Don't Overlook Data Protection

The government has announced that the Data Protection Act 1998 is on course to come into force on 1 March 2000. Whilst the subject matter can appear somewhat dry, there are implications for building and facilities managers. The biggest change from the 1984 Act relates to the fact that 'manual records' - data stored in hard copy (that is, paper) format - will be caught by the new Act. Another major change relates to the 'justification' for processing data - processors must have a justifiable reason for doing so, and restrictions are even tighter regarding sensitive information such as race, ethnic origin or criminal records.

As we reported in October last year, the issue most likely to affect facilities managers relates to information security, whether data processing is taking place within their own building or at the premises of a contractor. The new Act reinforces the rights of the individual to ensure that personal data is used only for the purposes for which it is gathered. Security lapses pose one of the greatest threats to the proper management of personal data.