Xtravision News

Insight: Fire Safety in malls

Shopping centres are large retail spaces, typically covering thousands of square metres, requiring a complex multi-networked fire detection system which can quickly and easily be accessed from a number of locations across the premises. Due to the large number of stores and thousands of daily visitors, it is also vitally important for the system to be addressable so that the exact whereabouts of an incident would be known as soon as possible.

Due to the large variety of fire risks in shopping malls, the fire detection system is required to detect everything from smouldering goods to open-flame fires. Additionally, the large concentration of shoppers poses an additional risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Hochiki can address all these risks with its range of ESP detectors.

Beam detection is the standard for large open areas and the next evolution in beam detection is Open-area Smoke Imaging Detection (OSID). This allows for very early warning, adaptation to complex space requirements and immunity to false alarms from dust and other environmental factors.

Within a shopping centre, there are also multitudes of systems requiring interaction with the fire detection systems, lift homing systems, HVAC interfaces, fresh air supply systems, voice evacuation systems as well as CCTV and other security and operational systems.

Offsite monitoring of the fire system is also advisable, with detailed alarm indication to allow for early and accurate response to an emergency condition. Parking structures pose additional challenges with exhaust gases that can cause false alarms. By deploying multisensory detection this can be eliminated without compromising very early warning capability.

Lastly, the alarming of the staff and public to a fire condition should be done on multiple levels with wall and base sounder beacon warning devices in conjunction with an emergency exit illuminated system.

XtraVision supplies the full range for intelligent fire detection devices with integration to HVAC, lifts and security systems. Its fire control panels are networkable and can be extended over the web to allow for offsite monitoring. Additionally, XtraVision can assist with the design and product selection to address the fire risk according to regulatory standards.

Case study: Fire safety for shoppers

A much-anticipated addition to Plovdiv, the 60 000 m2 Markovo Tepe Mall has taken more than eight years to complete. As well as creating a convenient destination for shopping, leisure and dining in Bulgaria’s second largest city, the development has generated over 500 jobs for residents, boosting the local economy.

Shopping centres like Markovo Tepe Mall attract high volumes of people on a daily basis, not all of whom are familiar with the layout of the stores, pedestrian walkways, entrances and exits or public spaces. This presents building owners and facilities managers with challenges in terms of life safety.

To ensure the wellbeing of staff and shoppers alike, Markovo Tepe Mall required an addressable life safety system that would allow staff to locate and draw attention to emergency incidents as quickly as possible. An increased number of detectors were also needed across the eight-storey site to ensure any potential risks could be effectively monitored.

Reliable and easy to install

Security system specifier, Sectron, chose to install a selection of Hochiki Europe solutions which would address the challenges posed by such a large shopping centre. The project saw the installation of products from Hochiki Europe’s ESP range of intelligent devices, which all utilise Enhanced Systems Protocol (ESP). The ESP product range offers high compliance to globally recognised safety standards while the open protocol gives installers the flexibility to incorporate devices from multiple manufacturers.

Optical smoke and thermal detectors, beam detectors and sounders compatible with ESP were installed as part of the project. Combined strobe and sounder beacons were also added to make sure building users are instantly notified to any safety issues within the complex. In total, more than 1300 detectors were installed throughout the shopping mall.

The following article was recently published online by Hi-Tech Security Solutions.
- Hybrid wireless fire detection

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2 MP front-facing mobile camera

The TNO-6010M from Hanwha Techwin, distributed by XtraVision, is a front-facing mobile camera designed for in-vehicle (car or train) use, powered by the Wisenet 5 network. This camera is designed to withstand being mounted inside a vehicle, with adjustable length and a dual-joint design to adapt to any vehicle.

It offers a 2 MP resolution operating at 60 fps, a 2.8 mm fixed lens (113.7°), triple codec H.265/H.264/MJPEG with WiseStream II technology (for video compression), 150 dB WDR/HLC, USB port and analog video out for easy installation, advanced video analytics and sound classification. It also features True Day/Night functionality and includes an SD card, fog detection, PoE, and has ratings of IP66, IK10 NEMA 4X, and can operate at temperatures between -30°C and +55°C.

Key features

• Lens hood to prevent windshield glare.

• 0.04 Lux @ F2.0 (colour), 0.004 Lux @ F2.0 (B/W).

• Built-in 2.8 mm fixed lens.

• H.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supported, multiple streaming, WiseStream II support.

• Tampering, loitering, directional detection, defocus detection, fog detection, enter/exit, (dis)appear, audio detection, shock detection, face detection, digital auto tracking, sound classification.

