More on Fire Brigade Keys

Fire brigade keys operate a series of specially allocated locks. Before there was a specific lock policy for access to important resources that a fire fighting appliance might need, fire fighters had to rely on onsite knowledge as to which keys would fit a specific lock. Many fire fighting appliances had large sets of generic keys on board, but the time needed to work through countless keys was not an affordable luxury. In some cases, where there was no onsite knowledge and access was required without delay, the fire brigade had to break in to access the required resource, for example a water mains.

Lock specifiers worked with the fire brigade to develop a small range of universal locks and keys which could be used to secure commonly accessed resources in the event of a fire. These locks are now legally specified into buildings, car parks and other combustible developments. They are fitted to electrical cupboards, fire doors, fire escape stairwells, car park gates, bin stores and of course fire hydrants. Architects, specifying for a new build, will generally discuss specific lock requirements with the local fire service in an area to ensure uniformity.

With the rise in popularity of fire brigade keys (now commonly called FB keys or fire fighter’s keys), many councils and other emergency services use the keys to avoid having to call out the fire brigade for minor emergencies. Facilities managers and council employees who need to carry out inspections, or need regular access to areas like electrical cupboards, or car parks, commonly hold a full set of FB keys on their person at all times.

Key Types:

There are six types of FB locks available, each with a corresponding key (three of which are available in standard or long lengths – the long variation denoted by an ‘L’). There is also a FB Drop Key, which is used to open communal doors, lift doors and override access control systems. The FB key types are listed below:

• FB1L (long length)

• FB2L (long length)

• FB4L (long length)

• FB1 (standard length) Padlock Key

• FB2 (standard length)

• FB4 (standard length)

• FB5

• FB11 Padlock Key

• FB14 Padlock Key

• FB Drop Key

Uses & Applications:

Out of the six types of FB locks, three of them are padlocks generally used on parking barriers, folding bollards, bin storage rooms and park gates. The following key types are for use in FB padlocks:

• FB1

• FB11

• FB14

Security:

FB locks use a simple lever mechanism and are therefore not intended to be used as high security locks because their simple design means they can be relatively easily picked or forced. There are specialist chains available which can be applied to some FB padlocks in order to deter lock thieves.