24/7 gyms need to consider security

While gyms often operate on tight business models where cost is a key consideration for installing security, owners and managers of gyms are encouraged to invest in the best system the business can afford. 

Andrew McCabe, ADT Security Commercials Sales Manager, explains “24/7 gyms not only have security considerations but also many safety considerations.  

“For instance, gyms have a responsibility to protect members who may be on the premises alone, and keep areas such as change rooms and carparks safe.  

“Gym managers should also consider the importance of protecting the gym equipment as the equipment is integral to the business – if it isn’t kept in good working order the business can suffer.

“Providing patrons with the highest level of security where both male and female members can feel safe on the premises alone after hours can also be a valuable selling point for a 24/7 gym.”

CCTV
ADT Security provide internal and external video surveillance cameras that can automatically trigger alerts based on motion detection.  

However, McCabe points out that “CCTV monitoring alone may not be sufficient to keep most premises safe and should be installed in conjunction with other security components.”

A positive of CCTV recordings, McCabe stresses is that they can help an investigation after an incident and may deter someone from behaving inappropriately or committing a crime because they know they are being filmed.  

Access control 
McCabe explains “providing patrons with a fob or swipe card can be an affordable way to control access to the premises after hours.  While high tech finger readers and facial recognition technology is available, fobs and swipe cards are a more affordable option.  

Access control also extends to parking facilities, where video cameras can record exactly when a person entered and exited the premises by taking a video snapshot. This information can be useful for tracking staff shifts and member access, for example. Access control technology can also be used to manage the locker system.

McCabe highlights that “importantly, access control technology can also be useful for tackling tailgating issues. It can detect if more than one person passes through the doors and trigger an alarm to alert management.” 

Emergency safety solutions
McCabe adds “if there’s no one in the gym and someone breaks into the premises, a security system’s PIR (passive infrared detector) will trigger the alarm thereby alerting the owner who or security provider.  

“However, if a patron is inside at the time of the break-in, a duress panic button can be installed that, when pressed, activates a live streaming camera that is synced to the alarm so the person who hit it can be viewed in real-time.   

“ADT Security can also provide an emergency device for alone workers or given to gym members who are alone in the premises, and to help protect areas where cameras are inappropriate, such as lockers and change rooms, duress buttons can also be installed.”

Wireless intuitive systems 
Many security systems today are wireless allowing them to be installed quickly and easily. 

McCabe concludes “ADT Security solutions that are integrated with a smartphone app and backed up with 24/7 monitoring and a team of trained security personnel.  

“The integrated app-based security solution gives gym operators greater control over their security, for instance the option to verify whether a security alert is a false alarm (and deactivate the system) or if they would like a patrol car to investigate.”

Click here to learn more about ADT Security’s integrated security and access control solutions via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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