Construction surveillance

The highly acclaimed Dubai Health, Safety & Environment Forum returns to Dubai from 24-25 November, with a stellar line-up of confirmed speakers from Ministry of Health & Prevention, UAE, Dubai Municipality, ADNOC, DEWA, Emirates Global Aluminium as well as senior executives from leading international and regional companies. On the agenda for this year’s forum are topical health, safety and environment issues. With a raft of infrastructure and construction developments underway in the UAE in the run up to Expo 2020, safety and sustainability issues will be highlighted by speakers and delegates. Taking place from 24-25 November 2019 at Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection Dubai, the Dubai Health, Safety & Environment Forum brings together industry experts from across the region; including health and safety professionals, government regulators, policy makers and solution vendors. Monitoring hazardous environments with IoT The forum presents an opportunity for attendees to gain deep insights on policy, strategies and technical expertise Advisory panellists include Raed Marzooqi, head of HSE, Dubai Municipality; Dr Rehab Al Ameri, director of National Accreditation System Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology; Salman Dawood Abdulla, executive vice-president of HSSEQ, Emirates Global Aluminium; Professor Janvier Gasana, chair of department of Occupational Health, Kuwait University; Nasser Al-Buhairi, head of Emergency Unit, Kuwait Oil Company; Dr. Ola Ahmed Mira, Accredited Physician, International Coach Federation. Topics that will be discussed at The Dubai HSE Forum 2019 include wellness and prevention management, challenges to occupational health and safety, changing the construction industry safety mindset in the industry 4.0 era, human factors vs. process safety, the impact of digital transformation on workplace health and safety, mitigating work-related risks using artificial intelligence (AI) and monitoring hazardous environments with IoT (Internet of Things). These topics are crucial for major sectors such as oil and gas, construction, utilities, logistics and transportation, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Strategies and technical expertise The forum presents an opportunity for the attendees to gain deep insights on policy, strategies and technical expertise. Held in association with Vin Technology, Lloyds Register, Clyde &Co, Ideagen, Board of Certified Safety Professionals, JLG, Universal Site Monitoring, and Arasca, the Dubai HSE Forum builds on the success of the highly acclaimed inaugural event that was first held in September 2015. “The forum gives a chance to step out of the daily routine and to think and reflect about the subjects that have been spoken about – to relate experiences to what is going on. It gives the visitors a platform to connect and network,” said Andrew Barker, general manager – Group Health and Safety, Rezayat Group. AI and IoT Soumen Chakraborthy, event producer, Dubai HSE Forum 2019 commented: “While the UAE’s vision and ambition is showcased in events such as Expo2020, there is a need to significantly strengthen the workforce by providing appropriate training in issues related to occupational health, safety and environment. The Dubai Health, Safety and Environment Forum is the perfect platform for safety professionals to explore how new technology such as AI and IoT is transforming their profession. We look forward to delivering an informative, enriching and vibrant fifth edition of the Dubai HSE Forum."

Hanwha Techwin has added two Thermal Positioning cameras to its Wisenet T range. The Wisenet TNU-4041T and TNU-4051T Thermal Positioning cameras, which are able to capture images at up to 640 x 480 resolution, are designed to detect objects and people in difficult environmental conditions such as through smoke, snow, heavy rain and fog, which traditional video surveillance cameras may not be able to do. They also offer an effective solution for projects where there are concerns about light pollution. With a pan speed of 120° per second and a ground-to-sky view of -90°to 40°, the TNU-4041T and TNU-4051T provide a versatile solution monitoring wide open areas. Both models, which have a robust aluminium die cast exterior, incorporate a true day/night (ICR) camera and can be programmed to endlessly pan 360°. They also offer operators the flexibility to select from up to 255 pre-set positions, which can be scheduled. Monitoring construction sites Both cameras are able to monitor areas, such as construction sites and oil, gas and chemical facilitiesThe TNU-4041T is equipped with a 19mm lens and has a maximum range of 1,714m for vehicle detection, whilst the TNU-4051T, has a 35mm lens and a maximum range of 3,157m. Both cameras are able to monitor areas, such as construction sites and oil, gas and chemical facilities, which have a temperature range of between -50˚C ~ +130˚C. A wide range of features ensures that the TNU-4041T and TNU-4051T are able to deliver optimised images in every situation. Other key features include: Built-in Gyro sensors which offer accurate stabilisation that come into effect when a camera is disturbed by wind or vibrations, resulting in more stable images. A Hallway View feature provides a highly effective way to monitor narrow vertical areas such as corridors, tunnels and aisles, with the added bonus of minimising bandwidth and video storage requirements. Analytics: The Wisenet TNU-4041T and TNU-4051T are equipped with audio analysis functionality which recognise critical sounds such as gunshots, explosions, screams and broken glass. Additional features include temperature change, shock, object/people direction, loitering and camera tampering detection. WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression, according to movement in the image. Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 99% compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream II is combined with H.265 compression. Support for H.264 and MJPEG compression and with an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory slot to ensure video is automatically recorded in the event of network disruption.

