Security
05/08/2009 Intruder Alarm Signalling update
In the UK a National Security Inspectorate (NSI) approved company, or a Security Systems & Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) approved company. Or in the case of any other country the equivalent body should carry out the installation. Choose a company who are experienced in commercial installations for high security risks, e.g., jewellers and the like.
There are many small companies offering an excellent service who are able to offer all of the following and more. NSI and SSAIB are not only involved in ensuring a high standard of workmanship for intruder alarm installations but also they have an operating standard for Close Circuit TV and Video Recording Systems systems to which many of their members subscribe.
Installation Notes:
The most basic system must offer perimeter protection to doors and easily accessible windows. Movement detectors need to be used to cover all other areas, to detect entry via walls, windows or floors. Do not forget to place movement detectors or sensors in any area where thieves could gain access and hide with the plan to appear and take you by surprise perhaps when you are opening up the premises in the morning.
External Door Protection:
All doors to be contacted, - and including if the risk is high or the area vulnerable continuous alarm wiring over their complete surface under hardboard.
Internal Doors:
If practicable all internal doors should be contacted.
Exterior Roller Shutter:
The exterior roller shutter is to have a heavy duty alarm contact fitted on each side.
Windows (not display windows):
If high values are left "out of safe" when the premises are closed:
Windows to be incorporated within the perimeter protection and consideration to be given to one of the following, - any alarm company will advise upon the most suitable form of protection:-
"Viper" type of vibration sensors to be fitted to the frames all accessible windows and skylights.
Walls, Ceiling and Floor:
"Viper vibration" sensors to the walls and ceiling of the following rooms:-
Space or Trap Protection:
The alarm company is to advise upon the most suitable form of equipment so as to provide space or trap protection in the following typical areas:-
1. Sales
2. Offices or workshop
3. Approach areas immediately adjacent to any of your secure areas, eg Offices, sales or stock rooms.
4. Strongroom, Stock or safe room
The current and most popular form of units used are passive infra-red or dual tech suitable placed to provide maximum protection.
Personal Attack Alarms
Fixed panic buttons ought to be positioned in the following areas:-
1. Sales Areas
2. Safe or Strongroom
3. Office or workshops
4. Anywhere else in the building where you are employees can observe each other perhaps with the aid of closed circuit TV in order to activate the alarm from a place of comparative safety should they observe a problem.
Mobile or radio panic alarms: Ideally provision for at least 3 mobile panic alarms, - which are to be used when opening and closing the premises in the manner already described.
The alarm control panel to incorporate a "duress" facility enabling the operator to alert of a robbery in progress by merely keying in an extra digit rather than trying to contemplate lunging for a fixed panic button.
Other Protections
A self actuating alarm bell incorporating a strobe light is to be fitted to the front elevation of the property, not less than 15’ above ground floor level and a dummy bell housing is to be fitted at a convenient point to the rear elevation.
Signalling
As a single system - in the UK BT RedCARE/GSM with return path signalling with fully monitored opening and closing service offers the best form of protection. When lower values are at risk then it may be acceptable to install a system know as "Dualcom" which uses a less sophisticated form of telephone connection via the telephone network using a Digital Communicator (instead of RedCARE) plus back up via GSM connection.
If there are other employees working in another part of your building with or without visual contact then a local alarm is a good idea. Thus staff at ground floor will be able to summon help or assistance from others in the building floor if required.
