for VA operations and policies and must be
cost effective when implemented. An objective of this manual is to provide cost effective
design criteria that will, when constructed and implemented, provide the appropriate
level of physical security to VAs life-safety protected facilities. The Physical Security
Cost Manual should be used by the design team in conjunction with this manual to
determine and develop the most cost effective physical security for each life-safety
protected facility.

1.5 BUDGETING AND PROGRAMMING FOR PHYSICAL SECURITY

When establishing a design and a budget for a life-safety protected project, the key
point is that physical security is fully integrated into the program, rather than an added
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requirement. When physical security is seen as an add-on to an otherwise complete

project, the costs for implementation will be higher and the results less satisfactory.
As such, it is essential to establish the physical security goals within the programming
phase of the project, and to ensure that the budget is set to reflect the physical security
requirements within the program goals.

1.6 Risk Assessment of VA Facilities

Risk assessments of existing VA facilities showed that the primary threats faced by
the Department continue to be routine criminal activity and violence in the workplace;
however, the proximity of some VA facilities to high vulnerability targets, the expanded
threat caused by the Iraqi War and treatment of Iraqi War veterans, and the role of
VA medical centers as backup to DOD and communities in the public health system,
elevate VAs risks from both internal and external man-made threats.
It is not possible to eliminate all risk to a facility and every project will face resource
limitations. Cost effective risk management is a requirement of every project. Prior to
design development of a new life-safety protected facility or major alterations of an
existing life-safety protected facility a risk assessment must be performed. Cost effective
strategies must be implemented to make the facility capable of life-safety protected
operation.
The first task is to identify the assets and people that need to be protected. Next, a
threat assessment is performed to identify and define the threats and hazards that could
cause harm to a building and its occupants. After threats and assets are identified, a
vulnerability assessment is performed to identify weaknesses. Using the results of the
asset, threat, and vulnerability assessment, risk can be determined.
Comprehensive protection against the full range of possible natural and man-made
threats to VA facilities would be cost prohibitive, but an appropriate level of protection
obtained through the use of these standards can provide for operation of life-safety
protected facilities at a reasonable cost.

1.7 Document Distribution, Use, and Control

This manual is unclassified.

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1.8 Administration and Enforcement

The provisions of these standards shall apply to all VA life-safety protected building
construction projects for which design is begun on or after the effective date of this
design manual.
These standards apply to new construction and all additions, alterations, and
modernization. Any facility undergoing a renovation of 50 percent or greater is required
to conform to the standards of a new life-safety protected facility. Existing facilities are
required to meet physical security standards defined in this design manual as may be
determined by VA based on funding considerations, prioritization, and other mission
driven requirements.
These standards apply to the space being renovated in an existing building, and do not
extend to other spaces in the same building except as may be directed by VA.
Any VA campus on which a new life-safety protected facility is to be constructed shall
bring the entire site into conformance with these standards.

1.9 Interpretations and Exceptions

VA facilities that are not designated life-safety protected may be mission critical facilities,
which are required to continue operation during a natural or man-made extreme event or
a national emergency. Physical security design requirements for mission critical facilities
are covered in a separate manual.
The requirements of these standards are directed at all building types currently owned
and operated by VA. VA buildings leased through the General Services Administration
(GSA) are exempt from these requirements and are covered in the Interagency Security
Committee (ISC) Security Standards for Leased Spaces (September 29, 2004).
Buildings of such occupancy type and floor area that would allow Type V construction
as defined in the International Building Code shall be exempt from the requirements of
Chapter 7, Paragraphs 7.1 through 7.3.
Connecting corridor concourse and bridges shall be exempt from the stand-off distance
requirements of Chapter 3 and the requirements of Chapters 6 and 7. Freestanding
greenhouses shall be exempt from the requirements of Chapters 3, 6, and 7. Physical
security requirements for temporary buildings shall be determined on a case by case
basis by the security staff having cognizance.

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The Project Manager has the role of approving deviations from the requirements and
may waive requirements and give other instructions.

1.10 REVISIONS
Revisions to the Physical Security Design Manual will be issued shortly after the initial
publication due to VA office re-organization, numbering and nomenclature changes, and
updates of other VA standards.