Inheriting the attributes of its parent product LTEX17, LTSX03 comprises different variants like the flexibility for adding a heater, blower, wiper, and built-in IR 30/60/100 m to fit a variety of installation environment. As for the pan and tilt function, LTSX03 standard product delivers 360-degree endless rotation and ±90-degree tilt which enables unlimited zero spot monitoring from limited installation sites. Critical infrastructure monitoring LTSX03 is fully compatible with camera systems that support Pelco P/D protocol and RS485 standard. Therefore, the control of pan, tilt and wiper could be fully integrated with most of the IP camera systems. By accessing any existing IP based network, a security executive could troubleshoot abnormal, respond to and investigate incidents remotely, safely and efficiently. Constructed by stainless steel 304/316L with CNEX certified Exd II CT6 explosion-proof marking, LTSX03 is therefore ideal partner for remote monitoring in typical hazardous environment including oil, gas industry, onshore, offshore critical infrastructure. In dusty environment like construction site, grain handling factory, LTSX03 could be equipped with wiper, washer to give you a hand. Contact LonTrend sales team for further information.

Fulfilling the demand for rugged build quality and all-round performance, 360 Vision Technology reports that their British designed and manufactured ruggedised CCTV camera technology has seen a rapid increase in demand for use by many leading temporary surveillance equipment manufacturers. “As the applications for video surveillance expand and the requirements for CCTV in diverse areas increases, temporary surveillance is fast becoming a security industry growth sector,” says 360 Vision Technology. Deployed in the field to provide highly effective temporary surveillance coverage at incident hotspots, or to extend the coverage of an existing video surveillance scheme, 360 Vision cameras are being used within temporary deployment CCTV camera systems consisting of site towers, re-deployable domes, and (mobile) vehicle mounted wireless surveillance solutions.Rapid-deployment surveillance systems are being used to secure remote sites and assets. Proactive crime mitigation and prevention Ideal for use across a variety of CCTV applications, such as police, rail, construction sites, government, public sector, utilities, traffic and live events, 360 Vision Technology’s all-in-one Predator and Centurion camera models are proving highly popular for use in temporary deployment CCTV camera systems, to provide proactive support in the fight to reduce crime (and the fear of crime), vandalism, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour. Rapid-deployment surveillance systems are also being used to secure remote sites and assets; including trackside and non-trackside rail applications, drug abuse hotspots, and managing major and minor temporary roadworks. “Meeting the demanding needs of system operators, the versatile range of 360 Vision ruggedised CCTV cameras feature HD imaging, low power consumption, proven reliability and rugged construction, are just some of the reasons why 360 Vision Technology cameras are being chosen by many temporary deployment CCTV camera solutions manufacturers,” says Mark Rees, Business Development Director at 360 Vision Technology. Round-the-clock video surveillance Available in a variety of camera/control combinations, including analogue, high definition, thermal and radar, and with 24-hour surveillance capability provided by optional white light and infrared LED illuminators, 360 Vision’s British designed and built analogue and IP camera range enables temporary deployment CCTV camera system manufacturers to enhance the mix of solutions options they can offer to their customers. “We are very proud that 360 Vision’s market-leading range of ruggedised video surveillance cameras is fast becoming the go-to camera technology for many of the leading manufacturers in the temporary deployment CCTV camera surveillance sector,” Mark continues. “We have many ruggedised CCTV camera developments in the pipeline. Many of these are being developed utilising invaluable sharp-end feedback supplied to us as a direct result of our close technical relationships with companies at the cutting-edge of temporary deployment surveillance solutions.”

Widely used in over 180 countries and regions around the world, Dahua’s products and solutions must be able to meet the demands of tough environments such as snowy mountains, plateaus, deserts, wetlands, rainforests and coastal regions. In order to achieve robust performance in the environment for which they were designed, Dahua’s products have undergone rigorous tests to meet very tough standards which in most cases exceed the normal industry practice and the datasheet specifications. The purpose is to provide sufficient margins to ensure the product provides the utmost reliability expected of Dahua products when performing in the field. Toughness: withstanding physical impact whether natural or man made Dahua video surveillance solutions, such as Smart City and Intelligent Building, are widely applied in many countries worldwide. Installed everywhere in our life, Dahua cameras may be exposed to physical impact. For example, when installed outdoors, the cameras are exposed to numerous risks, ranging from being hit by a basketball, small stones blowing in strong wind, to getting scratched by tree branches. Indoor cameras may be damaged by daily use or people intentionally throwing things at them. As shown by the test results, Dahua vandal proof cameras withstand the challenges in these scenarios, thereby reducing the cost of maintenance. Dahua vandal proof cameras withstand the challenges in tough scenarios, thereby reducing the cost of maintenance Product Validation: Outdoor cameras have passed IK10 test (standard IEC62262) in which a steel ball weighing 5 kg is dropped from 40 cm above, generating 20 joules of impact energy on five separated spots on every exposed surface (including 3 impacts to the lens). For indoor cameras, the test level ranges from IK06 to IK10 (both standard IEC62262), which covers most possible scenarios. Vibration: life span is unaffected In some cases, Dahua cameras are required to work somewhere with high frequency vibration. For instance, places near railways, bridges with fast driving cars and strong crosswinds, or construction sites with piling. Dahua cameras, not only guarantee smooth operation, but also able to maintain the same lifespan. Even in extreme circumstances, such as car accidents, earthquakes or hurricanes, cameras will remain safely attached to the poles. Due to their strong structures, the possibility of accidents caused by falling cameras is eliminated. Product Validation: All cameras are tested against a frequency of up to 200 Hz with 1G acceleration from X, Y, Z axes for 4.5 hours, ensuring they can function as usual. When it comes to hanging dome cameras, in order to make sure they won’t fall down in even some extreme cases, an extra test which