With every industry is being digitised, how far can fire protection and prevention be from catching up? The gaseous fuel eco-system lays emphasis on a strong fire protection system and the changing trend in this industry has revolutionised the way fire protection eco-systems work.

In line with the 4^th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), the term Fire Protection 4.0 signifies the 4^th evolution in the fire protection system. Since its inception as an industry, fire protection has seen many changes – from water & sand buckets in the 18^th Century to Cloud and IoT connectivity in the 21^st Century. The internet and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) are dramatically changing the way the fire protection systems operate or can operate. The fire industry is known to adopt the new changes as soon as they are introduced and also the people working in this industry are quite adaptable towards new methods and techniques to detect, fight and suppress a fire.

The Drivers of Fire Protection 4.0

The Fire Protection industry is using technology to its maximum utilisation in furthering the cause of detection, prevention, and suppression of fire. The future of Fire Protection 4.0 is dependent upon these four technology drivers:

1. Intelligent Wired/Wireless Sensors and Sensor Networks

The use of intelligence wired and wireless sensors and sensor networks provide the backbone to the connected fire protection system. These sensors can be used for detecting gas leakages or the presence of flammable gases. The hydrant and sprinkler systems can be sensor operated which can detect the water pressure, flow, and levels and activate those accordingly. The wireless battery operated smoke and heat detectors devices like MCPs can help in quick detection of smoke. Sensors for fire suppressant systems can help in automatically activating those systems which can save the valuable time which otherwise could be wasted in case of manual activations.

2. Internet and Cloud Computing

The internet and cloud connectivity is set to change all industries including the fire protection industry. These technologies help in improving the connectivity between man and machine. The continuous data generated by the sensors (as described in point #1 above), can be effectively and safely stored on the cloud. The data on the cloud is accessible from anywhere, anytime, all the time. With appropriately designed integrated workflows, the data from the cloud can be readily accessed via smartphones and tablets which helps in accurate positioning of the location of the fire breakout. The accuracy of location during an emergency helps in providing help at a faster speed and in case of a fire breakout, time is an essential aspect. Another advantage of the cloud is the 24×7 connectivity.

3. Blockchain

The Blockchain technology is an incorruptible digital ledger that lets one store and share data and information through the internet. Blockchain technology decentralises the data storage which makes it almost safe from hackers as there is no one source of the data stored. Every system on which the data is shared becomes the server. The Blockchain technology in the fire protection industry can help in streamlining data and communication between contractors, manufacturers, AMC providers, insurance companies, and users

The streamlining of information via Blockchain can help in creating a bridge between the contractors and manufacturers thereby eliminating the communication gap between these parties. The information can be available to all the parties all the time. Besides this, keeping the insurance companies in the loop in this data sharing can help in claim settlement as well.

4. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is turning around the ways in which industries can operate. Sticking to the Fire Prevention Industry, artificial intelligence can play a big role in changing the way this industry operates.  There are several things that can be done in preventing a fire with the help of artificial intelligence.

• Artificial intelligence can help in resource planning. For example, automated analysis of the number of buildings in the area of fire breakout, the population and the type of road to reach that area, can help in knowing the number of fire tenders needed and the method to be used to douse the fire. Knowing these before reaching the spot can be extremely useful.
• Conducting an assessment of the surrounding forest area through satellite imaging can help in forewarning the fire department so that they can take preventive measures accordingly.
• Establishments can use intelligent smoke and heat detectors.
• Use of audio and vibration analytics can help in detecting leakages in gas pipelines which can help in preventing fires caused because of gas leakages.
• AI can help in the analysis of sensor data from motors, pumps, diesel engines, water reservoirs, pressure switches and can accurately predict the health of the system – this information is extremely useful in preventive maintenance

Technology is the future and what better than the fire protection industry to utilise the full potential of technology to eliminate the casualties caused by fire breakouts. The latest cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, and Cloud are dramatically transforming various industries such as manufacturing, retail, automotive, etc. Even the fire protection industry can greatly benefit from these – it is just a matter of the industry professionals and the experts to adopt these quickly and enjoy the benefits of the transformation.

A chilling incident that unfurled in the capital reaffirmed the urgent requirement of better surveillance solutions for banks. Just a few days ago, a Corporation Bank branch in Chhawala faced a heist by a gang of thieves who shot the cashier dead and fled with whatever cash they could find, reports say that the amount was between 2-3 lakhs. However, it was the CCTV footage from over 200 cameras that helped over a 100 policemen crack the case within 12 hours. The tragic part of this case was not the money or the robbery itself, but the unnecessary loss of life. If this bank had better systems in place, the authorities could have reached the bank within minutes and would have had the chance to catch the culprits in the act. However, since the bank was in a remote region in Delhi, the only form of security was the CCTV cameras which did nothing to save the life of the innocent cashier. In September 2018, a branch of Punjab National Bank in Noida was robbed and two private security guards lost their lives in the incident. Although it is apparent that banks are not as safe as they may seem, not many banks have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the safety and security solutions are up to date. As the times progress, it is important to note that criminals also get smarter, we need to be one step ahead of the bad guys.

