Haryana BSEH Secondary NSQF Private Security cheat sheet

Private security in India is a service industry regulated by the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA); every agency must hold a licence from the State Controlling Authority.

The sector's core services are manned guarding, electronic surveillance, cash and valuables logistics, event security, and investigation support; a guard's role is preventive and deterrent, not law enforcement.

Typical entry post is Security Guard (unarmed); promotion ladder runs Guard → Head Guard/Supervisor → Shift In-charge → Security Officer → Agency managerial roles.

NSQF Security sector job roles sit at different levels: Guard (Level 3), Supervisor (Level 4), and Security Officer/Instructor at higher levels, so certification maps to a defined career path.

Training and certification bodies for security skills include the Security Sector Skill Council (SSSC) under the NSDC framework; BSEH Secondary NSQF includes Security as a vocational subject.

A security guard has no police powers: powers of arrest, search and seizure belong to the police or are exercised only under specific statutory provisions such as those for private persons in the BNSS/CrPC.

Growth drivers for the sector include real estate, retail malls, hospitals, schools, banks, IT campuses, and event management, which create demand for trained guards, supervisors and control-room operators.

Agencies must maintain records of training, character verification and deployment; a guard should know which agency employs him, his licence number and his deployment site orders.

Core duties: control access at the assigned post, verify identity and authority of persons/vehicles, maintain the visitor register, patrol the assigned area, and report incidents promptly to the supervisor.

A guard must never leave his post without relief or permission from the supervisor; absence from post is a serious breach of duty and creates a security gap.

Code of conduct essentials: honesty, punctuality, sobriety on duty, courtesy to the public, no sleeping on duty, no unauthorised use of the employer's property, and no disclosure of confidential information.

The guard's authority is limited to observe, deter, report and, where law permits, detain a person committing a cognizable offence and hand him over to police at the earliest.

Handover/takeover procedure: outgoing guard briefs the incoming guard on keys, registers, equipment, pending incidents and special instructions, and both sign the shift register.

A guard must not use force except in lawful self-defence or lawful detention, and must never accept bribes, gifts or favours that could compromise site security.

Personal appearance standards: prescribed uniform, identity card displayed, clean and pressed clothing, polished shoes, trimmed hair and nails, no chewing tobacco or pan on duty.

Any loss, theft, damage or suspicious activity must be recorded in the occurrence book and reported to the supervisor and, where required, to the police.

Drill commands are given in a loud, clear voice: 'Savdhan' (attention), 'Vishram' (stand at ease), 'Tez Chal' (quick march), 'Tham' (halt), 'Baayein Mur' (left turn), 'Daayein Mur' (right turn), 'Peeche Mur' (about turn).

On 'Savdhan' the body is erect, heels together and toes apart at about 30 degrees, arms straight at the sides, hands clenched, thumbs in line with the seam of the trousers, eyes straight ahead.

Guard mounting is the formal parade at the start of a shift where the relieving guard is inspected, briefed and posted; guard dismounting is the corresponding handing-over at the end of the shift.

Inspection at guard mounting covers uniform, turnout, identity card, equipment (baton, torch, whistle, register), knowledge of post orders and physical fitness of the guard.

Physical fitness for a guard includes endurance for long standing and patrolling, agility for quick response, and the ability to perform duties in all weather; regular exercise and a balanced diet maintain it.

Marching in quick time is normally at 120 steps per minute with a 30-inch pace; slow march is about 70 steps per minute.

Correct posture, alert bearing and disciplined drill project authority and deterrence; slouching, hands in pockets and leaning on walls are prohibited on duty.

Reporting to a senior: stand at attention, salute if the uniform and service custom require it, state your name, post and purpose clearly and briefly.

Hand-held metal detector (HHMD): detects ferrous and non-ferrous metal; sweep close to the body without touching, and follow the standard front-back-side sweep pattern.

Door-frame metal detector (DFMD): walk-through screening at entry points; it gives an audible alarm and must be calibrated for sensitivity to avoid false alarms from belt buckles and coins.

X-ray baggage inspection: screen bags for prohibited items; operators must be trained, and suspicious images require physical search in the presence of the owner.

Fire extinguishers are classified by the fire they fight: water (Class A), foam (A and B), CO2 (B and electrical), dry powder ABC (multi-purpose); check pressure gauge and pin seal before use.

CCTV: cameras record to a DVR/NVR; a guard must know camera coverage, blind spots, and the procedure to preserve footage after an incident (do not overwrite, note time-stamp).