triples the vibration rate is conducted whereby Dahua’s cameras can endure several times longer than the standard average. The cameras are designed to enjoy long working lifespan against tough temperatures Temperature: reliability 10 degrees beyond the standard range Inevitably, Dahua cameras are sometimes installed in extreme heat and freezing environments, be it factories that are hot during processing, or chilled-storage warehouses that are maintained cold, or deserts that are scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at night. Coldness and heat will cause shrinkage, which may very likely to shorten a camera’s lifespan. In addition to long hours of usage, the cameras are also designed to enjoy long working lifespan against these tough temperatures, saving the costs of repairing and replacing. Product Validation: All Dahua cameras have been through low and high temperature, continuous operation test for no less than 16 hours (standard IEC62599-1) with spec temperature to guarantee product performance. Besides, all Dahua cameras have gone through intensified HALT (High Accelerated Life Test) and ALT (Accelerated Life Test) tests, to ensure that the cameras can properly work in -50℃ to 80℃, 10 degrees beyond the standard range (-40℃ to 70℃). This aims to trigger potential product failures from increased extreme environmental stress, helping to locate and improve the weaknesses and identify potential defects of our cameras at the earliest possible stage. No less than 3 cold starts were required in each of the tests. Via these unique tests, Dahua’s cameras come out as extra tough when used in practice. Even when installed in the most extreme environments imaginable, Dahua cameras bring along smooth and condensation-free operation Humidity: not a hindrance Extreme temperature and humidity are major threats to the smooth day-to-day functioning of intricate devices. But this is not the case for Dahua cameras. Even when they are installed in the most extreme environments imaginable, a snow mountain like Mount Everest, a tropic rainforest like Amazon Rainforest, or a desert like the Hobq Desert, where there are dramatic weather shifts, exacerbating humidity issues, they bring along smooth and condensation-free operation. Product Validation: For fully enclosed cameras such as PTZ cameras, Eye Ball cameras, and Bullet cameras, Alternating temperature and humidity tests (damp heat cyclic) With temperatures varying between 25℃ and 55℃ and relative humidity reaching a maximum of 100% (camera surface allow condensation) were conducted for two cycles lasting a total of 48 hours. For cameras not fully enclosed, Steady Damp-heat Tests at 40℃ and 93% humidity (no condensation) were conducted for 96 hours. Both tests have been developed on the basis of International IEC Standards, ensuring that all cameras are capable of working with the humidity varying from 0 to 100%. Dahua cameras are able to resist long time waterfall as well as intentional or accidental manmade sprays Waterproof: natural rain or man made spray Working in regions and countries like northeast Indian, Burma and Sierra Leone which are known for abundant rainfall, or Asian cities that experience weeklong plum rains, Dahua cameras are able to resist long time waterfall as well as intentional or accidental manmade sprays. Product Validation: Outdoor cameras are required to go through IPX6 or IPX7 tests. Standard IEC62262 IPX6 test requires camera surface to be sprayed by 100±5 L/min of water for 3 minutes. It is worth mentioning that Dahua cameras are tested for at least 10 minutes in the same conditions, 3 times tougher than the standard one. In addition, Dahua has developed its own standards which include tests where, 5±0.5 L/min of water (equivalent of middle rain in plum rain season) was sprayed to cameras for 192 hours from above. On top of the water ingress tests, every Dahua camera needs to go through an airtightness test, too, to make sure that it is sufficiently water-proof. Corrosion protection: quadruple of IEC standards Dahua Port Solution and airport solution require the cameras to be installed in seaports and airports where it’s highly likely to be wet and salty. Salt spray and electrochemical effects may result in serious corrosion on metal surfaces, which may cause the fall of the cameras. However, Dahua cameras won’t be bothered by this problem. All of these tests ensure Dahua to deliver lasting performance for customers all over the globe Product Validation: A salt water solution of 5% NaCl and pH 6.5 to 7.2 was sprayed for 2 hours, then a 40℃ and 93% damp heat test for 166 hours per cycle for 4 cycles over a period of 28 days, a remarkable performance of quadruple the International IEC Standards. It was in an effort to simulate the cyclic salt spray environment in coastal cities and to identify the likelihood of a camera falling following possible metal corrosion. Tests ensuring lasting performance In addition to the tests above, Dahua cameras have also passed a Drop Test that decreases the risks of damage during transportation; a Life-span Test that promises a life of at least 4 years in normal conditions; and a Dust Resistance Test ensuring a performance undisturbed by dust. Together, all of these tests ensure Dahua to deliver lasting performance for customers all over the globe. Demonstrating the mission to enable a Safer Society and Smarter Living, Dahua will continue to focus on “Innovation, Quality, and Service” to serve partners and customers around the world.

JCB Smart Towers protect and secure construction site staff, the public, plant, and equipment An innovative security system that delivers dramatic reductions in cost, time, emissions, and health and safety risks, is to be highlighted at the property and construction London Build show, Olympia, 26th-27th October, 2016. Construction site security JCB Smart Tower’s integrated technologies both protect and secure construction site staff, the public, plant and equipment. Its supplier, the award-winning construction specialist, VPS Site Security, believes it will be a major support in meeting key targets of the government's Construction 2025 strategy. "There are four key targets for construction," explains Simon Alderson, Managing Director of VPS Site Security. "Lowering costs by 33%, faster delivery and lower emissions, each by 50%, and an improved health and safety record. Our experience to date has shown that by deploying smart technologies in site security and safety, these targets can be surpassed." Economical and efficient "One client, a household name in construction, estimated they would be spending £2,240 per week for protecting and securing a highway construction project 24/7, and producing 1,500 kg of CO2 a week." Simon commented. "With the smart technologies solution, that was cut to £1,100 and under 250 kg per week." In addition, health and safety issues were recorded, reviewed, and acted upon quickly. The JCB Smart Tower and examples of the savings in security spend and safety improvements, are highlighted on stand F81 at London Build.

