KEY SECURITY

A locked building, room, store, cupboard, compound or vehicle is only as secure as its key.

If the key is lost or illicitly copied, security is immediately compromised until the lock is changed.

Rigorous key control, especially in relation to sensitive 'high security' areas is therefore of the highest importance:

> Access keys, which allow access to a building from the outside, should only be issued to members of staff with work-related requirements to enter a building at times when closed, or with a duty to open or close the building

> General keys, which give access to all areas within the building but not to external doors, should be issued only to staff whose duties demand access throughout the premises

> Departmental keys, giving access to specific sections of the building, should be issued only to heads of department, their deputies and any other authorised nominee

> Individual keys, that give access to a particular area only, should be issued to the prime user of the area, whether it is an office or a high security store

> The issuing of keys should only against a signature and recorded in a 'key book'. Keys issued on temporary loan should be signed in and out and kept in a secure key cupboard when not in use.

Sophisticated 'access control' systems are now available which afford card and PIN access with audit trail facilities and can be designed to work well with CCTV. Likewise, electronic key cabinets can record the movement and location of keys and provide access to individual keys only to authorised personnel.

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