Access-control devices include turnstiles, boom barriers, biometric readers, RFID cards and PIN keypads; tailgating (one person entering on another's credential) is a common breach to prevent.

Torch, whistle, baton, handcuffs (only where authorised), reflective jacket and two-way radio are standard guard equipment; equipment is signed for and returned at shift end.

A guard must never tamper with, disable or misuse security equipment; any defect must be reported immediately and recorded in the register.

Two-way radio (walkie-talkie) procedure: listen before speaking, press PTT, pause, then speak briefly; use standard phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...) and clear call signs.

Radio discipline: no personal chatter, no confidential information on open channels, no interrupting an emergency call; acknowledge every message with 'Roger' or 'Copy'.

Visitor access control: verify identity document, confirm appointment or authority, issue a visitor pass, record name, time-in, purpose, host and time-out.

Material and vehicle access control: check gate pass or delivery challan, match quantity and description, inspect the vehicle, and record the entry and exit.

Key control: keys are issued against signature, kept in a locked key cabinet, accounted for at every shift change, and never taken off the premises without authorisation.

Escalation rule: routine matters go to the shift supervisor; emergencies (fire, intrusion, injury, bomb threat) are reported immediately by the fastest means and then by radio.

Communication etiquette: identify yourself, use polite language, keep messages short and factual, repeat critical numbers for confirmation, and close with an acknowledgement.

Access control zones: public areas, controlled areas and restricted areas; entry to restricted areas requires specific authorisation and is always logged.

The fire triangle has three components - fuel, oxygen and heat; removing any one of them extinguishes fire (starvation, smothering, cooling).

Fire classes: A (solid combustibles like wood, paper), B (flammable liquids), C (flammable gases), D (metals), and electrical fires; the extinguisher medium must match the class.

PASS technique for a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side.

Water must never be used on electrical fires or on burning oil/fat; CO2 or dry powder is used for electrical fires, and a fire blanket or lid for kitchen fat fires.

Fire evacuation: raise the alarm, inform the control room and fire brigade (101 in India), switch off power where safe, guide occupants to the nearest marked exit, and assemble at the assembly point for headcount.

Never use a lift during a fire; use stairs, stay low under smoke, and feel doors for heat before opening them.

Fire safety equipment checks: extinguishers inspected for pressure and seal, hydrants and hoses kept clear, exits unobstructed, and emergency lights and alarms tested as per schedule.

A guard's fire role is early detection, alarm, evacuation support and first-response containment, not firefighting beyond his training level.

First-aid priority sequence: check the scene for safety, check response, call for help (ambulance 108), open the airway, check breathing and circulation, then treat bleeding and injuries.

CPR for an adult: 30 chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, depth about 5-6 cm, followed by 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives or the person recovers.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, elevate the limb if possible, and do not remove an object embedded in the wound.

Burns: cool with clean running water for at least 10-20 minutes, remove jewellery near the burn, cover with a sterile non-stick dressing, and never apply oil, toothpaste or ice.

Fracture: immobilise the injured part with a splint, support it in the position found, and do not attempt to straighten a deformed limb.

Unconscious but breathing casualty: place in the recovery position (on the side) to keep the airway clear; unconscious and not breathing: start CPR and call the ambulance.

Emergency response for a bomb threat: do not touch suspicious objects, evacuate the area, inform the control room and police (100), and follow the site's evacuation plan.

Record every first-aid case in the first-aid register with time, casualty details, treatment given and who was informed.

Common occupational hazards for guards: long standing (varicose veins, foot pain), night shifts (sleep disturbance), heat and cold exposure, noise, and slips/trips on wet floors.

Correct manual lifting: bend the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close to the body, and avoid twisting while lifting.

Personal protective equipment for guards includes reflective jackets at night, raincoat, helmet where required, gloves for handling, and safety shoes in industrial sites.

Personal hygiene standards: daily bath, clean uniform, brushed teeth, trimmed nails, clean shaven or neatly trimmed beard, and no strong perfume or body odour on duty.

Hand hygiene with soap and water or sanitiser reduces infection spread, especially at gates where documents, IDs and bags are handled.

Fatigue management: adequate sleep, scheduled rest breaks, hydration in hot weather, and reporting illness to the supervisor before taking up duty.

Electrical and fire safety at the post: do not overload sockets, do not use personal heaters, know the location of the nearest extinguisher and first-aid box.

Any injury, however minor, must be reported and recorded; occupational diseases and accidents are compensable under labour laws if documented.

