During the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing is more important than keeping hygiene standards high. Every surface that you come into contact with could transmit the virus, particularly in public spaces, so today we're going to talk about a few hygiene tips you can practice to stay safe.

Keypad Systems & Biometrics

Keypads and biometric systems are put in place to allow a certain cohort of people to access a venue while keeping others out. They're often found outside office buildings, in blocks of flats and at the entrances to public car parks.

With so many people using them each day, it's vital that you practice good hygiene before, and after, touching them.

Make sure that your hands are clean before you touch the buttons. If you can't access water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Once you've used the keypad or biometric system, disinfect your hands again and give the buttons or touchpad a quick clean with an antibacterial wipe. 

Intercom Systems

In order to speak into an intercom system, you might need to move your face close to it. As we know, COVID-19 can be transmitted through breath droplets, so there's a possibility that you (or the person before you) could have transmitted the virus onto the intercom system.

For that reason, we advise you not to put your face too close to the intercom system. Where possible, wear a mask to shield your mouth and nose and prevent droplet transmission. 

The other part of the intercom system, in your house or flat, can be wiped over with antibacterial spray to remove any droplets and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within your household. 

The Most Hygienic Access Control Systems

While there are some access control systems that require you to touch or speak into them, there are also a lot of wireless access control systems that will prevent unnecessary physical contact. If you're thinking about implementing a new access control system outside your property or workplace, we'd highly recommend opting for either a contactless card or key fob system. 

With these systems, each individual who needs access to a particular area has their own personal entry key. Better still, the keys don't need to come into direct contact with the system to grant access. These systems provide excellent security while limiting the potential hygiene risks, a great choice all round. 

Our Access Control Systems >

If you're interested in adding an access control system to your property, get in touch with our expert technicians by calling - 029 20 753 251. They can help you create a security system that will limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Read More: COVID-19 Cases Still Rising: Protect Your Business

Just like any other security solution, access control systems such as door entry controls may stop working from time to time. When this does happen, it can cause a potentially huge problem, especially if the access control system is installed at a workplace.

As a result, access control systems require regular maintenance to ensure they are fully operational and that any possible problems can be spotted and rectified as soon as possible. But who conducts the maintenance and what do they actually do? 

IDS Security Systems are here to explain...

Who carries out access control maintenance?

The majority of the time, the security company that installs your access control system will be the ones responsible for its maintenance. For example, if you were to get a door entry system installed by us here at IDS, we would cover all aspects of the system, which includes regular maintenance.

It is possible to get a third party to conduct maintenance but it makes more sense to get the installing company to carry it out as they will have knowledge and experience of the system which makes the maintenance of it more effective. 

Often, when you get a new security system installed by a professional company, you can sign a maintenance contract which involves regularly scheduled maintenance of the system. This will ensure that your access control solution is in tip-top shape at all times and if there were to be any issues, they can get sorted quickly.

What does an access control maintenance contract cover?

If you're wondering what does an access control system maintenance contract cover, here is a list:

• Details of the various parts of the system that will be maintained 
• The frequency of maintenance 
• The costs of any work conducted 
• Contact details 
• Costs of call outs and emergency work 
• Parts of the access control system that will not be covered 

If you would like more information on what exactly is covered during a maintenance inspection, we recommend asking for a checklist. Here, you can see exactly what is being carried out during the maintenance process.

Access control maintenance checklist

A typical access control maintenance checklist will include the following:

• Batteries being checked 
• System cleaned down 
• Ensuring all physical components are in full working order 
• Power supply checks
• Performance analysis 
• Full system test 

How can IDS help you?

Here at IDS Security Systems, with offer comprehensive security packages that include both the installation and maintenance of your access control systems. This is conducted by trained, experienced professionals that understand these systems inside and out, so are capable of identifying any potential issues quickly and efficiently. This allows security solutions such as door entry systems to be fully operational during the times they are needed most. 

To learn more about the access control systems that we offer, be sure to visit our access control page below. You can scroll down to the bottom to find the FAQ section where we answer all of the common questions that you may have.

Our Access Control Systems >

If you think you require more information on our access control maintenance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the IDS team today - our helpful and friendly team are always on-hand to help.

