SECURITY


including most critically leading issues of empty premises, including protection against arson, theft and vandalism.


Back to basics In all these situations, providing the right security involves more than just the best offer of products and services, but also requires a clear understanding of the individual building types and usage.


Amthal operates with many FMs on a strategic level to support them as required in an ever-changing situation. The need to ensure an integrated approach to fire detection and security, incorporates smart advances in fire safety, access control, intruder alarms and visual verification, often with the capability to monitor via mobile technology.


Fire safety FMs under pressure to quickly lockdown buildings and offices, or as close to, should assess a susceptibility to arson and produce a specific risk assessment covering areas such as waste collection, access to the building, who might be coming and going and removing ignition sources.


“Smart CCTV cameras can be


integrated with security lighting measures to extend their ability to proactively reduce the risk of a crime-taking place.”


Fire alarms, physical security and inspections should all form part of any risk assessment. Leading industry bodies such as BAFE and Fire Industry Association (FIA) have updated guidance on installation, service and maintenance requirements.


Smart security Theft and vandalism will also become much more of a risk where a property becomes unoccupied. Physical security risk assessments involve the likely level, frequency and severity of threat to the security and safety of premises.


For the more advanced or larger buildings, such security solutions can be developed in an all-encompassing, flexible and intelligent building automation system (BAS), where building owners can realise a lower upfront investment for a considerably more powerful security solution.


Here, today’s access control and video surveillance systems work together to provide a holistic solution, keeping intruders away from property, limiting access to facilities that house expensive equipment, and critically, remotely monitoring secluded areas to reduce the risk of crime.


This way, by using CCTV and visual verification as part of an overall security solution, security staff at a central monitoring station can view live images from surveillance


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cameras, control pan-tilt-zoom cameras, or search for video clips stored on networked video recorders (NVRs).


Likewise, smart CCTV cameras can be integrated with security lighting measures to extend their ability to proactively reduce the risk of a crime-taking place, as there will be more chance of being caught, and this can extend to communal and parking areas. FMs and security officers can remotely pinpoint when and where to intervene to thwart an attack.


Alternatively, when an alarm is triggered by another part of the BAS, it can command the NVR to begin recording, display live video from a linked camera at the location, map the alarm location, and send a notification to an administrator all at the same moment.


In most cases, facilities and security teams can make the call based on real time data, deciding whether or not there is a requirement to summon police or take other security measures, or indeed deactivate direct from a mobile phone or tablet.


Bespoke solutions But whilst the security threats remain high across the board, especially now, this doesn’t always translate to the need for sophisticated security solutions in all areas of a building or centre.


By example, whilst smart CCTV solutions may seem ideal, they can be easily located by the determined criminal and avoided. Sometimes, in certain areas, a more reflective and low-profile approach to security may be designed in as a better option.


This is where careful planning with security specialists such as Amthal will help FMs to differentiate between the functionality actually required in access control, intruder and video surveillance against the significant cost savings that can be achieved.


In summary, we find ourselves in unprecedented times, affecting the way we work and go about our business (and lives). When it comes to ensuring the continued safety and security for personnel, together with building and protection of assets, the unpredictable environment means FMs need to work together with suppliers who understand their business and can respond quickly.


It takes the careful planning of physical fire and security and when this is combined with use of smart integrated technology, it can create a safe and secure environment that can be maintained and monitored safely and remotely, even if it is left largely empty for any (currently uncertain) length of time.


Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire & security solutions, including intruder, fire, access and CCTV systems.


Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).


www.amthal.co.uk. TOMORROW’S FM | 27


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