PSARA, 2005: no person may carry on the business of a private security agency without a licence from the State Controlling Authority; the Act applies to agencies, not directly to individual guards as licensees.

Eligibility for a licence under PSARA includes the applicant being a citizen of India, not convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude, and meeting the prescribed financial and training conditions.

A licensed agency must provide training to its guards as prescribed, maintain records of character verification, and ensure guards are not below the prescribed age and have the prescribed qualifications.

The State Controlling Authority can cancel or suspend a licence for violation of the Act or rules; the Act also provides for penalties for running an unlicensed agency.

A private security guard has no police powers; he may only use the powers available to a private citizen, such as lawful detention of a person committing a cognizable offence and handing him to the police.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the CrPC; guards should know the provisions on private defence, arrest by private persons and theft.

Right of private defence (BNS) permits reasonable force to protect one's own or another's body and property; the force must be proportionate and only until help from authorities is available.

Guards must respect privacy and dignity: no physical search of a woman by a male guard, no confinement without lawful reason, and no disclosure of personal data of visitors or staff.

Observation is purposeful attention: note normal baseline for the site so that anything abnormal stands out (unusual behaviour, unattended bags, broken locks, changed routines).

The occurrence book (OB) records all significant events of a shift in chronological order with time, place, persons involved and action taken.

The visitor register records name, address, ID number, purpose, person visited, time-in and time-out; entries must be legible, in ink, and never erased - corrections are struck through and initialled.

Report writing principle: facts, not opinions - write 'man in blue shirt entered through gate 2 at 22:15' rather than 'suspicious man came in'.

Use the 5W1H check for an incident report: What happened, Where, When, Who was involved, Why (cause if known), and How it was handled.

A material gate pass or delivery challan is checked against physical quantity and signed by the guard; discrepancies are reported before the vehicle leaves.

Preserve evidence: do not disturb the scene, note the exact time, secure CCTV footage, and record names of witnesses.

Handover notes must list pending issues, keys, equipment and special instructions, and be signed by both outgoing and incoming guards.

Patrol types: fixed post, foot patrol, vehicle patrol, and electronic patrol (guard tour with checkpoints); randomise timing and route to avoid predictability.

During foot patrol, check locks, windows, fire exits, lighting, hydrants, unattended packages, perimeter fences and unauthorised persons; record each checkpoint time.

Surveillance through CCTV requires attention to blind spots and lighting; a guard monitoring cameras must log unusual events and not leave the monitor unattended.

Incident response sequence: observe and assess, raise alarm/inform control room, secure the area and preserve evidence, assist injured, and record the incident.

Crowd control principles: manage entry in batches, keep exit routes clear, monitor crowd density and pressure points, and communicate through the public address system.

In a crowd emergency, avoid panic: give clear, calm instructions, guide people to marked exits, and never push against the crowd flow.

Suspicious object procedure: do not touch or open it, do not use radios close to it, cordon off the area, evacuate people to a safe distance, and call police.

A guard must not attempt to handle a violent incident alone; call for backup, observe from a safe distance, and note descriptions for police.

Workplace ethics for a guard: integrity, honesty in registers, no theft or collusion, refusal of bribes, confidentiality, and equal treatment of all persons regardless of caste, religion, gender or status.

Conflict of interest: a guard must not accept gifts or loans from contractors, vendors or visitors, and must report any attempt to bribe him.

Customer service basics: greet politely, listen fully, speak clearly and calmly, use 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry', and never argue with a visitor.

When refusing entry, state the rule politely and offer an alternative (contact the host, wait at reception, call the supervisor) instead of simply saying no.

Telephone etiquette: answer within three rings, identify the site and yourself, take a message with name, number and purpose, and repeat it back for accuracy.

Communication barriers such as language, noise and emotion are reduced by simple words, active listening, confirming understanding and using written notes.

Complaints handling: listen without interruption, apologise for the inconvenience (not necessarily fault), record the complaint, and escalate to the supervisor within the shift.

Confidentiality: do not discuss residents, staff, visitors, incidents or security arrangements with outsiders, media or on social media.

Employability skills include communication, teamwork, problem solving, time management, digital literacy, self-management and willingness to learn.

A resume for a security job should list NSQF/security certification, training completed, physical fitness, languages known, and any prior guard or related experience.

Interview preparation: know the agency, the post applied for, and be ready to answer questions on access control, fire safety, first aid and incident reporting.

