Security guard work is laden with dangers and full of inherent risk. They provide a noble service by protecting both public and private activities, but who protects them? The security company insurance professionals at El Dorado make it their duty to provide comprehensive protection for security guards.
Security guard insurance is a great way to protect the interests of any security guard or company, but security guards also need personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear to safeguard themselves. Last month, we highlighted 5 things that every security guard should have on their belt. Continuing our series of the Top 5 Security Guard Essentials, here are 5 types of Critical Safety Gear that every security guard should have:
Uniform
It may seem pretty obvious, but a uniform is a security guard’s first layer of protection. Not only do uniforms set security guards apart from the general public, they convey authority. A security guard’s uniform is the first visible deterrent to any potential threat. The presence of a uniform ought to make perpetrators think twice about committing an offense.
What are the key components of a good, protective uniform? The uniform should be durable, functional, clean, professional, and protect the wearer from head to toe. This doesn’t mean that you should be swaddled head to toe in kevlar, but rather that your uniform should be highly visible and provide basic bodily protection. An ideal uniform is:
- Long Sleeved Shirt
- Thick Pants with Multiple Pockets
- Insignia, Badge, or Logo for Identification
- Utility Belt
- Solid Footwear
Boots
Having a good pair of boots is critical for any sort of security guard work. Whether you’re walking about on patrol, chasing after a perpetrator, or standing guard at a post, most security guards spend many hours on their feet. You’ll need boots that are comfortable, have good traction, and can be used in any weather conditions. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of boots!
Weapon
Not all security work calls for a gun, but almost every job requires security guards to have a weapon. Note that our list of essential gear that security guards should carry on their belts doesn’t include a gun. It doesn’t matter if you use, a baton, pepper spray, or a taser; what matters is having the right training and aptitude for using a weapon appropriately and effectively in any situation. The right weapon serves as both a means of deterring violence and a tool for resolving armed conflict. Using deadly force should always be a last resort.
Portable Communication Device
Radios, walkie-talkies, smartphones, and tablets: whatever portable device you use, a good means of communication is essential for all security guards. The goal is to communicate efficiently and effectively under any circumstance. Whether you’re just checking in with an update or you have to immediately report a life or death situation, a security guard must have the equipment necessary to communicate instantaneously at all times.
First Aid
Keeping a first aid kit, and knowing how to use it, could save lives. You never know when you might be faced with a life or death emergency. Security guards should know how to handle any sort of emergency situation, so it’s recommended that security guards take first aid training and have a first aid kit on hand. First aid kits are readily available online and in-store. Some security guard companies provide free first aid/CPR training for their employees, but anybody can become certified. You can take a class with the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, or you can get certified online through a number of websites: American Academy of CPR and First Aid, ProFirstAid, eCPRCertification.com, and more.
Want more tips and advice for Security Guards?
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