6 replies to this topic

[umabansal]

Hi,

Is it compulsory to keep the main entrance locked?

 

Thanks

Edited by umabansal, 22 January 2020 - 02:04 PM.

[Charles.C]

Hi,

Is it compulsory to keep the main entrance locked?

 

Thanks

 

From the Standard -

 

Areas where a significant risk is identified shall be defined, monitored and controlled

 

Access must be controllable.

[zanorias]

Hi,

Is it compulsory to keep the main entrance locked?

 

Thanks

 

It depends what your 'main entrance' is. 

 

The interpretation guide for 4.2.3 (clause cited above by Charles) states:

                             Authorised access

The basic requirement is that only authorised staff should have access to production and storage areas.

Levels of access for various areas at the site may differ between employees.

Restriction of access to areas where sensitive materials are stored (e.g. laboratories, maintenance areas or document storage areas) should also be in place. Where appropriate, areas should be locked when not in use.

To maintain site security, production and storage areas should have designated access points, which should be directly monitored or locked with, for example, keys issued to nominated personnel or key-code locks.

 

If you have, for example, a main gate entrance that leads to the site grounds where you have buildings for production, storage and offices etc, and these all have controlled access i.e. a coded entry system and doors kept closed when not in use, then the main gate entrance can be kept open during the day (or working hours).

The BRC auditor will not want to see the coded door to the production building kept propped open.

 

If that doesn't make sense maybe look at it this way: Is there currently anything to stop an 'unauthorised' person walking into your production or storage areas?

[umabansal]

Thanks Charles and Zanorias!

 

@Zanorias, entrance opens to  reception and our receptionist is always there to check and control unauthorized person's entry in the facility.

 

Thanks

[TimG]

Thanks Charles and Zanorias!

 

@Zanorias, entrance opens to  reception and our receptionist is always there to check and control unauthorized person's entry in the facility.

 

Thanks

 

If you could put a locked door entering into production from this reception area you should be golden. Otherwise, 2 open (uncontrolled) doors is still non-compliant.

For a previous facility I worked at (SQF but entrance/exit controls are pretty standard), there was an entrance into a small standing room only atrium where the sign in sheet/buzzer and a Doctor office style window were utilized. The best way something like that works is if your employees have a separate (also controlled) entrance/exit.

Another option would be an SOP and proper training with the receptionist that ANY time she leaves the area (restrooms, breaks, etc) she locks the main door. Personally I dislike options like that, because the day the auditor comes is going to be the day the receptionist stepped out for 2 minutes and the auditor could walk right into production through that reception area.

[umabansal]

Thanks TimG!

[Hoosiersmoker]

Our main entrance opens into a waiting area that has locked (keypad access) doors that lead to the rest of the building. The main entrance door is on a schedule that unlocks a magnetic lock to allow instant access during business hours. All other doors to the facility are self closing and self locking including employee access. As TimG said, if you add a lock to the inside door you should be fine.