Digital literacy for guards includes using biometric attendance, sending reports by messaging apps, using email, and basic computer use at control rooms.

Entrepreneurship in the security sector includes starting a licensed private security agency, a training institute, a housekeeping-security combine, or a security equipment dealership.

Starting a security agency requires a PSARA licence from the State Controlling Authority, trained and verified guards, capital for uniforms, equipment and wages, and compliance with labour laws.

Government support for entrepreneurs includes MSME registration (Udyam), skill development schemes under NSDC, and institutional finance through bank loans and Mudra schemes.

Financial literacy basics: budgeting, saving, avoiding informal high-interest loans, and understanding salary, PF/ESI deductions and payslips.

Core duties: control access at the assigned post, verify identity and authority of persons/vehicles, maintain the visitor register, patrol the assigned area, and report incidents promptly to the supervisor.

A guard must never leave his post without relief or permission from the supervisor; absence from post is a serious breach of duty and creates a security gap.

Code of conduct essentials: honesty, punctuality, sobriety on duty, courtesy to the public, no sleeping on duty, no unauthorised use of the employer's property, and no disclosure of confidential information.

The guard's authority is limited to observe, deter, report and, where law permits, detain a person committing a cognizable offence and hand him over to police at the earliest.

Handover/takeover procedure: outgoing guard briefs the incoming guard on keys, registers, equipment, pending incidents and special instructions, and both sign the shift register.

A guard must not use force except in lawful self-defence or lawful detention, and must never accept bribes, gifts or favours that could compromise site security.

Personal appearance standards: prescribed uniform, identity card displayed, clean and pressed clothing, polished shoes, trimmed hair and nails, no chewing tobacco or pan on duty.

Any loss, theft, damage or suspicious activity must be recorded in the occurrence book and reported to the supervisor and, where required, to the police.

Drill commands are given in a loud, clear voice: 'Savdhan' (attention), 'Vishram' (stand at ease), 'Tez Chal' (quick march), 'Tham' (halt), 'Baayein Mur' (left turn), 'Daayein Mur' (right turn), 'Peeche Mur' (about turn).

On 'Savdhan' the body is erect, heels together and toes apart at about 30 degrees, arms straight at the sides, hands clenched, thumbs in line with the seam of the trousers, eyes straight ahead.

Guard mounting is the formal parade at the start of a shift where the relieving guard is inspected, briefed and posted; guard dismounting is the corresponding handing-over at the end of the shift.

Inspection at guard mounting covers uniform, turnout, identity card, equipment (baton, torch, whistle, register), knowledge of post orders and physical fitness of the guard.

Physical fitness for a guard includes endurance for long standing and patrolling, agility for quick response, and the ability to perform duties in all weather; regular exercise and a balanced diet maintain it.

Marching in quick time is normally at 120 steps per minute with a 30-inch pace; slow march is about 70 steps per minute.

Correct posture, alert bearing and disciplined drill project authority and deterrence; slouching, hands in pockets and leaning on walls are prohibited on duty.

Reporting to a senior: stand at attention, salute if the uniform and service custom require it, state your name, post and purpose clearly and briefly.

Hand-held metal detector (HHMD): detects ferrous and non-ferrous metal; sweep close to the body without touching, and follow the standard front-back-side sweep pattern.

Door-frame metal detector (DFMD): walk-through screening at entry points; it gives an audible alarm and must be calibrated for sensitivity to avoid false alarms from belt buckles and coins.

X-ray baggage inspection: screen bags for prohibited items; operators must be trained, and suspicious images require physical search in the presence of the owner.

Fire extinguishers are classified by the fire they fight: water (Class A), foam (A and B), CO2 (B and electrical), dry powder ABC (multi-purpose); check pressure gauge and pin seal before use.

CCTV: cameras record to a DVR/NVR; a guard must know camera coverage, blind spots, and the procedure to preserve footage after an incident (do not overwrite, note time-stamp).

Access-control devices include turnstiles, boom barriers, biometric readers, RFID cards and PIN keypads; tailgating (one person entering on another's credential) is a common breach to prevent.

Torch, whistle, baton, handcuffs (only where authorised), reflective jacket and two-way radio are standard guard equipment; equipment is signed for and returned at shift end.

A guard must never tamper with, disable or misuse security equipment; any defect must be reported immediately and recorded in the register.

Two-way radio (walkie-talkie) procedure: listen before speaking, press PTT, pause, then speak briefly; use standard phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...) and clear call signs.

