Guide to the New NCP 109 Issue 4
Today, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has published a new resource to provide further clarity on NCP 109 Issue 4. It is designed to help security professionals, installers, specifiers and duty holders better understand the latest evolution of the NSI Code of Practice for access control systems.
In the world of building management, there is a constant, delicate balancing act: keeping a building secure while ensuring every occupant can exit instantly in an emergency.
That’s where NCP 109 Issue 4 comes in. This fourth iteration of NSI’s Code of Practice for access control systems addresses the increasing “grey areas” between security hardware and legislation that appear as electronic locking appears in more buildings and the technology becomes more sophisticated.
When electronic access control is fitted to doors that also form part of a building’s means of escape, you cannot prioritise security over the ability to exit safely in an emergency without careful assessment, correct hardware and compliant design.
Getting this wrong isn’t just a technical failure: it can place people at risk and leave buildings non-compliant with fire safety legislation.
To provide further clarity , NSI is today releasing a NCP 109 Issue 4 guidance resource that aids understanding of this Code of Practice, covering the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Access Control Systems. It’s a resource intended for installers, specifiers and duty holders alike – as well as other security professionals.
Why NSI Created the Guide to Issue 4
For many practitioners, the changes embodied in Issue 4 will require updates to process, specification templates and commissioning paperwork. And for customers and duty holders, it means greater clarity on what good looks like and what compliance really requires.
The new NSI webpage guide on Access Control, Safe Escape and NCP 109 Issue 4 should not be confused with the code of practice itself. Instead, it is a practical explainer that speaks to those issues and:
- clarifies how Issue 4 fits with broader building standards, security and fire safety legislation across the UK
- breaks down what’s new or different from previous versions of the code
- helps installers and specifiers interpret their obligations in real-world projects
- signposts what needs to be assessed, documented and demonstrated to achieve compliance
In an environment where regulatory expectations are tightening and accountability for life-safety compliance is higher than ever, this page gives professionals a helpful starting point for understanding – and acting on – the updated Code. It is not a replacement for the Code itself.
Who Should Read It
This resource is supportive reading for:
- Clients and duty holders responsible for fire and security compliance
- Access control system designers and installers
- Fire risk assessors and building safety managers
- Consultants advising on security or means of escape
Whether you’re refreshing your knowledge, training staff or preparing for a certification audit, NSI’s guidance on NCP 109 Issue 4 helps you see why the code exists and how to work with it.
Read the full guidance: Access Control, Safe Escape and NCP 109 Issue 4:
More about NCP 109 Issue 4
NCP 109 Issue 4 is the latest iteration of NSI’s Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of access control systems. It builds on previous versions by emphasising safe egress as a core part of access control design, aligning with current British Standards and integrating with fire safety and building regulations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This update reflects a shift in industry expectations that access control isn’t just about managing who gets in and out. It’s about making evidence-based decisions on door classification, specifying the right hardware (such as BS EN 179/1125 certified escape