SECURITY SECURING SAFETY SUCCESS


Even now, as the UK looks towards a roadmap to lockdown easing, the pandemic is far from over. Jamie Allam, CEO Amthal Fire & Security, suggests FMs have a bigger responsibility than ever to ensure workspaces can both effi ciently and safely adjust towards a planned return to work for increased staff and visitors.


Prior to COVID-19, the FM industry played a key role in ensuring business continuity and compliance in workplaces. As the pandemic took hold, this role quickly developed into one that had to comply with new and ever- changing guidelines.


The pandemic brought with it many challenges, from empty properties with legionella threats and the need for new security measures, to workplaces and retail stores needing fast layout adaptations to meet social distancing guidelines.


Plus, there was a need to be able to constantly adapt to changing regulations, and coordinate activity through lockdowns and periods of openings, ensuring buildings and any staff on site remained safe, all whilst balancing resource, time and economically stretched business teams.


As we now work towards an end goal to ‘return to normal’ following this extended lockdown, it is no time for complacency when it comes to fi re safety or security. It is essential property owners and FMs take additional measures to manage the risks.


Drastic redesign of spaces For the industries that have had periods of being open during the pandemic, such as offi ces, schools, and essential retail, facilities needed redesigning in line with the government guidelines for social distancing.


Introducing compulsory temperature checking, one-way systems, closing off alternate routes, installing desk and table dividers alongside screens as well as removing or repositioning communal equipment, were all essential within the fi rst phases of the pandemic.


These features must remain in place as we begin to unlock again. And with social distancing policies expected to continue certainly for the majority of 2021, FMs must look to understand the implications when workplaces are once again attended by vast staff numbers and visitors.


Critically, it is essential new layouts do not impact on fi re safety routes, especially for emergency exits. These have been deciphered by maintaining legally required risk assessments to identify any potential issues and mitigate any fi re-related risks that may be apparent.


Visual verifi cation With the legal requirement to stay at home, lockdowns provided an ideal opportunity for both organised and opportunistic criminals to exploit the quieter streets and commercial estates.


Responses included investment in new technologies such as smart and monitored CCTV, alarm and access control


32 | TOMORROW’S FM


systems or roller shutters and hoardings to ensure for the safety of the building and its contents during extended periods of closure.


Here it is clear why security personnel quickly became regarded by the Government as critical workers in the fi rst lockdown with the potential to reduce demand on policing by supporting law and order. Protecting vacant commercial, retail or residential premises, via CCTV monitoring, has saved the police service, property owners and insurance companies both money and resources.


“Any new fi re safety and


security measures must be balanced with maintaining


healthy, inviting and inspiring places of work.”


It’s not just theft that has been a cause for concern. There have been examples of vacant premises being targeted for illegal gatherings. Likewise, the threat of vandalism and arson increased through each lockdown period.


To maintain security, the onset of a pandemic truly showed how quickly analytics has advanced in surveillance systems in recent years. Innovation continues in the video surveillance industry in the face of the pandemic. Teams have developed and updated their software with analytics to support businesses operating safely under specifi ed government guidelines.


Time to return With many organisations now preparing to see more staff returning over the coming weeks, questions have been raised about how to keep workplaces safe and secure.


There is widespread anxiety and even reluctance amongst workers returning to physical locations in the post- pandemic world. The role of the manager ‘doing things in a compassionate way’ is critical.


With many offi ces having an unfamiliar look and feel with space redesigns, any new fi re safety and security measures must be balanced with maintaining healthy, inviting and inspiring places of work. Communication with


twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


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