Radio discipline: no personal chatter, no confidential information on open channels, no interrupting an emergency call; acknowledge every message with 'Roger' or 'Copy'.

Visitor access control: verify identity document, confirm appointment or authority, issue a visitor pass, record name, time-in, purpose, host and time-out.

Material and vehicle access control: check gate pass or delivery challan, match quantity and description, inspect the vehicle, and record the entry and exit.

Key control: keys are issued against signature, kept in a locked key cabinet, accounted for at every shift change, and never taken off the premises without authorisation.

Escalation rule: routine matters go to the shift supervisor; emergencies (fire, intrusion, injury, bomb threat) are reported immediately by the fastest means and then by radio.

Communication etiquette: identify yourself, use polite language, keep messages short and factual, repeat critical numbers for confirmation, and close with an acknowledgement.

Access control zones: public areas, controlled areas and restricted areas; entry to restricted areas requires specific authorisation and is always logged.

The fire triangle has three components - fuel, oxygen and heat; removing any one of them extinguishes fire (starvation, smothering, cooling).

Fire classes: A (solid combustibles like wood, paper), B (flammable liquids), C (flammable gases), D (metals), and electrical fires; the extinguisher medium must match the class.

PASS technique for a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side.

Water must never be used on electrical fires or on burning oil/fat; CO2 or dry powder is used for electrical fires, and a fire blanket or lid for kitchen fat fires.

Fire evacuation: raise the alarm, inform the control room and fire brigade (101 in India), switch off power where safe, guide occupants to the nearest marked exit, and assemble at the assembly point for headcount.

Never use a lift during a fire; use stairs, stay low under smoke, and feel doors for heat before opening them.

Fire safety equipment checks: extinguishers inspected for pressure and seal, hydrants and hoses kept clear, exits unobstructed, and emergency lights and alarms tested as per schedule.

A guard's fire role is early detection, alarm, evacuation support and first-response containment, not firefighting beyond his training level.

First-aid priority sequence: check the scene for safety, check response, call for help (ambulance 108), open the airway, check breathing and circulation, then treat bleeding and injuries.

CPR for an adult: 30 chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, depth about 5-6 cm, followed by 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives or the person recovers.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, elevate the limb if possible, and do not remove an object embedded in the wound.

Burns: cool with clean running water for at least 10-20 minutes, remove jewellery near the burn, cover with a sterile non-stick dressing, and never apply oil, toothpaste or ice.

Fracture: immobilise the injured part with a splint, support it in the position found, and do not attempt to straighten a deformed limb.

Unconscious but breathing casualty: place in the recovery position (on the side) to keep the airway clear; unconscious and not breathing: start CPR and call the ambulance.

Emergency response for a bomb threat: do not touch suspicious objects, evacuate the area, inform the control room and police (100), and follow the site's evacuation plan.

Record every first-aid case in the first-aid register with time, casualty details, treatment given and who was informed.

Common occupational hazards for guards: long standing (varicose veins, foot pain), night shifts (sleep disturbance), heat and cold exposure, noise, and slips/trips on wet floors.

Correct manual lifting: bend the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close to the body, and avoid twisting while lifting.

Personal protective equipment for guards includes reflective jackets at night, raincoat, helmet where required, gloves for handling, and safety shoes in industrial sites.

Personal hygiene standards: daily bath, clean uniform, brushed teeth, trimmed nails, clean shaven or neatly trimmed beard, and no strong perfume or body odour on duty.

Hand hygiene with soap and water or sanitiser reduces infection spread, especially at gates where documents, IDs and bags are handled.

Fatigue management: adequate sleep, scheduled rest breaks, hydration in hot weather, and reporting illness to the supervisor before taking up duty.

Electrical and fire safety at the post: do not overload sockets, do not use personal heaters, know the location of the nearest extinguisher and first-aid box.

Any injury, however minor, must be reported and recorded; occupational diseases and accidents are compensable under labour laws if documented.

PSARA, 2005: no person may carry on the business of a private security agency without a licence from the State Controlling Authority; the Act applies to agencies, not directly to individual guards as licensees.

Eligibility for a licence under PSARA includes the applicant being a citizen of India, not convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude, and meeting the prescribed financial and training conditions.

A licensed agency must provide training to its guards as prescribed, maintain records of character verification, and ensure guards are not below the prescribed age and have the prescribed qualifications.

The State Controlling Authority can cancel or suspend a licence for violation of the Act or rules; the Act also provides for penalties for running an unlicensed agency.

