Axis Communications, the global industry leader in network video, has called for a reinvigorated emphasis on the outer layer of security, the physical perimeter, in its latest whitepaper, Perimeter protection with intelligent surveillance. As the global threat landscape continues to evolve with new enterprising methods to breach organisations’ physical and virtual barriers, more advanced perimeter protection methods capable of providing verifiable real-time alerts, location data, target tracking and the ability to package the evidence and data for post incident investigation, is urgently needed. With the identification of new threat vectors, it’s important to continuously risk assess the types of attack and the resulting protective measures required. In the face of more stringent government and industry regulations and standards around perimeter protection, a need to reduce manpower costs, and more awareness around increasing terrorist threats of different means and sizes, the security of the perimeter has never been more vital. The whitepaper explains the importance of employing comprehensive protection at the perimeter, and offers a breakdown of sensor options and applications, highlighting the key points for consideration across all industries when choosing and implementing such a solution. In the case of critical infrastructure sites, a breach could be catastrophic, with the possibility of someone tampering with water quality or altering gas pressure bringing huge risks and potential loss of life. In addition to this, a physical attack can often coincide with a cyber attack; the dual approach serving to confuse staff and leave key assets vulnerable. Yet while many organisations already implement effective cyber security strategies, an inadequately guarded perimeter can prove to be the weak link in the chain, enabling criminals to access premises and cause damage to key assets, or launch a well-orchestrated attack. Intelligent physical security solutions can play a vital role in securing a site. While barriers and gates will work to slow down an intruder, or delay someone entering a premises, it is the installation of automatic intrusion detection technology that will prove a formidable defense against today’s threat actors. Lucas Young, Business Development Manager, network surveillance, transportation and critical infrastructure at Axis Communications, commented: “As threats and countermeasures evolve, one critical aspect remains constant; the integrity and security of the perimeter; a fundamental consideration in providing a safe and secure environment for all staff, visitors and members of the public. With regulations placing ever more onus on industry sectors to demonstrate security understanding and compliance, a scalable, future-proof solution, backed by the full support of a trusted partner will create a formidable barrier against the next generation of attack.” Network cameras offer high quality video surveillance both inside and at the perimeter of a site, with options such as thermal image detection further enhancing this capability. The capture of real-time evidence of a physical attack in progress, rather than the after-the-fact forensic video typically offered by legacy systems, provides authorities with timely evidence of any attack on the premises as it occurs. IP audio systems, comprising digital speakers on a network, can be used to sound alarms and issue live or pre-recorded verbal warnings, complementing video for a combined audio-visual deterrent and surveillance solution. Understanding current technology capabilities as well as an appreciation of future trends is a sound operational security and procurement approach for any security practitioner. To aid in knowledge building and enable customers to make an informed decision around the adoption of such solutions, this whitepaper covers the following key areas: Perimeter protection solutions – Physical solutions and intrusion detection Video-based solutions – The application of cameras, thermographic and visible light options Modern enhancements – Processing speeds, deep learning, AI and analytics Cost evaluation – Establishing total cost of ownership (TCO) and measuring ROI Axis’ proposal – Summarising Axis’ own approach to integrated perimeter protection Through the multi-layering of different measures, commonly referred to as ‘defence-in-depth, comprehensive protection is achieved when all of these layers work together. Security is not significantly reduced with the loss of any single layer. This converged approach to security is the best line of defence as the dynamic threat evolves, with strategies employed across physical and cyber security to address vulnerabilities and maximise resistance. Working with partners and vendors to build trusted relationships across the supply chain establishes guarantees as to the authenticity and integrity of such systems, and helps to build a smarter, safer world.

