How to Choose the Right Commercial Door Locks for Your Business
Security is not an area in which you should cut corners, especially when it comes to your business. We are living in a challenging economic climate, and nobody can afford to close for unplanned downtime due to theft or vandalism. Whether you are safeguarding people, data, valuable scientific research or consumer products, fitting the right commercial door locks is the first step in developing a robust security culture.
Taking a strong stance on security will reassure your staff that they are safe at work. It also convinces your clients to trust you, deters potential intruders and helps you to negotiate favourable building insurance rates. But do you know which commercial locks to choose?
Choosing Commercial Door Locks
The first step in choosing new locks for your business premises is to assess the crime rate statistics for your local area. Also, consider your region’s climate and the type of building you want to secure. Next, you need to evaluate your specific business needs.
Consider the nature of your business and think about your priorities. Are you wanting to prevent break-ins or control employee access? How many ways can the building be accessed, and do all doors need the same level of security? Are there areas within the building that need to be access-controlled? Finally, what are your working hours?
You should review the provincial and municipal building codes that apply to your type of business premises. It is to ensure that you understand the security hardware regulations that apply. For example, buildings with an occupancy of greater than 50 people (or fewer if the building also contains hazardous materials) must have panic bars on external doors to aid egress in an evacuation.
By understanding these factors, you will be able to determine the most appropriate security solution for your business.
Types of Locks
There are various types of locks available, and the most common of these are:
1. Deadbolts
Deadbolts are designed for exterior doors. They are solid and able to withstand targeted attacks for as long as is necessary to raise the alarm. They are a traditional form of keyed lock, designed to stand the test of time.
2. Mortise locks
Mortise locks are strong, durable and capable of withstanding heavy usage, as they are embedded into the door itself. For these reasons, they are often used in high-traffic areas such as office buildings, homes of multiple occupancy and clinical settings.
3. Electronic locks
There is a huge range of electronic locks available, ranging from keypad entry systems. They require authorized users to enter a number to gain access through smartphone-controlled smart locks, which are controlled via an app. High security settings may even implement biometric access controls which uses a retinal scan, voice recognition technology or a fingerprint to screen employees, granting or revoking access as necessary. Electronic locks are useful for businesses that wish to maintain a strict audit trail of all access and egress attempts.
4. Exit devices
Some exterior doors must, by law, be fitted with exit devices, such as panic bars. This hardware is fitted to the inside of the door and overrides the locking mechanism in an emergency, allowing personnel within the building to escape easily and safely.
Security classifications
Commercial establishments must be fitted with Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks that comply with ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) standards. Grade 3 locks are not appropriate for commercial buildings, as they are designed for residential use only.
Maintenance is Essential
Even Grade 1 deadbolts need maintenance to perform at their best. So, ask for commercial locksmith help in developing an appropriate inspection regime, based upon the type of locks you opt for and the specific nature of your business.
A commercial locksmith will install your security solution. Also, create a plan for maintaining it, repairing it, upgrading it and replacing lost keys or lock barrels as needed. Choose a professional locksmith from your local area who is familiar with the region’s building codes and regulations. aba therapy hong kong It is to ensure that your lock upgrade goes exactly to plan and that you reap the benefits of a more secure business environment. They will be able to perform a detailed assessment of your premises and recommend an appropriate solution based on your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right locks for your business premises requires that you consider a number of factors, comply with national and local regulations, plan for maintenance and budget for future upgrades.
With the help of a commercial locksmith, you will be investing not only in your business’s security but in your clients’ and employees’ peace of mind.