In this blog, we cover the main elements that banks need to look for in their surveillance systems –

 1)  Glass Break Sensors

This is one of the most important factors in a bank – even more important than CCTV footage. This is because the breaking of the glass is an act of violence. If there are no sensors, no one will know of the incident unfurling until the culprit escape. If you have these sensors in place, the authorities will be alerted as soon as any glass is broken, and they will be present at the bank within minutes. What’s more is that the criminals may not be aware of this, so chances of catching them red-handed are even higher.

 2) Motion Sensor (Shutter/Door)

Motion sensors which are meant for intrusion detection are designed to pick up unusual vibrations and break-ins. This is especially effective in the night when the tampering of the shutters could take place. The authorities are immediately alerted and will arrive at the bank in no time.

 3) Smoke Detector

Smoke Detectors are used to sense fire. They are usually connected to fire alarm. However our Security Systems have integrated feature for safety.

 4) 5D Sensor

This refers to the lenses on the CCTV camera. A 5D sensor will make the CCTV camera as powerful as a DSLR, which is the need of the hour. Criminals know that CCTV cameras are installed and they come prepared, covering most parts of their face and body. If your CCTV camera is outdated, it will provide a pixelated video which is not enough when it comes to identifying masked criminals. A 5D sensor will pick up the minutest details such as birthmarks, tattoos, or wounds which will make the identification process a lot easier.

5) 2-way Audio System

Both, banks as well as ATMs, must consider Microphone Amplifier and Speaker for 2-way digital voice recording operations. This device records all of the surrounding voices and sounds so that the police department has something to work with, in case of an emergency.

6) Intrusion Alarm Panel

An intrusion alarm panel is an IoT-enabled device which is complete with magnetic and vibration sensors. These sensors pitch up the algorithms of set vibrations caused by actions such as drilling or hammering, in case of break-ins. An intrusion panel system enables the authorities to act swiftly since they are immediately notified.

 7) Tamper Alerts

Indian ATMs have no security besides physical guards and outdated CCTV cameras which do not do much for armed criminals. As a result, it is easy to tamper with the machines and install card readers to steal the personal information of others. A tamper-alert equipped ATM can trigger an alarm if someone tries to physically lift the ATM machine. They are triggered by certain vibrations and also have thermal alerts which sound in case of the machine getting burnt. A panic switch comes in handy if a customer is being held hostage, or even when a theft occurs, the authorities can be informed in no time.

The integration of these systems creates a stronghold that banks can trust. What’s more is that in case of an emergency, the authorities can be alerted much sooner, which gives them more time to act and nab the suspects on time. Most of the solutions mentioned above are IoT-enabled, which facilitates a quicker response time. The RBI strongly recommends the implementation of e-surveillance in banks. It is also important to note that life is precious, there is very little a security guard armed with a lathi can do if a gang of armed thieves barge into the bank. These systems are so much more than just CCTV solutions because any sign of a break in, be it too much noise or shattering glass, will be detected and alarms will automatically sound off, which makes the act of robbing a bank too risky for criminals to even consider!

To explore a wide-range range of world-class sensors, intrusion detectors and more such systems, visit our site at https://vighnaharta.in

In August, the Agra police arrested five men who were involved in ATM thefts across the city. The gang would hang around ATMs and look for easy targets, especially those people who were using an ATM for the first time. On the pretext of helping them out, they would siphon off all the money from their accounts. On further investigation, it was discovered that the gang had also been tampering with the machines, and the absence of monitoring in ATMs let them get away with it.

ATMs in Patna have been an easy target for criminals due to lack of surveillance. Just a few days ago, INR 10 lakhs was stolen from an SBI ATM, and INR 10,500 was stolen from a Bank of Baroda ATM in the heart of the city. A third loot was in an ICICI Bank, and all three loots were the result of criminals breaking open the ATM machines with glass cutters and fleeing with the cash within minutes. Earlier this year, a retired IPS Officer in Delhi suffered a loss of INR 80,000 as someone used a skimmer device to clone his debit card in an ATM fraud trap. In the wake of several incidents being reported from all over the country, banks must introspect and reconsider their stance on ATM security. It has become clear that physical guarding is not sufficient since sometimes the guards may be unaware of the tampering that takes place when a criminal is trying to install a scanner – even video surveillance helps only after the event has transpired. From customers being robbed inside ATMs to tech-savvy criminals who install skimmers or cloning devices in the machines which are used for debit and credit card information theft, the criminals are not only increasing but are also becoming more intelligent and calculated. It’s clear that the criminals are getting smarter, and it is the responsibility of banks to make sure that their surveillance systems evolve to outsmart the bad guys. So what are the measures beyond the traditional video surveillance and physical guards? Let’s find out:

Tamper Alerts

If the ATMs in India had tamper alerts, tampering with the ATM machines would be impossible. Tamper alerts are triggered by sensors which pick up on vibration, physical removal of the ATM, and also come with thermal alert and chest door open alert in case criminals try to burn or vandalize the machine. A panic switch would also come under tamper alerts, this can be pressed in case a customer in the ATM is held being hostage, or even if a robbery has just occurred, in which case the authorities can be alerted immediately.

