INDUSTRYNEWS
SPONSORED BY ADVANCED KEYS
choice of locking systems, from various
electronic locks to wheel combination
locks, so that the safe precisely meets the
needs of the individual department or
hospital.
Controlled Access
It is not, however, just Controlled Drugs
that need to be kept secure. Hospitals
are filled with expensive equipment that
could either be stolen or that would be
dangerous or costly to replace if tampered
with. In addition, the presence of newborn
babies unfortunately brings
the threat of abduction if
strangers were able to gain
access to the maternity wards.
So it is important that rooms
containing medical equipment,
babies and infants remain
inaccessible to anyone who
is not a member of staff.
One of the most simple and
effective methods is to put
access control measures in
place using mechanical digital
door locks, which are utilised
in numerous hospitals across
the UK and offer a number of
advantages over traditional key
lock systems. As well as being
self-contained, these locking
systems eradicate the need for
keys, cards or tokens which can
get lost, damaged or stolen.
If codes are compromised,
security can be reinstated
quickly and easily. Mechanical
digital door locks can be
installed either internally or
externally and leading suppliers
offer high quality, industrial
stainless steel options that are
incredibly long-lasting and
will not corrode even when
installed on outbuildings,
providing real value for money
whatever the budget.
Safety and Mirrors
Safety and security go hand in
hand, especially within busy hospital
environments, and mirrors have become
another important and cost-effective
factor in accident prevention. When
strategically placed, convex mirrors can
greatly improve visibility and eliminate
blind spots, thereby reducing the risk of
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collisions and subsequent injuries. This
is particularly important in busy areas
such as corridors and at intersections
where there is a high risk of injury due to
the large volume of people and the daily
transportation of beds and wheelchairs.
The choice of mirror is dependent on the
application, with quarter face mirrors
best suited for corner placement, half face
mirrors ideal for corridor intersections
and round convex mirrors suitable for
areas such as reception for increased
surveillance.
Mirrors can also be used as a powerful
deterrent for anti-social behaviour in
areas such as A&E, which although
originally intended as a service for
emergency care, can find itself as a refuge
for the homeless or mentally ill, or even as
an entry point for visitors trying to enter
the hospital after-hours. Staff are also
at higher risk from patients who may be
under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
increasing the threat of abusive behaviour.
Dome mirrors offer one effective security
measure, as they provide a 360° view
when installed on a ceiling, allowing staff,
patients and visitors to better monitor
their surroundings.
There is also the need for safety
measures to be taken in the local vicinity
of the hospital building. Car parks, dropoff points, ambulance bays and pedestrian
crossings can be made safer with the
installation of external security mirrors,
which will be built to withstand outdoor
environments. When positioned correctly,
these mirrors will optimise
the field of vision for drivers
and reduce the likelihood of
collision.
With such an extensive range
of safety and security products
available to meet the unique
needs of the healthcare sector,
authorities and private health
officials can easily purchase
equipment that will fulfil their
risk assessment criteria and
meet legislative requirements
whilst remaining within
budget. In addition to offering
high quality products, a good
supplier will also provide
extensive advice from initial
enquiry through to final
installation, ensuring maximum
protection for hospital staff,
patients and visitors.
Securikey is a leading UK
supplier of safety and security
products, with a pedigree dating back
nearly 40 years. Offering a solution for
practically any requirement, from minimal
security applications to highly demanding
specifications, the comprehensive range
of Securikey products encompasses cash
safes, fire safes, key control systems,
padlocks, personal security items, convex
mirrors and digital door locks.
www.securikey.co.uk
THE JAN/FEB 2014 ISSUE
SPONSORED BY ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions
25