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Glossary

The following terms and definitions are related to the mitigation of man-made and
natural hazards and do not include terms related to general facility design, construction,
and operation.

Cache: A storage facility requiring a high level of security, often referring to pharmacy.
Charge Weight: The amount of explosives in a device in TNT equivalent.
Clear Zone: An area on either or both sides of a perimeter fence line that has been
cleared of any materials that offer concealment to an intruder.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV): A video system in which an analog or digital signal
travels from a camera to video monitoring stations at a designated location.
Continuity of Operations (COOP): VA is required to have COOP capabilities that enable
the Department to continue essential functions during a broad spectrum of emergencies.
A COOP site is an alternate facility from which to continue essential agency functions
should the primary facility be rendered unusable. A COOP site should provide a facility
from which VA can continue to perform essential functions and operations during an
emergency with reduced or mitigated disruptions to operations and where VA can
achieve a timely and orderly recovery from an emergency and resume full service.
Controlled Access Area or Controlled Area: A room, office, building, or facility area which
is clearly demarcated, access to which is monitored, limited, and controlled.
Crash-rated: Tested for resistance to a moving load impact at a given velocity and rated
in terms of kinetic energy or K rating in tests for certification under Department of State
programs.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): Design philosophy that
effective use of the natural environment coupled with proper design of the built
environment can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime.
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Critical Assets: People and those physical assets required to sustain or support the
facilitys ability to operate on an emergency basis.
Critical Infrastructure, Critical Space: Building area(s) required to sustain or support the
facilitys ability to operate on an emergency basis.
Detection and Screening System (DSS): DSS are used for the pre-screening of persons,
packages, and personal items for detection of contraband, such as, weapons, drugs,
explosives, and other potential threatening items or materials prior to authorizing entry
or delivery into the building. DSS includes X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors
(WTMD), hand-held metal detectors (HHMD), and desktop and hand-held trace/particle
detectors (also referred to a sniffers and itemizers).
Duress Security Phone Intercom (DSPI): DSPI systems are used to provide security
intercommunications for access control, emergency assistance, and identification of
personnel under duress requesting a security response.
Explosives Detector: Any device that detects components of explosive devices or
explosive compounds by radiographic analysis, by analyzing chemical emissions, or by
other methods.
Extraordinary Incidents: Events or conditions that exceed locally accepted design
practice.
Hardening: Reinforcement of the building structure, components, and systems against
impact of a blast, a ballistic assault, or ramming.
High Crime Area: Within a defined geographical location, the area with the highest
arrest rates for violent crime and for such other crimes as drug sale, drug possession,
prostitution, vandalism, and civil disturbances; with the highest reported crime volume
of specific property crimes such as business and residential burglary, motor vehicle
theft, and vandalism; the highest percentage of reported index crimes that are violent
in nature; the highest overall index crime volume for the area; and the highest overall
index crime rate for the geographic area.
Hurricane Areas: These requirements apply to VA medical and ambulatory care centers
located within 16 kilometers (10 miles) of the Atlantic Ocean and 16 kilometers (10
miles) of the Gulf of Mexico. These requirements also apply to all inland VA medical and
ambulatory care centers in Florida and those in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

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ID Check: Examination and verification of personal or vehicle identification visually or by

other means.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS): A system combining mechanical or electric
components to perform the functions of sensing, controlling, and announcing
unauthorized entry into areas covered by the system. The IDS is intended to sound
alarms or alert response personnel of an actual or attempted intrusion into an area.
Itemizer: A trace particle detection device capable of identifying both explosives and
narcotics.
Life-Safety Protected: VA facilities which are required to protect the life safety of the
patients, staff, and visitors in case of an emergency; although indispensable to the
mission of VA, are not required to remain operational in a natural or man-made extreme
event or a national emergency.
Local Alarm: An alarm that is annunciated in the immediate vicinity of the protected
premises.
Magnetometer or Metal Detector: A walk-through portal or hand-held device designed
to detect changes in magnetic fields used to identify hidden metal objects.
Mantrap: A double-door booth or chamber that allows a person to enter at one end,
undergo an access identification routine inside the booth, and if the routine is satisfied,
the lock on the booth door at other end is released.
Mission Critical: VA facility that is required to continue operation during a natural or
man-made extreme event or a national emergency.
Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce the exposure to and impact of a hazard.
Pedestrian Barrier: A fence, wall, or other structure designed to delay pedestrians from
entering the site without using the gates provided for pedestrians where personnel
screening may be performed. The Pedestrian Barrier may or may not be coincident with
the vehicle barrier.
Perimeter Barrier: A physical barrier used on the outside of a protected area to prevent,
deter, or delay unauthorized entry.
Personnel Screening: Examining persons and their possessions for contraband such
as weapons, explosives, and CBR agents using magnetometer, x-ray, search, or other
device.
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Physical Access Control System (PACS): A system combining mechanical or electrical

