EDUCATION SECURITY
Another door opens
S
Choosing access solutions for education facilities
tudent and staff safety on premises is paramount to headteachers and facilities managers – and the prospect of working with multiple third parties can make updating systems seem daunting. Here, Andrew Slynn, Electronic Access and Data Lead at dormakaba explores some of the access solutions available and explains the benefits of working with a supplier that will provide complete support from the beginning and well into aftercare. Safety and security are an ever-prominent consideration for educational establishments and due to their nature, a diverse range of security levels must be taken into
42 | June 2021 | IN SECURITY
account in order to provide staff and students with effective security measures whilst maintaining a safe and comfortable learning environment. Regular student and staff turnover, different security and access requirements during term time compared to the holidays, as well as visitors and contractors arriving on site, all require differing access privileges that must be added, withdrawn or amended frequently. As such, there are many layers to manage and those responsible for the security and safety of students must look to security specialists that can demonstrate that these factors have been well considered, to ensure the smooth running of premises.
Risk assessment An educational facility or campus can present complex security requirements, so it is advisable to undertake a security audit with a specialist who can assess the entire site and identify the levels of security required and any specific vulnerabilities. For example, across a facility the entry points, entrance systems and door hardware needed can vary - so it is important for the solutions provider to be called upon early on in the project to inform the specification. This will not only ensure that the most appropriate solution is installed but also enable safe and secure flow across the facility.
