Access control systems

Creating a safer environment

Access control systems in the workplace enable operators to safely secure a building or area.

The design of the system takes into consideration various aspects e.g. the number of access points, the level of security required at each access point, when access is required, what controls are to be put in place, whether the access points are internal or external, whether video surveillance tools are required and if so where monitoring and control rooms are located.

Additionally access control systems can record an individual’s whereabouts within an area to allow a full manifest of persons in an area to be provided for accountability purposes should an emergency evacuation occur.

 

Controlling access

Electronic access control systems generally rely on credentials such as PINs, tokens (swipe cards, Proximity cards, and so on) or biometrics to control access.

Access points can be configured to permit all or a selected group of users into the secure area and these can also be configured to only allow access at certain times of the day. Other measures to prevent tailgating through the use of anti pass back can also be implemented to reduce the risk of unauthorised individuals accessing sensitive areas. Additionally CCTV surveillance can be integrated into the access control system to provide assurance that credentials are not being misused. 

NCP 109, the NSI Code of Practice for electronic access control systems, requires designers and installers to consider all these aspects during the design and risk assessment process. 

 

Certificate of Compliance

Once your installation is complete as evidence that it has been installed by an approved company and meets the appropriate standards you will be issued with a unique 'NSI Certificate of Compliance'. This may be required by your insurance company as proof your premises meet key criteria as a condition of insurance, or where an insurance premium discount is available.

 
Over 2.75 million Certificates of Compliance for security and fire safety installations issued by NSI approved companies.

Risk assessment

NSI approved companies will always conduct a security risk assessment of your premises and document the results. This risk assessment will consider:

  • The level of security required to meet customers' needs
  • Cyber-security 
  • The number of people using the system
  • How visitors would be managed
  • The selected recognition technology
  • The businesses activities
 

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