La Cité, Ontario’s largest French-language college, recently upgraded parking lot security on its main Ottawa campus with the installation of 15 IX Series 2 video intercom assistance (or emergency) towers from Aiphone, the international manufacturer of intercom and security communication products. With the press of a button, the towers enable students, staff, and visitors to directly communicate with the campus security staff. The towers’ embedded megapixel cameras provide security officers with live video to more accurately assess and respond to a situation. The Aiphone towers are topped with bright blue lights making them easy to spot at night. They are always on and officers immediately know the location of any calls for assistance. The IX Series 2 intercoms and towers replaced units that could no longer be repaired, and that downtime could potentially endanger students or staff, said Rock Levesque, Project Manager for Ottawa-based project integrator, ComNet Networks and Security Inc. Outdoor mass notification system ComNet created an outdoor mass notification system by adding amplified horns to each Aiphone tower" “Pressing the old units’ call buttons initiated a siren that made it virtually impossible for students to hear instructions from the security staff,” he said. “Campus administrators place a very high priority on the safety of their students and staff, so the decision was made to upgrade the entire system.” To replace the sirens, ComNet created an outdoor mass notification system by adding amplified horns to each Aiphone tower. The IX Series 2 towers include embedded megapixel cameras providing sharp closeup video. Levesque said the towers’ optional CCTV arms will enable the campus to add cameras for wider parking lot views. Emergency assistance system The three-module towers feature built-in mounting hardware for power supplies or accessories and rear access panels to easily pull wire from top to bottom. The towers also feature built-in UL-Listed electrical boxes to satisfy local electrical codes. Upgrades to the emergency assistance system on the La Cite Ottawa campus will set minds at ease and help protect the thousands of students and staff who call this campus home. La Cité, opened in 1995, offers its 5,200 students 140 postsecondary programmes with degrees ranging from architecture to security management. The college has its main Ottawa campus, a satellite campus in Hawkesbury, a site dedicated to constructions trades in Orleans, and a business office with classrooms in Toronto.

Idesco devised a transparent reader to simplify Infobric’s construction site system management, making it powerfully adaptable to widely different market needs and technology standards. For a while, construction sites have provided a textbook example of how much electronic access control systems can benefit managers. Controlling access to a site, including restricted zones, machinery access (such as lifts and elevators), increases both security and safety, while also helping track authorised personnel and even equipment utilisation. Ensuring regulatory compliance Infobric Ease possesses a wide range of functionality, from site access to energy control and much more An automatic, electric system, with that much functionality combined in a single service meets a high-value need in the construction industry. Today, Infobric provides a cloud-based digital platform, Infobric Ease, to help construction site managers monitor and secure key elements, such as site safety, while increasing worker productivity and ensuring regulatory compliance. Infobric Ease possesses a wide range of functionality, from site access to energy control and much more. In addition to simplifying site management and boosting worker productivity, it simplifies sites’ compliance with staff ledger regulation across a number of European countries. Worker productivity has been enhanced by the elimination of queues to register new staff on site and attendance. Lastly, controlled access increases worker safety while reducing theft and vandalism. Simplifying worker attendance monitoring Cloud management contributes even more to time and labour cost savings while also letting site owners conveniently fulfil their law-mandated employer obligations. To prevent tax avoidance and illegal workers, some European countries require construction site managers to upload the employee data registered in their staff ledgers – which Infobric Ease also provides, thereby also simplifying worker attendance monitoring. In short, the digital tracking of all this data saves significant time and money. The RFID industry commonly labels this type of reader ‘transparent’, because it seamlessly transmits transponder data Infobric integrated Idesco’s 9 CD 2.0 Slim Pin T reader into Infobric Ease as its vital front-end interface with construction workers. The RFID industry commonly labels this type of reader ‘transparent’, because it seamlessly transmits transponder data – fully-encrypted to ANSSI Level 1 Architecture specification – directly to a system, without any mediating keys. This lets systems themselves directly control all aspects of transactions – including data collection and reader response – resulting in both a highly secure and a cost-effective solution. Several identification card standards For integrators like Infobric, 9 CD 2.0 Slim Pin T’s direct, ‘transparent’, interaction between transponder and system not only simplifies transactions. It also lets them use more of the available features in the chips in workers’ transponders. This further benefits site owners and security managers because system updates can be implemented with greater agility and cost savings. “There are several identification card standards we adapt our products and systems to work with. So, we really wanted a card reader we could use in all our markets, without needing different hardware updates after a system upgrade or launching a new functionality across our different markets. The ‘transparent’ reader from Idesco turned out to be the perfect solution”, says Björn Hilliges, IT & Electronics Director at Infobric. Product design and expertise Every month, the Infobric Ease system handles approx. 11,000,000 card readings" “Infobric and Idesco have been co-operating for more than 10 years and through several product development projects. Over the years, Idesco repeatedly demonstrated their excellent quality in both product design and expertise, always providing us with products and solutions that reliably withstood very rough, inclement conditions amid frequent use at our customers’ construction sites,” says Björn Hilliges, IT & Electronics Director at Infobric. “Every month, the Infobric Ease system handles approx. 11,000,000 card readings. So, Idesco is a key partner for Infobric, and each day their readers fill a vital role at approx. 15,000 construction sites,” says Björn Hilliges, IT & Electronics Director at Infobric. Convenient regulatory compliance Infobric ease benefits for construction sites Convenient regulatory compliance on staff ledger registration in numerous European countries Increased productivity by reducing administrative tasks Time savings from agile system updating (despite differing card standards in different markets) because reader updates are no longer needed Enhanced reader functionality for workers with included keypads Reliability of Scandinavian-designed readers that are robust, weather-proof, maintenance-free Sites can now substantively help prevent undocumented labour and unprofessional contractors Infobric Ease features: Cloud-mediated service Seamless data collection Energy control Regulatory-compliant staff ledger Automated electronic access Mobile attendance & access Staff access control Vehicle access control Machine control Smart locks Making construction sites safer Infobric designs systems that make construction sites safer, more productive and reduce costs. Infobric’s solutions ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time at the site. Infobric provides with the best-working solution for the worksite, for both work hours and after, in packages that have been serving successfully on European construction sites large and small. Their goal is to become the digitisation partner for the construction industry in the Nordics. With 30 years of experience, RFID technology pioneer Idesco Oy makes RFID readers, transponders, controllers and touch screen devices. Every day, for customers around the world, their devices collect data and enhance security for a variety of access control, vehicle identification, logistics and inventory systems.

