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Angela Bennett, our Joint Managing Director, recently helped organise a charity dinner in conjunction with ReformNet, in aid of local charity – Cancer Fund for Children.

ReformNet is a Belfast based business networking group which Angela has been a member of for several years. Its inaugural Gala Ball, held in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, had over 190 guests in attendance.

The ReformNet group, which has been in existence for over 15 years, meets monthly for networking luncheons in the Ulster Reform Club, Belfast. The ethos of the group is “Business Through Introduction”, and at each event, members and their invited guests, hear from a range of Guest Speakers, and enjoy first class networking opportunities.

The Gala Ball was the beneficiary of some very generous prizes for the charity auction. This, along with ticket sales, and a raffle resulted in raising over £12,000 for the Charity, Cancer Fund for Children. This money will go towards the wonderful facility, Daisy Lodge located in Newcastle, Co. Down. Daisy Lodge is a purpose-built therapeutic centre for families affected by cancer where they can spend time together in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Technical Focus: Is your CCTV system compliant with GDPR?

This month our technical focus is on the impact of GDPR on CCTV systems, since the implementation date of 25^th May 2018.

The GDPR sets out how organisations can handle personal data; what principles they must abide by when processing personal data; and the technical and organizational measures they should have in place to safeguard the information.  This personal data relates to images captured by CCTV, as well as personal details held about individuals.

It is important for businesses who operate a CCTV system to be aware of potential GDPR pitfalls.

Here’s 7 tips to help you stay GDPR compliant:

1. Display Signage – The CCTV operator must let people know they are using CCTV. Signs are the most common way of doing this. The signs must be clearly visible and readable, and should include the details of the organisation operating the system.

2. Register with the ICO – All companies operating a CCTV system must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office on an annual basis. Failure to do so may result in footage being deemed inadmissible in a court case. You can find out more on the ICO website.

3. Assign Responsibility for CCTV –  Make sure someone in the organisation has been assigned responsibility for CCTV images, deciding what is recorded, how images should be used, who has access to footage and who images can be disclosed to. Have clear procedures on how to use the system. As a business owner, you should make regular checks to ensure the procedures are followed.

4. Consider the Coverage area – If a camera is being positioned in a public place, the operator may need to complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), which is a risk assessment documenting the reason for the camera, and the measures to protect the personal information captured. More information on DPIA’s can be found in our partner, Axis Communications white paper on CCTV and GDPR.

5. Be aware of Retention Periods – CCTV operators are not allowed to retain images indefinitely – organisations should have a retention policy and should only keep images for as long as necessary to meet the purpose of recording them. Where multiple recorders are in operation, they should have a standard retention period.

6. Respond to Subject Access Requests – Under GDPR, anyone can make a “Subject Access Request” for the footage held on CCTV of themselves. If a CCTV operator is asked to provide CCTV images through a Subject Access Request, they will have 30 calendar days to provide these images. This is assuming the individual requesting the images can help to prove they are the individual in the images.

7. Disclosure restrictions – CCTV operators are not allowed to disclose images of identifiable people to the media – or to put them on the internet for entertainment.  A key point in terms of disclosure is that images of members of the public within the CCTV footage are masked BEFORE the footage is given out under a subject access request. Our CCTV partner, Axis Communications demonstrates how this can be achieved with the Axis Camera Station in the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwK15VNdtU8&t=1s

To discuss making your CCTV system comply with GDPR, or with help designing a compliant system, please email design@diamondsystems.co.uk or click here to get in touch.

 

 

 

This month, our Technical Focus is on Life Safety, and in particular – Emergency Lighting Systems. Joint Managing Director of Diamond, Steve Snoddon, explains when Emergency Lighting Systems are needed and what role they play in Life Safety.

What is Emergency Lighting and why is it needed?

Emergency Lighting is installed to provide illumination when the normal lighting fails. It plays an essential role in a premises’ overall Life Safety risk management. When a fire occurs within a premises, heat on the lighting circuits will often result in lighting failure.