• Motion detection.

• DIS with built-in gyro sensor.

• SD/SDHC/SDCX memory slot (maximum 256 GB).

• Enables monitoring of a running train or vehicle without the camera shaking.

• Web browser-based monitoring.

• Alarm: an event occurs, video is either sent to the email address registered by the user, to an FTP server, saved on a Micro SD card or NAS.

• IVA (intelligent video analysis) functionality.

• Supports ONVIF Profile S/G/T.

Personnel tracking in mines

In the event of a rescue operation, it is impossible to predict what dangerous elements lie ahead. Challenges in such an unstable environment, which can be completely dark or filled with smoke, fire, heat, dust and falling unstable ground, is life threatening to both the rescuers and the rescued. Time is therefore of the essence and is one of the greatest factors when carrying out any rescue operation.

EWCop have created an RFID Personnel Tracking system, which enables the mining operation to track personnel. It enables the mine to account for its personnel at all times, meaning that it knows the exact whereabouts of an employee in the event of an emergency or rescue operation.

The system is added to the employee’s PPE (hard/safety hat), which is compulsory; it can also be added to a rescue pack or battery lamp. The solution consists of the following:

· EWCop Base Station – Live communication with tracking system and software.

· EWCOP RF Handheld Reader – Used by the rescue team to locate trapped employees.

· EWCop RFID Antennas – Located at various points for live tracking.

· EWCOP RFID Rescue Tags – Tag has a battery life of three years and can be replaced.

· EWCOP Software – Software is web-based and can be accessed from anywhere.

System features

· Extreme long-range detection in a shaft of up to 300 metres.

· RF signal detection between surfaces of up to 18 metres.

· Proximity detection at shaft entrance.

· Automated shaft clearance.

This system has been deployed and tested in different mining environments and has successfully passed, with each company posing its own unique site, health and life safety requirements.

Perimeter security design

When one starts to design a perimeter protection system you need to consider and evaluate the site, taking cognisance of international best practices, such as the four Ds for perimeter protection systems: Deter, Detect, Delay and Defeat.

Deter: This prevents crime by convincing the criminal that the target is too tough. Signs which notify passers-by of security measures are a deterrence. So are chain-link fences topped with razor wire, or patrols cars and armed guards.

Detect: If deterrence does not work, a criminal may attack the target and the detection layer notifies someone that an attack is occurring. For instance, a window contact alarm notifies the alarm company if the window is raised. Without a detect layer, the crime can take place and no-one is the wiser.

Delay: This is hardening the target with tougher materials such as property cages, security boxes, etc. A solid-core metal door and longer screws which connect the door frame to the walls is an example of delay because it will take longer to pry open than a normal door. Adding a padlock to the inside of a gate will add a delay layer. Delay does not mean “make impossibly strong”. All barriers can eventually be penetrated.

Defeat: Sometimes referred to as the response layer, this is what the police or security forces do – they catch the bad guys (or more often, run them off).

Before starting, the designers and installers will need to ensure that their plans are compliant with all local regulations as well as any site-specific regulations and processes. To establish this, one will need to conduct a detailed on-site survey of all existing perimeter security mechanisms and protocols to gather the information required. Thereafter one can start to design a solution based on the following considerations:

• Client concerns and issues related to the current system.

• Status of and age of the current system.

• Consideration of detailed site condition evaluation.

• Types of technology available.

• Technology performance and limitations.

• Site influences on-site which may influence technology choice.

• Integration of technology into existing system.

Types of perimeter security technologies

Video intrusion detection: Video is used and analysed through a digital signal processor to determine pixel change and apply a written algorithm to determine a potential threat or targets within the field of view. These systems normally consist of a number of cameras back-to-back with an overlap to cover dead lengths below the camera. Thermal and/or CCD cameras with an illumination source are normally used in this application along with software management systems that will alert the operator when a human target has been detected.

This system allows the operator to visually verify the cause of the alarm as well as providing additional situational awareness to make informed decisions when dispatching response teams.

Microphonic cable detection: The digital microphonic cable fence disturbance sensor will function as an electronic perimeter intrusion detector. This system is deployed on boundary fences or physical barriers to protect the perimeter of a site. This technology detects alarms caused by attempted cutting, climbing, or lifting of the fence structure.

Seismic perimeter detection: The seismic sensor is a covert intrusion detection system designed to generate an alarm when an alarm is triggered by digging, walking or running in the vicinity of the perimeter fence. Seismic sensors are normally buried and as a result are not easily located and avoided or tampered with.

