Safe and Secure: Two similar but different concepts. Both terms, “safe” and “secure,” seem closely related, but in practice, there are significant differences and even contradictions. Let’s explore these terms to understand how they differ and how to bridge any contradictions.
When we examine the terms “safe” and “secure,” both safety and security aim to prevent harm or injury. However, safety protects against accidental or spontaneously occurring harm, while security safeguards against intentional human actions designed to cause damage or harm. In the case of security, there is an attacker who devises a plan to cause harm and may attempt to bypass security measures. This threat typically comes from outside, while safety mainly concerns internal risks. Moreover, it is generally true that safety primarily focuses on protecting people, while security often emphasizes material assets.
The same measures for safety and security
To achieve the desired level of safety and security, you must implement both technical and organizational measures. Sometimes, these measures are the same. For example, access control to a room containing hazardous materials prevents unauthorized individuals from entering. From a safety perspective, this prevents untrained individuals from unintentionally causing accidents with hazardous materials. From a security perspective, it prevents individuals with malicious intent from entering and deliberately using those materials to cause harm. Another example involves evacuation measures, often associated with fire or hazardous material accidents (safety risks), but they also prove useful during security incidents, such as aggression or bomb threats. Finally, camera systems can detect unauthorized persons with malicious intent (security), but they can also verify a fire alarm (safety).
When safety and security work against each other
When organizations implement both safety and security measures, they must ensure these do not conflict. To minimize the risk of a terrorist attack by a shooter, organizations employ security measures that prevent the shooter from entering the building. Safety measures, on the other hand, are in place to safely evacuate the building if the shooter succeeds. These types of measures can also conflict. For example, access control measures at non-public area entrances prevent unauthorized access. However, in an emergency, these doors must immediately open to allow emergency responders inside. Emergency exit doors are another example. These are primarily known as safety measures, meant to allow people to escape during an emergency. These doors automatically open when needed. However, from a security perspective, open emergency exit doors pose a risk. They can let in unwanted visitors or provide an escape route for criminals attempting to flee with stolen goods.
Laws and regulations
Regarding safety—especially emergency exits—there is extensive legislation. This is logical, as it concerns human lives. Emergency doors must be easy to open according to these rules, and access control systems must not obstruct evacuation routes or impede the act of fleeing. Performance requirements for this are outlined in the Building Code and NEN-EN 1125. But what if these safety regulations introduce a significant security risk? Fortunately, there are other options, including a limited time delay on emergency doors. According to NEN-EN 13637, this is permitted for high-risk buildings under specific conditions.
Example: Museums and emergency exits
“A good example of this is museums, where valuable goods are stored or displayed. For many museums, emergency exits are a serious risk. Art thieves can take advantage of them,” explains Erik Poulussen, a specialist in museum security. “In such situations, we sometimes apply time delays to emergency doors. This limited time delay is only permitted if security staff—after the emergency release of an exit door is activated—have the ability to immediately assess the situation. For instance, live camera footage can help them determine what’s happening. Is it a false alarm or a real emergency? After reviewing the footage, they can decide whether to open the door immediately or extend the delay. This extension is allowed only for a limited amount of time. We only implement time delays after careful consideration and thorough analysis of all realistic scenarios. You must be absolutely certain the doors will open when necessary. You also need to ensure that the doors open if the systems or security personnel themselves fail (fail-safe). Additionally, it’s mandatory to involve the local safety authorities and obtain their approval for any solutions that deviate from the Building Code, including in these situations. Technically, there are good options available to inform people standing by the emergency door. For example, a display can show that the emergency release has been correctly activated but that a delay is in effect. A countdown timer can also indicate the remaining delay time.”
Conclusion
In practice, designing safety and security measures is not just about complying with the relevant laws and regulations. You also need to carefully assess the impact of security measures on safety and vice versa. If you can successfully align both disciplines, safety and security measures will not work against each other but rather complement one another.
More information?
Mactwin has extensive experience in these types of situations. We are familiar with the possibilities and limitations, as well as the regulations. We also speak the language of the involved authorities. Feel free to contact us!