Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Advanced Officer Certification Practice Exam

Which type of lock requires power to remain locked?

1. Fail-secure lock

2. Fail-safe lock

3. Mechanical lock

4. Standard lock

The correct answer is: Fail-safe lock

A fail-safe lock is designed to remain locked as long as power is supplied to it. This type of lock is utilized in environments where safety is a primary concern, such as hospitals or other facilities where an emergency exit is required. In the event of a power failure, a fail-safe lock will unlock, allowing free egress, which is vital in emergencies where quick evacuation is critical. In contrast, a fail-secure lock remains locked when power is lost, which could potentially pose a safety hazard in emergency situations, such as preventing individuals from exiting a building during a fire. Mechanical locks and standard locks do not rely on power at all and function based on physical keys or combinations, making them independent of electrical supply. Understanding these distinctions is key in evaluating lock types based on their operational characteristics and appropriate applications in security settings.