In an industrial setting or other large facilities complex such as a prison, hospital, or plant, facilities managers carry a heavy burden.
They have to remain focused on the safety and security of employees and others on-site. They have to constantly evaluate physical risks and vulnerabilities, as well as other important concerns about security.
You need a comprehensive plan, one that includes physical, informational, and operational security. And it all has to adhere to your operations budget.
Physical security is the use of fire alarms, burglar alarms, digital camera systems and other technologies designed to detect, deter, and react against threats and other liabilities. Surveillance considerations are a big component of this.
If you’re a facilities manager responsible for the safety of your employees, customers, and premises, consider the following points when assessing a new or replacement surveillance system.
Network Connectivity
Managers must decide whether their surveillance system will be analog or, Internet protocol (IP). Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. IP surveillance technologies offer more coordination elements than analog. But if an IP surveillance system is not properly integrated, there is a higher chance that problems could occur. IP cameras are able to use transmission via a computer network, which is usually a shared building network.
Storage Options
Another point to consider is the length of time your company needs to keep the recorded video. The video retention standard is 30 days, although it might be a good idea to retain video for longer periods if you want to protect yourself from unforeseeable legal action. For instance, companies might want to retain video footage from escalator areas to meet the statute of limitations period for injury cases. While this period typically covers two years, it varies in every state. The statute of limitations for personal injury in Louisiana is one year.
Appropriate Housing
Protect your investment. When thinking about where you’ll mount your surveillance equipment, consider environment, location, and reachability. If a camera is installed outside the building premises, it should have a weatherized enclosure to prevent moisture from damaging the camera. For especially dirty areas, dust-proof enclosures are a good idea.
Proper Signage
Correct signage for a surveillance camera system is important. You’ll need to make sure the wording conforms to legal best practices. Without proper signage that states the use of the camera system, your business might be exposed to unnecessary liability. For example, if the surveillance cameras are not actively monitored and are being utilized solely for investigative purposes, the signage should not indicate that surveillance is in progress. In addition, overuse of cameras can also be a basis for liability.
When it comes to security systems, policy compliance should be clearly defined and implemented within every business or organization. All policies and procedures must take into account the company’s budget allocation, benefits to employees and customers, and applicable aspects of the law to avoid potential complications and the waste of company resources.
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