Electronic access control systems are increasingly being used to enhance safety and security in hospitals and residential care homes. Access control systems are needed to restrict access through certain doors (to areas containing dangerous equipment or chemicals for instance) to only to those people with the necessary authority. However, in many cases there is also a need to obtain access through these doors while escorting patients in wheelchairs or beds or when carrying sterile equipment, etc. Here, hands-free access control is the ideal solution.
Each authorised member of staff is issued with a long-range (UHF) electronic ID badge that they carry on a lanyard or clip. This will allow them access to secured areas within the premises without the need to use their hands to present the card to a reader, allowing them to push trolleys or wheelchairs, to carry equipment or simply to avoid contamination.
This is made possible by using a Nedap Upass Access reader at each secured door together with an appropriate electronic locking device or door opener depending upon the type of door and the specific requirement. Each authorised member of staff can be issued with an electronic ID badge that can be detected at distances of up to 2 metres.
