Module 3

ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

1. Identifying Exceptions

Outcome 1.1
The learner will recognise tailgating episode.

Key Question
What is “tailgating?”

Key Text
Preventing more than one person gaining access using only one key
card to move through an access point at one time is one of the access
exceptions you may encounter.

Two methods can be used, that of physically monitoring the access

point, and in unmanned areas the use of optic devices to detect
whether more than one person went through.

The access control system records the event and the access violation
will be reported on the person’s card that was used.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 1 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

1. Identifying Exceptions

Outcome 1.2
The learner will recognise a “pass back” episode

Key Question
What is “pass back?”

Key Text
Pass back is an exception that arises when more than one person
tries to gain access using only one key card by handing it to someone
else after having passed through a turnstile. Cameras will
immediately record the exception and the violation attempt will be
reported on the person’s card that was used.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 2 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

1. Identifying Exceptions

Outcome 1.3
The learner will recognise a “zone exception”.

Key Question
What is a “zone exception”?

Key Text
An exception arises when someone enters a zone in which they are
not authorised to be. The active readers will pick up this exception
and the event will be recorded by video cameras.

If any unauthorised person has moved into a sensitive area containing

either Key Personnel or valuables, their presence there needs to be
immediately noted and steps taken to ascertain the reason for the
intrusion. Though it may be accidental there can be no delay in
normalising the situation.

It may happen that visitors to the campus may stray due to

unfamiliarity with the campus area. Providing they do not stray near
any high security areas and find their way within a reasonable time, it
probably doesn’t require immediate attention. Be aware of people
that appear to be loitering in one area as they may be waiting for
someone whom they intend assaulting.

Experience will guide reaction to such occurrences. No exception

should ever be totally ignored.

Lab
Discuss 5’00”

Page 3 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

1. Identifying Exceptions

Outcome 1.4
The learner will be able to discern when someone has not arrived at
their destination within a reasonable time.

Key Question
How long should we allow for a visitor to reach their destination
before considering it to be a serious exception?

Key Text
This exception occurs when a visitor has indicated that they are
meeting with someone in a certain building. Typically they would be
given an access card to get to the building, but will then need parent
access control to go further with their host.

If they do not arrive where they ought to be, it is a cause for

immediate concern regarding the safety of the building and its
occupants and needs to be monitored. A location lookup can be done
on the system to locate the visitor, and their movements can then be
monitored. If their behaviour looks suspicious, personal intervention
would be advised.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 4 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

1. Identifying Exceptions

Outcome 1.5
The learner will be able to enforce the need for everyone to display a
key card at all times.

Key Question
How serious should we consider it when someone fails to carry or
display their access card?

Key Text
Security is everybody’s priority and in everyone’s best interests. If
anyone is not carrying a key card, one has to assume that they should
not be on the premises and act accordingly. Anyone found to be
within any access secured zone without appropriate identification and
authority is in serious breach of security and the matter should be
treated according to the “Security Policy” document for the
company, regardless of the person’s station or rank.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 5 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

1. Identifying Exceptions

Outcome 1.6
The learner will be able to observe quickly when cameras display
unusual behaviours.

Key Question
What happens when cameras detect an infringement of access
control protocol?

Key Text
Cameras will usually come into operation when there is an
infringement of AC policy. A window will pop up on the appropriate
security official’s screen and they will then need to observe what is
taking place and decide on an appropriate action.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 6 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

2. Security Policy.

Outcome 2.1
The learner will understand the need for security policy.

Key Question
What is a security policy?

Key Text
A security policy is a set of rules that regulate how the security
system is to be implemented and maintained. Make sure you are
totally familiar with the new security policy of company as this will
give you the confidence and conviction of what you need to do to
ensure the security of everyone there. The policy is sanctioned by
the highest-ranking executives of the company and effectively gives
you the authority to do your job the best possible way.
The security policy is paramount to the success of its overall
operation in maintaining the safety of all on the company campus.

Lab
Discuss 4’00”

Page 7 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

2. Security Policy.

Outcome 2.2
The learner will understand the need to exercise their authority to
see that policy is consistently implemented.

Key Question
Why must policy be consistently applied?

Key Text
It remains the responsibility of everyone in the company to impose
the authority of the policy without showing favouritism or prejudice
to anyone coming onto the company campus. All persons, including
executives, managers, employees, security staff or even the authors
of the policy, are subject to it and need to adhere to it completely at
all times to ensure that security is not jeopardised in any way.

Lab
Discuss 4’00”

Page 8 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

2. Security Policy.

Outcome 2.3
The learner will understand the need to be familiar with the system.

Key Question
How can I best apply security policy?

Key Text
Everyone involved should know the security policy and how the access
control system relates to it. A thorough familiarity with the
operation of the AC is essential so that it may operate at its full
potential constantly. The system will only be as good as those who
operate it.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 9 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

2. Security Policy.

Outcome 2.4
The learner will understand their authority to enforce policy
appropriately.

Key Question
What level of authority do I have to enforce policy?

Key Text
All company employees have the authority to enforce all aspects of
the security policy regardless of the rank of the person with whom
they may be dealing. All staff should be well versed in the
understanding and application of the security policy.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 10 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

3. Getting everyone’s co-operation.

Outcome 3.1
The learner will understand the need for everyone to support the
system

Key Question
Why is it necessary for everyone to actively support the security
policy and systems?

Key Text
“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. It is in everyone’s
best interests for every aspect of the system to work. It is there
for their protection, so it is vital for each and every person to
actively enforce security policy.

If you the operator are convinced of the benefits of the system you
will have very little trouble convincing those with whom you have to
deal that the system is for their benefit too. Be Positive!

Nothing breaks down confidence more than a lack of commitment

from those who control it. Both the confidence of your fellow
workers and those with whom you deal can either be enhanced or
diminished by your knowledge and ability to operate the system.

It is essential that one knows and operates the system expertly.

Lab
Discuss 5’00”

Page 11 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

3. Getting everyone’s co-operation.

Outcome 3.2
The learner will understand the need educate others about the need
for security.

Key Question
How can we educate others to understand the need for security?

Key Text
Given events in recent times it should not be too difficult to get
people to buy in to the benefits of Access control.

Help everyone to understand that the access control system is for

their own security. E.g. If a threat is identified, security needs to
know where everybody is especially the key personnel, as this will
assist you to afford them the best possible protection.

Lab
Discuss 3’00”

Page 12 of 13
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ACCESS CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

4. Dealing with people in difficult situations.

Outcome 4.1
The learner will learn how to deal politely in difficult situations.

Key Question
How can difficult situations be handled?

Key Text
There is nothing to be gained by exerting our authority while
alienating people we want to buy into the system. Always conduct
oneself in a polite manner when dealing with a difficult situation with
a view to resolving it. If you are unable to do so refer it to a
superior. Resolve any problem as soon as possible. You won’t always
have all the answers so don’t be afraid to get assistance from
someone who can help the situation.

Make sure that you understand the Security Policy well, so that you
will have the confidence to be objective, helpful and appear well
informed. The certainty of knowledge gives great confidence and
carries an air of authority that can easily be backed by substance.

Lab
Discuss. 5’00”

Page 13 of 13