Key and Key Control• A key is a device which is used to open a lock. A typical key consist of two parts:

• The blade, which slides into the keyhole to unlock the door

•The bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user to open the door.

•The blade is usually designed to open one specific lock, although master keys are designed to open sets of similar locks.

TYPES OF KEYS

• Emergency Key

• Master Key

• Guest Key

• Supply Key

Emergency Key/E-Key• The emergency key opens all guestroom doors, even when they are double locked. It can be used, for example, to enter a room when the guest needs help and is unable to reach or open the door. • The emergency key should be highly protected and its use strictly controlled and recorded; it should never leave the property. • One procedure for emergency keys is to have them locked in hotel safe, a safe deposit box or a metal cabinet and signed out by the individual needing one.• The log should be dated and signed by the individual taking the key.• The keys should not be used on day-to-day basis.

Master Key• A master key is designed to open a set of several locks. These keys open all guestroom that are not double-locked. • These locks also have keys which are specific to each one (the change key) and cannot open any of the others in the set. • Locks which have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used to open them which is identical to all of the others in the set of locks. • For example, master keyed pin tumbler locks will have two shear points at each pin position, one for the change key and one for the master key. • A far more secure (and more expensive) system has two cylinders in each lock, one for the change key and one for the master key.

• Larger organizations, with more complex "grandmaster key" systems, may have several master key systems where the top level grandmaster key works in all of the locks in the system.• A master key opens all guestrooms that are not double locked. Depending upon the need, the master key may be further established as a housekeeping staff master key, a floor supervisor master key, and a grand master key for management purpose.

1. Grand Master Key

Key operates all locks in the Hotel. Including

laundry and linen rooms.

2. Floor Supervisors Master Key

Key operates all sections on the floor/ floors

supervised by the particular supervisor.

3. Housekeeping Staff Master Key

Key operates all rooms serviced by particular

room maid or housekeeping staff.

Guest Key

• The hotel guest room key is normally issued to open only one room for which it was intended, viz. individualised key for each lock.

• If the guest room lock is in shut-out mode the guest room key can neither open it nor lock from outside of the room.

KEY-CARDS

• Metal room keys are being replaced by electronically coded key-cards.

• A key card, while not actually considered a key, is a plastic card which stores a digital signature that is used with electronic access control locks.

• It is normally a flat, rectangular piece of plastic and may also serve as an ID card.

Key Card

• There are several popular type of key cards in use and include the mechanical hole card, bar code card, magnetic stripe card, smart card (embedded with a read / write electronic microchip), and RFID proximity cards.

• The key card is used by presenting it to a card reader; swiping or inserting of magnetic stripe cards, merely being brought into close proximity to a sensor.

• Key-cards have the capability of being randomly coded at the point of registration, which re-emphasizes the guest perception of room security. Key-card control is computer-based and therefore creates the necessary audit trail automatically.

• Master keys can be changed in a matter of a few keystrokes and lost key-cards are easily removed from the system.

• One of the best security features is the ability of the computer to investigate each door lock and get a printout of everyone who accessed a particular room. This dramatically cuts down on theft from the rooms by hotel employees.

• The security advantage of the key-cards has made it popular and many medium and large sized hotels are adopting this key-card system.

Security

• Above keys will not open the lock when the Guest has Double Locked it from inside.

• From a security point of view, master keying is undesirable; but from a practical point of view, however it is necessary.

• Master keying presents two security drawbacks:• First is the danger that if a master key is lost or

stolen, several locks in the system would be compromised, thus providing access to all those locks.

• Second is the loss of master key.

Key Control

• A system of key control is essential to the security of a lodging property.

• It is the process of reducing theft and other security-related incidents by carefully monitoring and tracking the use of keys

• All keys whether metal or electronic should be adequately controlled. The security of a key lock system is seriously weakened when keys are issued to a great number of people or to anyone who has no legitimate need for a key.

• The best lock in the world may be unable to protect a property or its guests if poor key control allows a criminal to obtain a key to that lock.

If there is no key card lock system, the following policies should be considered:A) CODING : Precautions to be taken• Room keys must not have any form of tag that identifies the hotel.• Keys must not have the number on them. They must be identified by a numeric or alphabetic code. The code should not be identical to the building or the room number.B) Issuing KeysOnly authorised person should be allowed to access the keys and a high level of security should be maintained.

ADVANTAGES

• It ensures complete security as no room number is printed on card

• At the time of issue more than one keycard can be given to the guest if there is a double occupancy in the room

• It is possible to trace the receptionist who issues the keys from the print out at the end of the day (to avoid unnecessary or extra duplication which may call for security problems)

• An alarm is set on when a wrong key card is used thereby alerting security.

• It helps the guest to avail other credit facilities form the various outlets of the hotel. It also helps in conserving electricity in the guest room

Handling Guestroom Keys

• These key have the minimum access, unlocking just one room.

• When keys are given to guest the room number must not be spoken aloud.

• The guest should be explained about his security maintained through coding system.

• During the checkout, the guest should be asked for their room keys.

Handling Master & Sub-Master Keys

• All the floor master keys, room master keys, grand master keys should be signed out each time they are taken and their return noted in a key control sheet

• All the keys should be stamped “Do Not Duplicate”

• Emergency Keys should be kept in a safety box.

Custody of keys

• Employees should not be allowed to loan the keys assigned to them to one another.

• Employees should handover keys whenever they leave the property, even for the meal breaks.

• Individuals who have been master keys should be checked from time to time.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN KEY CONTROL SYSTEM

• Security of keys is essential from the moment they arrive on site. Keys should be stored separately and securely.

• No unauthorised person should be allowed access to any key, either to examine or handle it, since a photograph or impression can be taken in few seconds and duplicate subsequently made.

• Keep a log book of all keys signed out.• Establish protocol for distribution of keys.• Use keys that do not identify the property’s

name, address, logo, or room number.

• Perform an annual key audit.• When keys are lost or stolen, the locks

should be changed or rotated to another part of the property.

• Authorised employees should remind guests to return keys at check-out.

• The loss or suspected compromise of a key should be reported immediately and, after due investigation, a decision be made as to whether or not the lock should be changed.

• Place well-secured key return boxes in the lobby, at exit points of the property, and in courtesy vehicles.

KEY WORDS

• Key Card : A plastic card which stores digital signature that is used to control locks.

• Emergency Key : The key used to open all guestrooms, even when they are double locked.

• Grand Master Key : Key that opens all locks in a hotel (including laundry and linen rooms).

• Master Key : A key which is designed to open a set of locks.