Facing a business lockout can be an unexpected and stressful experience. Whether it's a jammed lock, a lost key, or a malfunctioning access system, being locked out of your own business isn’t just inconvenient – it can disrupt the entire workday, delay operations, and even cost you revenue. A quick, well-planned response is essential to minimise downtime and get everyone back to work. So, let’s walk through the most effective steps for a quick, safe response to a business lockout, ensuring your staff, assets, and operations remain secure.

1. Assess the Situation Calmly

The first step is to take a moment to assess the situation calmly. It’s easy to panic when you’re on a schedule or have employees waiting, but a clear mind will help you make the best decisions.

Ask yourself:

• Has the lock been damaged or tampered with?
• Is there a chance the key was simply misplaced, or could it have been stolen?
• Are all entrances locked, or is there an alternative entry?

Evaluating these details will help you determine the severity of the lockout and whether you’ll need immediate assistance or if there’s a simpler solution at hand.

2. Call a 24/7 Commercial Locksmith

One of the most effective and quickest solutions is to call a 24/7 commercial locksmith. 24/7 locksmiths Perth are trained for business needs and can often handle a wide range of lockout scenarios, including electronic locks, keycard systems, high-security locks, and traditional deadbolts. Most importantly, they’re equipped to resolve issues without causing damage to your doors or locks.

When you call a locksmith, provide them with as much information as possible:

• The type of lock or security system you have.
• The location and nature of the issue (if the lock is jammed, key lost, etc.).
• Any access policies, if you’re in a shared business facility.

Professional locksmiths will likely have you back inside quickly, saving you time and helping prevent any further delays. Make sure to verify that they specialise in commercial lockouts and offer the option for repairs or replacements if needed. Many locksmiths also offer mobile services, which means they can arrive on-site in less time.

3. Inform Key Personnel

If a locksmith has been called, it’s wise to inform any other key personnel about the lockout situation. This includes:

• Your security team or building management, if applicable.
• Any immediate supervisors or managers who should be aware of the situation.
• Employees or customers waiting to enter, so they know the situation is being handled.

Letting others know what's happening can prevent confusion, especially if they’re wondering why doors are locked. It also allows managers or team leaders to arrange temporary tasks for employees or reassign their schedules if the lockout is expected to last longer than planned.

4. Consider Alternative Entry Options

In some cases, there may be an alternative way to access the premises. It’s worth asking:

• Is there a secondary entrance that might be unlocked?
• Do any authorised team members have spare keys?
• Can you access an emergency exit or secondary entry point legally and safely?

If other entry options are available, they can be a valuable backup while you wait for professional assistance. However, only attempt secondary entries if they’re safe and don’t compromise security protocols. For example, avoid emergency exits if it means risking damage to your building’s alarm system or triggering any fire alarms.

5. Verify Security Measures After Re-Entry

Once you’re back inside, make it a priority to verify the security of your business. Lockouts can sometimes be the result of tampering or accidental security lapses, so take the following steps to confirm everything is in order:

• Inspect locks, door frames, and any alarm systems for signs of damage.
• Check that all security systems are active and functioning as expected.
• Reissue access to authorised personnel if necessary.

If anything appears out of place, it may be worth calling a security consultant or re-evaluating your access control policies to prevent future issues.

6. Document the Incident

After dealing with the immediate concerns, take a moment to document the incident. Keeping a record of lockout occurrences helps you track patterns that may reveal underlying issues with your security system, access procedures, or building maintenance. Include:

• Date and time of the lockout.
• Possible causes (lost keys, technical fault, etc.).
• Resolution steps and the locksmith service provider, if one was called.
• Any recommendations for preventing future lockouts.

Documenting these details not only helps you respond faster next time but can be valuable for management, especially if the lockout was caused by a faulty lock or access system that needs repair.

7. Review and Update Access Policies

Finally, it’s beneficial to review and potentially update your access policies after any lockout. This might include:

• Reassessing who has key access or codes to the building.
• Updating contact information for your locksmith provider.
• Implementing a backup access plan, such as keeping an emergency key in a secure location or having a manager in charge of backup codes.

In many cases, small adjustments to your policies can prevent a repeat scenario and improve your overall security setup.

Ready to Handle a Lockout?

Responding to a business lockout can seem like a hassle, but with these steps, you’re well-prepared to handle it quickly and safely. From calling a locksmith to reviewing your access policies, each action plays a role in ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. Taking these proactive steps also shows your team and clients that you’re ready for any situation, keeping your business secure and running smoothly, no matter what surprises come your way.