Why you should set procedures for your security alarms
Security alarms are a matter of course for many people working in vulnerable environments. But an alarm is not enough to create a safe alarm chain. Knowledge, procedures and exercises are necessary to build a safe working environment.
A safe and secure alarm chain consists of three crucial factors:
- Technology
- People
- The organisation
Technology
As a user of personal alarms, you should place high demands on the supplier as the technology plays a major role in how well your alarm chain will work. Make sure to do a good preliminary work before you decide which security system you buy.
We help you along the way by outlining the features you should look for when choosing a personal alarm.
- Make sure the alarm button stands out from other communication options.
- You should be able to activate the alarm quickly regardless of how you choose to wear it on your body. The alarm should therefore be placed on the device so that you can easily reach it, or be large enough to be easily activated.
- If you work in harsh environments – make sure the alarm is shock, moisture and dust resistant.
- The personal alarm must be reliable. Therefore, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of alternative radio technologies and their maintenance.
- The alarm should be able to send positional information for faster and more efficient safety.
- Consider whether you want the possibility of speech.
- The message to the recipient should be clear. He/she should be able to act quickly on the alarm without any doubt.
People
For a technically safe and easy-to-use alarm to work optimally, staff must be continuously trained in the practical and theoretical handling of the alarm.
With training, staff gain knowledge about the situations in which the alarm should be activated and can thus eliminate uncertainty, anxiety and error management that can lead to not pressing the alarm button when they really should. Furthermore, staff will understand what a process can look like and what is expected of the person who pressed the alarm, as well as the person who receives it.
The organisation
It is the ultimate responsibility of the organisation’s operations to ensure that both people and technology are taken care of. Therefore, make sure to set up clear procedures and standards related to your security alarms.
Among other things, you should have regular functional checks and ensure that these are followed. Train your staff continuously and practice using your alarms under stressful conditions. Make sure you document everything and have the instructions easily accessible to everyone. Similarly, you should create instructions for all procedures and ensure that all staff know where to find them.
Do you want help to develop an alarm solution that suits your organisation?