Industrial facilities contain valuable assets and sensitive areas that require protection. One of the reasons is why many companies employ onsite security guards to monitor their premises and prevent unauthorized access. You might already know that Bangladesh’s economic industrial zone is on the rise. But what about security? The causes that take place to set up

Industrial security guards are professionals trained in access control, surveillance, emergency response, and reporting. Their primary role is to protect a company’s physical property, equipment, inventory, employees, and information.

There are several key reasons why manufacturers, warehouses, utilities, and other industrial operations invest in security personnel:

  • Prevent theft and vandalism – Security guards simply deter potential thieves and vandals by their visible presence around the facility. They make it harder for criminals to steal inventory, equipment, or other assets.
  •  Protect sensitive areas – Facilities contain critical infrastructure like data centers, control rooms, R&D labs, and hazardous material storage. Security guards restrict access to authorized personnel only.
  •  Enforce safety protocols – Guards ensure employees, contractors, and visitors adhere to company safety policies and procedures. Thus helping avoid workplace injuries or accidents.
  •  Respond to emergencies – Guards are trained in emergency response and can take action if an incident occurs, like a fire, chemical spill, or medical emergency.

Prevent Theft and Vandalism

Security guards can deter potential thieves and vandals from targeting your facility. Unlike unmonitored alarm systems or cameras, security guards provide an active human presence capable of preventing crimes before they occur.

Trained guards use access control, suspicious activity monitoring, regular patrols, and visible deterrence to keep criminals away. They can also stop crimes in progress and apprehend perpetrators until police arrive if needed. The current report shows facilities with professional security result in lower theft rates, vandalism, trespassing, and related crimes than similar unguarded properties.

The visible presence of guards discourages thieves who prefer easy, undefended targets. Knowing they are being watched, potential criminals will avoid properties with active security. Guards also serve as authority figures onsite, letting trespassers and vandals know their actions will have consequences. That helps avoid damage and loss of inventory, equipment, company data, or other assets.

Protect Sensitive Areas

Industrial security guards play a vital role in restricting access to sensitive areas of a facility. That includes critical infrastructure like server rooms, electrical rooms, and telecom closets that house the technology and utilities that keep operations running. Only authorized personnel should have access to these areas.

Security guards can patrol inventory rooms, R&D labs, production floors, and other restricted areas that contain proprietary information, valuable assets, or hazardous materials. Monitoring these zones and verifying identification ensure that only the right people can enter. That prevents the theft of confidential data, trade secrets, inventory, and equipment.

With constant vigilance in sensitive zones, security guards act as an extra layer of protection beyond locks and badges. Their presence deters terrible actors from attempting to sneak in or steal something they shouldn’t have access to. And by challenging anyone who doesn’t belong, the guard immediately alerts the facility to a potential intruder or policy violation.

Around-the-clock monitoring of sensitive areas enables companies to operate securely and avoid costly breaches or losses. Industrial security teams understand what areas require restricted access and prioritize safeguarding these zones.

Enforce Safety Protocols

Industrial facilities contain many potential hazards, including dangerous machinery, flammable materials, and toxic chemicals. A diligent security guard helps maintain a safe work environment by ensuring all employees and visitors adhere to safety protocols.

Some of the critical responsibilities of an industrial security guard regarding safety enforcement include:

  • Ensuring workers wear proper protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, and protective gloves or clothing. The guard should always verify PPE is worn correctly in designated areas.
  •  Making sure employees follow all safety policies and procedures. That includes operating heavy machinery with proper training, following lockout/tagout procedures, avoiding shortcuts that bypass safety measures, and using tools or equipment properly.
  •  They stop any unsafe behavior observed and report it to supervisors. Workers may need retraining on safety practices. Disciplinary action may be required for willful violations.
  •  They identify hazards like slick floors, unguarded machinery, frayed electrical wires, or leaking chemicals. The guard must immediately report hazards to address them before an injury occurs.
  •  They are monitoring for signs of impairment from alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. Impaired employees are more likely to be unsafe. They may need to be removed from the workplace.
  •  In an emergency like a fire, chemical spill, or accident, the guard directs people to evacuate or shelter in place per emergency protocols. Their actions can save lives.