The three key functions of an Emergency Lighting system are:

• To indicate the escape routes;
• To allow safe movement towards the escape routes, whilst minimising panic;
• To locate fire fighting equipment and fire detection equipment e.g. manual call points

When is Emergency Lighting a requirement?

In the UK, Fire Safety legislation requires emergency lighting systems to be provided in the following premises types:

• Offices and shops
• Community halls
• Schools
• Hotels and Hostels
• Premises that provide care
• Pubs, clubs and restaurants
• Tents and marquees
• Factories and warehouses
• Common areas in houses in multiple occupation

What is the applicable legislation governing Emergency Lighting systems?

In the UK, the applicable standard is BS 5266 parts 1, 7 and 8. But there may also be additional requirements for higher risk premises e.g. premises licensed for the sale of alcohol; very old premises; or premises where large numbers of people are gathered together. It is worth checking with your Local Authority for any additional requirements.

How complex is the design of Emergency Lighting Systems?

In basic terms, the correct positioning of signage and emergency lighting is essential in saving lives. On a more complex level, the position, angle and distance of escape signage, the luminarie spacing, mode of operation and lux levels are all really important, which is why a competent designer should always be involved when upgrading or installing the system.

Where are the Areas of Particular Risk?

• Points of emphasis – changes in floor level (steps/stairs), changes of direction (corners), first aid points, manual call points are all points of emphasis and the emergency lighting system should highlight these areas
• Areas requiring normal activities to be terminated safely e.g. kitchens, first aid rooms, treatment rooms, refuge areas for mobility impaired people
• Other areas of particular risk, including – passenger lifts; plant rooms; escalators and moving walkways; escape routes in multi-storey car parks
• Areas requiring illumination for investigation e.g. at the Fire Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment, to enable the fire and rescue officers to locate the source of the fire, and operate controls.

What maintenance requirements do Emergency Lighting systems have?

Emergency Lighting should be subject to daily, monthly and annual checks.

• Daily – the premises owner, or responsible person should visually inspect the lighting and escape signage for any visible defects
• Monthly – This is a short functional test. The premises owner, or responsible person should briefly activate the emergency lighting system via the test switch, and check that it operates
• Annually – a competent technician should carry out a full discharge of the system to ensure that the emergency lighting system stays on for a sufficient duration to allow for evacuation and/or immediate reoccupation (may be 1 hour or 3 hours depending on premises). He/she will also conduct a full inspection of escape signage and provide a general report on the status of the overall system. Maintenance only requires a test of the “as fitted” system, therefore it is really important that a competent designer has been involved at the outset. In some very high risk premises e.g. sleeping accommodation, testing may be carried out bi-annually.

What is the future for Emergency Lighting systems?

Lower energy consumption, LED technology and low maintenance is the way forward. Systems are now available which integrate with Fire Detection and Alarm systems, with lighting units fitting directly onto the sensor bases. Unique intelligent, addressable technology allows control and testing of individual luminaires, with graphics software allowing instant overview of the complete system, assisting maintenance tasks. Self-testing systems provide added peace of mind for the responsible person, and also reduce the maintenance requirements.

Contact the team at Diamond to discuss your Life Safety design, maintenance or installation requirements.

Angela Bennett, Joint Managing Director of Diamond, was recently honoured by picking up two IoD Director of the Year awards in Belfast.

Angela was awarded Director of the Year in both the Family Business and SME categories, at the prestigious awards ceremony in The Merchant Hotel earlier this month.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gordon Milligan, IoD NI Chairman, said:

“Congratulations go to all this year’s winners that prove once again that the Northern Ireland economy benefits from leaders across the private and public sector, performing to the very highest standards.”

Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank, who were the lead sponsors of the event, added:

“The IoD Director of the Year Awards programme is a fantastic way for us to highlight the importance of leadership within the business community and given the uncertain times we live in, we must ensure that our business leaders voices are heard loud and clear. Each of the finalists demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovation and visionary thinking – truly inspiring qualities which help drive Northern Ireland’s growing business community.”

