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Locks are effective if you keep track of the keys.
- Keep a record of all locks and keys with the location of each lock or piece of equipment, the total number of keys that exist for it and the names of the people who have a copy of each key.
- Require employees to sign for keys, and inventory all keys periodically to account for every one.
- Keep key control records and spare keys locked in a safe or other secure location. Only the “key control manager” should issue and have access to key control records and spare keys.
- Issue keys to employees only as needed, and verify that each key is returned precisely when it should be. Keys to equipment should be returned at the end of each workday to the person in charge of key control.
- Do not issue keys merely for the convenience of employees OR employers. Locks are used to protect your assets. Keep keys to critical assets on-site at all times.
- DO NOT HIDE KEYS! Intruders know to look under rocks, over doors and beneath doormats.
- Avoid or limit the use of master keys. Never take them off-site. The loss of a master key requires the re-keying of all locks in the system in order to restore security. Even temporary misplacement is a concern because there is no way to know for sure who might have access to the key while it was missing, or if it has been duplicated.
- Never leave keys in unattended vehicles or equipment.
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