Access control on construction sites is far more than just a security measure, it’s a critical driver of productivity, safety and compliance. Construction projects operate under tight timelines and growing cost pressures. All of which is made more challenging by the need to securely oversee the constant flow of people on site, and guard against theft.
Traditional access methods – such as physical keys, combination padlocks and static lock box codes – are time-consuming to manage. Especially when keys can be lost, stolen or copied, and combinations can be shared.
Even with strict management, physical keys and static access codes still create significant security risks, says Elliot Minervini, National Business Development Manager with Mayo Hardware, distributor of Master Lock smart lock solutions.
“It’s very hard to keep your construction site secure, and enforce who has access and exactly when they come and go, especially when site managers are already time poor,” Elliot says.
As well as tackling the costly issue of stolen tools, mobile plant and building materials, site managers must address the workplace health and safety risks of unauthorised access to zones containing potentially dangerous equipment or chemicals.
At the same time, Elliot says access controls must ensure that the right people can always get in, to reduce expensive downtime.
“Lost or unavailable keys and codes can see your worksite grind to a halt, if work crews are left standing on the footpath or crucial deliveries are returned to the supplier,” he says.
Smart padlocks and key lock boxes from Master Lock allow secure, digital access to construction sites using a mobile device rather than a physical key.
The free Master Lock Vault software allows authorised Apple and Android devices to open locks using an encrypted Bluetooth signal, providing site access even in remote areas without Wi-Fi or mobile coverage.
The hardened Boron steel alloy locks are designed for high-security applications and harsh outdoor environments like remote infrastructure projects. They run on replaceable long life lithium batteries, which deliver ‘low battery’ notifications well ahead of time. The locks also have a contingency jump start feature, so an external 9V battery can be used to power up the device to replace the battery.
The Master Lock Vault software allows site managers and other administrators to grant or revoke access anytime, from anywhere. They can even issue time-limited or one-time entry tokens that can be entered into the lock’s keypad, without the need for a mobile device. There’s a full audit trail of everyone who accesses the site using the locks, and no ongoing subscription fees to pay.
“If someone needs access at six in the morning, and you won’t be on site, you can schedule a one-time code in advance that will work when they need to get in,” Elliot says. “This way you can avoid potentially expensive hold-ups as people wait for site access, while knowing that they can’t use the one-time code to sneak back in later.”
Despite the advantages of smart padlocks and key lock boxes, he says there is still a common misconception that the technology is complicated to use compared to relying on physical keys.
“People are often surprised when I show them how simple and intuitive smart padlocks have become, whether you’re the site manager or an individual requiring site access,” he says. “It doesn’t take long to get up and running with secure digital access that boosts safety and productivity while making everyone’s life easier.”
As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. To learn how smart access solutions can improve control, reduce downtime and support safer site operations, speak to your Blackwoods representative.