As one of the best ways to keep possessions secure, key cabinets are the ideal way to protect your business premises. They provide a very simple method of staying organised and ensuring that keys remain in one place, thereby reducing the risk of any getting lost.
But with so many different sizes and shapes out there, how can you know which key cabinet is right for your business? Read on to find out.
What exactly are key cabinets and how do they work?
Key cabinets are secure boxes designed to store multiple keys, and usually constructed from metal. Commercial key storage cabinets feature a locking mechanism using a key or combination lock and most are designed to be wall-mounted.
Keys are stored on their own hook, which is often colour-coded and numbered.
Who uses key cabinets?
Key cabinets are used pretty much anywhere, from showrooms to schools, hotels to hospitals and pubs to police stations.
It doesn’t matter if yours is a small business or a larger company with several work sites, every business that uses keys within its workplace could benefit from a key cabinet.
Factors to consider
Size
This is the main factor to consider when purchasing a key cabinet. It’s no use choosing a small key cabinet that can house 20 keys if your premises uses over 50, for example. The type of keys you will be storing will also determine how large your cabinet is. For example, car keys for a fleet of vehicles may require a larger cabinet than smaller keys for your interior doors.
The good news is that key cabinets are available in a range of sizes capable of storing between 20 and 300 keys.
The locking mechanism
Key cabinets with a built-in locking mechanism are very useful in workplaces where only a handful of people require access to them. This greatly reduces the risk of misuse by unauthorised employees. There are several locking mechanisms to choose from including:
Electronic locking –designed for super-safe and easy storage of keys, most electronic locking cabinets include an electronic keypad, an LED display, strong steel construction and a thick, handle-free door. With the ability to change your code instantly, the electronic lock lends itself well to places of work with a high turnover of staff or changes in levels of authority.
Key locking – a more traditional approach, these types of cabinets are fitted with a cam-type lock and supplied with two keys. They are very robust and will likely last a lifetime within your premises if well looked after. Quality key locks can also be more reliable than some of the cheaper key locks at the lower end of the market.
Organisation
Some key cabinets are only fitted with hooks inside to hang your different keys on. Although this is very effective, it’s a simple way of storing keys and doesn’t provide a very organised space.
Some cabinets, on the other hand, come supplied with colour-coded hook bars, tabs and rings, and control indexes which make labelling, storing and finding keys much easier. Some include fixing bolts and instructions to make installation and wall-mounting as quick as possible.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk
