H&S ON PREMISES SAFETY 101
usses how to balance safety and security in schools, and what to do when the urrences occurs.
“There can be a lot of focus put onto implementing well- rounded, strong security
strategies, but this doesn’t always account for
unexpected situations.”
designing effective internal security and safety procedures can be overwhelming for school officials and they will need help from qualified experts as well as input from teachers and parents. Any plan also needs to be pragmatic, consider financial resources and prioritise implementation.
INCREASING AWARENESS AND
PREPAREDNESS While unexpected situations such as escape are incredibly difficult to manage and understand, there
are certain solutions which may help to leverage an element of preparedness.
Electronic access locks or pincode hardware is an option for many as they can help to provide the additional security needed for areas that require further supervision. Consider high risk areas such as supply cupboards or science classrooms that possess hazardous chemicals and the challenges that come with the inflow of access. Spaces such as these can be controlled with electronic access in a way that only authorised personnel (and those they supervise) can enter, while still providing the flexibility for multiple people to access without a physical key.
Delayed egress systems are a solution commonly used in the US. If a pupil, employee or visitor should attempt to exit the building, an alarm is triggered and a fifteen- second delay allows staff the time they need to respond. The hardware is linked to the fire alarm and therefore provides a system override during a fire emergency. These systems are yet to be CE marked to the required standard that many check for here in the UK.
The UK is still waiting on the harmonisation of BS EN 13637 (the standard that specifies the requirements for the performance and testing of electronically controlled exit systems) after recently being revised. The revised standard is now set to go through a CEN review process, meaning it could be at least another year until the standard is published and these exit devices become CE certified.
With this in mind, the importance of staff training cannot be understated. Ultimately, for a building to minimise risk, multiple security measures may need to operate in conjuction, with staff tying those security measures together. Schools should work in tandem with the systems they have in place, and for this, staff need to have a clear understanding of the procedures and systems that are being used.
A high level of understanding about a building and its inhabitants is incredibly important, however, some situations may require expert guidance.
For example, fire safety officials, contractors and specifiers may be able to offer direction when it comes to those situations that seem difficult to address. Companies like Allegion can also be part of your extended team and can offer advice on security and safety solutions for schools. Ultimately, it’s about balancing safety and security so that a building and its inhabitants are protected. When security might be impeding on safety or vice versa, it might be time to accept a helping hand.
www.allegion.com
twitter.com/TomorrowsHS 33
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