RECEPTION AREA

The reception area is the first line of defence against intruders whilst the premises are open.

All visitors should be directed to the reception area by means of prominent notices. It should not be possible for visitors to walk into the building and gain unauthorised access to other areas via insecure doors.

Doors from the reception should be fitted with access control locks. Legitimate visitors should be issued with an identity badge against a signature and should usually be escorted whilst in the building.

All members of staff should be instructed to challenge anyone in the building whom they do not recognise as a legitimate visitor. Such people should be asked to produce evidence if identity and account for their presence within the premises. If an unsatisfactory reason is given to the member of staff, the visitor should be escorted off the premises, or accompanied to the main office where an identity pass may be issued. If the latter is chosen the reason for asking the visitor to the office should be clearly stated so as to give the visitor every opportunity to leave the premises if he/she wishes.

Some parts of the building are more vulnerable than others. These may be where staff work alone or where equipment or property vital to the well being of the business is to be found. Such areas require special attention.

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