For one installer, Hikvision’s range of Turbo HD PIR-equipped cameras has had a dramatic impact on his business, allowing him to more efficiently monitor and secure construction sites and other valuable locations during vulnerable out of hours periods. Paul Hookings, Managing Director of Hampshire-based security installation firm Forward Securities, had a problem. His company had built a solid reputation for, amongst a variety of other services, securing building sites, notably the important materials and equipment left overnight and unattended in the site compound. Building site compounds, Hookings explains, can include any number of super-valuable and enticing materials for potential thieves. “Diesel, copper, tools, cabling, right down to bricks, breeze blocks, agricultural fuel, road diesel, even the metal gates,” he says. “Thousands and thousands of pounds worth of stuff is stored there overnight.” Forward Securities would use traditional PIRs – passive infrared detectors – to raise an alert Intrusion detection To monitor these compounds for intruders, Forward Securities would use traditional PIRs – passive infrared detectors – to raise an alert when the compound perimeter was breached. The problem had to do with the PIRs, Hookings explains. “On critical sites like these, where there’s a lot of activity during working hours, people are able to move those PIRs in the daytime when they’re off,” he says. “And come night-time, they’re then able to return and rob the place without being picked up by the detectors, and then move the PIR back to where it was previously. Then it’s down to the security company, who end up scratching their heads, thinking: why didn’t that go off?” Passive infrared detectors As a result, Hookings was on the lookout for a solution, something which would counter that potential for tampering and provide a more effective deterrent to potential thieves. Then he noticed that Hikvision had released a new range of Turbo HD PIR cameras. “These are lovely little products,” Hookings said. “When Hikvision brought them out, I binned our separate PIRs. With a PIR camera, during the armed period, if someone moves into its field of view, there’s an alarm. If someone covers it up, it goes into alarm. If someone moves it into another direction, it goes into alarm. So I’ve binned the products we were using previously and now I exclusively use Hikvision.” Turbo HD PIR cameras The Turbo HD PIR camera range uses advanced video surveillance technologies to improve alarm accuracy and prevent intrusions. Video verification of alarms means a rapid response from a manned guarding service can be achieved. The camera’s built-in PIR detector captures infrared light given off by human bodies and distinguishes it from other visual ‘noise’. It can be ‘double knocked’ with Hikvision’s Turbo HD K series DVR’s motion detection to reduce false alarms caused by moving targets without human body IR emission. This way, filtering false alarms reduces storage space and costs, and it also means more efficient post-event footage search. Supplemental lighting The camera also produces a flashing white strobe light that serves as a warning signal to stop intruders The camera also produces a flashing white strobe light that serves as a warning signal to stop intruders. And the white light serves as supplemental lighting, enabling the camera to capture clear images of suspects as evidence when the alarm is triggered, even in extremely dark environments – such as the construction site compounds. “When we have an alarm triggered on one of our sites, we basically get a guaranteed guarding response,” Hookings says. “Because the combination of PIR detection and video serves as proof that the assailants are there. It’s a confirmed signal going to the monitoring station, and as a result we always get people apprehended.” PIRL bullet cameras The model Forward Securities prefers to use is the DS-2CE12H0T-PIRL, a 5MP bullet PIR bullet camera referred to as the ‘PIRL’. They offer 2560 x 1944 pixel resolution, smart infrared illumination up to 20m, and Hikvision’s own ‘up the coax’ technology, which allows cameras to be controlled over a coaxial cable from the DVR and also to transmit the alarm signal to DVR. They’re also IP67-rated for external use, so they’re tough and suitable for the sorts of environments, like construction sites, where they’re most needed. As an example of how he uses the Hikvision PIRL cameras, Hookings points to the example of one specific construction site currently being protected by Forward Securities. Hikvision 4K cameras and hybrid DVRs We use six PIRL cameras, as well as additional 4K Hikvision cameras running analytics and thermal cameras" “We’re securing the main compound, along with any remote sites,” he says. “We use six PIRL cameras, as well as additional 4K Hikvision cameras running analytics and thermal cameras, and they all sit on the same server, recording to a Hikvision Hybrid DVR, with alarms and images sent to our monitoring station.” Other site setups can include an audio warning system, particularly for very high value equipment. “That’s another place we’d use a PIRL,” Hookings says. “If someone, out of hours, walks up or even climbs the fence of the compound, the monitoring station is alerted to that by the PIRL camera, and they can immediately broadcast an audio warning, real time and live. That’s transmitted through the Hikvision DVR, to an amplifier and speakers.” Crime prevention and effective video surveillance “If the intruders persist despite the warning, we then get a guarding response. It’s not just big construction sites where the Turbo HD PIR cameras are effective, I do use them on other high value projects as well.” “Ultimately, the Turbo HD PIRL cameras are incredibly effective,” Hookings says. “They pick up suspicious activity, including thefts and attempted thefts, three to four times a week across all of our sites. That means they’re actively helping to prevent the thefts of materials worth hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of pounds.”

