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LOCKSMITHS CAN ASSIST LOCAL
SCHOOLS DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS
When school ceases for the summer holidays, security diligence
should not, say the Master Locksmith Association.
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»»THEFT, VANDALISM AND ARSON
attacks are common occurrences in
school buildings during the holidays,
but with adequate planning and security
measures in place, risks can easily be
minimised. It’s also a great time to check
over security and safety, and indeed
get security upgraded in preparation
for pupils returning. Dr Steffan George,
Development Director of the Master
Locksmith Association gives his advice on
the subject.
Locksmiths can assist schools and
school caretakers to assess damage to
buildings and put necessary work into
action well before the end of term. Things
to look out for in terms of deterioration
and breakage include doors, windows,
roofs (missing tiles, slates and broken roof
Planting is another aspect which is
lights), wall cladding (vertical tiling and
often overlooked in terms of security.
timber boarding etc.), alarms, locks and
Large or overgrown trees or shrubbery
exterior skirts to the base of temporary
can provide unnecessary areas of cover
classrooms.
for intruders and lead to blind spots on
Considering whether the building needs CCTV coverage. It’s especially important
extra alarms and security, and where is an
to check that this greenery does not cover
important factor and it is a good idea to
security fencing as this would provide
place alarms within areas where expensive an easy access route for a potential
IT equipment is located and for additional intruder.
peace of mind, secure equipment to
If part of the building is being used
desks. If new equipment is being installed
over the summer holidays by clubs, staff
or delivered it should not be visible from
or community groups, it’s important to
the outside and empty packaging can be
ensure this poses as minimal a risk as
discretely disposed of so it doesn’t entice
possible to the security of the building.
opportunist criminals.
A holiday access policy is a good idea,
Site boundaries are also important.
with clear security instructions covering
While checking that gates are fitted with
alarms, access routes and times, and the
suitable locks may be an obvious step,
management of keys. The use of master
a check of the full perimeter of the site
key systems can help ensure that only
to establish fencing is fully intact with
access to the designated areas is allowed
no bolts, hinges, handles or damaged
with the keys provided.
sections which could work as footholds
The summer holidays are the ideal
for easy access. MLA-approved locksmiths time for maintenance work, but having
can carry out a security and safety
workers present poses extra risks to
assessment on all locks and access routes,
security. If work is being done to security
advising on
suitable
fittings.
products such as alarms, it’s important to
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recommend a contingency plan. It’s also
a good idea to recommend workers wear
security badges as opportunist thieves
could pose as contractors to gain access.
Security shutters and grilles are
another great way of boosting security. If
they are already installed, it’s important
to ensure they are operating correctly
and fitted with suitable locking devices.
A lot of MLA-approved locksmiths could
advise on this and recommend the most
suitable grilles and shutters.
While security is important in any
school, safety is the primary concern
when the school reopens. Checks should
include verifying the functionality of
fire doors, checking emergency exit
doors have the correct escape hardware,
are working correctly and are not
compromised, checking all signage
and fire risk assessments are in place
and, where necessary, updating fire risk
assessments.
A MLA approved locksmith can assist
in making sure a building is safe as well
as secure in accordance with existing fire
regulation wherever possible.