Using solar lights that have a motion sensor installed is an effective way to detect any activity outside of your home as it instantly shines a light on the person or object. But before making a choice there are certain things that need to be considered. Paying attention to the following things will help you in making the right choice. Range of Sensor: In order to enhance the security of your home, the Solar Motion Sensor Light are a good and cost-effective option. The motion sensor should be able to detect the movement of a person as far as possible. Not only this, the sensor should also be able to detect the motion in as many directions as possible. While making a buying choice, you should consider the range of motion sensor as it is an important factor to be considered. The good quality range of senor is considered to be between 10 feet to 40 feet. In order to detect the motion in all directions, the sensor should have 360 degrees detection angle. This helps in covering the entire area. The range and the angle capacity depend on the area you want to cover. Type and Strength of Battery: The type and capacity (or strength) of the battery is also an important factor to be considered. Lithium-ion battery having a higher capacity is a favorable choice. The user needs to make sure that the battery has enough capacity to supply power throughout the night. The intensity of Light: Another element of motion sensor which should be considered is its illumination capacity. The range of illumination depends on the lumens. Lumens are used to define the intensity of light produced by the bulb or LEDs. More lumens mean lighter. If you want to have more light on your driveway or on your front door then you should opt for higher lumens and a LED bulb. Type of Bulb Used: There are different types of bulbs used in motion sensor lights such as incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, etc. Among these choices, LED bulbs are widely preferred as they are energy efficient and can last for 20000 to 50000 hours. Other bulbs such as incandescent and fluorescent consume more energy and also have waste heat and require replacements at frequent intervals. Motion Sensor type: There are different variants of motion sensors that are being used in motion sensor lights. It depends on the user’s preference for the kind of sensor he wants to buy. Following are some of them Passive infrared type It turns the light on when it detects body heat within its area of operation. The sensor detects heat as infrared energy. The sensor gets warm-up and creates a movement detecting grid which keeps a track of the movements in the surrounding area. Upon sensing a movement, it activates by switching on the light. Microwave: The microwave motion sensor works on microwave pulses. The upside of using this sensor is that it covers more areas as compared to the infrared sensors, but there is one downside which is that it gets disrupted due to electrical interferences. Dual Technology: This technology uses a combination of both the infrared sensor and a microwave sensor. Advanced technology is used to reduce the occurrences of false alarms. This is achieved by using both sensors to trigger at the same time and activate an alarm instead of relying on just one sensor. for more information please visit LUXMAN LIGHT

UK commercial properties are facing an ongoing battle with poor air quality. According to research from the BBC, up to 800,000 people die every year globally from poor workplace air quality; this represents a productivity lost of nearly £0.50 per hour per employee where productivity is concerned. Clearly, tackling this issue is important both for employee health and for the success of a business. A determinative way in which to address the challenge is through well designed inbuilt air control design from the minute the building goes up. The function of air purification To properly design air filtration for your build it’s important to build up a knowledge of exactly how filtration works. Modern air filtration works via the High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, more popularly known as the HEPA filter. Studies have shown the efficiency of such devices in remediating poor air quality – a study published in the Journal of Advances In Technical Nonwovens found that filters can take 99.7% of particulates out of the air. It is worth noting, however, that they aren’t effective for smaller particles, such as viruses. These filters then are standardised against MERV ratings, which are an important consideration for businesses. A certain rating, typically MERV 13 or higher, is necessary to filter out all of the particulates you would expect to find in the work environment. However, going too high will restrict airflow and can leave the atmosphere inside of work feeling stale, if still safe. Tackling that aspect and thus making it comfortable for workers is important. The filtration/quality balance Air filters can make sure air is clean and healthy, but they can stifle proper airflow, too. It’s no longer enough to simply have air con systems that push and pull air into the building; a more finely controlled and flexible system is needed to ensure that the building has proper airflow throughout. This is, of course, entirely possible, and buildings from as far back as the mid-noughties show that. As City Wire have explored, London’s Gherkin has a deft set of movements from its outside plates to allow a whole range of alterations to air flow. Working in a smart mechanical fashion, it ensures that the air inside can be clean while also not being stifling. Futuristic futures Of course, steps can be taken that will improve the situation even further. For example, look to Mexico, where a living and breathing piece of street art actively cleans air. This is something achievable in the office environment through wall materials and artwork within the office, and can be an active reminder to tenants of the benefits provided by a proper air filtration system as well as an interesting angle through to which to market your properties. Brought together, these elements make up the new air filtration picture. With employee health and productivity at risk, it’s an imperative for building owners to get smart about how they want their builds to operate. Planning now will help to ensure a better, more breathable, future.

