PSIMay2017

APPLICATION
Uxbridge College passes its
security test
An integrated access control and CCTV solution is
playing a key role in managing the safety and
security of students, staff and visitors to Uxbridge
College across both of its campuses in Uxbridge
and Hayes.
The challenge presented to Evolution was in
servicing, maintaining and upgrading a system
that protects the 4,000 students and 600 staff,
while taking into account the College’s ongoing
growth ambitions and constantly changing
infrastructure.
Evolution is now supporting an IP-based
system with card access, turnstiles and proximity
readers to control the movement of card holders
New fire system protects
high-tech workplace
A Star Wars themed cinema, a library that has a
secret passage in the bookcase, Rolling Stones
themed bathrooms and TVs and Apple iPads in
every room are just some of the features of
money.co.uk’s new headquarters. Located in a
10,000ft² Grade II listed Victorian castle on the
Bathurst Estate in Cirencester, the building
provides a unique workplace setting and the
interior, designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
APE Fire & Security was asked by the main
contractor for the project, Interaction, to design,
specify, install and commission a fire detection
across the two sites, as well as a network of CCTV
cameras to monitor those seeking unauthorised
access and provide a further layer of security.
Michael Mcdonagh, Head of Security at
Uxbridge College, says that students are each
issued with their own photo ID pass: “Should a
student forget their pass, we can immediately
issue a replacement,” he explains. “However, in
maintaining full control, the student’s ‘forgotten’
or ‘lost’ pass is automatically de-activated. Each
card also has the shelf life of a student’s course
length – so it automatically expires when they
finish for the year. Should a user attempt to gain
access with a de-activated card, we are
immediately notified.”
Each of the passes provided is tailored to take
into account a student’s studies and lifestyle. It
can control, therefore, which ‘zones’ that student
can enter, identify whether or not a student has a
pre-paid car parking permit, and even enable
access to extra-curricular activities such as sport
or drama.
In total, there are more than 120 controlledentry
doors and 80 CCTV cameras, which control
room operators can use to pinpoint and track
unauthorised access.
Both campuses are integrated under the single
system, which also includes an intruder detection
solution. Alarms can be set/un-set remotely, and
operators are alerted to the status of each panel
to ensure there are no gaps in security.
“False alarms are virtually a thing of the past,”
adds Michael.
system that could protect offer staff and visitors.
The Notifier by Honeywell Pearl networkable
fire detection control panel is linked with Opal
photoelectric smoke detectors. In the kitchen
areas, SMART3 detectors are used, which
utilise optical smoke sensing in conjunction
with heat sensors, infrared flame sensing
technology and alarm algorithms to offer a fast
response to flaming fires while providing
unwanted alarm immunity.
Via cause and effect programming, APE Fire &
Security was able to integrate the Pearl control
panel with the existing intruder and access
control system.
Peter Leonard Director at APE Fire & Security
said: “For a building like this it is vital to maintain
its fire safety and intrusion integrity, and that
means making sure that doors and access points
are closed when they should be. Now, if doors are
propped open, certain areas are alerted through
the fire detection sounders using an alternative
tone, which is programmed through the Pearl
panel. Occupants can then take action.”
Joe Francis, Head of SEO at money.co.uk,
concludes, “While it’s the style and décor of
the castle that catches the eye, we also value
the technology that is in place to protect us.
By using Notifier’s products, APE Fire &
Security has complemented the aesthetics of
the building.”
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