Posted By SBH I work in a care home where the clients have to be able to lock their bedroom doors from the inside, when they wish to have privacy. In most cases these can be unlocked internally by a single action or externally in the event of an emergency with a master key by staff, however some of the locks are playing up, and whilst they are still fully operational internally by the client, the key holder can not always gain entry, and are in effect locked out The issue is, if the client has an accident in the bedroom, which can happen ,albeit not usually serious, merely falling out of bed, but they may not be able to access the door; what should we regard the risk as, if they have locked their bedroom door and the lock fails to operate correctly and staff cannot gain entry.Currently this has not happened .. but it could. Should we replace all locks, is that a knee jerk reaction.I deem the risk as low but who knows?

Posted By Messy Shaw If you are providing care and not just residential accommodation, then the Reglatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005 will almost certainly apply to the entire building. As a result, there should be an emergency plan (or some kind of pre-planned system) in what to do in the event of fire. Part of that plan should be an evacuation arrangement which will surely mean staff should have access - when required- to individual's bedrooms. This is certainly an area which you (or your bosses)need to consider with regards to the defective locks

Posted By Tabs There are still some locksmiths around - one may be able to cure the problem without having to re-suite, but ye something must be done soon. Meanwhile, is a "do not disturb" sign a workable alternative for the short term?

Posted By Ron Hunter Ensure a request for remedial work/repair is raised through the usual channels with your Facility Maintenance Provider, and that some urgency is allocated.