Modern access control systems will inevitably form a fundamental part of any buildings’ security. With a wide range of solutions available for a variety of individual or integrated purposes, security managers will be more than aware of the importance of ensuring that sufficient applications are in place to meet anticipated risks.
The BSIA’s Access Control Section members work across a wide variety of sectors to provide comprehensive solutions for diverse environments. Indeed, a number of these applications have been highlighted through a series of end user guides designed to aid decisions that have to be taken around the application of access control systems for varying environments and purposes.
Applications in the educational sphere
Applying access control within an educational environment brings about a number of critical considerations, such as the required Duty of Care for protecting young people and new pressures brought about by legislation (such as the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act).
Schools have a basic requirement to safely contain the children or students in their care during schooling hours, keeping them protected from unwanted intruders and away from any danger within the confines of the grounds.
The contribution of access control in securing educational establishments is demonstrated through BSIA members’ work in this area. One BSIA member company worked with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to provide a facility-wide access control card solution, while at the same time employing a one card database to centralise administration functions.
System control from a central point
QMUL’s access control system previously consisted of several stand-alone systems which the BSIA member was able to completely upgrade to an access control and alarm monitoring system. That system communicates between the server/client PCs and intelligent door controllers over QMUL’s existing LAN/WAN infrastructure, also allowing a single card that would work across all campuses and control the system from a central point.
Access control at Reaseheath College
Another BSIA member worked with managers at Reaseheath College in Cheshire to improve the limited number of access control systems and CCTV cameras. There was a desire to enhance the security arrangement such that it’s able to monitor the huge site for any potential problems, as well as enabling out of hours access to certain areas of the campus.
A driving factor in the need to improve security came from the National Minimum Care Standard that the college is required to follow in order to ensure it’s competent in its Duty of Care. Cameras have been installed within the college to ensure important access areas and rooms containing valuable equipment are monitored.
Meantime, additional cameras have been installed externally to monitor the activity of students and staff on site during the day, and to record any unusual activity out of hours.
Overall, this project ably demonstrates an effective integration between the access control and CCTV elements of the security system.
Specialist guide for end users
Access control systems, then, cover a wide range of possibilities in terms of security, complexity and cost.
The BSIA’s Access Control Section will soon be publishing a guide to the application of access control for educational establishments. This document will outline a number of practical examples, the necessary steps to take when deciding on the most appropriate system and details of where to go for more information on BSIA members who can offer further advice on installation.
For more information on the work of the BSIA’s Access Control Section and to view other end user guides devised by the Association log on at: www.bsia.co.uk/accesscontrol (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
Lord West to speak at 2009 Annual Luncheon
The BSIA’s 2009 Annual Luncheon guest of honour has been confirmed as Admiral Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for security at the Home Office.
Admiral Lord West will present both the Annual Security Officer and Apprentice Installer Awards and, immediately following luncheon, will provide a Keynote Address for the benefit of attendees.
The Annual Luncheon takes place on Wednesday 15 July at the London Hilton on Park Lane. As well as the aforementioned awards, the Luncheon will also see the presentation of the BSIA Chairman’s Awards which are bestowed in recognition of outstanding achievement within the security industry.
For more information on the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon, click on the link provided on the right hand panel of this page.
The Big Issue (by Trevor Casey)
Given that I run a small, independent company, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with not being able to voice my thoughts or concerns about the industry I’ve been involved in for most of my adult working life.
The industry was evolving at a fairly rapid pace, with legislation and standards having a major impact on my business.
However, like most owners of small-to-medium-sized businesses, I didn’t have the time to research how the change in legislation would affect me because I was busy dealing with the day-to-day issues. I realised that if I was to compete with the larger companies, I needed assistance to remain up-to-date.
It was because of this that I decided I’d join my Trade Association. I have now been a member of the British Security Industry Association for eight years, and have found the information and guidance I receive invaluable.
Valuable information can be gleaned
Information on issues such as lone workers, the Working Time Directive, Health and Safety and basic industry standards has equipped me with the tools to deal with the changes the industry is going through.
Like a few others, I initially thought that the BSIA was run by The Big Boys. However, I soon found that this could not be further from the truth. It’s refreshing to discover that an Association representing over 70% of the industry (including the larger organisations) still understands the unique challenges that face smaller and medium-sized companies.
When I joined the BSIA I didn’t really give any thought to the added benefits it offers. However, the benefits associated with membership are real benefits that allow me to save money due to the offers that only BSIA members can take advantage of. There is also the benefit of representation, networking and the raising of company profile (to mention a few).
Being a member of the BSIA provides me with timely and accurate information, an industry voice and offers real and significant added value to my company.
Special event at IFSEC 2009
For anybody thinking of joining the Association, the BSIA will be holding a potential members event at IFSEC on Wednesday 13 May. Go to Stand C80 in Hall 4 between 11.30 am-1.00pm. This is going to be a unique opportunity for attendees to network, with BSIA members of staff on hand to answer any questions.
John Bates – the BSIA’s chief executive – will also deliver a short presentation, and luncheon will be provided.
If you wish to register your interest to attend, please click on the link provided on the right hand panel of this page.
Trevor Carey is managing director of BSIA member company Eclipse Alarms