COVID-19 has caused a lot of uncertainty all around the world, but one thing that's widely agreed upon is that a fever is a key symptom to watch out for.

However, with the coronavirus on everyone's minds right now, even a slight change in body temperature may spark fears of infection. So, what temperature is officially considered a 'fever'? And at what point should you consider seeking medical advice? Let's find out.

More...

On March 23rd 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a nation-wide lockdown in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since then, life as we know it has been completely flipped upside down, with many people not able to leave their home, see friends and family or go to work, leaving businesses in extremely difficult positions. With their doors temporarily closed to minimise the spread of the virus between members of staff and customers, businesses were left in the cold as to when they would be able to open again.

Fast forward a couple of months and many businesses have started to open their doors to the public, bringing some degree of normality back into people's lives. However, in order to do so, these businesses are required to carry out a risk assessment to examine the possible dangers associated with the spread of COVID-19 and put steps into place that manage and minimise these dangers. To support employers in creating a COVID-secure workplace, the government has published several guides on safe working during the coronavirus pandemic, each designed for a specific area of work. It is vital that employers try their very best to follow these guides as close as possible, as to keep their employees and customers safe during working hours as well as following the law. Boris Johnson announced that the HSE will be performing spot inspections to ensure all employers are keeping their employees safe. 

So, what exactly is a COVID-secure workplace and how can you create one? Read on to find out! 

What is a COVID-Secure Workplace?

In short, a COVID-secure workplace is any workplace that has implemented sufficient measures that minimise and prevents the risks of catching and spreading of coronavirus. Unfortunately, as long as the coronavirus pandemic lasts, every workplace in the country will face the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted among staff and customers. However, by creating a COVID-secure workplace, you will be making your work environment as safe as possible for all those who are returning to work as well as customers and visitors.

Creating a COVID-Secure Workplace

The government guidelines mentioned above outline several steps that employers need to take to ensure their workplace remains safe. The steps you take to manage the risks of transmission will depend on your specific area of work, but most can be applied to all. Here we take a look at these.

Conducting a risk assessment 

The government announced that all employers must perform a COVID-19 risk assessment before asking members of staff to return to work. This includes the same steps as a regular risk assessment; identifying potential hazards, evaluating risks and taking preventative action but this assessment will concentrate solely on the risks associated with coronavirus transmission. Employers will need to take into account which members of staff will be returning to work and which tasks will need to be carried out while on-site. Things that may need to be considered include a phased return to work and offering a reduced service. 

The results of your risk assessment should be used to minimise risk to the lowest possible levels by identifying and implementing sufficient control measures, some of which have been outlined by The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH). Here they explain that while elimination and substitution are often the most effective forms of risk mitigation, it's not feasible or possible to eliminate or substitute risk completely. As a result, there are several types of control measures that you can put into place: 

• Engineered Control Measures - These are the most effective control measures, whereby physical changes to the workplace are made. These include installing physical barriers such as screens between people to keep them safe. 

• Administrative Control Measures - These actions include changing workplace activities and tasks, keeping the environment and equipment clean and potentially redesigning the workplace. This could involve measures such as social distancing, increased hygiene practices, signage and limiting the number of people allowed on-site at any one time. 

• PPE - Protection equipment such as masks and gloves are the least effective form of risk mitigation against the coronavirus. Therefore it should be the very last resort for all employers.

Sharing your results 

Once you have identified the actions you need to take to mitigate the risks of transmission, you will need to record and write up your findings so that you can share this information easily with your staff. If your business has over 50 employees, you will be expected to share your results on your website also. In doing so, businesses are likely to make their workforce feel safer, encouraging them to take an active role in managing the risks of transmission. 

Maintaining social distancing

Social distancing plays a vital role in the government's plans to get the workforce back into work by drastically reducing the risk of airborne transmission of the virus. There are several ways in which businesses can encourage social distancing on-site, which include laying down markers, limiting the number of customers and employees that are allowed on-site and placing signage up that reminds people to maintain a safe distance from one another. 

If there are certain work activities that can't be completed while social distancing, employers will need to review whether these are vital. If they are, then considerations need to be made on how to make these activities as safe as possible, with PPE may be having to be used by all individuals involved. 

