6.6.2 Mechanical Areas

Another simple measure is to tightly restrict access to building mechanical areas (e.g., mechanical rooms, roofs, elevator equipment access). These areas provide access to equipment and systems (e.g., HVAC, elevator, building exhaust, and communication and control) that could be used or manipulated to assist in a CBR attack. Additional protection may be provided by including these areas in those monitored by electronic security and by eliminating elevator stops at the levels that house this equipment. For rooftop mechanical equipment, ways of restricting (or at least monitoring) access to the roof that do not violate fire codes should be pursued.