Key Control Procedures In Hotel Housekeeping

HousekeepingA department of the rooms division; responsible for cleaning the hotel's guest rooms and public area... staff should have a good knowledge of the types of keys and locks used in the hotel. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for housekeeping and key control should be established and followed to ensure the safety and security of employees, customers, and company assets.

Housekeeping procedures should cover the cleaning and maintenance of all areas in the workplace, including offices, restrooms, break rooms, and common areas. These procedures should include cleaning schedules, checklists, and guidelines for handling hazardous materials. By following these procedures, the workplace can be kept clean, safe, and organized.

Key controlKey control is the process of reducing guest and property theft and other security related incidents... procedures should be established to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to keys and other sensitive materials. This includes procedures for issuing, tracking, and returning keys, as well as guidelines for reporting lost or stolen keys. By implementing these procedures, businesses can reduce the risk of theft, unauthorized access, and other security breaches.

Overall, SOPs for housekeeping and key control are essential for maintaining a safe, secure, and organized workplace. By following these procedures, businesses can create a positive work environment that promotes productivity, safety, and satisfaction among employees and guests alike.

IssuingDefinition of Issuing in Hotel Industry? Issuing is the process of distributing inventory items from... Floor Keys To Room Maids:

• Issue the floor key to room maids only after getting the signature on the key register.
•  Room maids should never give the floor key to any guest or other hotel staff.

Collect keys at the end of Each Shift:

• When room attendants return the room key ask them to sign on the key control register.
•  Return the keys to the security department and get a signature from the security staff who is taking over the keys.

Handle grand master keys and section master keys:

• Only people authorized to check out grandmaster and section master keys should handle them.
•  If unauthorized staff wants to handle these keys for any special cases, then proper approval must be taken from either assistant. Housekeeping managerHousekeeping manager are the manager who is the principal assistant to the executive housekeeper. pe... or Executive Housekeeper.
•  Do a follow-up with the staff who took these keys if the same is not returned in the stipulated time. If you find anything suspicious then report the same to the managers.

Control Emergency Key:

• Emergency keys should be stored in a key locker with a breakaway seal.
•  Only in case of emergency, the seal shall be broken to take the key.
•  Open the sealed envelope and take the necessary key from it.
•  Give the emergency key to the appropriate personnel.
•  Whenever the emergency key is taken the same shall be mentioned on the housekeeping log and also on the key register with a detailed explanation of the incident.
•  Return the key to the emergency locker.

Handle Lost keys:

• In case any keys are lost then inform the HK executive/supervisors immediately.
•  Record the same on the lost key register.
•  Mention the detailed note on the lost key register with the Date, Room attendant’s name, the reason for the loss if any, and remarks.
•  After receiving approval from the executive housekeeper prepare a new set of the lost keys (Electronic keys) for metal keys and give new requisition to maintenance.

Take regular key inventory:

• Perform floor key inventory every one to two weeks.
•  If any keys are missing follow the steps under ‘Handle lost keys’.

Training Summary questions:

Q1. Why does the housekeeping staff need to have a good knowledge about types of keys and locks?

Q2. What is the process for issuing floor keys for room maids/room boys?   

Q3. How to control emergency keys?

Q4. Who is to be reported immediately in case of a lost key?

Q5. What should be an ideal frequency for key inventory?

SOP Number: Housekeeping SOP - 10
Department: Housekeeping – General
Date Issued: DATE THE DOCUMENT WAS CREATED
Time to Train: 30 Minutes