Security is freedom from danger or from the exposure to danger. Security measures protect people and property, and also secure information. The objectives of security are to identify, deter, detect, observe, report, and respond to conditions that present a threat to people and property. Many organisations and top executives have come to recognise the importance and value of conducting business not only in a functional facility, but also a secure one. Effective building security is a combination of design features, such as physical barriers and electronic systems, and staffing strategies that are integrated into a well-defined program.

Security for a facility can be difficult to achieve, and as a consequence many buildings lack even basic measures to guard against aggression. However, security is just as vital to the proper functioning of a property as its other daily operations. As property and facilities managers, it is critical that we make the effort to protect facilities against harm and prepare detailed criteria for responding to threats or attempted crimes.

Building security is challenging and a balance must be struck between security and the need for facilities to be open to public especially in commercial buildings. Favourable relations need to be maintained with customers and employees, as well as senior management, who may view the extra security as an expensive inconvenience. Whether a building has closed or open access, there are several areas in every building that require proper security measures:

Windows: Glass windows can be reinforced with metal bars or grates placed on the outside to improve the physical barrier. Window alarms can also be used to prevent window entry. In addition to window alarms, vibrator or glass-breakage alarms can be discreetly placed on the inside of windows.

Ventilation intakes: Ventilation intakes can be either intentional or unintentional intakes. Many buildings are particularly vulnerable to chemical and biological attack due to the relative ease of access to the building systems through intentional intakes. For this reason, it is recommended that fresh air intake grills be located at least one-third of the way up a one-storey building and secured against easy access.

Doors: Intruders often gain access to a building by attacking the door or door frame. Given enough time and privacy, an intruder can gain access to practically any building. Special procedures should be considered when installing doors to ensure that the door or its frame cannot easily be removed by an intruder.

Locks and key control: Locks are one of the cheapest security investments. Although they are no guarantee against entry, locks are another device that can enhance protection against unlawful intrusion. Most importantly, locks impose a time delay in gaining access, which works with other security measures and allows your system to respond to the security threat.

Lighting: Good lighting is used for decoration, safety, and security during, and especially after, business hours. One of the most effective deterrents to crime is good lighting. An intruder does not want to be on stage! Lighting provides a psychological deterrent that convinces a would-be intruder that entry attempts would likely lead to detection or apprehension. Motion- and heat-detection lightings are good examples of protective lighting. Protective lighting should act as a deterrent and discourage intrusion. It should be reliable under all conditions, easily serviced and secure from attacks.

Security Procedures
Security procedures should anticipate potential problems and vulnerabilities and present detailed, planned responses. An adequate manual of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for security must be developed for your building to be used by security personnel and other building users. It must reflect the specific circumstances and occupancy of the building. As a minimum, the SOP should include the following five sections: basic orders; access control; patrols; emergencies and miscellaneous procedures.

The basic orders section of the SOP presents a comprehensive description of the security operation. It should include the following: brief description of the facility; 24-hour emergency contact lists; general orders and specific post duties.

The access control section details the policies and procedures regulating entry, exit, and removals from the property. It should include specific procedures such as: identification checks; sign-in and sign-out process; property and equipment removal; package inspection; visitor and contractor access and card access.

The patrol section describes the plan for deterrent patrols and specifies procedures and times for the following: opening and closing patrols; monitored patrols; unmonitored patrols and vehicle patrols.

The emergency section is the most critical component of the SOP and it should describe in detail exactly who does what, when, and how in the event of an emergency. The following contingencies must be covered: fire alarm response; building evacuation; medical emergencies; bomb threats; mechanical problems; electrical problems; elevator problems; water leak problems; severe weather; criminal emergencies and riots and civil commotion.

A miscellaneous procedures section should also be included in the SOP to cover such issues as the following: complaint handling; key control; telephone use; move-in and move-out policies; lost and found; parking control; traffic control and radio communication.

An incomplete or inadequate SOP can hinder the performance of the security personnel and also expose the property to security risks. You must ensure that the security company has the capability to develop comprehensive SOPs.

This article curled from FMlink has been edited for verity.

AMFacilities offers a Total Facilities Management service for both home and offices and we’d be glad to work with you to address any issues you may have in ensuring adequate security in your buildings. At AMFacilities we engage the right PEOPLE using the right PROCESSES to provide the right PLACE for our customers to live, work and play. Feel free to contact us for necessary advice in providing efficient facility management services for your home and office.

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For further enquiries please contact us on: 01 8161151, info@amfacilities.com, www.amfacilities.com