What is Access Control?
Access control is the process of allowing people access to certain places, equipment, and information. It’s a safety measure for many workplaces that enables and restricts access to specific areas and assets for certain people. Access control is commonly implemented through a range of security measures.
If workers or other people end up in an area with heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or other dangers then it increase the chance of an accident. That’s why access control is important to prevent people entering dangerous environments and to help reduce health and safety hazards to employees, customers, visitors, and the general public.
Understand why site access control is important and how effective management improves health and safety across any workplace with these FAQs.
What is access control in security?
Access control in security is simply the systems and process in place that enable or restrict people from gaining access to certain areas. This could be through a range of control measures such as locked barriers, electronic access card systems, security guards, and CCTV camera systems.
Good access control is important for effective workplace security to reduce the risk of trespassing, theft, and vandalism. Preventing unauthorised people getting into potentially dangerous areas also helps protect against accidents. Having a strong access control policy and process for any workplace is a key element of any good security protocols.
What is an access control system?
An access control system is simply a set of measures that determines who can or cannot enter or exit somewhere. The traditional version of an access control system was simply a lock and key to a door or gate. Today it’s normally an electronic system that lets people with the relevant key or card to unlock a door or gate.
Access control systems aim to control who can enter a location and when. Modern systems can also record and store data about who accesses the space and at what time. Almost all businesses have some kind of access control system in place, whether it’s simply requiring a key for a garage, access card to enter an office, or code for a construction site.
How do access control systems ensure workplace safety?
These are a few ways that access control systems ensure workplace safety:
- It prevents unauthorised personnel accessing areas and causing an incident
- Employees only access workspaces where they’re trained to use equipment and machinery
- Trespassing and theft risks are reduced, which limits the chance of workplace-violence and related injuries
- It minimises the risk of damage to equipment by unauthorised personnel that could result in an accident
- Access data can be used to investigate an accident or incident
What is an access control policy?
An access control policy determines who is authorised to use and get into specific areas within a workplace. It determines the personnel and systems in place that control access across a site. This includes where certain employees, visitors, and others can go and at what times and days.
Often an access control policy includes any relevant training required for people to visit and work in specific areas. Such a policy is important to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries that may occur if unauthorised personnel end up in a dangerous working environment.
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