Security guards dos and don’ts
A security team is an asset to your company.
They’ll ensure that a company is secure and protected at all times.
And you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, the guards will handle any safety and security issues that come their way.
Here are nine tips on what a security guard should be equipped with.
Security gear
In order to keep a building safe, you need to ensure the security guard is equipped with the right gear. They need to have protective clothing that’s also comfortable. Security guards stand for long periods of time and also have to walk around the building making sure there’s no suspicious activity occurring. The boots they wear should be good quality and have rubber soles. A cheap pair of boots can lead to sore feet and a painful back. This could cause the security guard to not perform at their highest level.
Social skills
Security guards should have good social skills as they’re representatives of the company. They shouldn’t be rude to clients that come into the building. A potential customer can be turned off by a bad attitude of a security guard. They should know that ‘the customer is always right’ and be trained on how to treat clients when they enter the building. For example, if a customer is impolite to them they should be trained on how to keep calm.
Vigilant
They need to be alert when dealing with people coming in and out of the building at all times even if there are other security measures in place. For example, if there’s a man trap in a building, a security guard still needs to pay attention to people entering or exiting a building.
Taking naps
Security guards shouldn’t sleep on duty. If they are working the graveyard shift, they shouldn’t spend those hours sleeping. There should be a disciplinary hearing for them if they do because they’re paid to be the eyes and ears of the company. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times. In order to stay awake, they must keep themselves hydrated and have snacks. They should also be given activities to do that can keep them productive. For example, if they work in a chemical plant they could do safety inspections on forklifts and trucks to keep them actively engaged.
Flashlights
A security guard should have a flashlight at all times especially at night if they’re on patrol duty. If it’s too dark they might not see an intruder breaking into the building. Or they might not catch other details such as the registration number of the perpetrator’s vehicle. These are all important factors to consider when giving evidence to the police. Every piece of information can help solve a case.
A flashlight can also be used as a means to protect themselves from an intruder. Some security guards aren’t allowed to carry guns and need alternative weapons to protect themselves. Security guards should have high-quality flashlights that have bright lights and are long-lasting.
Gloves
Security guards should also have protective gloves. They should carry heavy duty gloves for the cold winter months since they’ll spend most of their time outside surveying an area. And they should also have latex gloves nearby for any emergency. If they have to deliver first aid they’ll need to protect themselves and the person injured by wearing them.
Fitness
A security guard must be highly trained and fit. They shouldn’t be hired if they don’t meet certain health requirements. If they’re unfit, they may not be able to chase after a thief who has stolen goods from the office building. They may also have to jump over walls and run speedily in order to catch a perpetrator.
And if they have poor eyesight they may not be able to see far ahead. A security guard who has to squint their way through the job will be a liability.
Background check
A background check should be done on a potential security guard to check if he has any criminal history. If he does, he may create havoc and steal from the company. And the references he gives should be checked out, in order to ensure that he hasn’t committed fraud or stolen from previous employers before.
Self-defence
A security guard should also go for self-defence classes. He needs to protect himself and those around him. Knowing these techniques could be the difference between life and death.
One more thing
Make sure you have an alarm system in the building. You may have a security guard but you still need to protect your building through other means. An alarm system will catch the perpetrator off guard and keep you safe.
Some alarm systems also detect fire in the building and will give you an early warning.
A security guard should always be vigilant in their job and they’ll do so if they’re equipped with the right equipment and training.