Access control security & accessibility for Public buildings
There are many considerations when planning or maintaining a public building. Two areas where misunderstandings commonly occur are security door locks 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 access control security 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.
Access control security Systems
The best practice for Master key security has changed (see our guides for hospitals and education). For many organisations the need for security has increased and convenience has to be sacrificed:
- External and Internal Masterkeys have replaced a single Masterkey (see health system design and education system design). It is often the case that cylinder locks are not used on outside doors, and access control systems are deployed instead for added security.
- Patented Masterkey designs are more commonly specified than simple ‘unsecured' systems.
- Construction keying is used to avoid security being compromised during a buildings construction phase.
DDA 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 not just a legal and moral imperative, but a decision that offers some significant commercial benefits. Look at our legal cases section, not only have they lost business but they have also lost potential revenue due to negligence on their part.
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 Masterkey 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:
Code of Practice for Public buildings
Accessible turn reduces force needed by 70%
Electronic integrated 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.