Deciding on returning staff 

When it comes to deciding which members of staff should return to work, employers need to make this a gradual process to ensure the measures that they have put into place can be as effective as possible. Initially, only essential staff should be encouraged to return to work, any employees that can work from home should continue to do so. Phasing the return to work is particularly important for workplaces that require staff to work in smaller, confined spaces.

In addition to staff members, employers also need to consider customers and visitors that come to their workplace. These should also be made aware of any new measures that are put into place to limit the potential transmission of the virus.

Implementing additional hygiene measures 

There has never been a time where hygiene in the workplace has been more important. The frequency of surface cleaning, handwashing and sanitising should be increased as well as the encouragement of staff to wear masks whenever possible. Another important thing that needs to be considered by employers is waste. If members of staff use disposable PPE such as masks and gloves or tissues, these need to be disposed of into closed bins and discarded hygienically. 

Employers can encourage staff to carry out additional hygiene measures by hanging up posters, calling meetings and running training sessions to promote high standards of hygiene around the workplace. 

 These are just some of the standard measures that you can put into place to ensure the safety of your employees. However, it is very important to consider the safety measure and advice that pertain to your specific industry. 

How IDS Security Can Help Your Workplace Become COVID-Secure

Here at IDS Security, we're striving to make the transition back into work for employers as easy and safe as possible. As a result, we now offer two fantastic and effective services that can keep your workplace safe, minimising the risks of transmitting coronavirus. These are thermal imaging cameras, which measure your employee's temperature. An important indicator when monitoring if an individual is infected with COVID-19. And density control cameras, which help to count the number of individuals on your premises at any one time, also another important factor when trying to manage safe distancing between staff, customers and visitors to your site. You can find out more information on our two brand-new services by clicking below. 

Thermal Imaging Cameras >             Density Control Cameras >

By following the above guidelines, as well as implementing industry-specific measures in combination with services from IDS Security, you will be well on your way to ensuring your workplace is COVID-secure and your staff members, customers and visitors are kept as safe as possible from coronavirus.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you, be sure to get in touch with a member of the IDS team today by calling 02920 753 251, emailing us at admin@ids-securityltd.co.uk or filling out our contact form

Access control systems are an exemplary electronic means of restricting access to your property, be it commercial or residential. Whether you own an office and want to keep better tabs on your employees' activities, or a homeowner who's sick of the neighbour popping in for a cuppa unannounced, an access control system will be your new best friend! Let's dive straight into the 5 most notable benefits of access control systems:

1. Hard to Duplicate 

If you have a disgruntled employee (or a bitter ex), it's possible that they could duplicate your key to gain access to your property.

Rather than changing the locks, you can simply change the passcode, remove the person's biometric data and deactivate any lost/stolen keycards or fobs remotely. 

2. Multi-Location Access

For businesses like schools, offices and hospitals, access control systems allow access at multiple entrances with a single keycard or fob, meaning employees don't need to carry a huge bunch of keys.

The same applies to your home, why have a front door key, a back door key and a conservatory key when you could have an access control system to secure them all.

3. Increased Protection

If you have valuable items in your home or business, access control systems offer far better protection than standard doors.

On the off chance that someone with authorised access decides to take advantage of the access control system, you'll be able to determine exactly who it was by logging into the access control network.

If you want to add yet another layer of protection, why not add a CCTV system too?

4. Simplify the in-&-out system

Without an access control system, it can be complicated to manage the comings and goings of employees who work irregular hours, for example, night shifts.

Rather than doors needing to be manually locked and unlocked as employees come and go, one benefit of access control systems is that they offer a 'unlock only when necessary' scenario. Employees can gain access quickly and the doors will lock automatically behind them. 

This could also be incredibly handy if your youngsters come to and from the house during unsociable hours, and can't be trusted to lock the door behind them!

5. Record Entry & Exit Data

The final benefit of access control systems is that you can accurately record entry and exit data.

The moment that someone uses their keycard or fob to enter the building, the date, time and location are recorded. This data can provide invaluable insights into the behaviour of your employees.

For example, is there one person who always shows up late, is there one person who's working later into the night than they should be - and so on. 

If you think that your property could benefit from an access control system then don't hesitate to get in touch with a member of the IDS team!