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PERSONALSAFETY SAFETY MUST BE PARAMOUNT IN EVERY JOB


TLJ asked Dr Steffan George, development director for the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) for the Association’s advice on the safety of locksmiths.


He said: “The safety of locksmiths is absolutely paramount in every job they do. We would always advise that if a locksmith has any doubt about their own safety they should not go ahead with the job and put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position.


Te MLA encourages any warrant lock- smiths to take necessary precautions when carrying out potentially danger- ous work. Tis includes wearing the appropriate Personal Protection Equip- ment (including stab vests where nec- essary), and getting to know the bailiff’s they’re working with for support. “Where necessary we would encourage


locksmiths to call the police and not to take any risks, irrespective of any pressure that companies are putting them under – after all a locksmith’ health and safety is far more important than any job. “Of course, eyes in the back of your


head would be nice, but it’s not exactly realistic, so it’s vitally important to build up a rapport with the people you’re work- ing with – you need to watch each others’ backs.


“Te issue of marked vans is an interest-


ing one, whilst having a sign-written van is of course excellent advertising, there are times when you may actually not want everyone in the neighbourhood to know who you are and what you’re doing. You may be worried about the security of stock on a branded van, and neighbours could potentially take details and pass them on


“Insurance is also key to protecting


yourself and business. Always ensure that you’re appropriately insured and check that if you do find yourself in the unfor- tunate situation where you are taken out of action for a couple of months due to a work related injury, you are covered and have taken into account how you will


to any disgruntled person whose property has been entered whilst they were out. “We have also heard reports of instanc- es in the recent riots when rioters were checking who was ‘collaborating’ with the police, so a locksmith helping the police to secure areas with chains and padlocks for example could be putting themselves at risk, which could be magnified by use of a highly distinctive vehicle. Consider using an unbranded vehicle when carry- ing out potentially risky jobs.


“it’s important to consider the more day-to-day risks”


cover your mortgage, van, business rental rates and living costs. “It’s also worth ensuring that some-


body has easy access to your schedule and knows where you’ll be and when – whether you choose a work colleague, family member or friend it’s important that they have a copy of your itinerary of work and it is updated regularly. “While threat of physical attack is un-


derstandably high on the radar for lock- smith, safety doesn’t stop at there – it’s also important to consider the more day-to-day risks. For instance, sun block in the summer is a must for those lock- smiths working outside a lot and sadly the strength of the sun can be deceptive making skin cancer rife amongst ‘outside trades’ like locksmiths. “And finally networking is vital to keep-


ing yourself safe – find out from your fel- low locksmiths how they’ve dealt with certain situations, what areas they’ve had trouble in and what signs to look out for. Tere’s a significant amount of knowl- edge out there from people who are on the ‘front line’ so make use of it and make sure you are as prepared as you can be of potential risk.”


WWW.KEYZINE.CO.UK • NOV/DEC 2011 • 33


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