LOCKSMITH & SECURITY ADVICE · REVIEWED 13 NOVEMBER 2026
Locks and access control for businesses
Plan who needs access, who can authorise changes and how everyone can leave safely.
Define the job and the decision-maker
For an urgent lockout or planned change, name the authorised site contact and agree a spending limit. Tell the locksmith about the existing system, lease or landlord requirements and any restricted keys.
- Use a key or access schedule showing which roles need which areas.
- Ask how lost keys or fobs and staff departures will be handled.
- Confirm compatibility, maintenance, spare parts and support arrangements.
- Agree estimated call-out cost before booking, the work estimate before starting and extras before approval.
Keep security and escape working together
Coordinate changes to escape doors and electronic locking with the person responsible for fire safety and the premises' risk assessment. Workplace emergency doors need to open easily; extra locking must not obstruct safe evacuation.
- Ask for a handover that demonstrates normal access, authorised emergency release and any power-failure behaviour.
- Check usability for people with mobility or other access needs.
- Limit access-log collection and permissions to the business's justified needs; do not assume door records are a complete record of who is on site.
Sources & review
Original directory guidance based on the sources below, checked13November2026. It is general information; confirm your own equipment, policy, access rights and circumstances.