Securing Your Premises

7. Additional Security

If your business faces particular risks, you may need to consider additional security measures.

7.1 Contract out your security to a security company. The services a good company can offer usually include:

• Auditing current security arrangements and suggesting improvements.
• Specifying and fitting any new security systems required.
• Providing periodic (eg twice per night) or full-time inspection of your premises outside business hours.

7.2 A security company can provide a security guard to protect your premises.

• Make sure the guard comes from a firm registered with the British Security Industry Association (0845 389 3889) or the International Professional Security Association (020 8832 7417). The guarding service should conform to British Standard 7499:2002. Or, look out for firms with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme accreditation mark.
• Make sure the security guard holds a SIA licence. It is illegal not to hold one - without it, insurance claims could be invalid.
• The security company should screen and interview each guard as thoroughly as you would check a new employee. The screening should conform to British Standard 7858:2006.
• Discuss the security orders for the guard, including hours, duties and equipment with the supervisor responsible for your site.