SECURITYSYSTEMS • 63
Tackling internal security and safety
from all angles is complex and requires
a holistic approach. However, designing
effective internal security and safety
procedures can be overwhelming for
school officials and they will need help
from qualified experts as well as input
from teachers and parents. Any plan also
needs to be pragmatic, consider financial
resources and prioritise implementation.
INCREASING AWARENESS
AND PREPAREDNESS
While unexpected situations such as
escape are incredibly difficult to manage
and understand, there are certain
solutions which may help to leverage an
element of preparedness.
Electronic access locks or pincode
hardware is an option for many as they
can help to provide the additional security
needed for areas that require further
supervision. Consider high risk areas
such as supply cupboards or science
classrooms that possess hazardous
chemicals and the challenges that come
with the inflow of access. Spaces such as
these can be controlled with electronic
access in a way that only authorized
personnel (and those they supervise) can
enter, while still providing the flexibility
for multiple people to access without a
physical key.
Delayed egress systems are a solution
commonly used in the US. If a pupil,
employee or visitor should attempt to exit
the building, an alarm is triggered and
a fifteen-second delay allows staff the
time they need to respond. The hardware
is linked to the fire alarm and therefore
provides a system override during a fire
emergency. These systems are yet to be
CE marked to the required standard that
many check for here in the UK. The UK is
still waiting on the harmonisation of BS
EN 13637 (the standard that specifies the
requirements for the performance and
testing of electronically controlled exit
systems) after recently being revised. The
revised standard is now set to go through
a CEN review process, meaning it could be
at least another year until the standard is
published and these exit devices become
CE certified.
With this in mind, the importance of
staff training cannot be understated.
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Ultimately, for a building to minimise
risk, multiple security measures may
need to operate in conjuction, with staff
tying those security measures together.
Schools should work in tandem with the
systems they have in place, and for this,
staff need to have a clear understanding of
the procedures and systems that are being
used.
A high level of understanding about a
building and its inhabitants is incredibly
important, however, some situations may
require expert guidance.
For example, fire safety officials,
contractors and specifiers may be able
to offer direction when it comes to those
situations that seem difficult to address.
Companies like Allegion can also be
part of your extended team and can offer
advice on security and safety solutions for
schools. Ultimately, it’s about balancing
safety and security so that a building
and its inhabitants are protected. When
security might be impeding on safety or
vice versa, it might be time to accept a
helping hand.
www.allegion.com