Posted By Ken Parkes
Doors should release on activation of fire alarm, also you could fit break glass units that release the door and activate an audable alarm in case of emergencies. Fire will overide security

Posted By Ken Parkes
Hi Lorraine, have you had a fire risk assessment carried out? if you have, it should have identified this problem

Posted By David A Jones
I presume a fire risk assessment is in existance for the building and that it identifies this as an unacceptable situation.

So:

step 1: point out to all concerned the statutory need for a fire risk assessment undertaken by a copetent person.

step 2: point out the statutory requirement to act upon the findings of the fire risk assessment - i.e. to ensure risks are managed to an acceptable level

step 3: point out the HASAWA statutory reuirement to provide a safe place of work including access AND egress.

step 4: ask the persons blocking the provision of an acceptable solution, where they can show in writing that the company has authorised them to breech statutory duties

step 5: ask for their home details to ensure they are available if the worst happens so you can point the prosecuting authorities / courts in the right direction when they want to jail someone

Hopefully this will make them sit up and take notice.

Obviously I don't advocate that you take the above course of action as a starting point but build up to this level of response if they cannot be persuaded by reasoned arguement.

Clearly in arguing your case you DO need to take account of their concerns and offer solutions that address those concerns.

At the company where I currently work we have provided access (using the access cards) to such areas for fire marshalls, provided means of opening the door from the inside without the need to use a PIN number or swipe card and have adopted lone working procedures that provide reqular monitoring of workers in such areas.

Posted By Mark Eden
A Frie Risk Assessmentis the key, but you could also point out that your i.t. manager is in breach of his duty of care to the sibblings within his department with his current inflated opinion and narrow minded attitude of his position

Posted By Stuart Nagle
Hi, Lorraine.

I take it your secrets are worth guarding then....

Fit locks (coded or otherwise than can be opened from the inside by a handle - most locks of this type can be!

Outside, a breakglass key holder for door would not unduly impinge on security as to get the key you would have to break into the box. If necessary the box could be connected to a security alarm.

Suitable fire extunguishers could also be provided within the server rooms for use in emergency, unless automatic inert gas flooding systems are already installed, then of course there should be means of protecting life if the room is sealed (such as BA ect to aid escape).

No doubt your IT Manager could do with a talk on the cost of accidents at work and a comparrison of costs of a few simple enhancements to security that would not impinge on his need to protect your data with your staff lives!!!

Regards...

Stuart

Posted By Lorraine Shuker
Even with a viewing window in the door it is still not obvious if someone is inside unless you peer in.

By the way still trying to get a resolution on this here :)

Posted By Ian Clarke
Depending on the size of the room one fairly cheap way to deteremine whether the room is clear on activation of the alarm is to install a web-cam.

This would then be displayed on the PC at the reception/security desk and the individual at the desk with then check the room before they leave.

I'm sure someone in the forum might say "This wouldn't work if the power failed". Obviuosly they are right, however the likley of the power failing at the initial activation of the alarm is very slim and therefore this is could be a very effective way to see if the room is clear.