RiskXtraDecember2018

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x RISKXtra CCTV Cameras and Fire Detection: Moving Towards Integrated Solutions Video fire/smoke detection is a safety solution based on the computer analysis of images provided by standard CCTV cameras linked to a self-contained processing system capable of recognising smoke and flame patterns within the video image. Here, Risk Xtra interviews the Fire Industry Association’s CEO Ian Moore on the subject, duly focusing on its invention, subsequent development through time and the future of detection using surveillance cameras Ian Moore: CEO of the Fire Industry Association Risk Xtra: Looking back to when you first brought video smoke detection solutions to market all those years ago, what was the fire safety situation at that time? What was the initial ‘driver’ that really underpinned the desire to converge security equipment with fire safety products? Ian Moore: The mid-to-late 1990s was an era that witnessed the explosion of digital signal processing, and specifically towards image processing. There were numerous algorithms around to detect motion within the scene of view of a given CCTV camera which rapidly became a de facto offering as an intrusion ‘bolton’ through DVRs and/or smart cameras, etc. By today’s standards the method employed was quite crude, using as it did a percentage contrast change pixel by pixel. There were even a few basic detection algorithms looking at the motion patterns of smoke, but none that were much more than conceptual or laboratory-run research projects. The only fire safety situation back then that allowed new technology to be used was the acceptance of engineered solutions for areas that couldn’t be suitably covered by prescriptive traditional means such as smoke detectors and beam detectors, etc. For their part, designers would rarely ‘stick their neck out’ on new and uncertified products. In the world of integrated fire and security systems, this was the first product that sat firmly in the middle, using the equipment backbone of a CCTV security system for the purposes of fire detection. Risk Xtra: Winding the clock forward to the present, what are the newest developments in the realm of video fire detection? Ian Moore: Technological advances in computer processing power and memory have given us more opportunities to increase the performance and uses of pretty much the same technology. Faster processing allows us to make many more calculations with the same data, while higher frame rate analysis and enhanced resolutions of camera images give us more accurate data. IP networks and smart cameras (ie on-board processing) allowing decisions to be made at the camera – which is certainly different from the initial days of using video ‘grabber’ boards in a PC and a DOS operating platform – boosts system design options. There’s often more than smoke emitted from a fire (or a potential fire). Systems that implement a range of detection for pinpointing smoke, flames, visible heat (through infrared), audible and gases (through spectral analysis), etc will yield a wider range of detection as well as the potential to detect fires earlier and thus reduce false alarms. A self-learning algorithm could assist in building up a history of what to expect at certain times of the day (in terms of lighting angles/intensity, how busy is the scene and different processes, etc). That said, how this fits into the standards landscape right now is difficult to see. There are a number of quality companies around the world working on this technology. Some of them have been investing heavily in its development for nearly 15 years. I hope that they continue to have the vision – if you’ll pardon the pun – of what video detection can be in the future once the performance standards have been agreed and video can then be an accepted mainstream form of detection. Risk Xtra: What are the main challenges to be faced when integrating video-based fire detection into a security, building management or alarm system? Ian Moore: Much of it is about mindset (ie ‘fire is fire’ and ‘security is security’). Rightly, there are fears around the corruption of signals, and especially so over IP networks. Although these can be secured, the reticence remains. Another big reason is product/system approvals which, in many cases, don’t allow usage in combined systems. Even though the technology has been around for over 20 years now, it’s still considered to be in its infancy. Risk Xtra: What are the benefits of videobased fire detection in comparison with regular fire detectors? Ian Moore: Without wanting to give a sales pitch, there are plain facts to state. For one thing, there’s faster detection as the camera is usually looking at the source of the fire and not waiting for emissions to reach a detector. Also, you can use an existing CCTV system. As such, costs can be reduced (plus there’ll be limited or zero interruption to the site during installation). Visual verification of alarms is another core benefit. With an ever-increasing requirement for 56