Angela will now  progress to be considered for the national IoD Director of the Year Awards taking place in London later this year.

Diamond are delighted to promote the Axis Companion range, which offers professional CCTV solutions at an affordable price.

Features of the Companion range include:

• Professional solution with affordable cameras, recorders, software and accessories that leverage Axis quality
• User friendly software and system components that meet the requirements of small business
• Secure access to video from remote using mobile device or PC

Simplicity from system set-up to usage

Watch this short clip to find out more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5crR9_6Fcw

Get in touch with our team to discuss your CCTV requirements. Diamond are an Axis Gold Partner.

The recent Business Ladies into Golf programme at Dunmurry Golf Club was a huge success. Diamond’s Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, tells us a bit about the programme, and how business and golf can come together with great results.

Q: What was the programme all about?

Angela: Last year I decided I wanted to learn to play golf, but I wasn’t sure where to start and it was all a bit daunting. I regularly attend business networking events and wondered if there was a way of combining business with learning a new skill such as golf. I approached our customer, Dunmurry Golf Club, to see if they would support me with the idea of putting together a small group of business ladies who had an interest in learning to play. The Club were hugely supportive and created a twelve week coaching programme, while I drummed up the interest amongst my business connections.

Q: How many ladies signed up to the programme?

Angela: Twenty signed up, and others were interested but due to work or family commitments couldn’t partake in this particular programme. We held a launch night at the Club in November, and it was a chance for everyone to meet and hear a little bit more about the coaching. The coaching sessions started in January and we met on alternate Friday afternoons for an hour through the winter, and out the other side into the better weather in April.

Q: How did you find the coaching programme and did the ladies enjoy it?

Angela: I found the coaching really beneficial. Our coach, Chris Carroll, was very patient and explained things really well, as most of us were complete beginners. It was great craic on the Friday afternoons, and a fantastic way to unwind after a busy week in work. There was also networking going on, and business being done as friendships developed and our skills progressed. Feedback from the other ladies was great, and we have all stayed in touch.

“Above all it has been satisfying for me to support a club which has been a customer of ours since 1991.”

Q: Would you recommend golf to other women in business?

Angela: Absolutely. There is no better way to unwind and forget the stresses and strains of the workplace, even just for a few hours. I would love to see more women taking up the sport, and I am looking forward to attending corporate golf days, whereas previously I would have had to decline these invitations. Golf is great for mental as well as physical health and that is so important because we all lead such busy and demanding lives.

Q: Will you continue to play golf?

Angela: Yes, I am really enjoying it. I recently joined as an Associate member at Dunmurry, along with a few of the other ladies on the programme.  The Lady Captain, Immediate Past Lady Captain, and Lady Vice Captain have given us tremendous support, along with the Lady Members who gave up their time to attend the coaching and offer their guidance. It has been a great experience and above all it has been satisfying for me to support a club which has been a customer of ours since 1991.

 

 

This month we invited Willis Employment Services Limited, part of Willis Insurance and Risk Management, to write a Guest Blog for us on the subject of Fire Safety Programmes.

Leanne Cahill of Willis, outlines the importance from a risk management perspective, of having an adequate Fire Safety Programme within a business.

Q: Leanne, what are the implications of a business not having an adequate Fire Safety programme?

If you are an employer or own premises, it’s important that you are proactive in ensuring that proper fire safety precautions are in place. Without a sufficient fire safety programme, you are exposing your organisation to huge losses and legal actions.

Q: How can a business owner create an effective Fire Safety Programme?

There are two key measures you can take to establish an effective fire safety programme: (1) ensure you have the necessary equipment for putting out fires and, (2) establishing a fire prevention programme.

• Portable fire extinguishers allow suitably trained people to tackle a fire in its early stages. When deciding on the types of extinguishers to provide, consider the materials you use and store in your workplace. Fire extinguishers should be kept in obvious positions on escape routes and close to high-risk activities such as welding. Fire blankets should be kept near the fire hazard they will be used on. Store blankets in a position which is easy and safe to get to if there is a fire.
• It is also critical to have a fire prevention programme in place. To establish a plan, consider the following three steps:

Step 1: Evaluate the Building

First, examine the structure of your premises.

