PSARA Security Guard Exam key terms

The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, a law that requires private security agencies to obtain a licence, sets eligibility and training standards for guards, and empowers state authorities to regulate their operations.

A formal authorisation issued by the controlling authority under the PSARA Act that permits a private security agency to operate legally; operating without it is an offence.

The officer appointed by the state government under the PSARA Act to grant, renew, suspend, or cancel licences and to enforce compliance by private security agencies.

A business entity engaged in providing security services to others for remuneration, which must be licensed under the PSARA Act and comply with its training and conduct rules.

A person employed by a private security agency to perform security duties such as guarding premises, controlling access, and responding to incidents, after meeting PSARA training and eligibility requirements.

A set of behavioural and ethical standards that security guards must follow, covering integrity, courtesy, confidentiality, obedience to lawful orders, and proper use of authority.

The specific location or area assigned to a security guard for a shift, including all points that the guard is responsible for monitoring, patrolling, or controlling access to.

The process of restricting entry to a protected area only to authorised persons, vehicles, or materials, using methods such as identity checks, passes, barriers, and electronic systems.

The first line of physical defence around a site, using fences, walls, gates, lighting, and detection sensors to deter, delay, and detect unauthorised intrusion.

The procedure for recording, verifying, and issuing passes to visitors, including checking identity, logging entry and exit times, and escorting or directing them to their destination.

The act of examining a person's official photo identity document or authorised pass to confirm that the person is who they claim to be before allowing access.

The three elements needed for a fire to start and continue: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Removing any one of these elements extinguishes the fire.

A portable device containing an extinguishing agent, classified by the type of fire it can fight (A, B, C, D, or K), and operated using the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

A planned practice exercise that rehearses the orderly movement of people from a building to a safe assembly area, testing alarm systems, escape routes, and staff roles.

A pre-designated safe location outside a building where evacuees gather after leaving during an emergency so that they can be accounted for and kept away from danger.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a lifesaving technique combining chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and breathing in a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Immediate, basic medical care given to a sick or injured person before professional medical help arrives, aimed at preserving life, preventing worsening, and promoting recovery.

A safe side-lying position used for an unconscious person who is breathing, to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of choking on vomit or the tongue.

A portable device that analyses the heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest; it gives voice prompts and is designed for trained and untrained responders.

Techniques used to manage and direct large groups of people safely, including queue management, barrier placement, communication, and coordinated movement to prevent crushing or disorder.

A sudden, uncontrolled forward movement of a crowd that can cause people to fall, be crushed, or be injured; guards must recognise warning signs and act to relieve pressure points.

Non-aggressive physical and verbal methods used by security guards to protect themselves and others, create distance, and safely disengage from a threat without causing unnecessary harm.

The application of physical intervention by a security guard, which must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate to the threat, and only as a last resort after other options fail.

Closed-circuit television, a surveillance system that transmits video from cameras to monitors or recorders for monitoring and recording activities in a specific area.

The systematic observation of people, places, or activities using visual, electronic, or physical means to detect, deter, or record security-related incidents.

The clear and timely exchange of information among security personnel and with clients or emergency services, using radio, telephone, or written messages according to protocol.

A written record of an event that occurred during a security shift, documenting who, what, when, where, why, and how, along with actions taken and witnesses, for official use.

The proper procedures for identifying, collecting, preserving, and documenting physical or digital evidence to maintain its integrity and admissibility in an investigation or legal proceeding.

A chronological written record showing who handled evidence, when, where, and for what purpose, from collection to presentation, ensuring it has not been tampered with or contaminated.

Measures taken to protect the health and safety of security personnel and others at the worksite, including hazard identification, safe work practices, use of protective equipment, and emergency preparedness.

Gear worn by security guards to reduce the risk of injury, such as helmets, gloves, reflective vests, and safety shoes, selected according to the hazards of the assigned duty.

Statutory and voluntary benefits and conditions provided to security employees, such as minimum wages, working hours, leave, provident fund, and safe working conditions, as required by labour laws.

Moral principles that guide the conduct of security personnel, including honesty, fairness, respect for rights, avoidance of discrimination, and refusal of bribes or improper favours.

The consistent display of competence, reliability, courtesy, proper appearance, punctuality, and respect for confidentiality and the law in the performance of security duties.

The polite, helpful, and responsive behaviour of security staff toward visitors, clients, and the public, balancing security requirements with a positive and respectful experience.