Microwave detection: Microwave sensors generate an electromagnetic (RF) field between transmitter and receiver, creating an invisible volumetric detection zone. When an intruder enters the detection zone, the changes to the field are registered and an alarm is raised.

Non-lethal electric fence: Electric fences carry an 8 Joule pulsing electrical circuit and when touched by a person or animal, will deliver a shock. Should a person or animal cut, break or short the live and earth wires, an alarm will be created at the local energiser.

Human radar detection: Radar offers unique advantages over other sensors for the detection of humans, such as remote operation during virtually all weather and lighting conditions. However, humans are difficult targets to detect because they have a small radar cross section and move with a low velocity. Most current radar-based human detection systems employ some type of linear-phase matched filtering as part of the detector to improve accuracy and filter environmental influences.

Video management system: Whether new or existing, this is the heart of the system and to a large extent determines many aspects related to system design, including:

• Type of technology which can be integrated.

• Operator interface and usage.

• Remote access.

• Failover and redundancy capabilities.

• Anticipated life span of the system.

• Third-party system integrations.

Finally, the site will also need to consider the operators it will be employing in the control room to monitor and manage the installation. Do the operators have a good level of expertise related to the video management system and technology currently installed? Are the operators technology-savvy and do they have a good understanding of computers? Are the operators familiar with protocols and standard operating procedures on site? Is the present staff complement on site adequate for both day and night shifts?

XtraVision is an authorised importer and distributor of a complete range of fire and security technologies.

XtraVision under new management and set for new horizons

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XtraVision, a distributor of electronic security and fire solutions in Africa and South America, has changed hands. Anthony Rosenbaum founded the company in 2010 and he has sold his 50% stake to Nick Grange, who now takes on the role of managing director. Grange’s partner in the company, Theuns van Schalkwyk, remains on board in the role of technical director.

While many companies are under pressure due to the poor economy, which has only been made worse due to the consequences of COVID-19 and the lockdown in South Africa, Rosenbaum explains that he has been looking to exit the business for some time, and the deal was concluded before the lockdown.

Rosenbaum will remain on board as a consultant for a few months before moving onto new challenges. “I have been in the private security industry for around 27 years now and I am looking forward to a new career and business venture outside of the security industry, after my stay with XtraVision is over,” he says.

There were other companies interested in XtraVision, but Rosenbaum and Van Schalkwyk value the hands-on, personal touch the company has created over the years and did not want to see it swallowed up by a large corporation. Van Schalkwyk bought into the company in 2017, purchasing 30% of the shares. In 2019, he expanded his shareholding to 50%. He encouraged Grange, whom he has known for many years, to make an offer to purchase the remaining 50% of the company from Rosenbaum.

Both Grange and Van Schalkwyk are determined to retain the personal touch and ensure they keep their levels of customer support high through consistent skills development for XtraVision’s staff. Grange himself is a certified fire safety designer and one of his first decisions was to seal the agency for the Hochiki brand. This will complement the Fike agency the company already has in South America.

Grange says XtraVision will remain focused on project-based distribution where the company works with end users to design a complete solution, fulfilling it through one of the many system integrators it collaborates with. The company’s customers as well as the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) prefer this approach as they can be assured of a properly architected solution developed by well-trained engineers who are able to support the product and ensure quality control throughout the process.

Currently XtraVision has a number of market leading brands available to clients, with a comprehensive product offering that focuses on the commercial and industrial sector. The quality designs and products have enabled it to secure many large contracts and tenders globally in partnership with its clients. “Quality, reliability and efficiency are a key driving force in terms of the products we import and distribute and with over 50 years’ experience in the fire and security technology industry we can, without a doubt, assure our clients of professional service and peace of mind,” adds Van Schalkwyk.

While the company is restricted in what it can do because of the COVID-19 lockdown, it is still providing sales and technical support via phone and email.

For more information contact XtraVision, +27 11 450 1056, marketing@xtravision.co.za, www.xtravision.co.za

Serverless ANPR solution

The FF Group offers a cost-effective Serverless ANPR solution for parking management, in partnership with Hanwha Techwin. The solution enables the ANPR cameras to communicate directly with each other without the need for a server.

The Serverless ANPR automatically controls the movement of up to 1000 listed cars through barriers and provides carpark management information, such as time spent and occupancy rates. Easy to configure and cost-effective, Serverless ANPR has already been successful in the EU market and is now being released in South Africa by XtraVision.