A private security guard has no police powers; he may only use the powers available to a private citizen, such as lawful detention of a person committing a cognizable offence and handing him to the police.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the CrPC; guards should know the provisions on private defence, arrest by private persons and theft.

Right of private defence (BNS) permits reasonable force to protect one's own or another's body and property; the force must be proportionate and only until help from authorities is available.

Guards must respect privacy and dignity: no physical search of a woman by a male guard, no confinement without lawful reason, and no disclosure of personal data of visitors or staff.

Observation is purposeful attention: note normal baseline for the site so that anything abnormal stands out (unusual behaviour, unattended bags, broken locks, changed routines).

The occurrence book (OB) records all significant events of a shift in chronological order with time, place, persons involved and action taken.

The visitor register records name, address, ID number, purpose, person visited, time-in and time-out; entries must be legible, in ink, and never erased - corrections are struck through and initialled.

Report writing principle: facts, not opinions - write 'man in blue shirt entered through gate 2 at 22:15' rather than 'suspicious man came in'.

Use the 5W1H check for an incident report: What happened, Where, When, Who was involved, Why (cause if known), and How it was handled.

A material gate pass or delivery challan is checked against physical quantity and signed by the guard; discrepancies are reported before the vehicle leaves.

Preserve evidence: do not disturb the scene, note the exact time, secure CCTV footage, and record names of witnesses.

Handover notes must list pending issues, keys, equipment and special instructions, and be signed by both outgoing and incoming guards.

Patrol types: fixed post, foot patrol, vehicle patrol, and electronic patrol (guard tour with checkpoints); randomise timing and route to avoid predictability.

During foot patrol, check locks, windows, fire exits, lighting, hydrants, unattended packages, perimeter fences and unauthorised persons; record each checkpoint time.

Surveillance through CCTV requires attention to blind spots and lighting; a guard monitoring cameras must log unusual events and not leave the monitor unattended.

Incident response sequence: observe and assess, raise alarm/inform control room, secure the area and preserve evidence, assist injured, and record the incident.

Crowd control principles: manage entry in batches, keep exit routes clear, monitor crowd density and pressure points, and communicate through the public address system.

In a crowd emergency, avoid panic: give clear, calm instructions, guide people to marked exits, and never push against the crowd flow.

Suspicious object procedure: do not touch or open it, do not use radios close to it, cordon off the area, evacuate people to a safe distance, and call police.

A guard must not attempt to handle a violent incident alone; call for backup, observe from a safe distance, and note descriptions for police.

Workplace ethics for a guard: integrity, honesty in registers, no theft or collusion, refusal of bribes, confidentiality, and equal treatment of all persons regardless of caste, religion, gender or status.

Conflict of interest: a guard must not accept gifts or loans from contractors, vendors or visitors, and must report any attempt to bribe him.

Customer service basics: greet politely, listen fully, speak clearly and calmly, use 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry', and never argue with a visitor.

When refusing entry, state the rule politely and offer an alternative (contact the host, wait at reception, call the supervisor) instead of simply saying no.

Telephone etiquette: answer within three rings, identify the site and yourself, take a message with name, number and purpose, and repeat it back for accuracy.

Communication barriers such as language, noise and emotion are reduced by simple words, active listening, confirming understanding and using written notes.

Complaints handling: listen without interruption, apologise for the inconvenience (not necessarily fault), record the complaint, and escalate to the supervisor within the shift.

Confidentiality: do not discuss residents, staff, visitors, incidents or security arrangements with outsiders, media or on social media.

Employability skills include communication, teamwork, problem solving, time management, digital literacy, self-management and willingness to learn.

A resume for a security job should list NSQF/security certification, training completed, physical fitness, languages known, and any prior guard or related experience.

Interview preparation: know the agency, the post applied for, and be ready to answer questions on access control, fire safety, first aid and incident reporting.

Digital literacy for guards includes using biometric attendance, sending reports by messaging apps, using email, and basic computer use at control rooms.

Entrepreneurship in the security sector includes starting a licensed private security agency, a training institute, a housekeeping-security combine, or a security equipment dealership.

Starting a security agency requires a PSARA licence from the State Controlling Authority, trained and verified guards, capital for uniforms, equipment and wages, and compliance with labour laws.

Government support for entrepreneurs includes MSME registration (Udyam), skill development schemes under NSDC, and institutional finance through bank loans and Mudra schemes.

Financial literacy basics: budgeting, saving, avoiding informal high-interest loans, and understanding salary, PF/ESI deductions and payslips.