All homeowners have one thing in common; they want to have the highest protection for their property and the people living in it. That is why it is essential to hire a company to ensure they provide you with the best services. As a homeowner, you deserve high-quality protection. While there are so many firms that offer home protection services, knowing which of them to hire requires you to carry out some surveys. To ensure you get a VIP Security in the UK, you need to consider these factors before making your choice. Reliability For better protection of your home, you should consider the reliability of the company you choose. You cannot trust anyone to protect you and your property, so plan for several meetings with the company before making your final decision. Analyse how the company handles you to determine if you can rely on them. Observe their behaviour throughout the time you are interacting with them. If you make appointments with the company, you should expect them to honour them and avail themselves. A reliable firm will make sure they do not keep you waiting when you have an appointment with them. 2. Experience For better protection, you will want to hire a company that has experience in the job. A company that has been providing similar services for many years knows every trick they need to make their work successful. They understand the alarm systems they need to install in your home to enhance your security. Experienced firms will also ensure they invest in training their staff to provide better services. You will trust a company better if you know they use trained workers. They will let you know whether you need security doors, security alarms, or a security officer. 3. Cost of Services As much as you want to ensure maximum protection for your home, you also need to work within your budget. You can still get good services without breaking the bank. The trick lies in comparing the quality of services and the prices. Different companies, like MEC security, will give you a quote that may not be the same as any other firm. By comparing the services and the price of different firms, you will come up with a company that is not exploiting you. 4. Your Personal Needs When you are looking for the proper security of your home, you need to define your needs before looking for the protection company. Houses differ in design, size, and protection needs. It is essential to survey your home to know what kind of protection you need. Also, find out the type of services the company you want to hire offers. Conclusion Individual safety is very critical, so you have to ensure your home is secure. Proper protection will not only keep you and your loved ones safe but will also ensure your property is safe. A house that is well protected has a higher value than a property that stands in an area with no safety. The best way to guarantee the safety of your property is by working with a reliable security firm to help you put up suitable safety measures.

According to the statistics, fires are developing at a much higher rate than in the 1950s (almost 5-10 times more). What many do not realize is that smoke is the real danger in a fire. In the UK, smoke accounts for more than half of the building fire casualties. These are systems designed to let the smoke escape as easily and quickly as possible. While some conventional exhausts and window openers use strategical placing to ensure proper smoke removal, other systems actively remove the smoke from the building. In the case of a fire, this reduces the chances of fatalities and protects the building from further damage. Some systems rely on natural buoyancy of the gases while others rely on mechanical extraction to ensure complete safety. Smaller buildings tend to employ natural ventilation while larger ones like malls, high-rise buildings, etc. make use of mechanical ventilation systems. There are numerous benefits to employing such a system in every building that might be prone to fires. Given that this is an issue, here is why smoke ventilation systems are the need of the hour: 1.Protects trapped people The worst place to be in a fire is in the middle, with no place to escape. Such a scenario is dangerous, not just because of the fire, but mainly due to the excess amount of toxic fumes and smoke. Smoke ventilation systems are a saving grace in such situations since it allows for hot air, aka smoke to get sucked out, while letting fresh air inside. 2.Eases Evacuation Evacuating from a building under fire is hard as it is, without smoke causing a whole other commotion. Visibility plays a vital role in deciding how many people can evacuate and how long it takes. Given that this is so crucial in determining the after-effects of a fire, it only makes sense to have smoke ventilation systems or window openers that help people get out harm’s way as soon as possible. 3.Helps out the Emergency Services By allowing the smoke to escape the building, emergency services like fire-fighters and first-responders have an easier time dealing with the situation. Removing smoke from the equation helps responders assess the situation better and also helps decide the next step of action quickly. There is no doubt that such systems if employed in every household, will drastically reduce building fire casualties. 4.Prevents the extent of damage to the building Smoke is capable of doing a lot of damage in a fire. While it poses a threat to the safety of living creatures, it is equally dangerous for everything else. Smoke caused because of a fire can damage electronic equipment, damage walls, ceilings, food, etc. (to name a few). Since there is much to lose when it comes to letting smoke reside inside a building, such smoke ventilation systems are a vital part of damage control. 5.Does a better job than a window/door Purely based on thermodynamics, it is clear that ventilation systems and window openers work better than windows and doors. Windows and doors tend to sit at lower levels. Smoke rises and thus resides in the topper half. Since companies that deal in such systems place these vents and window openers in a much higher location, they work better at removing smoke and letting clean air inside. Now that the importance of smoke ventilation systems is crystal clear, the wise decision to do would be to get these systems employed in your buildings ASAP. Together, let’s make the UK safer again.