components, such as card readers, keypads, biometrics, and electromagnetic locks
and strikes, for the purpose of controlling access and monitoring building entrances,
sensitive areas, mission critical asset areas, and alarm conditions.
Physical Security: That part of security concerned with physical measures designed to
safeguard people, to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, facilities, material, and
documents, and to safeguard against damage and loss.
Police Operations Unit: An area designed to facilitate the functions of the police and
security services, which include the protection of patients, visitors, and employees; the
protection of property; and the maintenance of law and order on property under the
charge and control of the Department.
Protected Area: An area continuously protected by physical security safeguards and
access controls.
Protection Level: The degree to which resources are used to defeat a threat.
Restricted Area: A controlled room, office, building, or facility area to which access is
strictly and tightly controlled. Admittance to this area is limited to personnel assigned to
the area and persons who have been specifically authorized access to the area.
Risk: The potential for a loss of or damage to an asset.
Screening Vestibule: Designated space or area located for access control between the
public building entrance and the lobby which shall be of sufficient space and be provided
with power, telecommunications, and data connections for installation of access control
and screening equipment that may be used should the need arise.
Secured Door Opening (SDO): A door opening that requires security hardware such as
electric strike, door contact, card reader, forced entry rating, or similar feature.
Security Control Center (SCC): A location for security personnel to monitor CCTV,
alarms, and other security systems and devices. This may be in a separate space or, for
small facilities, combined with a guard or reception desk at the entrance.
Select Agent: Select agents shall be as defined in Title 42, CFR, Part 73, including
pathogens and toxins regulated by both DHHS and USDA and non-overlap select
agents of DHHS.
Stand-off: Distance from event to target.

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Tactic: Means of delivering a threat, such as a vehicle bomb.

Terrorism: An action that is intended to cause death or serious bodily harm to civilians
or noncombatants, when the purpose of such an act, by its nature or context, is to
intimidate a population or to compel a government or an international organization to do
or to abstain from doing any act.
Threat: An indication of impending danger. The type of harm likely to be directed at a
facility.
Urban Area: A geographic area with a population of more than 50,000 or a population
density of at least 1,000 people per square mile (386 per square kilometer) and
surrounding census blocks that have an overall density of at least 500 people per
square mile (193 per square kilometer).
Vehicle Arrest: Means of stopping a vehicle from breaching a perimeter.
Vehicle Barrier: A passive or active physical barrier consisting of natural or man-made
features designed to keep a vehicle carrying explosives at the required stand-off
distance. This may or may not be coincident with a pedestrian barrier.
Vehicle Inspection: Examining vehicles for contraband such as explosives using
physical search, K-9 searches, trace element sampling, x-ray, or other means.
Vulnerability: Susceptibility to physical injury or threat.
X-ray Screening System: A device or system that inspects the contents of a package or
container for concealed explosives or contraband.

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Site
Considerations

3.0 Scope
This chapter focuses on security design concepts, elements, and site planning
strategies that influence the protection of the built and natural environments.

3.1 Stand-off Distance

No vehicle shall be parked or be permitted to travel closer than 25 feet (7.6 m) to any
life-safety protected VA facility.

3.1.1 Existing Facility Stand-off Distance

Existing facilities shall meet the requirement of 3.1.

3.2 Perimeter Fences

Perimeter barriers shall consist of fences, walls, a combination of these, and gates as
needed for access. The barrier shall be designed to resist forced or surreptitious entry
using hand tools, such as by spreading bars of a fence to provide a passable opening.
Fences shall have sufficient lateral support to resist overturning by manual force.

