Selecting a Security Guard Provider
If you’re looking for security guards for your business you’ll probably already know there are hundreds of security firms out there competing for your business and this can make it hard to decide which to go for.
Your security staff are an important part of your business as they will be representing your organisation and interacting with staff and customers on an ongoing basis. The wrong security officers can be very detrimental to your business image and customer relations so it’s important to be picky.
Here are three mistakes we see businesses make when they are hiring security staff:
1.Not defining their objectives first. Before you get on the phone to a security services company, it’s important that you know exactly what you want your security guards to do. Security staff play a number of different roles within an organisation and if you’re clear on the role you want your security guard to take on you’ll have a better chance of getting someone who is right for your business.
2. Failing to check references. Always check any potential security guard’s references, and ensure the firm you’re hiring from is fully licenced and accredited. It only takes a few minutes to check and can make all the difference to the quality of the staff you end up with.
3. Choosing a security firm on price not professionalism. The cheapest option is usually not the best when it comes to anything, and security staff are no exception to this rule. Don’t compromise on the quality of your security staff – the safety of your employees and customers depend on it.
It’s important not to cut corners when it comes to hiring security staff for your business. Make sure you define your needs, check your staff have the required licencing and training and pick a firm that puts professionalism and customer service at the top of their list of priorities.
Securing Your Home or Business With the Right Locks
Courtesy of ASIAL (Australian Security Industry Association Limited)
Devices such as deadlocks, multi-point locking bars, safes, padlocks, window locks etc. are in most cases the first and last barriers encountered by an intruder.
When installing locking devices the issue of security versus egress must be considered.
Insurance companies often insist on double-sided key locks and window locks before they will insure a property. However, Fire Departments, Councils and the Building Code of Australia requires us to allow emergency egress with a single handed pushing action or a downward motion with a lever handle. There are a number of devices available that meet with existing egress laws and secure property to an acceptable insurance level for both domestic and commercial environments.
The average house will have a number of potential entry points for an intruder. These include front and back doors, windows, garage doors and patio doors. Generally the front and back doors are comprised of timber doors and frames. There are two types of deadlocks that can be used in this situation, the deadlatch and the deadbolt. Both styles of locks can be key operated from the inside or operated by a turn knob or snib. Emergency egress laws at this stage do not apply to houses.
The deadlatch is a self-latching device. As the lock is closed a deadlatching trigger is activated allowing the lock to engage its deadlocking function meaning the latch is now in a fixed position until released by the key or inside turn knob. This function prevents an intruder slipping a credit card or similar object between the door and the jamb to push the latch back and gain access. Home units must use a deadlatch that features automatic unlocking of the inside knob when opened by the key from the outside.
Deadbolts have a similar deadlocking feature as the deadlatch the difference being that they are not self-latching and require the use of the key or the turn to throw them into the locked position. Please note, in accordance with Australian standards, these locks cannot be used on home units.
Locks are available for most types of windows, garages and patio doors. The general devices used for this application are locks that use a pin or bolt to lock them. The pins or bolts are locked into position by a press action or by a key.
Understanding and Maintaining Your Security System
Courtesy of ASIAL (Australian Security Industry Association Limited)
Typically a home security system consists of a number of components that work together to provide 24/7 coverage. The main components are:
The Control Panel: This is the heart of the system that gathers the information from components such as the code pad, movement detectors and magnetic reed switches. In the event of an alarm the control panel sends the alarm signal to the monitoring centre and activates the sirens and strobe light.
The Code Pad: This is the component that you use to arm and disarm the control panel with your unique PIN number. It is also used to program different features available in the control panel.
Movement Detectors: Typically Passive Infra-Red detectors are used in homes to detect movement in areas such as lounge rooms, bedrooms and garage’s. Once the detector has been activated it is then processed by the control panel and an alarm signal will be sent to the monitoring centre.
Your security system should be installed by an appropriately licensed technician.
Once installed, for your security system to work to its full potential, you need to make sure it is functional and serviced regularly. If you neglect basic maintenance of your system or you fail to deal with technical issues, it may let you down just when you need it the most.
By keeping your alarm system maintained and serviced regularly, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and the knowledge that your security system is working perfectly and protecting your home or business at all times.
It is recommended that you test the system on a monthly basis and have a yearly maintenance check by your chosen security company.
Having a greater knowledge of the various components that make up your security solution will assist you to make the best possible decisions and protect what matters to you.
Here at Excell Security, we are a “one stop shop” for security and can provide you with a tailored solution for your access control, security system installation and maintenance, security patrols and security guard requirements. If you would like to discuss your security needs further, contact us today.
