ProtectUK publication date
Good housekeeping is an important part of your security regime by helping to reduce the opportunity for placing suspicious items or bags and helps to deal with false alarms and hoaxes.

Litter bins/receptacles

  • review use & location

  • keep litter bins to a minimum and consider use of clear bags for waste disposal as it provides an easier opportunity for staff to conduct examination for suspicious items

 

Public & communal areas

  • keep public and communal areas e.g. exits, entrances, toilets, service corridors and yards clean, tidy and well lit

  • keep the fixtures, fittings and furniture in such areas to a minimum - ensuring that there is little opportunity to hide devices

  • lock unoccupied offices, rooms, function areas and store cupboards

 

External areas

  • keep external areas, entrances, exits, reception areas and toilets clean, tidy and well lit

  • as far as possible reduce areas where items can be concealed

  • remove items that could be used as weapons; such as such poles, fire extinguishers etc.

 

Mail handling/screening

 

Security awareness

  • do staff understand their role and responsibilities?

  • do staff know how to report suspicious behaviour and are they aware of incident procedures?

 

Equipment

  • know the location and check the condition of first aid kits, defibrillators, crisis management packs and fire extinguishers held at the location

 

Incident response

  • ensure staff are aware of any contingency plans in the event the premises becomes unusable

 

Miscellaneous

  • ensure external activity does not impact upon evacuation routes; so that people can leave the area quickly without congregating; that RVPs don't leave people grouped and more vulnerable to Vehicle as a Weapon
Keywords
Good housekeeping
Security
Suspicious Item
Suspicious Behaviour
public spaces