FIA Technical Briefing: CCTV and Fire Detection the confirmation of an alarm signal (be that alarm fire or security-based), that’s a key factor. There’s a large area of coverage. It’s not an exaggeration to state that one camera can cover the same area as dozens of point detectors leading to lower equipment costs and reduced installation costs. The technology also works at all heights so stratification becomes less of an issue. In addition, cameras can be fixed in an accessible position (for installation and maintenance) and ‘look’ into an inaccessible area. There are many examples. There are complex areas where standard detection can detect as normal, but will potentially false alarm due to unwanted smoke, etc. Video fire detection can accept or ignore some areas that are problematic. Risk Xtra: Lots of positives, but are there any negatives in using this technology? Ian Moore: Let me outline a few facts on this point. If your cameras are dependent on light, then it’s important that the lights have back-up power systems (eg batteries) to ensure the integrity of the system is always maintained. Should white smoke be in front of a white background (or, of course, black on black) then there’s not much chance of the camera defining the smoke. This may – and we have had to do this previously – lead to painting the background to give a strong contrast difference between the expected colour of the smoke and the background colour. Another issue to bear in mind with video detection is its potential unsuitability (both technically and commercially) for small areas. It’s also an unproven technology for many. It should be borne in mind that a designer can be questioned on the option of using video smoke detection should something go wrong. Risk Xtra: In summary, then, how do you see the future of camera-based fire detection developing as time moves on? Ian Moore: When I first started working with video smoke detection, I believed that it was the future for nearly all fire detection needs. That was certainly optimistic. I continue to believe that this solution is better than many people think and should be used more often in a number of areas. I’m also fully aware that it could be a life safety system and, therefore, it has to be robust and accurate as well as better than other options available. There are many barriers to bringing new technology into our industry. Some are justified and others not. Some of those barriers are now being broken down with the inclusion of a number of Codes of Practice, standards and approvals such as ISO/TS 7240-29:2017 and guides like those produced by the FIA. Hopefully, video detection will become a recognised addition to the range of detection methods currently available. Certain applications do lend themselves naturally to camera-based fire detection, with more of them now slowly gaining acceptance. The balance is between early and effective detection against false alarms (which is the same for every system). Applications that are clearly suitable right now, and pretty hard to argue against, are those in large voluminous areas such as power station turbine halls and hangars, etc. Let me put a vision to you. Imagine a fisheye lens smart camera located in the centre of a room and covering every corner. Make it wireless. There’s the option of infrared when no lights are on. Use the light and wireless power in the room to top up the charge – that’s the sensor. The software can detect smoke, heat (through distortion), change the temperature in the room by analysing an image on the wall that alters with heat (no need for a thermostat controller in the room) and introduce virtual tripwires (no need for a PIR detector), facial recognition (ie confirmation of access rights), leak detection and anti-distortion on the viewed image. Food for thought, isn’t it? *If you would like to learn more about video fire detection, there are a number of resources available on the FIA’s website (www.fia.uk.com) under the ‘Resources’ tab Alternatively, if this is a topic of further interest to you, the FIA’s Fire Detection and Alarm Council and associated Working Groups gather quarterly to discuss products, developments and standards. They also look into research in new and innovative technologies for the promotion and betterment of the industry “Certain applications do lend themselves naturally to camera-based fire detection, with more of them now slowly gaining acceptance” 57 www.riskxtra.com>
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x www.riskxtra.com RISKXtra Securit
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x RISKXtra December 2018 Contents 4
Page 5 and 6: x RISKXtra Editorial Product upgrad
Page 7 and 8: News Update Government efforts focu
Page 9 and 10: News Analysis: ISC Report on UK Mai
Page 11 and 12: Opinion: Developing Security Skills
Page 13 and 14: Opinion: The Security Threat of Unm
Page 15 and 16: x RISKXtra BSIA Briefing Back in 20
Page 17 and 18: What Fire System Would You Choose t
Page 19 and 20: Cyber Security: Partnership Working
Page 21 and 22: Duty of Care: A Culture of Mutual R
Page 23 and 24: Certification in the Security and F
Page 25 and 26: FIRE SAFETY Management & Installati
Page 27 and 28: Thankfully, those taking the instal
Page 29 and 30: Evacuate everyone EN54-23 Approved
Page 31 and 32: FIRE SAFETY Vimpex makes move into
Page 33 and 34: FIRE SAFETY Kentec to showcase fire
Page 35 and 36: x www.riskxtra.com RISKXtra Securit
Page 38 and 39: x RISKXtra Showcase: Security Guard
Page 40 and 41: x RISKXtra Showcase: Intruder Detec
Page 42 and 43: x RISKXtra Showcase: Perimeter Prot
Page 44 and 45: x RISKXtra Showcase: Critical Commu
Page 46 and 47: x RISKXtra The Changing Face of Sec
Page 48 and 49: x RISKXtra The Changing Face of Sec
Page 50 and 51: x RISKXtra Meet The Security Compan
Page 52 and 53: x RISKXtra Failing to Plan is Plann
Page 54 and 55: x RISKXtra Whether it be the desire
Page 58 and 59: x RISKXtra ‘Mastery’, ‘Autono
Page 60 and 61: x RISKXtra People and Processes: Th
Page 62 and 63: x RISKXtra Apprenticeships: Revolut
Page 64 and 65: x RISKXtra Risk in Action Jacksons
Page 66 and 67: x RISKXtra Technology in Focus Tech
Page 68 and 69: x RISKXtra Appointments John Hirst
Page 70 and 71: ACCESS CONTROL ACCESS CONTROL ACCES
Page 72 and 73: CONTROL ROOM & MONITORING ADVANCED
Page 74 and 75: POWER UPS - UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER S
Page 76: Emergency Stairway Evac+Chair prov
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RiskXtraDecember2018

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