Running a business involves producing a considerable amount of documents. Some are important, others less so. However, it's worth keeping your paperwork in order because you'll be calmer and less stressed in the event of a tax inspection. Invoices, letters, classified documents and employee data should be kept in a safe place. The best solution is an armoured filing cabinet.
When buying an armoured filing cabinet, pay attention to its security class
If you have many classified and secret documents in your company, you should invest in a solid armoured filing cabinet. Do not buy ordinary metal cabinets, as they will not protect you from burglary. Choose a certified safe that has a specific burglary resistance class.
By buying an armoured filing cabinet that meets legal standards, you will be sure that your data is safe. RODO regulations require you to protect your employees' data. If you breach the Data Protection Regulation and accidentally share your employees' information, you could face criminal prosecution.
Allowing personal data to be stolen can result in financial penalties of up to several million PLN. Buy a certified safe and do not worry that someone can steal information about the people working for your company.
What else can you store in an armoured filing cabinet?
An armoured filing cabinet is a versatile safe that can be used in many ways. Purchase a larger model and you will be able to store, among other things:
● cash,
● computers and laptops,
● telephones,
● weapons,
● other valuables.
If you also want to store other valuables in an armoured filing cabinet, you need to select the appropriate burglary resistance class. The higher the security class, the more valuables you can store in the safe.
For example, you can store property worth around 600,000 zł in a 1st class armoured cupboard. The limits of the protected value are not fixed. They depend on the average gross salary. If you are robbed and the safe is of too low a class, you will have problems receiving compensation.
Choose the right lock for your armoured filing cabinet
An armoured filing cabinet is essential for storing sensitive data safely. However, before you buy it, you should choose a functional and convenient lock. Despite appearances, the choice of the type of lock is a very important issue.
You can order the following locking types for your armoured filing cabinet:
● a traditional key lock,
● a mechanical combination lock with a rotary knob,
● an electronic lock with a numerical keypad.
Locks for an armoured filing cabinet have their advantages and disadvantages. Locking the safe with a key is convenient, but if the key is lost or damaged you will have trouble opening it. If more people are to have access to the safe, it is better to choose another security device.
With a mechanical lock with a knob, you don't need to use a key. All you have to do is memorise the code. This is a very good and reliable security measure, but it takes practice and precision to twist the cipher on the dial. In addition, visually impaired people may find it difficult to read the numbers on the dial. If you have problems with hand trembling, it will be impossible to twist the cipher precisely.
An electronic lock with a numeric keypad is convenient, but you need to remember to have spare batteries in case of power failure. The code on the keypad is quick to enter, but be careful, because unauthorised people can easily see and remember the code.
Protect your documents against fire – purchase a fireproof filing cabinet
Documents are characterised by the fact that they are flammable. As well as having a safety certificate and a good locking system, an armoured filing cabinet should also be fireproof. Fire resistance standards stipulate up to 120 minutes protection against fire.
The lowest fire resistance class applies to a small fire and protects the contents of the safe for 30 minutes. This is enough time for the fire brigade to bring the fire under control. Protect your belongings in an armoured safe and check that it has been manufactured in accordance with international standards before you buy it. The resistance class is defined by two European standards:
● EN 15659,
● EN 1047 - 1.
Regardless of which armoured filing cabinet you decide on, you should know that it is the only solution for effectively protecting your company's data. The issue of secure document storage cannot be underestimated, so choose a safe with certified security features.
We also recommend to read: Safe in the office – which one to choose?
