CCS - Castle Computer Suites Ltd.

Control Room/Operators’ Bridge | Room Security

Room Access Control

It is essential that the access door leading into the machine room from the operators’ room is controlled and monitored.

Various options are available which range from a simple mechanical digital lock, through card readers, electronic tokens, fingerprint and iris readers, to a live video screening for personal vetting by a security guard.
These are connected to a means of locking/unlocking the door, which may be an electronic retractable lock keep, or a magnetic lock – which is a large electro magnet.

Consideration has to be taken of the frequency of visits required into the machine room by operators, to decide the most convenient method of access vetting. The most frequent requirement is best dealt with by electronic tokens.

It is important that the locks have either a manual means of release from inside the room, to enable occupants to escape in an emergency.
They may be arranged to fail safe, which means that they release when the electrical power to them is switched off – usually when a manual break glass fire alarm is activated. However such an arrangement needs careful consideration – see Pitfalls

In-room Surveillance

More incidents of damage to a control room facility occur from inside than outside.
To act as a deterrent, as well as recording events, the room should be covered with CCTV monitoring.
Movement detectors may activate cameras to follow actions, whilst simple contacts fitted to equipment cabinet doors can be linked to camera activation and alarms.

The control and recording equipment should be housed outside the room, in a secure area or one attended by security responsible personnel – see Pitfalls

Intruder Alarms

Windows ought not occur in the fabric, or if they do, they should be securely blocked.

However there may be emergency exit or equipment delivery doors leading directly to outside the premises and which need to remain.
Such doors should be reinforced with security hinge blocks and metal plate lining.

PIR detection throughout the room and contacts fitted to the doors, all connected back to a central alarm, is required.

Call 01938 552 975 Email ccs@computer-rooms.com