Building Access Key Box (Knox Box) Best Practices
The Building Access Key Box (Knox Box) Best Practice is a resource building managers and engineers can use in order to make sure keys, access cards, and other information that are required to be in the Access Key Box are kept current. It also provides additional material and website links that may be helpful to those responsible for maintaining the Access Key Box. This is meant to be a guideline and does not necessarily cover all the requirements.
HAVE YOUR ACCESS KEY BOX (KNOX BOX) OPENED AND:
Inventory Keys
- Low Rise Buildings: Minimum of 4 sets of keys are required.
- High Rise Buildings: Exterior Key Box to contain a  minimum of 1 set of required keys to enter the building and access to Interior Key Box. Interior Key Box to have a minimum of six sets of required keys.
- Each keyring should be provided with every required key.
- Each key should be identified by a durable, water-resistant label or tag.
Access Cards
- Make sure to operate a door with them and that they have not been deactivated.
- Confirm access card numbers are in the system and that they work for accessing elevators and all
necessary doors.
Take a photo for reference.
HAVE YOUR INTERIOR KEY BOX OPENED AND CONFIRM DATA IS CURRENT
- (i.e. floor plans, building manager/engineering contact information, etc.).
TRAIN YOUR SECURITY TEAM ON ALL ACCESS KEY BOX LOCATIONS.
- Even if you have 24/7 security, make sure that everything needed in an emergency is in the Access Key Box.