VIVOTEK’s IP network cameras were installed to cover the tunnels, platforms, and workshop areas Background: Tehran Metro – Connecting Tehran since 1999 Since 1999, The Tehran Metro has been making life more convenient and more pleasant for the people of Tehran and for visitors to this ancient city. Moving more than 2.5 million passengers daily, the Metro not only means easier transport for its customers, it has also greatly reduced congestion and pollution in the rapidly growing metropolis. Consisting of five lines at a combined length of 152 kilometres, with two more lines currently under construction that will bring the total length to 430 kilometres, the Tehran Metro is also linked to Iran’s regional rail network and has become a crucial part of the great city of Tehran. The Metro system, while designed to sit in harmony with the architecture of the ancient city of Tehran, draws on the most advanced transport technology from around the world. The tracks and track-points are provided by the Austrian company Voestalpine, and rolling stock, including double-deck passenger cars, are sourced from the leading international rail company, CRV. As of 2010, approximately 2 billion dollars has been spent on the Tehran Metro project, evidencing the Tehran Metro Company’s commitment to providing the very safest, most convenient experience for its 2 million daily passengers. The challenge: As the metro network expands, surveillance needs become more demanding Tehran Metro’s development of new lines involves a vast working area. In order to ensure the safety of this line’s future commuters, as well as the safety of its current workers, Tehran Metro required a surveillance system to cover the tunnels, platforms, and workshop areas of this rapidly expanding network. The area requiring coverage, which was not only devoid of natural light and thus often very dark, but also often extremely dusty and humid, required a range of network cameras that would not only provide clear and reliable surveillance in low-light conditions, but would also be able to stand up to the harshest operating conditions. The Tehran Metro Company’s long-standing history of looking for the best technical solutions led it to seek the help of Pooya Fara Negar (PFN) in its search for the right system to meet this difficult challenge. The solution: VIVOTEK – Clear and wide coverage, built tough to perform anywhere The difficult lighting conditions of the tunnels and workshop areas called for extremely capable camera, and for this task VIVOTEK’s IP8371E low light corridor view network bullet camera with Smart IR was perfectly suited PFN, with a long history of deploying high-tech cameras in difficult operating environments, turned immediately to VIVOTEK and its range of high-performance IP network cameras. The broad range, high resolution, flexible storage capability and impressive durability of VIVOTEK’s surveillance systems ensured that Tehran Metro Company could continue work on developing its new line, secure in the knowledge that the working areas, tunnels and platforms could all be monitored on a secure and stable high-performance IP network system. With VIVOTEK’s wide range of IP network cameras, advanced network video recorders and video management systems, the often-chaotic construction areas where able to be simply, easily, and thoroughly secured. High light, low-light or no-light – No problem for VIVOTEK’s Smart IR and WDR Pro equipped cameras A total of 82 VIVOTEK IP network cameras were installed throughout the construction area of the Tehran Metro. The difficult lighting conditions of the tunnels and workshop areas called for extremely capable camera, and for this task VIVOTEK’s IP8371E low light corridor view network bullet camera with Smart IR was perfectly suited. The IP8371E’s 3D Noise Reduction technology empowers it to capture clear, polished video under low-light conditions, and also helps to reduce bandwidth from sensor noise. Further enhancing the coverage of Tehran Metro’s construction areas, this camera is equipped with powerful 30 meter-range IR illuminators, and because VIVOTEK knows that lighting conditions can change throughout the day and night, the IP8371E also features Smart IR technology which prevents overexposure and provides noise reduction to adjust the IR lighting intensity instantaneously based on the changes of light in the ambient environment. For entrance areas, VIVOTEK’s IP8335H was chosen for its excellence in providing high-detail, high-quality footage in both high and low-light conditions. The IP8335H WDR Pro feature enables the camera to capture both the dark and bright parts of any image with double-shutters, enabling two frames to be combined to create a highly realistic image of the original scene, providing video quality close to the capabilities of a human eye. To add to this, the IP8335H also features automated shutter control, or P-Iris. P-Iris controls the iris with extreme precision with a built-in stepper motor, maintaining the opening at an optimal level at all times, resulting in superior image clarity and depth of field as well as image quality – no matter what the lighting conditions. So the entranceways of the Tehran Metro construction areas, which were often effected by changes in ambient light, can now be reliably monitored. Finally, the construction area of the Tehran Metro, though covering a vast area, is all able to be monitored from a single location thanks to the intelligence of VIVOTEK’s VAST video management software. VIVOTEK’s Rugged IP Cameras – The smartest cameras in the toughest skin Remarkably, while these two cameras are able to employ the very latest technology to provide crystal clear surveillance of the constantly changing construction area of the Tehran Metro, both cameras are also among the toughest on the market. Both the IP8371E and the IP8335H are encased in weather-proof, dust-proof, and vandal-proof IP67 rated housing. The IP67 rated housing is designed to help the camera body withstand rain and dust and ensures operation under a multitude of harsh weather conditions. Thus, despite the constant dust generated by the large scale construction of the Tehran Metro, both IP cameras are able to continue providing high-detail and reliable footage, and while the working area is often extremely humid, the wide operating temperature range of both cameras ensures seamless operation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. VIVOTEK’s Video Management Systems: Ready for any development Finally, the construction area of the Tehran Metro, though covering a vast area, is all able to be monitored from a single location thanks to the intelligence of VIVOTEK’s VAST video management software. The features of VAST allow flexible monitoring of a large network of IP network cameras over a variety of locations by a small number of security staff, with new cameras able to be added at any time; meaning that as the Tehran Metro construction project grows or changes, the entire surveillance system can grow or adapt with ease. So now Tehran Metro can get on with task of expansion and providing the people of Tehran with ever more convenient services, confident that VIVOTEK is there to support them in this challenging project.