By taking an active role in enforcing safety policies, industrial security guards help create a culture of safety. Their vigilance significantly reduces risks and prevents avoidable workplace injuries or deaths. A safe work environment is a fundamental priority for any manufacturing or industrial facility.

Respond to Emergencies

Industrial security guards are trained to respond swiftly and correctly in crises. When an emergency occurs at a facility, the security team acts as first responders to contain the incident and mitigate risks until emergency services arrive.

Some of the emergencies that industrial security guards are prepared to handle include:

  • Medical emergencies – Security guards are trained in first aid and CPR. They can provide immediate assistance to someone who is injured or falls ill while on site.
  •  Fire emergencies – If a fire breaks out, security will spring into action to evacuate the area and alert the fire department. They may attempt to extinguish small fires if it’s safe.
  •  Hazardous chemical spills – Security guards know how to identify hazardous chemicals and follow safety protocols for containing spills. They will clear the affected area and notify hazmat teams.
  •  Bomb threats – Guards will swiftly implement bomb threat procedures, which include evacuating personnel and searching for suspicious objects.
  •  Severe weather events – In storms, tornadoes, or floods, security will guide people to shelter and liaise with emergency services.

An onsite security team that can respond instantly and appropriately during an emergency can save lives and prevent injuries. Their quick thinking helps minimize disruption and damage, too. Security staff are accustomed to working under pressure and acting decisively when an emergency strikes.

Screen Visitors

Security guards are often responsible for screening visitors at entry points to ensure that only authorized individuals can access restricted areas. That is an important role that helps maintain safety and security.

Industrial facilities contain sensitive information, valuable equipment, hazardous materials, and other elements that require limited access. Having professional security personnel manage visitor procedures is essential.

Guards will greet visitors at entrances and request identification and the purpose of the visit. They diligently verify credentials to validate identity and authorization to enter. Guards may issue access badges or keys for frequent visitors to expedite entry after initial screening.

Security staff maintain logs of all visitors, including names, entry/exit times, and areas accessed. Logs provide an audit trail in case of an incident. Guards confirm visitors have authorization before allowing entry to certain zones.

Thoroughly screening visitors minimizes the risks of unauthorized individuals accessing restricted areas. It also promotes adherence to safety rules and procedures. Facilities can better control access and movement with diligent security personnel monitoring entrances.

Professional guards have strong communication skills to maintain positive visitor relations while firmly enforcing access policies. Their presence provides additional visibility and security to greet incoming guests. With consistent screening at entry points, companies can operate securely, knowing onsite risks are reduced.

Monitor Surveillance Systems

Specialized security guards monitor video surveillance systems to identify suspicious individuals or activities. They keep a close eye on live camera feeds and review recorded footage. Their duties include:

  • It continuously monitors surveillance monitors and is alert to any unauthorized access or concerning behaviors. That could involve attempted burglary, vandalism, trespassing, safety violations, etc.
  •  They carefully study live and recorded video footage from cameras stationed throughout the premises, scanning for red flags or causes for concern. Their trained eyes pick up on subtle clues.
  •  It was zooming in on suspicious activity and scrutinizing the situation more closely to determine if it warrants intervention. For example, someone forces entry through a locked door or gate after hours.
  •  I am noting essential details such as timestamps, locations, descriptions of individuals, vehicles, etc., to document any questionable events properly.
  •  Sound alarms or contact authorities through the video feeds if they witness a crime in progress. Time is of the essence.
  •  We produce surveillance recordings to aid internal investigations or provide evidence to law enforcement.

The key responsibility is being extraordinarily observant and proactive to detect potential threats early. Their round-the-clock monitoring acts as an extra layer of protection.

