SAEMA – Specialist Access Engineering and Maintenance Association – has a long history in delivering the best training and guidance in the temporary and permanent suspended access industry.
In keeping with our commitment to advancing safety through raising the standards in best practice, we keep in touch with all the latest developments – chiefly safety, worker welfare and the environment. We are pleased to share the following story from the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF)
The DHF has announced the launch of a new eight-page publication: Master Key System Data Protection’, a Best Practice Guide to CEN/TS 17814:2022.
The new technical specification relates to mechanical key systems only; requirements relating to the security of information of key-based and non-key based electronic cylinders are not covered. The data used to design, manufacture and maintain a Master Key System can be complex.
“TS 17814 has been issued by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and provides guidance relating to data that is used in the design and manufacture of new mechanical Master Key Systems and how best to keep that data safe and secure,” explains DHF’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “TS 17814 is a voluntary specification that interested parties may wish to implement. Some Master Key Systems are provided with the main focus being convenience rather than security and, as such, may not require the further levels of security provided by TS 17814. However, where security of master key system data is important, TS 17814 provides focus on the process involved to achieve this.”
The content for the best practice guide to CEN’s latest technical specification was compiled by Managing Director of Access2, and Vice-Chair of the DHF Building Hardware Group, Neil Rule, and is supported by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and Secured by Design (SBD).
“For the first time we have a document that specifically relates to Master Key Systems, and as the document has been produced by CEN, it provides an independent, unbiased view of the correct process required to supply a Master Key System securely,” says Neil Rule. “Not only does the specification cover the correct handling of the data involved, but also the correct handling of the Master Key System itself, from design right through to manufacture, supply, installation and, finally, the on-going maintenance.
“EN1303:2015 deals with the requirements and test methods for a Cylinder Lock. But the security of a Master Key System starts long before a cylinder is constructed, and long after a key is cut. CEN/TS 17814 provides an essential, additional layer of security to EN 1303:2015 and end user clients can be confident that the data and products used to construct, supply and maintain their unique Master Key System, meet the very highest levels available. It is entirely true to say that this publication acts as a ‘cradle-to-grave’ guide.”
Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, added: “Any standard or technical schedule which promotes increased security of data in relation to master keying is of great importance to the ironmongery industry. The GAI is delighted to support this new TS for Master Key System Data Protection in addition to the best practice guide which summarises its key elements.”
Alfie Hosker, Technical Manager from Secured By Design said: “This is an excellent document, providing a robust process in the secure handling of data and the actual life cycle process of the key system itself. This Best Practice Guide to TS 17814, can reduce the potential of a master key system being compromised.”
“The MLA is in support of TS 17814, and we are pleased this new best practice guide has been created to provide guidance on how to keep data used in the design and manufacture of new mechanical Master Key Systems safe and secure,” says Justin Freeman, Technical Manager of Master Locksmiths Association.
“Data and data security are becoming increasingly important and end user clients that are conscious of the security of their data may instruct suppliers to provide a Master Key System that is designed, manufactured, and supplied in accordance with TS 17814,” concludes Patricia. “Likewise, manufacturers and distributors – once given the nature and understanding of a project – may advise an end user client to consider the provision of a Master Key System supplied to the specification of TS 17814. We are delighted to be able to launch this best practice guide, a comprehensive guide for those seeking clarity in a complicated area.”