Arteco Video Event Management Software

The Arteco Video Event Management Software (VEMS) focuses on ease of use and resource management. The company’s research and development principles have united video analytics and video management software on a single platform at competitive price-points to standard VEMS products. The company views video analytics as an enhancement to the video security experience and not as a costly addition or complication to standard video management.

The latest offering, ArtecoVCA, allows automatic recognition of people, objects and vehicles. Being server-based, it allows for any camera, irrespective of brand, to be transformed into an intelligent device where excellent detection is required and very low false alarm rates are non-negotiable.

A single ArtecoVCA licence will provide the following rules: abandoned object, appear/disappear, dwell, counting, direction, enter/exit, object filter, colour filter, speed filter, stopped rule, tailgating and also a deep learning filter to reduce false alarms even further.

ArtecoVCA is seamlessly integrated into ArtecoNEXT and is therefore suited for residential security applications. Besides analytics, ArtecoVEMS is integrated with access control, intrusion, fire, lighting, electric fencing, perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), building management, and LPR/ANPR systems.

Hochiki shines a light on luxury

Càmina Suite & Spa, a luxury hotel in the heart of Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort, has invested in a fire protection emergency lighting system as part of extension and restructuring works. Taking the opportunity to provide its guests with additional life safety protection, the hotel made use of solutions from Hochiki.

With bedrooms spanning across seven floors, the hotel needed a fire detection and emergency lighting system which would offer an ultra-reliable and cost-effective solution for its life safety needs throughout this large and newly extended building. Hosting up to 45 guests, it was essential that the chosen system could offer the best possible protection and way-finding for residents in the unlikely event of a life safety incident.

For Càmina Suite & Spa, a key requirement of the life safety system was reliability. Tested to a number of European certifications, including EN54, BS5266 and BS EN ISO 7010, FIREscape+ guarantees a durable, reliable and fail-proof performance to give building owners, facilities managers and inhabitants total peace of mind.

No mains required

Mirko Corsini, project manager for Hochiki Italia, said: “Combining two of our most successful programmes onto the same loop panel – FIREscape and the ESP fire detection system – we were able to ensure that emergency lighting is operational in the event of the fire, without the need for mains supply. This means that guests can find the safest exit route, tailored to each life safety incident, and increase their chance of survival.”

This dynamic way-finding solution includes the option of dual-function exit signs that under normal circumstances perform as a standard emergency lighting system, displaying the internationally recognised exit symbols. However, in the event of a fire, the system will automatically determine and change the state of the signs based on the location of the fire. If a fire is blocking an exit path, a red cross will display in place of the traditional symbols.

False alarm management and reduction is also an important factor when assessing reliability; the integration of Hochiki Europe’s Enhanced Systems Protocol (ESP) technology offers a number of benefits in this regard. Every 24 hours, the system checks for changes to the environment and recalibrates the sensors accordingly. In addition, each sensor can be individually adjusted to match the expected risk of its environment, while alarm verification technology uses time delay algorithms to eliminate unwanted alarms.

A long-term investment

Another vital consideration for Càmina Suite & Spa was reduced energy consumption; which FIREscape+ could offer in a number of ways.

FIREscape+ units only require 40 V to each unit and run on low-voltage cabling, unlike traditional emergency lighting systems that require 230 V. The low-voltage cabling lowers the overall energy consumption of the system, reducing the CO₂ emissions for a greener solution and also negates the need for a qualified electrician to carry out the installation. FIREscape+ is also an intelligent system as each component is individually addressed and fully monitored by the system control panel. Notified of the issue via the keypads, facilities managers can then quickly rectify any problems to maintain a high level of life safety.

For the end user, FIREscape+ offers many financial benefits by helping reduce operational and maintenance costs but also long-term ownership expenditures.

Traffic monitoring system for Pardubice

FF Group, Hanwha Techwin Europe and Telmo teams have implemented a traffic monitoring system for Pardubice city (Czech Republic) as a part of the urban CCTV system. The project’s customers were the local municipality and police.

The system solves a range of issues, such as measuring traffic flow in the city, searching for suspect cars or traffic violations, comparing all the detected plates in the town with the central database of stolen vehicles in the city.

An initial 14 Hanwha cameras with embedded NumberOK EDGE ANPR from the FF Group were installed at key points of the city. They recognise the vehicle number plate and its registration country. All recognised vehicle data are sent to the central database with date and time of detection together with an overview photo of the vehicle.

The key benefits are a licence plate recognition system with an accuracy above 95% for speeds up to 160 km/h, blacklist check, traffic statistics collection and analysis, and other reports are also available.