Here is a list of the most common questions we receive. If your questions aren't already answered, feel free to enter your own question below and we'll do our best to answer it.
In accordance with IBC, Fire Sprinkler Systems and Fire Extinguishing Systems are required to be monitored by the building Fire Alarm System or Fire Sprinkler Monitoring System in accordance with NFPA 72. If there is not a monitoring system currently installed, one shall be provided.
Test and Inspection intervals can vary by occupancy type, and device type. Per code the minimum requirement is (1) complete annual inspection, with more frequent inspections required by occupancy type, and device type.
Both the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), require any building equipped with Carbon Monoxide or Carbon Dioxide Detection Systems to be connected to the building Fire Alarm System for monitoring. IBC and IFC also provide additional guidance on occupancy types that require CO Detection Systems.
Each installation is unique based on the facility classification, government entity you are working with, and the local Information Security Officer (ISO) guidelines. At a minimum the system must comply with the BAA / TAA acts, unless extenuating circumstances are prevailing and written authorization from the ISO have been provided. Prior to connection of any software, firmware, or hardware are connected to a government network, NIST Compliance shall be documented, Risk Management Framework (RMF) assessments must be conducted with an issuance of an RMF Certificate, and Cyber Security assessments shall be completed. Never connect an unauthorized device to a government network.
When consulting your security designer, it is important to provide the performance specifications of your existing network, if you are considering placing your video surveillance on a shared network. Performance characteristics include, equipment make and models, throughput capacity (bandwidth), existing network load (the amount of bandwidth used on average), facility growth plan for future network devices as well as video surveillance devices. The amount of devices you are able to install on existing infrastructure will depend on the bit rate of the devices being installed, and the available bandwidth on the exiting network. With that said, it is possible to share a network, but at a minimum a Virtual Private Network (VLAN) structure should be deployed to keep security devices and network traffic separate from your business data network. Our security engineers provide more than system layouts and device specifications, we can provide complete engineering calculations for the Video Surveillance System network load, server throughput, and archiver storage based on desired video retention time. We always recommend that a private security network be deployed, it is more secure and has less impact on your day to day business network performance.
Unified Facilities Criteria design guides and NFPA both provide guidance through performing a risk assessment during the schematic design phase. At a minimum there should be (1) LOC per occupied building floor, with assessment considerations of providing at least (1) LOC per building floor per building wing; other considerations may validate the requirement to provide (1) LOC at entry to the building and areas of refuge. Performing an in depth assessment is key to providing adequate coverage for LOCs.
At a minimum force protection requirements per UFC and USAF Specific Guidance, require the following. Entry door into the Pharmacy shall be protected with Balanced Magnetic Sensor (BMS), dispensing windows must be protected with Balanced Magnetic Sensor (BMS), dispensing window stations must be provided with undercounter Duress Buttons, PIR Motion Detection shall be installed within the Pharmacy, the Intrusion Detection Control Panel must be installed within the protected space. Vindicator is the most common manufacturer installed, and one of only a few manufacturers approved for installation on USAF Bases. Other force protection requirements for Pharmacies include Video Surveillance coverage of dispensing windows to adequately cover the transaction side and patient side of the counter, video coverage of the medication compounding area, video coverage of NARC Vault, and general video coverage of the pharmacy storage shelves. Local Force Protection Personnel may have requirements above an beyond those mentioned above.
Speaker spacing on any audio system is dependent on the manufacturer of the speakers being supplied, the building construction finishes (reflective, absorbing), ceiling heights and open spaces. There are specific requirements for facility construction of partitions to meet a certain sound level rating, when these are not met adequately it is imperative to deploy other technologies such as Sound Masking.
Yes, our design engineers provide these services regularly. Once we receive your request and system information, our team will provide a proposal for review and approval prior to proceeding. Once we receive approval, our design engineers will provide a complete fire alarm design and engineering set of drawings timely, reviewed and signed by our NICET IV Fire Detection Engineer. We can assist with printing needs and submission to your local Fire Marshal or AHJ as well.
Yes, we can deploy our field engineering team to your installation site to provide onsite support. Our teams are equipped with test equipment to provide NFPA and JCO compliant testing and reports. Additionally we can provide Voice Intelligibility testing with recommendations to optimize your system prior to final testing with your AHJ.
