2.1.2 Fire Doors and Emergency Exits

Fire escape doors are often kept open for the benefit of smokers or to improve ventilation. This makes them vulnerable to casual intrusion. They should be kept closed at all times – making sure that your security measures cannot prevent escape in the event of a fire.

Ideally all external doors should be covered by the building alarm and have a ‘door open’ warning, even when the alarm is not set.

2.1.3 Letterboxes

Letterboxes can be a point of weakness. Letter cages should be used. If you are at risk of arson or mail-borne threats such as letter bombs, fire suppressing and blast-containing letterboxes must be considered.

2.1.4 Windows

Windows are often the most vulnerable part of any building especially those on the ground floor and particularly those at the rear of the building.

To minimize the risk of entry via windows, keep the number of opening panes to a minimum and ensure all ground floor windows have substantial window locks.

Consider fitting security film to prevent breakage (and for safety reasons) or window bars or security grills or shutters can be fitted (only where emergency exit in the case of fire would not be affected).

It can also be beneficial to fit blinds or use tinting to obscure the visibility of items inside the premises.

More to follow next week…

Steven Szabo

ProtecSYS Pty. Ltd.

Tel: 1300 788 132