SALTO provides access control during construction and operational phases to Bethanie As Western Australia’s largest not for profit aged care and retirement village provider, Bethanie is committed to providing a warm, social and engaging environment in which seniors can enjoy a vibrant, energetic and social lifestyle. The company’s mission is to make a real difference to people’s lives, and one of the ways they strive to achieve this is to offer a range of retirement living options for all budgets from care in the home and social centre’s for seniors, to retirement villages, affordable housing and residential aged care across Perth and regional Western Australia. The challenge Having taken the decision to upgrade their security from a traditional mechanical keyed system and all the hassles that entailed such as replacing locks and cutting keys to something that provided far higher levels of protection, the search began for a reliable and economical electronic system that could efficiently run and manage multiple displaced sites that were up to 230km distant from one another. This included 3 Lifestyle Villages in Yanchep, Bunbury and Eaton and 2 Apartment Housing developments in Dalyellup & Mandurah. The essential requirements were the flexibility to secure existing doors without having to alter hardware; an ability to easily track and replace key cards in use and be able to remotely manage the access control systems across the various properties from one central location. Through a partnership with SALTO Systems (Australia); local SALTO dealer GWA Group and installer Blue Force Pty Ltd., Bethanie was able to find a system that delivered on all of these requirements and more. The solution The SALTO Access Control system installed by Blue Force Pty Ltd provides an excellent balance between cost and control. Its use of SALTO’s unique XS4 and SVN access control platform now provides a stand-alone networked locking solution for over 130 doors including apartment front entrance doors, club house front entrance doors, miscellaneous lifestyle village internal doors and perimeter gates without the need to hardwire or run power to each lock. "SALTO has exceeded our expectations on the versatility and ease with which actions can be undertaken" Neil Armstrong, SALTO Business Development Manager Western Australia, says “Our XS4 electronic escutcheon platform in a mix of offline and online handle sets, together with its associated control units and wall readers provides the means to operate a totally keyless environment thanks to their unique ability to distribute card holder and system information to access controlled doors by using Mifare /DESFire key cards to upload and download information between the on-line and off-line doors. The client needed the ability to deploy a solution to remote buildings where network infrastructure is limited and where it would be both difficult and expensive to install it in the required locations. This meant going for a stand-alone system was the obvious choice as it was less expensive and faster to deploy than traditional hard wired solutions without any need to compromise on safety or security. Such a system also helps them overcome the challenges associated with managing remote sites and improves service levels to staff and end users and facilitates the company becoming more efficient through reduced capital and operational expenditure.” With the installation, Bethanie management staff now has remote access to all the above sites from their head office location via Salto Systems Pro Access software which is professionally hosted within a data centre facility in Perth WA. SALTO’s SVN access control platform provides a networked locking solution to Australian seniors This software allows them to manage their multiple sites through one common platform via an in-built departmental feature. What’s more its remote door open tool also saves Bethanie time in deploying resources to provide physical access to contractors or delivery people requiring access to remote sites. It is also useful in instances where end users are accidentally locked out and need access quickly - saving in time and cost associated with providing resources to re-actively travel to and from site. The result Seniors accommodation, particularly in retirement communities, can face a number of special and sensitive security issues so ensuring the safety of residents is a high priority. Controlling access therefore plays a hugely important role and the industry leading SALTO access control solution supplied by GWA Group and Blueforce Pty Ltd now provides a comprehensive, future-proof service to Bethanie. From assistance with the specification, to supply, install and commissioning, both companies knew it was essential to deliver an outstanding service from start to finish. Bethanie’s Contract & Building Services Administrator Alan Sheehan said “SALTO has exceeded our expectations on the versatility and ease with which actions can be undertaken. It gives us the ability to deploy access control to remotely situated developments during both construction and operational phases, and its SVN technology can be deployed quickly as there is no dependency on physical network infrastructure, or even power supply. This allows us to provide a safe and secure environment to all our stakeholders at all phases of site development.” "It gives us the ability to deploy access control to remotely situated developments during both construction and operational phases" Neil Armstrong concludes “The combination of the SALTO XS4 wireless product together with motivated, competent installation engineers and clarity of direction from such a professional client ensured we delivered the project on time and fully met Bethanie’s security expectations.”  

