Despite the fact that ubiquitous digitisation motivates the storage of all documentation in digital form, businesses and individuals alike still keep many documents on paper. No wonder – it is definitely more comfortable for a person to read or review writings in tangible form. A monitor screen tires the eyes and is sometimes uncomfortable. Since most people prefer to keep business and private documents on paper, it is worthwhile to ensure that the documents are properly secured. In this article, you will learn how to store personal files, classified documents or private records.
Which safes enable documents to be secured effectively?
A safe is the most effective way of securing sensitive documents. Unfortunately, not every armoured cupboard or small locker is suitable for this task. A simple metal cabinet with a lock is not a very good form of document protection.
If you want effective security, buy a certified document safe with solid hinges, bolts and a robust lock. Only an armoured safe made in accordance with the Polish and European EN 14450 standard will keep your personal files or classified documents secure.
Even S1 safes with the lowest burglary resistance class guarantee basic protection against unauthorised access. However, it is worth considering the purchase of a device with a higher security class to ensure a better protection.
Fire protection system as a basic document protection
Protecting documents is not just about buying a good quality safe. The entire fire protection system must also be taken care of. Large companies use smoke detectors and automatic sprinklers. Safety regulations also dictate the use of a certain number of fire extinguishers and the installation of self-closing fire doors.
The fire protection system can be further assisted by the purchase of a fireproof safe. The fire resistance category of armoured cabinets is defined by two standards:
● EN 15659,
● EN 1047-1.
The first relates to resistance to a small fire. The LFS 30 P security class is a 30-minute protection, while LFS 60 P protects documents for 60 minutes.
If you want a better protection against fire, choose a safe made in accordance with the stricter EN 1047-1 standard, in which case you can opt for the S 60 class, i.e. 60 minutes of reliable fire protection. The class S 120 guarantees up to 2 hours of document protection.
Protecting your company's accounting documents
Accounting regulations do not impose paper-based record keeping on businesses, yet most businessmen prefer to keep all files securely locked in a cupboard. It is better not to use ordinary furniture here. Accounting records should be kept for as long as 5 years, so buy a metal filing cabinet with a security certificate.
To protect your accounting documents, choose a large safe in the form of an armoured cabinet. You can adjust the interior to accommodate as many binders with invoices and other documents as possible. Hartmann Tresore recommends a custom-made safe. You will then determine all the dimensions and the design of the interior yourself.
In a custom-made unit, it is advisable to select the internal lockers in such a way that, in addition to accounting documents, other valuable and important items can be accommodated, such as:
● business telephones,
● storage media,
● laptops,
● vehicle registration certificates and equipment documents,
● keys to premises and cars.
Read further: Safe in the office – which one to choose?
Securing old documents at home
You don't keep as many letters or files at home as you do in a company, but a safe to secure old documents is also sometimes necessary. Among other things, you can keep in an armoured deposit box:
● insurance policies,
● securities such as shares and bonds,
● an abridged copy of a birth, baptism or marriage certificate,
● old photographs and memorabilia.
When circumstances demand it, think about buying a larger safe. Adjust the interior of the safe to suit your needs. An additional lockable box for cash or jewellery is a good idea. If you want to store antiques, memorabilia or coin collections, order spacious and convenient shelves.
When choosing a safe for your home, consider where you will install it and how it will look. You can choose a discreet wall or floor type that will be unobtrusive. Remember, however, that these types of lockers require certain structural parameters of the building. Contact the Hartmann Tresore specialists before ordering.
If you don't want to interfere with the structure of the building, choose a safe that is mounted in an ordinary cupboard. This solution allows the safe to be placed without having to bore a hole in the wall.
The ways of securing documents can vary. For some, a simple cassette is sufficient, while others keep their most important letters in ordinary cabinets. However, the most effective way is to purchase a certified safe. You can store many valuable items in this versatile device. Don't wait – order a secure safe for your business and home today.
