For universities, this law applies not only to academic buildings but also to student accommodations, sports facilities and cultural venues like museums and galleries. Each of these spaces presents unique challenges in terms of security and key management, making it essential for facilities managers to adopt a holistic approach to compliance.
Response and preparedness In anticipation of Martyn’s Law, universities are proactively enhancing their security protocols. This includes setting up dedicated task forces to assess the implications of the legislation, develop consistent approaches, and allocate resources efficiently.
One critical area for facility and security teams that has emerged as a potential vulnerability is key management.
In large institutions, the loss of control over keys can create significant security risks. From the identification and tracking of keys to unaccounted-for access points, poor key management can leave a campus vulnerable and, in a state of emergency, make it difficult to secure the premises.
Universities are increasingly turning to intelligent key management systems to mitigate these risks, beginning with keys issued by campus safety and estate departments, with a long-term goal of institution- wide coverage. These systems ensure only authorised personnel have access to specific areas.
Conducting thorough audits of spaces and keys establishes a clear record of key distribution and access. This helps ensure accountability and allows for swift action in the event of a security breach.
Layered approach to security Implementing layered access controls for high-risk and secure areas helps standardise security protocols across different types of spaces, such as teaching areas, laboratories, and offices. This approach not only enhances security but also simplifies key management by reducing the number of keys required.
Universities are now moving towards key suiting systems, where staff are issued keys tailored to their specific access needs.
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This reduces reliance on multiple keys and enhances overall security by limiting access to sensitive areas. Developing supporting strategies, policies, and procedures ensures seamless integration of the key management system with the university’s overall security governance. This holistic approach allows for better coordination and communication across departments.
How Traka can help Traka is supporting universities to navigate these challenges with intelligent key cabinets and lockers that provide secure storage and issuance of keys. This ensures only authorised personnel have access to them, enhancing overall campus security.
Traka’s systems can be centralised and remotely monitored through TrakaWEB, allowing for real-time oversight of key usage and security across multiple buildings and facilities.
By maintaining a detailed audit trail of key transactions, Traka enables universities to monitor key usage, identify discrepancies and address potential security risks promptly. This is crucial for compliance with Martyn’s Law.
Traka’s systems can integrate with existing access control and HR systems, minimising disruption and providing a unified approach to security management and key access. This ensures that key management is fully aligned with broader security strategies. By allowing for the customisation of access levels, facilities managers can enable access to specific keys based on role and security clearance.
In summary, for facilities managers, the introduction of Martyn’s Law presents both challenges and opportunities. The need for enhanced security and intelligent key management not only prepares for the new legislation but also streamlines day-to-day security operations, enhances campus safety and creates a secure environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Learn more on how Traka’s solutions can help enhance security and compliance for your university:
https://loom.ly/j6mSORo.
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