• Your plan will depend on whether the building has a sprinkler system. If it does not, your evacuation will need to be faster and more efficient, so your plan should take that into consideration.
• Evaluate the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) to determine if the vent system will disperse smoke. Additionally, determine if the HVAC has an automatic shut-off in place for the air handlers should the fire alarm sound.
• Inspect the lift to determine if it has fire-resistant gaskets, if pressurisation has been used to prevent smoke from entering the lift shaft and if the vertical utility shafts have adequate sealing.
• Evaluate whether the building has enough smoke detectors and determine if it has an automatic fire service notification system in place.
• Determine if the building has smoke barriers that will trap the fire in a certain area until the fire service can put it out.
• Inspect the fire doors. The main categories of fire doors are FD30 and FD60 which offer 30 and 60 minutes fire protection. Also, door latches installed outside of the door prevent the door from opening even under the pressure of fire.

Step 2: Create Evacuation Procedures

You should provide employees with specific instructions if they discover a fire or hear a fire alarm. This information should be clearly posted for staff members and should also be part of your employee handbook. The procedural information should include the following:

• Appropriate actions when discovering a fire
• Explanations for how to activate the alarm
• Guidelines for how to exit the building while assisting vulnerable groups
• Instructions for how to greet fire service staff

Step 3: Staff Training and Drills

For staff members to understand the proper procedures and have the ability to perform them quickly, you must conduct thorough staff training and periodic fire drills.

On a frequent basis, fire wardens should conduct fire drills with staff. While doing so, you can determine how well the employees are prepared in the event of an actual fire. From there, you can conduct additional training in areas that need improving.

How important are these measures from an insurance perspective?

A solid fire prevention plan eliminates your risk of penalties from the government, lowers your risk of negligence legal actions, protects your building and your business, and keeps your employees and visitors safe. With the appropriate technology and procedures in place, your business can be prepared in the event of a fire and avoid a potentially catastrophic situation.

For further information and support on creating a Fire Safety Programme for your business contact Leanne Cahill on 028 9032 9042 or email leannec@willisemploymentservices.co.uk.

For more information on the range of Life Safety systems offered by Diamond, click here.

Name: Connor White

Position: Apprentice Engineer

How long have you been in your role?

I am studying City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Knowledge of Electronic Security and Emergency Systems under the Apprenticeships NI scheme, in Belfast Metropolitan College. I started this course in September 2018, and from then I have been going to work at Diamond systems 3 days of the week and to the college 2 days.

Describe a typical day?

During my 3 days per week at work I feel as if the information that you gather while on the job is second to none.  It gives you a feeling of independence going out to work and learning new skills every day. The college is very much the same as we do theory one day and practical the next. This helps me acquire skills that I can take with me to my place of work, for example in tech we have learnt how to install a full intruder alarm panel, and then add all the devices to it, so this gives us a introductory experience of installation.

 How would you describe the culture within Diamond?

Since I started working at Diamond I can say that everyone has welcomed me with open arms.  Everyone in the company is keen on helping me learn and expand my skills for the future.

 What do you like most about your role? 

When I am at work and am out with an engineer, we have set jobs to complete during the day. These jobs can vary between CCTV, Intruder, Fire and Access Control and this is what I really like about the job – you are never stuck doing just one thing, and there are always opportunities to learn something new.

 

Fire detection and alarm systems, like any form of technology, don’t last forever.  When your fire alarm system exceeds ten years old, it may be time to consider upgrading.

Why Ten Years?

The lifetime of the optical parts inside a smoke detector is defined as the time expected for it to drop to below 70% of its initial light output. Although it will still operate, the detector will cease to operate within its designed specification.

Other electronic components are known to slowly change specification over time. This can affect the sensitivity of the smoke sensor over a long period of time. An increase in sensitivity might cause false alarms. Decreased sensitivity could significantly affect the time required to detect a fire and impact the time available for evacuation or other fire response measures.