3.2.1 Location
The perimeter barrier shall be on or in close proximity to the perimeter of the property.

3.2.2 Height
The perimeter barrier shall have at least 6 feet (1.8 m) between potential horizontal
footholds or designed with other anti-climb measures.
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3.2.3 Material
Fences shall be metal and of heavy industrial-grade construction with bar spacing at
a maximum of 5 inches (127 mm) on center. Chain link fences and gates shall not be
used. Walls shall be reinforced masonry or concrete.

3.2.4 Gates
3.2.4.1 Pedestrian gates: Pedestrian and bicycle gates shall swing in the
outward direction and shall be fully accessible to persons with disabilities in width
and operation.
3.2.4.2 Vehicular gates: Vehicular security gates shall be sliding or cantilevered
(no tracks) and only wide enough to accommodate one vehicle lane.

3.2.5 Existing Facility Perimeter Fences

All sites with life-safety protected facilities shall meet the requirements of section 3.2.

3.3 Vehicle and Pedestrian Screening

No additional physical security requirements.

3.4 Vehicle Barriers

Passive vehicle barriers shall be selected on the appropriateness of the architecture of
the facility and the specifics of the site and natural environment.

3.4.1 Active Barriers

No additional physical security requirements.

3.4.2 Stationary (Passive) Barriers

Natural or man-made stationary barriers may be used.
n Landscaping examples include berms, gullies, boulders, trees, and other terrain.
n Hardscaping examples include benches and planters.
n Structural examples include walls, bollards, and cables.

3.4.2.1 Locations: Adjacent to vulnerable perimeter fences, protection for site

utility equipment, at building entrance, and other areas requiring additional
protection from vehicles.
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3.4.2.2 Structure: See Chapter 7, section 7.4 Anti-Ram Resistance, for

structural requirements of passive barriers.
3.4.2.3 Handicapped accessibility: Passive barriers, such as bollards, when
placed adjacent to or across a path of pedestrian travel, shall have 4 feet (1.2 m)
clear space in between.

3.4.3 Existing Facility Vehicle Barriers

All sites with life-safety protected facilities shall have stationary barriers as per section
3.4.2.

3.5 Parking
3.5.1 Location
3.5.1.1 Surface parking: Passenger vehicles shall not be parked or permitted to
travel closer than 25 feet (7.6 m) to a life-safety-protected VA facility.
3.5.1.2 Parking structures: No additional physical security requirements.

3.5.2 Access
3.5.2.1 From vehicle entrance: Access roads for all vehicles shall allow for
separate driveways to the building entrance, service yard, or parking.
n Separate entrances to the site shall be provided for patients and visitors,

employees and staff, emergency, and service and delivery vehicles.

n Access roads from entrances to parking for each vehicle type shall be

separated, but may be connected for maintenance and emergency vehicles

through gates controlled by access cards.
n Access roads shall be configured to prevent vehicles from attaining speeds in

excess of 25 mph (40 kph).

n Avoid any straight-line vehicular approaches to a facility.

3.5.2.2 From parking to facility: See Entrances in this chapter and Chapter 4
for further information on building entrances.

3.5.3 User Type

In addition to the requirements above, the following are parking and access
requirements for security according to specific users.
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3.5.3.1 Patients and visitors: Parking and access for patients, visitors, and the
persons transporting them to and from the VA facility shall be as convenient
as possible to the main entrance, subject to the requirements above. Where
vehicles are unscreened, make site provisions to accommodate a shuttle service
for persons needing assistance. Parking and facility access shall comply with
handicapped accessibility requirements.
3.5.3.2 Emergency: Emergency entrance shall be provided with a small parking
area for emergency patients and space for ambulances. Ambulances shall be
permitted to approach the building directly and not be subjected to the distance
requirements of this Chapter.
3.5.3.3 Childcare parents and staff: All requirements for maintaining stand-off
distance between vehicles and the building shall apply. Child drop-off and pickup shall be visible from the office of the child care center and shall be monitored
by CCTV. All vehicular areas, on site and adjacent off-site, including parking and
access roads, shall be separated from playground areas by fences designed to
prevent children from entering the vehicular areas and vehicles from entering the
playground.
3.5.3.4 Vendors: The stand-off distances and screening requirements above
apply. Vendors shall use the delivery vehicle entrance and service yard at the
loading dock. Parking shall be provided for vendors in the service yard.
3.5.3.5 Employees: Where employees share access with patients and visitors,
the entrance to the employee parking shall be controlled by a card-actuated gate.
Employee parking areas shall be monitored by CCTV. Emergency alert systems,
such as blue phones, shall be provided at the discretion of the VA Police.

