In the private security industry, equipment is neither incidental nor optional. It meets strict regulatory requirements, is designed to protect professionals in the field, and is essential to the success of the company. directly involve the company's liability. Clothing, identification elements, protective equipment or devices for lone workers: each piece of equipment has a precise function and a legal framework to respect. With the recent evolution of regulations, more stringent requirements. For surveillance and guarding companies, the stakes are clear: ensure outfit conformity, The CNAPS (Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité) is the French national council for private security activities. A look at mandatory equipment for a security guard.
The regulatory framework: what the law really requires
Reference texts and their scope
In France, the private security business is governed by a precise set of regulations, designed to guarantee the protection of staff, transparency vis-à-vis the public and the professionalism of the sector.
Visit Internal Security Code is the main reference: it defines the conditions under which the profession is carried out, the obligations of companies and the requirements applicable to security guards in the course of their surveillance and guarding duties. In particular, article R613-1 stipulates that employees must wear uniforms that cannot be confused with official uniforms.
In addition to this general framework the order of July 18, 2023 on the uniforms of private security guards. Coming into force on October 1, 2024, it establishes new guidelines for agents' uniforms and identifiers. The aim is twofold: to reinforce the sector's professional image and make agents more recognizable in the eyes of law enforcement and the public alike, making it easier to identify their status.
For companies, these texts leave little room for interpretation. Equipment compliance is more than just good practice: it conditions the legality of the activity and the ability to respond calmly to a CNAPS inspection.
Employer liability
Mandatory equipment, responsibility lies with the private security company. In accordance with the French Labor Code, the employer must provide each employee with the equipment necessary for the performance of his or her duties, including regulatory clothing, and personal protective equipment (PPE)) or mission-critical equipment.
In addition, the employer must ensure that this equipment is CE-compliant in force, that they are regularly maintained and renewed. Beyond the regulatory aspect, this obligation is part of the employer's duty to protect its employees.
Compulsory uniforms for security guards: elements to respect
Regulated clothing
The wardrobe of security guards depends on the nature of their missions. Most often, the outfit consists of a polo shirt or a regulated jacket and a standardized pants. Colors are often sober. In any case, the uniform must be clearly distinguishable from that of the public services (police, gendarmerie, fire department...) to avoid any ambiguity.
Identification features
The decree of July 18, 2023 sets out strict rules on this subject.
All agents must wear :
- individual identification number on the upper left chest, written in black on a white background, or vice versa;
- company acronym or logo under identification number ;
- the words «SÉCURITÉ PRIVÉE» (PRIVATE SECURITY)» on the back of the jacket or polo, in white on a black background.
The text also specifies the font to be used (Arial), the size of the characters and the dimensions of the badge.
Please note: airport security guards are not affected by these procedures, as their uniforms have been subject to specific regulations since 2014.
Essential personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment is essential to ensure agent safety. The type of equipment depends directly on the context of the mission, the site under surveillance and the risks identified in advance.
In many cases, PPE includes non-slip safety shoes, and protective gloves, or a high-visibility vest for work outdoors or near traffic areas. In industrial environments hearing protectors may also be required.
This equipment is not a matter of personal comfort: it contributes directly to accident prevention and employee protection. Wearing them is not optional, but an obligation for both the employer and the employee.
Mission-critical equipment
Communicating and coordinating
Communication is central to the security guard's job.
To ensure effective coordination, several tools are essential:
- a walkie-talkie to keep in touch with the team;
- an earpiece for discreet exchanges ;
- a secure professional smartphone to guarantee data confidentiality.
This equipment maintains a constant link between the field and head office.
Control and intervene
To carry out their surveillance and intervention missions, the agents have access to specific equipment:
- a powerful flashlight, essential for night missions;
- an inspection mirror for hard-to-reach areas;
- a portable metal detector for access control ;
- an electronic round controller for patrol traceability;
- a first-aid kit to respond to medical emergencies.
As an employer, you must maintain and check this equipment periodically to ensure its effectiveness.
Equipment specific to the agent's mission
Human surveillance
Agents assigned to conventional human surveillance missions must hold a minimum equipment which includes :
- regulatory clothing with identification;
- a means of communication (walkie-talkie or business telephone)
- a flashlight for illumination and deterrence;
- a whistle to sound the alarm in the event of intrusion.
Additional equipment may be required, depending on the employer's risk analysis.
Dog handler, SSIAP, rondier: what additional equipment?
Some private security specialties require specific equipment:
- Dog handlers must be equipped with a complete kit for his dog (leash, muzzle, etc.).
- The SSIAP (fire safety and personal assistance) agent must wear standardized uniforms and have the following credentials fire-fighting tools.
- The rondier must be equipped with a lone worker alarm system (DATI) and a round controller.
Isolated work: mandatory equipment not to be overlooked
When is an agent considered isolated?
A security guard is considered a lone worker when acting alone, These are typical situations in which the operator has to work in isolation, without the possibility of direct, permanent contact with a colleague or third party. Night-time patrols in empty buildings, large-scale site surveillance or solo operations are typical examples of isolated working situations.
In these contexts, the risk is not only related to the nature of the mission, but also to the the absence of immediate help in the event of an incident, aggression or discomfort. That's why regulations require that special devices be put in place to protect these agents.
DATI: a legal obligation
According to article R4543-19 of the French Labor Code «a lone worker must be able to report any situation of distress and be rescued as quickly as possible». So, as part of the lone worker protection (PTI), a mandatory piece of equipment is required for agents operating alone: the lone worker alarm system (DATI). By misnomer, DATI is sometimes referred to as PTI.
This device offers several key features:
- SOS alarm button can be triggered manually in case of danger ;
- automatic detection of loss of verticality (fall) ;
- an immobility alert prolonged abnormal ;
- geolocation allowing you to get to the right place quickly.
Their effectiveness depends as much on their technical reliability as on their appropriation by agents. In fact, a training in the use of DATI is essential.
Compliance and control: what the CNAPS really checks
The most frequent control points
During an inspection, CNAPS checks focus above all on concrete, immediately observable elements in the field. The agent's clothing is examined first and foremost: presence of the words «SÉCURITÉ PRIVÉE» (PRIVATE SECURITY), consistency of authorized colors, visible identification elements and a compliant individual number.
Controllers also ensure that personal protective equipment required for the mission are present and adapted to the context of intervention. Safety footwear, high-visibility vests and specific protective equipment must correspond to the risks identified by the employer.
For missions carried out in isolation, the presence of an operational DATI is systematically included in the checklist. In addition to checking equipment, the CNAPS also verifies the following validity of the professional card.
The risks of non-compliance
Even a one-off deviation can be enough to constitute non-compliance. In such cases, sanctions can take several forms, and can be imposed on the agent or the company: warning, suspension or withdrawal of professional card, temporary or permanent disqualification, or a fine.
Added to this is the major challenge of civil and criminal liability in the event of an accident involving missing or unsuitable equipment.