All devices should be replaced in accordance with applicable legislation in the country where they are installed. If not required to be replaced earlier, we recommend that any devices over ten years old should be replaced as part of your buildings’ standard maintenance and upgrade processes.

The Upgrade Process

The process is less daunting than you might think, and partnering with a specialist such as Diamond will ensure a smooth transition to a modern fire detection and alarm system.

Older fire alarm systems often no longer meet current safety requirements. Nuisance alarms may occur more often as the system ages, resulting in downtime and an interruption to business processes. In certain sectors, including hospitality, false alarms have an impact on the reputation of your brand, and may even result in a financial loss. Additionally, older systems require increasingly intensive maintenance, and it could be more economical to consider an upgrade to newer technology rather than putting more money into an old system. All these aspects affect your safety needs, and those of the occupants within your premises, which is why a fire alarm system requires timely modernisation.

Diamond Systems, in partnership with the world’s leading fire detection and alarm manufacturers, will guide you through the upgrade process and offer you a range of brands, depending on your budget and exact requirements. You may not need a complete system replacement, as some of our brands will utilise the existing cabling within the premises, saving you money on the overall upgrade.

Phased Modernisation to New Technology

You can also choose to upgrade you fire alarm system in stages, by way of a phased modernisation. A phased approach offers the advantage of bringing modernisation in line with your requirements and budget.  Upgrading to the latest technology ensures that your fire safety is kept up to date.

In conjunction with Siemens Financial, Diamond Systems are pleased to offer leasing options over 3 or 5 years, to help spread the cost of upgrading. You may also wish to include a fully comprehensive contract in the leasing package, helping you to accurately forecast expenditure over time.

Features of Modern Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

Diamond offer a range of intelligent Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, with most modern fire alarms now offering the following features:

• Longer life cycle: 20- 25 years compared to the traditional 10 year life cycle
• Smart detection – fast, reliable detection with immunity to deceptive phenomena e.g. steam, dust, aerosols
• Remote access – for both the user and the maintenance specialist
• Degrade mode – communication of an alarm even in the event of a processor failure
• Radio fire detection – useful for temporary installations or historic buildings
• Easy and intuitive to operate
• True Open Protocol systems
• Cloud connectivity – providing greater visibility on multiple buildings from any location. The resulting higher responsiveness increases safety and enhances operational efficiency

To discuss the life safety requirements for your business, or to arrange a demonstration of the latest fire detection and alarm systems on the market, contact us on 02890 207 207, or email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk.

Our £500,000 state-of-the-art CCTV system installed at the Odyssey complex – one of the most innovative in Europe – has earned us international recognition at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards held in London on 21st November 2018.

The system was shortlisted based on the innovation utilised to meet the precise client’s operational requirements, in challenging light conditions. The solution utilises Axis Lightfinder technology and boasts an innovative speed dry function to shake off water residue from outdoor security camera lenses. The use of Zipstream technology, which compresses video footage, significantly reduced the cost of data storage at the venue.

Whilst losing out on the award on the night, the team thoroughly enjoyed the event and for all those companies shortlisted, the awards provided a platform for innovative companies to demonstrate their capability and professionalism on a global stage.

Peter Dempsey, Key Account Manager at Axis Communications, commented:

“As the leading entertainment venue of its kind in Northern Ireland, the Odyssey’s security requirements are continuously evolving. Our commitment to really understand the business, and partnering with organisations such as Diamond, ensured we could deliver a solution that was tailored to its needs.”

Brian Hughes, Group Head of Facilities at The Odyssey Complex, adds:

“Through the use of intelligent applications such as Lightfinder and Zipstream, we can be confident we have the technology to support our unique security needs. Working closely with Diamond and Axis, we were also keen to ensure the system has capacity to include analytics in the future. This could include customer footfall and queue management, bringing benefits in terms of operational effectiveness, guest satisfaction and of course, visitor safety.”