21 NCAC 29 .0503             PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST

(a)  Locksmiths shall refrain from allowing their specialized skills, knowledge, or access to tools and information to be used in a manner that puts the safety and security of the public at risk.

(b)  Locksmiths shall reserve the right to refuse service when intent and ownership cannot be verified and shall notify law enforcement within a jurisdiction when a locksmith suspects criminal intent.

(c)  Locksmiths shall not deliberately breach a restricted key system.

(d)  Locksmiths shall record the identity of the customer for all service calls in which the locksmith opens a vehicle, building, room, or secured container, originates a key, or in any other fashion provides the customer with access to any such property.

(e)  Locksmiths shall endeavor to install all locking devices in compliance with the International Building Code, which is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, available at no cost at www.iccsafe.org; National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, which are incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, available at no cost at www.nfpa.org; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and any local codes or ordinances that regulate architectural hardware. Locksmiths shall not install a locking device that produces a threat to life or safety. If such a (pre-existing) condition is encountered, the locksmith shall inform the client and may recommend appropriate remedial action.

(f)  Locksmiths shall refuse to provide service when there is an unresolved dispute of ownership or authority. Only instructions from a uniformed law enforcement officer or a court order shall be accepted as resolution of any such dispute.

(g)  Locksmiths shall not interfere with the maintenance of a known master key system. When master keyed cylinders are encountered, the key presented without its corresponding master key shall be presumed to be a subordinate key until otherwise determined. The locksmith shall attempt to determine the holder of the master key and seek authorization for cylinder changes or key origination before the service is performed.

(h)  Locksmiths shall keep key bitting arrays, file keys, and all client information confidential. Locksmiths shall not release any information or security device, such as a master key or safe combination, to any person without verifying with the owner that the recipient is entitled to receive it.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 74F-6;

Temporary Adoption Eff. August 13, 2002;

Eff. August 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2012;

Readopted Eff. June 1, 2017.