3.5.4 Existing Facility Parking

When separation of types of traffic is not feasible, card-controlled access gates and
other traffic separation measures shall be used.

3.6 Site Lighting

3.6.1 General Requirements
Provide minimum maintained illumination levels for pedestrian pathways, bicycle
and vehicle routes, parking structures, parking lots, wayfinding, signage, pedestrian
entrances, and building services which will provide safety and security for personnel,
buildings, and site.
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Lighting shall provide for safety and security without compromising the quality of the
site, the environment (including neighboring properties), or the architectural character of
the buildings.

3.6.1.1 Aesthetic: The site lighting shall provide desired illumination and
enhancement of trees, landscaping, and buildings without providing dark
shadowy areas compromising safety and security.
3.6.1.2 CCTV: Site lighting shall provide CCTV and other surveillance support
with illumination levels and color that assists in proper identification. Lighting
shall be coordinated with CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance and prevent
interference. Avoid blinding CCTV cameras in the placement and selection of
fixtures and their cutoff angles.
3.6.1.3 Luminance levels: Illumination levels shall be in compliance with the
Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), VA Design Guides,
and local and state governing agencies.
3.6.1.4 Signage and wayfinding: Shall be enhanced by site lighting, including
providing improved security by assisting pedestrians and vehicles to locate their
destinations expeditiously. Refer to VA Signage Design Guide dated 2/2005.
3.6.1.5 Environmental: Avoid light pollution and spill into neighboring properties
by selection of fixtures cutoff angles to minimize their nuisance visibility from
adjacent areas on and off VA property.

3.6.2 Lighting Locations

Comply with all requirements for site lighting as may be set forth in VA publications. In
addition, the following areas require additional attention in lighting design to support
security and safety needs.

3.6.2.1 Site entrances: Lighting shall be provided at all site entrances at

illumination levels that assist in after-dark performance of security duties:
n To assist security personnel with visual personal identification into vehicles to

see the drivers compartment and view ID.

n To provide illumination of wayfinding and other signage.

3.6.2.2 Perimeter fence: Lighting sufficient to support perimeter CCTV

surveillance shall be provided without spillage onto neighboring properties or
rights-of-way.

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n Where a perimeter road has been provided for patrols or other functions, the

lighting may be combined with roadway lighting.

3.6.2.3 Building entrances and exits: Lighting at building entrances shall support
CCTV surveillance and ID functions while providing illumination of surfaces and
features for safety.
3.6.2.4 Parking areas: All parking areas covered and open shall be lighted in
support of CCTV and other surveillance without spill into adjacent areas on or off
site.
3.6.2.5 Pathways: Pedestrian and bicycle pathways and walks, including bike
racks, gates, and other features shall be illuminated in support of CCTV and
other surveillance while providing for safety without spill onto adjacent areas on
and off site.
3.6.2.6 Signage: All signage shall be adequately illuminated to provide safe
wayfinding and identification. Wayfinding maps and texts shall be individually
illuminated.
3.6.2.7 Enclosures: Liquid oxygen tanks and other enclosures shall be
illuminated in support of CCTV and visual surveillance without spillage into other
areas on or off site.
3.6.2.8 Trash: Collection areas shall be illuminated in service yards as a part of
the yard illumination. Individual trash bins may not require illumination.
3.6.2.9 Loading docks and associated yards: Loading areas shall be fully
illuminated for operations and in support of CCTV and other surveillance and
Identification needs.

3.6.3 Existing Facility Site Lighting

Existing facilities shall meet the requirements of section 3.6.

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