Assa steps up security at Chaucer College

11 Jul 10

Assa was the first port of call for local architectural ironmonger John Planck Ltd when the time came to step up security at Chaucer College after a breach threatened to compromise student safety.

By Brian Sims

Home to over 100 young students, Chaucer College in Canterbury is a residential campus that was built in partnership with Shumei University, Tokyo.

Opened in 1992, the college provides higher education courses for Japanese students, all of whom are studying English as part of a one-year placement.

With its existing master key system’s patent out of date, the college was made aware by John Planck Ltd that protection against unauthorised key duplication had expired, and so its management team began a review of security measures to protect the live-in students.

Paul Martin, network and systems manager at Chaucer College, explained to SMT Online: “Parents entrust us with their children over a one-year period, so it’s vital that we provide 24/7 on-campus security and ensure our students are safe at all times. High user traffic also means that we need a security solution that will stand the test of time, which is why we turned to John Planck Ltd who put forward the Assa products.”

Enhanced security in the student dorms

The college approved Assa products to upgrade its master key system and enhance security, particularly in the student dormitories.

Products from the Assa 4800 mechanical cylinder range – including the 4801, the 4802 and the 4827 – were integrated into the college’s master key system to step up security levels across the campus.

Irrespective of cylinder shape, products in the Assa 4800 range offer significant pick resistance, and are supplied with patented keys for protection against unauthorised duplication.

To complement the newly-integrated access control system, Assa electric strikes – the ASSA 14E, 514E and 75 – were fitted to heighten security to the students’ accommodation blocks.

Suitable for high traffic applications, such as schools and colleges, the electric strikes reduce the need for regular maintenance. For added peace of mind, the 75 strike has been tested for 1.5 million operations, while the 14E and 514E have been tested to one million operations.

Electric strikes were combined with an Assa modular lock case to easily alter the doors’ existing functionality. Replacing a sash lock case, the Assa 8761 emergency night latch used at Chaucer College ensures that doors re-lock automatically when closed, while also providing students with an unrestricted exit in an emergency.

Quality and durability of paramount importance

Martin continued: “Assa has a strong reputation, particularly within the education sector, and we have been very impressed by the quality and durability of the products selected. Having now used Assa products on a number of occasions, we would have no reservations in recommending them to schools and colleges seeking a cost-effective way to upgrade their security levels.”

Serena Husain, specification development manager with Assa Abloy Door Solutions, added: “We’re pleased to have been able to work with the college to enhance security and provide a long-lasting, practical solution. In particular, upgrading the college’s master key system means that security isn’t compromised if a student or a member of staff loses their key.”

Husain concluded: “With over 60 years’ experience in working with schools, colleges and universities nationwide, we understand the challenging security issues faced by these establishments, and have been able to develop a range of products which meet and exceed expectations.”

Assa-branded products, including those applied at Chaucer College, can be accessed through the UK operating company Assa Abloy Door Solutions.

For further information on these and other Assa products contact Assa Abloy Door Solutions on (telephone) 020 8688 5191 or visit the website (a link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)