How access control supports disaster management

Emergencies are not an everyday occurrence, but they must be taken into account when planning a security concept. If the power supply is interrupted, the technical infrastructure is paralysed. If a fire breaks out in the company, the priority is to evacuate the building as quickly as possible. To prevent such emergencies from escalating into disasters, it is necessary to evaluate precisely how well the security system is equipped to deal with such events and, ideally, how it can support disaster management preventively.

Fire protection and emergency plans are also taken into account when planning access control. The DEXICON access control system from PCS Systemtechnik has a web service interface and a generalised OPC interface, which can be used to connect other applications such as hazard management systems or burglar alarm systems.

To remain operational in the event of a power failure, PCS offers a server with a battery for electronic access control. Thanks to this emergency power supply, the access control centres can maintain operation for up to four hours or approximately 2,500 door openings, which is sufficient even for medium-sized businesses. They also supply power to the connected RFID access readers. The charge status of the battery can be checked in the setup.

Anyone who wants to implement an access solution that is independent of the mains power supply can opt for a battery-powered RFID solution. Mechatronic locking systems such as INTUS Flex, which are directly battery-powered, are suitable for this purpose. A long battery life allows up to 10,000 door openings before the battery needs to be replaced. The battery status can be reported to the leading system via the access card.

When routine becomes a situation: access switches to emergency mode

Crisis prevention in the event of a fire is a different matter. Here, the fire safety regulations are very detailed. For example, certain fire doors or gates in the building must always be kept closed as so-called ‘fire barriers’ to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The DEXICON access control solution from PCS Systemtechnik can provide preventive support here, as the software provides feedback on the door status. If a door remains open for too long, an alarm message is generated and forwarded to the security service. This allows an immediate response and the door to be closed.

Include escape route control in access control

In the event of a fire, however, it may also be necessary to open all doors with a group command so that escape routes are not obstructed. In this case, a fire alarm in the connected access system can initiate the permanent opening of all doors so that people can quickly and safely get to safety. Under no circumstances should the access control centre prevent the escape route doors from opening.

The security concept and fire protection must be planned together so that a potential fire brigade operation is not hindered. A fire can occur at any time of the day or night. Especially outside normal operating hours, it is not always guaranteed that responsible personnel will be on site to open the door for the fire brigade. A key box for the fire brigade is a good solution to ensure that the emergency services have access to the premises.

A transponder with long-term validity can be stored in a key box as a master key. This allows the fire brigade to enter even if no company employee is on site.

A fire brigade key opens doors and gates for rescue services

Mechatronic cylinders are particularly suitable as locking systems for fire doors. In order to comply with fire safety regulations, demanding specifications must be taken into account.

The PCS offline components INTUS Flex meet the necessary standards. The INTUS Flex digital cylinder, for example, has been successfully VdS-certified. It has been awarded the VdS-BZ+ certificate and is particularly suitable for areas requiring protection, such as cash rooms, managing director’s offices or security zones. VdS certification is often required by insurance companies or in tenders – this provides users with a reliable solution for projects with increased protection requirements.

Mechatronic locking systems are independent of the power grid

If a fire does break out, it is important to detect it as quickly as possible. Video surveillance is a useful tool for this. PCS uses robust cameras from Axis that are explosion-proof and suitable for use in rooms with a potential fire hazard. A video analysis function assists in the early detection of fire. If smoke is detected, a message is sent to the higher-level video management system, for example from Hexagon.

In the event of a disaster, buildings must be cleared and people evacuated. To manage the evacuation, the DEXICON access control software can be used to create an emergency list of all persons present so that the emergency response team has a clear overview of the people who need to be rescued.

This function is optimally complemented by an access reader at the assembly point. People who are safe can register as ‘rescued’ at the assembly point reader with their company ID card.

Self-service safety instructions on how to behave in emergencies

The best measure for fire prevention is to raise employee awareness of everyday fire hazards. Employers should therefore address the topic of fire safety in the mandatory annual safety training. PCS visitor management VISIT offers self-service e-learning for this purpose. The authoring tool of the web-based software makes it easy to create preventive fire safety training courses. Images and videos can be integrated to reinforce behaviour in case of danger and the rescue plan. Participants complete the training independently as e-learning, and at the end of the training, a test checks their learning success.

Author: Susanne Plank; PR & Content PCS Systemtechnik; www.pcs.com

Checklist: Access control in emergency management

These five measures should be included in every safety concept:

• 1. Ensure emergency power supply: Integrate access control centres with emergency power batteries and battery-powered mechatronic systems.
• 2. Integrate escape route control: Have doors open automatically in the event of a fire – enable group commands via the access system.
• 3. Ensure fire brigade access: Provide a key box with transponder as a master key, even outside operating hours.
• 4. Early detection through video analysis: Use cameras with fire detection and connection to a video management system.
• 5. Employee training via e-learning: Conduct fire safety training regularly – ideally via a self-service solution.