SECURITY INTEGRATINGSYSTEMS
Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies, explores the ways FMs can be supported to mitigate risks effectively and manage a safe working environment. Here, he highlights the increasing significance of integrated solutions in making this happen.
Ensuring the safety and security of facilities is critical. From commercial buildings to industrial complexes, the responsibility is increasingly falling on FMs to create and maintain robust measures that protect teams, assets, and operations.
Fire safety and security have traditionally been managed as separate entities, with very different roles. Going back to basics, fire detection is primarily about protecting people; ensuring in the event of a fire, the right (compliant) solutions are in place to ensure their safety. Fire doors should be easy to open and their use impended.
Security is about protecting buildings and contents, and as a consequence the people who live or work in the premises. In this scenario, security requires doors to be shut, locked and impregnable.
With advancements in technology, the integration of these systems has become not only feasible but essential. Integrated systems combine various components such as fire alarms, access control, visual surveillance systems, and intrusion detection into a cohesive, interconnected network.
Enhanced situational awareness One of the key benefits of integrated systems is the heightened situational awareness they provide even on a remote basis and with increasingly sophisticated cloud technology, enabling mobile updates from anytime, anywhere
We know FMs gain comprehensive insights into their environment, allowing them to identify potential hazards or security breaches promptly. By integrating surveillance cameras, security teams can decipher false alarms, and detect unauthorised access or suspicious activities, triggering immediate alerts. This proactive approach enables an appropriate action to occur, quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption.
Streamlined operations In a challenging economic climate, facilities managers are operating within the confines of limited budgets, constrained resources, and tight timeframes. Managing multiple systems independently can become cumbersome and inefficient.
Integrated fire and security systems streamline operations by centralising control and management functions. Through intuitive interfaces, FMs can oversee all aspects of safety and security from a single building management system.
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Whether it's adjusting access permissions especially to account for today’s hybrid working environment, reviewing surveillance footage, or conducting system diagnostics, this approach enhances efficiency and simplifies day-to- day tasks.
Optimised response strategies In emergencies, every second counts. Integrated systems facilitate rapid and coordinated responses by automating critical processes.
Upon detecting a fire alarm, the system can automatically unlock designated exit doors, activate emergency lighting, and notify emergency services.
Simultaneously, surveillance cameras can provide real-time visuals to aid responders in assessing the situation and executing an effective response strategy. By integrating fire and security systems, FMs can ensure an efficient response to emergencies, minimising potential damages and protecting lives.
Scalability and flexibility Workplaces are constantly evolving. In the fire safety and security has a duty of care and responsibility to ensure systems offer the scalability and flexibility to adapt to changing needs and requirements.
This is where working from the initial design and specification of projects together with FMs can be beneficial. It involves carrying out a futureproof risk assessment that can create a work programme and incorporate new functionalities as and when required.
Compliance and regulations Leading from the risk assessment is the need for ongoing maintenance schedules, especially for Responsible Persons to comply with the latest legislation including the Fire Safety Act.
Maintenance tasks are crucial for facility upkeep, but they can also pose security risks if not managed effectively.
By providing comprehensive monitoring, documentation, and reporting capabilities, these systems facilitate adherence to regulatory frameworks. Whether it's maintaining weekly testing schedules, conducting security audits, or documenting access control protocols, integrated systems simplify compliance management, reducing administrative burdens and mitigating risks of non-compliance.
Cost-efficiency and ROI Beyond enhancing safety and security integrated
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