Safety, Access Control, and Physical Security
Access Control
Know the principles: authenticate identity, verify authorization, and control the perimeter. Understand badge systems, visitor logs, escort rules, and the difference between access control (who may enter) and egress control (who may leave, especially in emergencies).
Physical Security
Recognize layered defenses: perimeter, building envelope, interior zones, and asset protection. Understand common vulnerabilities-propped doors, tailgating, piggybacking, unsecured keys, and blind spots. Know the value of lighting, signage, and clear sight lines.
Safety
Conduct inspections, report hazards, and follow lockout/tagout or other safety rules as applicable. Never prop fire doors. Keep exits clear.
Traps
- Assuming a badge equals authorization.
- Ignoring tailgating because it seems polite.
- Blocking exits for convenience.
- Failing to log visitors or verify identity.
Worked Example
A person badges in and holds the door for two others. Politely ask the others to badge in or sign in as visitors. Rule of thumb: one badge, one person.