CHAPTER 4, SECTION 2

Access and Key Control

Access Control Equipment

Hall mirrors Closed-circuit televisions Parking lot gates Exit doors and locks Fences Lighting Alarms

Contribute to Access Control Be aware of access control equipment

and report when it is out of order. Know who patrols the property. Know what doors should be kept locked

and report unlocked doors. Know what areas are off-limits to

employees. Allow people into areas only if they have

a right to be there.

Guest Area Key and Lock Types

Card with magnetic strips and electronic locks

Metal keys and mechanical locks

Who Uses Keys at a Property? Managers: Typically, managers handle

the keys to areas within their departments.

Who Uses Keys at a Property? Employees: Employees sometimes

handle property keys. For example, room attendants may use master keys to unlock guestroom doors in their assigned work areas. Guest service representative may give guestroom keys to registered guests and collect keys from guests when they check out.

Who Uses Keys at a Property? Guests: Guests have a room key that

unlocks the door to their room. Sometimes the guestroom key also opens doors to the swimming pool, fitness center, elevators, or certain building entrances.

Key and Lock Use Procedures Give room keys only to registered

guests. Ask to see identification before giving a

registered guest a room key. Have a supervisor or manager go with a

guest to his or her guestroom to get identification, if necessary

Key and Lock Use Procedures, continued

Put notices in guestrooms or check-in folders that explain how to use room locks and remind guest to lock their doors and windows.

Place locked key-return boxes in the lobby and in property’s limousines or courtesy vans.

Provide locked key boxes on room attendants’ carts.

Help Control Key Use and Keep the Property Safe

Show guests how to operate locks on their guestroom doors, windows, and connecting room doors.

Never let guests into a locked room. Send guests to front desk if they need a room key.

Return any found keys to the proper department, the front desk, a supervisor, or a manager.

Help Control Key Use and Keep the Property Safe, continued

Keep any property keys you use attached to a belt, wrist band, or neck chain.

Sign keys in and out according to property procedures.

Use keys only for their intended and approved purpose.

Guestroom Security Also Includes

Good lighting in hallways Key control procedures Guestroom telephone Telling guests about security at the

property

Guestroom Security Policies

Ask to see room keys before letting people into areas for guests’ use only (For example, pools, playgrounds, spas).

Give room keys only to guests registered to a room.

Do not give out guest or guestroom information to anyone.

Communicating Safety Equipment and Policies to Guests

Give guests security reminders when they check in.

Post security tips in guestrooms, on card key envelopes, on private television channels, in check-in folders, etc.

Post emergency procedures on the back of guestroom doors.

Communicating Safety Equipment and Policies to Guests, continued

Answer guests’ questions about the property’s guestroom security.

Require bell staff to explain in-room safety features when they escort guests to their room.

Section 4.2 Quiz

1. A regular check of a property’s building and grounds is called a _____.

2. A _____ key can be used to open any guestroom door that is not double-locked.

Section 4.2 Quiz

3. True/False: It is important for all lodging employees to know what guestroom security equipment is used at the property and be able to tell guests how to use that equipment.

4. True/False: The safest place for a guest to leave valuables is locked in a suitcase in his or her room.

Section 4.2 Quiz

5. True/False: Lodging employees can help control key use by keeping any property keys attached to a belt, wrist band, or neck chain at all times during their shift.