Turning on a light bulb or watching television is something the population of the UK take for granted.  Whether relaxing at home, taking advantage of the latest consumer gadget, or hard at work in the office, we are all responsible for the consumption of ever larger amounts of electrical power, often with little thought to its source of generation.Centrica's Kings Lynn power station is one such source.  Its modern gas turbine and triple pressure heat recovery steam generator feeds 325 mega watts of power into the UK national grid, supplying the needs of commercial and domestic consumption.  After a 3-year build period, the station's operation began in December 1997 under TXU management.  The facility was subsequently acquired by British Gas group Centrica in October of 2001.Since the plant opened, it has been protected by a mix of security measures, including a basic CCTV system.  However, due to the number of years the original system had been in service and resultant wear and tear, Centrica management decided to embark on a comprehensive overhaul of the installation.  Jason Buck, Manager at Kings Lynn, drew up a document detailing how the new system would be used and invited several companies to tender for the project.After close scrutiny, Jason chose Panasonic Premier Integrator Reflex Systems of South Yorkshire who, as he explains, "Were commissioned on the basis of a comprehensive and competitive tender bid."  During the tender process, Steve Ward, Technical Projects Director at Reflex, liaised heavily with Jason to qualify his expectations of the new surveillance system, and subsequently specified a Panasonic based CCTV solution to fulfil the varied needs of the power station.Surveillance monitoringReflex's surveillance solution commenced service in May 2006.  Following a comprehensive site audit, Reflex installed Panasonic WV-CW860 dome cameras located to provide maximum external scene coverage, covering key, and potentially sensitive areas of the plant, including the gas and steam generating building, car park, water demineralization plant, water pumping station, auxiliary cooling tower, workshop buildings, gas storage area and gates to the compounded site.  Steve Ward explains, "Right from our initial site surveys it was clear that Jason and his team required crystal clear images of the site, day and night.  Although they had not experienced any specific problems, they were acutely aware of the sensitivity of the site to trespassers, both from a security and health and safety perspective."We installed Panasonic WV-CW860 dome cameras to allow them to take full advantage of its 22x zoom lens, high-speed panning and Super Dynamic II technology.  The dome unit employs a day/night-switching mode allied to an extremely capable 510 TV lines resolution, allowing Centrica staff effective visual monitoring to pinpoint and identify individuals even in very low-light conditions."Supplementing the fully functional PTZ positions are 18 Panasonic WV-CP480 Super DIII fixed cameras.  Contained in its own weatherproof housing, the WV-CP480 employs Panasonic's unique Super Dynamic technology to provide Auto Back Focus (ABF) and automatic colour, and black and white switching, along with 128x Dynamic Range correction, for fast, accurate reactions to contrast changes in any viewed scene - a worthy feature among the varied and constantly changing light conditions around the industrial structures at the Kings Lynn facility.Providing comprehensive surveillance coverage of the perimeter of the site, the system also provides important visual identification of individuals using the access-controlled turnstiles within the plant's fence line.  Thanks to Reflex's efficient and economical camera layout, operators' surveillance capability from the cameras extends beyond the boundaries of the Kings Lynn site to include the surrounding land and its arterial roadways.Visual verificationBoth Panasonic WV-CW860 dome, and WV-CP480 cameras are also deployed within the interior of the power station.  Monitoring the gas and steam turbine room, the cameras afford control room operators extensive process control information and visual verification of issues raised by the station's control equipment.  Will Hopkins, Operation Technician, comments, "Using the Panasonic surveillance technology we can visually monitor any part of the site without leaving the control room.  This improves the efficiency of our staffing operation and has proved a real asset in our health and safety monitoring."Images from the cameras are transmitted to two control points.  The first is located in the main reception area within the administration building.  From here, reception staff can monitor visitors as they approach the facility's main gate, visually verifying expected visitors and their vehicles, and assisting with any general enquiries.  If necessary, visitors can be tracked from the moment they enter through the front gate, right up to their arrival in front of the reception area.The second control point is housed within the control room building and is integrated with the main power station control console, allowing Centrica staff complete surveillance over the site in liaison with general plant control.  Images from the system's cameras are transmitted to Panasonic WJ-HD316A 16-channel digital video recorders, programmed to record 120 images per second, the playback quality of which permits operators to review crystal clear images of the facility if and when necessary.  Panasonic WV-CU650CJ/B system controllers afford video playback and review whilst managing the system's WJ-SX150A camera switching matrix.  Will Hopkins comments, "The CCTV operators use the control equipment in different ways.  Panasonic's ambidextrous and intuitive joystick design allows all of our operators to be instantly ‘at home' with the system control functionality."Any incidents occurring during the production procedure can be directly investigated from the control room, Will Hopkins explains, "We can verify any alarm within the facility using the Panasonic surveillance technology, from a perimeter detection, to production issues."Management tool"The surveillance system has been extremely useful during our scheduled outage periods," Will continues.  "Every power supplier has a designated offline period for maintenance and during these periods we can have a large amount of third party contractors onsite.  With the new surveillance technology at our fingertips we can ensure health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times and check on service progress, in respect to human and vehicular traffic around the site.  We can even observe the works progress right down to individual engineer level."Reflex Systems have provided Centrica's Kings Lynn power station with a flexible surveillance solution that is not only integrated with the access control system but actively complements the mix of other on-site security measures.  The Panasonic CCTV system has proved to be a pivotal instrument providing an effective site management and health and safety tool.

The high cost of thermal imaging cameras historically made their use more likely in specialised law enforcement and military applications. However, lower pricing of thermal imaging technologies has opened up a new and expanding market for thermal cameras in the mainstream. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new opportunities for thermal cameras in mainstream physical security?