Conduct Patrols

Industrial security guards regularly patrol the facility to monitor any suspicious activity, safety issues, or policy violations. Patrols deter criminal behavior, as potential thieves and trespassers will be discouraged knowing security is actively monitoring the premises.

Guards will walk or drive around the interior and exterior of the buildings and perimeter fencing, varying their patrol patterns to keep potential intruders guessing. They inspect locks, gates, lighting, and other security measures to ensure they function correctly and no breaches have occurred. The guard may also patrol through work areas, warehouses, loading docks, and other sensitive areas.

During patrols, guards are vigilant in observing people, vehicles, and materials leaving the facility to prevent theft. They may also greet employees and look for any signs of unsafe behavior, such as improper equipment use. Any issues noted during the patrol are quickly addressed or reported to management.

Regular guard patrols provide far greater coverage than static security cameras or alarm systems. The visible presence of uniformed guards conducting frequent tours demonstrates the site is actively protected and monitored. Patrols also enable guards to gain familiarity with the site’s physical layout and typical activities, making it easier to spot suspicious behavior. Conducting regular patrols is one of the most effective ways industrial security guards deter, detect, and prevent criminal activity on the premises.

Write Detailed Reports

Industrial security guards are responsible for documenting incidents or unusual occurrences during patrols and shifts. That serves a few important purposes:

  • Thoroughly documenting incidents provides an accurate record of what transpired. That is crucial for legal reasons should matters ever go to court. Detailed reports help lawyers, police, and insurance companies understand a situation based on the guard’s perspective.
  •  Meticulous record-keeping also aids with insurance claims. If an incident leads to an insurance claim, comprehensive documentation will support the claim and expedite the process. Guards need to record all pertinent details while they are still fresh.
  •  Reports allow the security company to analyze patterns and frequency of incidents. That helps them make appropriate changes to policies and procedures when needed. Data-driven insights assist them in proactive risk management.
  •  Notes from each shift enable smooth handovers to the next guard coming on duty. They’ll be entirely up to speed on events that transpired earlier.
  •  Maintaining proper logs and records also meets legal requirements for companies in high-risk industries. Some sites must keep documentation available in case of inspections.

The best security guards are vigilant about thoroughly documenting their observations, no matter how routine a shift may seem. You never know what seemingly minor detail could prove helpful later. Comprehensive report writing is a critical part of the job.

Conclusion

Hiring professional industrial security guards provides immense value for companies in manufacturing, warehousing, and other industrial settings. As summarized in this article, some of the key benefits include:

  • It prevents theft, vandalism, trespassing, and other crimes on the premises. Security guards act as an effective deterrent and can catch perpetrators. That protects inventory, equipment, data, and other valuable assets.
  •  They are securing sensitive areas like R&D labs, computer servers, hazardous materials, etc. Guards restrict access to authorized personnel only. That maintains confidentiality and safety.
  •  They are enforcing protocols that keep employees and visitors safe. Guards ensure proper procedures are followed regarding machine operation, hazardous chemicals, emergency exits, and so on.
  •  They have personnel trained to respond to emergencies like accidents, fires, natural disasters, and medical crises. Guards alert first responders and contain the situation. They guide proper emergency action.
  •  They are screening all visitors to verify the identity and purpose of their visit. Guards prevent unauthorized entry to the facility. That provides oversight of who comes and goes.
  •  They are monitoring surveillance camera footage and alarm systems. Guards can detect security breaches and dispatch help immediately. Real-time observation deters criminal activity.
  •  We are conducting regular patrols of the premises during every shift. Guards check for safety hazards, maintenance issues, and unlawful activity. Consistent monitoring promotes security.
  •  We are documenting daily activities comprehensively in reports. These provide a record of incidents to improve protocols and support any investigations or liability claims.

Hiring professional, trained industrial security guards provides constant oversight and protection. For manufacturing and industrial companies, guards are a prudent investment that prevents far costlier damages from theft, accidents, and emergencies. Protecting premises, inventory, equipment, data, and people with skilled security personnel delivers immense benefits.