The Legal Requirements of Access Control

In South Africa, security legislation, building standards and occupational safety requirements also control the access controlled doors. This is specifically those in commercial, industrial and public buildings. The key legal requirements and factors are as follows:

1. National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977)

It controls and ensures the physical fit and safety of access controlled doors.

The Important requirements:
– Emergency Egress: Access controlled doors will ensure safe and quick exit in case of fire or emergency.
– Fire Safety Compliance: The doors should not block any fire escape passages and have a link with any fire alarm system.
– Accessibility: It has to follow the disability access standards (for example have an automatic opening mechanism and clear directional signage).

2. Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

This act protects workers and visitors against workplace hazards.

Key requirements:
– Doors with access control must not be hazardous (for example not being caught or failure to work correctly).
– System maintenance and testing should happen regularly
– Emergency override capability and availability should be provided.

3. Security and Data Protection Implications

In this case, the access control had biometric or card-based systems:

– Shall conform to POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) in the collection and storage of personal information.
– Logbooks and surveillance data must also be stored securely and access limited to only authorized personnel.

Practical Recommendations

Businesses and building managers must:

– Periodically examine the information on/in the access control systems.
– Always make sure the emergency exit doors are unlocked and don’t have any blockages, as this will prevent any major issues from occuring.
– Train your staff on any of the access processes and emergency processes.
– And give clear indications of access and emergency exit.