Chapter 38: Working with Access Control Systems
Access control systems are a crucial part of a security guard's job. These systems are designed to allow or deny access to specific areas of a property, helping to maintain the security and integrity of the site. Understanding how to work with these systems is therefore essential for any asset security.
Understanding the access control system
An access control system is a set of electronic components that work together to manage who has access to which areas. These systems can range in complexity from a simple numeric keypad to sophisticated biometric systems. However, they all share the same basic goal: to only allow access to authorized people.
Access control system components
A typical access control system consists of several components. The first is the access reader, which can be a keyboard, card reader, fingerprint scanner, or any other device used to identify a person. Then there is the control unit, which processes the reader's information and decides whether access should be granted or denied. Finally, there is the electronic lock, which is activated by the control unit to allow or deny access.
Operating the access control system
As a security guard, your interaction with the access control system will likely involve monitoring the system and responding to any alerts or alarms. This may involve checking access logs to see who entered or exited an area, responding to unauthorized access attempts, and performing routine system maintenance.
Responding to unauthorized access attempts
An important part of working with an access control system is knowing how to respond to unauthorized access attempts. This may involve investigating the incident, identifying the person involved and taking steps to prevent further attempts. This may include changing access codes, re-issuing access cards or updating the system to make it more secure.
Maintenance of the access control system
Access control systems are electronic devices and as such require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. This can involve checking batteries, cleaning scanners and performing regular system tests. As a security guard, you may be responsible for some or all of these tasks.
Conclusion
Working with access control systems is an important part of a security guard's job. Understanding how these systems work and how to operate them effectively can help maintain the safety and integrity of the property you are protecting. Whether you're an experienced security guard or just starting out, we hope this chapter has given you valuable insight into working with access control systems.
