Base Building Security/Annex A

Annex A of the The Base Building Security Standard

Elements of The Base Building Security Standard and Mandatory Controls

Base Building Security Elements

The following are generic base building security elements:

  • substructure
  • shell
  • facility perimeter
  • grounds
  • reception area for visitors
  • roof
  • loading dock
  • electrical and mechanical rooms and systems
  • building automation control systems
  • elevators and other conveyances
  • public areas – lobbies, washrooms, food courts
  • any systems contained or encapsulated within the ceiling plenum or within walls
  • heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • parking lot or underground garage
  • ground floor doors and windows
  • alarm systems that secure any base building space or system, excluding tenant-owned systems
  • closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment
  • fire and life safety systems
  • lighting (exterior and common space interior)
  • steam/hot water pipe tunnels
  • air supply and exhaust tunnels
  • ducts and shafts
  • sanitary/storm sewer and water services
  • electrical
  • information technology (IT) service infrastructure


The Base Building Security Standard mandatory security safeguards

The following are generic base building mandatory security safeguards; other items may be added. Base building security controls are grounded in application of risk management so as to achieve the goals of physical security. Determining the mandatory security safeguards for buildings is the result of continuous review and evaluation.

  • The facility is to have a clearly defined perimeter that indicates primary ownership and that control of the space is under the Government of Canada. Specific signage and perimeter controls will be determined as part of the recommendation of a threat and risk assessment, and take into account collateral and consequential threats. This applies to both whole buildings, and sections of buildings where PSPC is the custodian or leaseholder.
  • Landscape design should support protection of the building, detection of intruders, and response to security incidents. It should employ the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) which can be found in the References section of the Base Building Security Standard.
  • Lighting must provide sufficient illumination in and around the building to allow detection and observation of people approaching the building, and to deter criminal activity. Lighting plans and controls must be done in conjunction with any monitoring or surveillance equipment such as closed-circuit television equipment. With respect to CCTV equipment, the Canada Labour Code, Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and the lease, all indicate minimum lux levels, and should be referenced where applicable.
  • Appropriate access controls that prevent unauthorized entry must be in place in all areas of the building to ensure that critical support systems are not tampered or interfered with. Examples of such controls are integrated electronic devices such as alarms and closed-circuit television equipment, and physical devices such as barriers, locks, doors, and specifically-designed integrated security controls for access points such as roof tops, loading docks, electrical and mechanical rooms, parking lots or underground garages, and ground floor doors and windows.
  • A trained guard force, provided with current post orders for the specific facility or equivalent measures to provide detection and response capability for the facility as prescribed by a threat and risk assessment, is in place.
  • Security monitoring of the building is done by means of alarm systems and closed-circuit television equipment which are monitored 24/7 by a security control centre, or equivalent measure as prescribed by a threat and risk assessment, to prevent unauthorized access to the building, especially during non-business hours.
  • Security incidents which result in public property loss or damage, compromise the security of the asset, and/or involve criminal activity, workplace violence, or other criteria prescribed by the Property and Facility Management service line are reported through the appropriate channel.



Base Building Security
Français Annexe A – Composantes de la sécurité de l’immeuble de base et contrôles obligatoires