Commercial secure systems & accessibility for buildings.
There are many considerations when planning or maintaining a commercial building. Two areas where misunderstandings commonly occur are security and accessibility. Our key recommendations in these areas are:
- Think in terms of ‘access for all'.
- Apply our best practice Masterkey guides.
- Conduct an access audit.
- Get help whenever you are stuck.
Access for All:
We have found that by deploying well designed solutions you not only ensure your building meets the requirements of the latest Disability Discrimination legislation but you also improve the lives of everyone using the building.
For example, if you have the full dexterity of your hands and arms available then getting through doors is no problem. But actually how often is this the case? Research shows that in more than 55% of cases we approach a door with our movement restricted by a briefcase, shopping, a baby, a hot drink or more seriously a physical condition such as arthritis. By using simple products such as accessible key fobs, accessible turns and accessible eTigris electronic access everyone benefits from practical, well designed and cost effective solutions.
Master key systems security:
The best practice for master key systems has changed. For many organisations the need for security has increased and convenience has to be sacrificed:
- External and Internal Master keys have replaced a single Master key.
- Patented Master key designs are more commonly specified than simple ‘unsecured' systems.
- Construction keying is used to avoid security being compromised during a buildings construction phase.
Access Audits:
8.5 million people have disabilities; some estimates put their disposable income at £45-50bn. Making sure that your organisation caters for them is a commercial imperative as well as a legal and moral one. Conducting an access audit is a good start to planning what you need to do.
In an access audit a consultant walks through the building in order to take a ‘journey' through the service you provide. As well as client and staff interviews they measure door forces, lighting, pathway sizes etc and produce a clear practical report on how to improve accessibility.
A good report will focus on the immediate low cost improvements that will make a big difference and then outline a long term strategy for more difficult or costly improvements. The implementation of recommendations is entirely down to the building owner/operator.
Your obligations are also governed by the resources you have at your disposal and what efforts you have previously made to meet DDA legislation.
Accessible Security - Help is Just a click away:
There is plenty of help available:
- For master key systems and Architectural Ironmongery contact us and we will provide free advice as well as recommending a good independent Architectural Ironmonger.
- For Access Audits contact; the National Register of Access Consultants or the Centre for Accessible Environments
- For general accessibility advice contact:
Masterkey best practice guide pdf download
Accessible key bow reduces force needed by 60%
eTigris the most DDA compliant electronic access control
The UK's most specified masterkey system just got integrated... mechanical AND electric locking. in one cost-effective system.
Beautiful to behold. More accessible and DDA compliant than any other. At last, seamless Access2 All Areas.