2-Way Audio to Deter Crimes

ATMs need to be fitted with Microphone Amplifier and Speaker for 2-way digital voice recording operations. Think of this as your “black box” – in case a crime does take place, all of the audio will be recorded in this little speaker, making it easier for the police to nab the criminals.

Motion Alert

There are two kinds of motion sensors that are ideal for ATMs. One is Slit PIR and the second is Quad PIR. These are highly sensitive and are tamper proof. These sensors come in handy is picking up unusual activity such as someone trying to lift the entire ATM machine or someone trying to vandalize it. When such activity is detected, these sensors raise an alert.

Glass Break Alert

A glass break detector efficiently and accurately raises alarm if someone is trying to break glass in an ATM. These detectors are calibrated to pick up unique vibrational activity so that there is never a false alarm due to environmental agitation. Typically, thieves take around 10-20 minutes while looting an ATM, if the glass break is detected within the first 5 minutes of the break-in, authorities get sufficient time to act.

Siren Alert

When any of the above-mentioned alerts are trigged, the ATM surveillance system should sound a loud alarm of 110 dB. This ensures that even if there is no guard stationed at the ATM, bystanders will be alerted of a theft and authorities can be immediately called.

Alarm Panel Add-ons

Besides this, the alarm panel inside the ATM must have shutter magnetic sensors which will raise an alarm if someone is trying to fidget with the shutters during maintaince. An IVS or Intelligent Vibration Sensor is also a must-have since it picks up on the unique algorithms of vibrations caused from actions such as drilling or hammering. This means that the criminal could even be caught in the act if authorities respond swiftly.

All of the solutions you have read above should be integrated to the command center. So if there is an emergency or the alarms are sounded off for whatever reason, the authorities are automatically alerted immediately and no time is wasted. Integrating these solutions is the only way forward in an India that’s becoming increasingly digital. It is up to the banks to protect their customers from all of the newly emerging tactics used by criminals so that the customer is always safe and secure. We have secured hundreds of ATMs in the country and have revolutionized the e-surveillance systems in India, so if you feel like you’re ready to embrace smarter surveillance, get in touch.

In May 2018, a commercial complex in Nagpur was up in flames, and the incident revealed several fire safety violations in the building. A few days into September, yet another fire broke out in Kamala Mills, Mumbai, this time the cause was sparked from a welding machine that ended up on thermacol which burst into flames. Just a few days ago, a 7-story commercial building in Andheri suffered a massive fire which injured various personnel who were trying to douse the fire. Although this building had not violated any regulations in terms of fire safety, it took a total of 8 firefighting trucks to tackle this fire. So why are we still struggling to tackle the issues of fire, even in commercial buildings and complexes? Getting to the root of the problem is what can save lives in the long run, which is why in this blog, we try to explore all the various reasons for fires in commercial establishments.

Faulty Wiring and Electrics

The issue with electrical fires is twofold – they may be caused either by malfunctions or human error. Electrical malfunctions are more common and can have extremely dangerous repercussions. Improper wiring is the leading cause of these mishaps, and the cause of improper wiring isn’t just at the time of construction. You may have functional wiring at the time of shifting into your new office, but over time, if systems aren’t regularly maintained, the wiring will begin malfunctioning. The Portable Application Testing system works to ensure that electrical equipment is in working condition in commercial spaces. With regard to human error, the biggest culprits are frayed power cords, old extension boxes, and overload.

Cooking in Commercial Spaces

This is by far one of the biggest causes of commercial fires. Around 29.3% of nonresidential fires are cooling related. What’s more is that 1 out of 4 office building fires can be traced back to cooking mishaps. Since commercial kitchens operate with high volumes of electricity and flammable ingredients and equipment, the hazards are multiplied. Cooking equipment such as deep fryers, ranges, ovens, grills, barbecues, and rotisseries all create risks of explosions and electric fires. Cooking equipment attributes to 61% of all restaurant fires, making it one of the leading causes. To put things further into perspective, 4,500 fires a year are caused due to cooking in commercial spaces.

Hydrogen Leaks in Battery Rooms

Fire Broke out in Govt of Maharashtra’s Mantralaya in June 2012.  Three people were killed and 15 injured.  Several important files were charred.  This fire was attributed to short circuit in the UPS Battery Room which triggered Hydrogen gas oozed out of faulty Lead Acid Batteries.  Lead Acid Batteries are known to generate Hydrogen.  Generally leaks are small.  But if the room is not ventilated, H2 will accumulate and poses fire hazards.

Fires Caused by Heating Devices

This category of fire accounts for 9% of all nonresidential building fires. Similar to electric fires in the sense that heating devices may malfunction or be misused by humans, the most frequent occurrence of this type of fire is the improper use of heaters. Huge complexes such as malls and theatres use space heaters to regulate the temperatures. Besides heaters, there are also mechanical devices that are risky when overheated. These are furnaces, boilers and radiators to name a few. Heating devices are responsible for 14% of fires in manufacturing spaces, 11% in office areas, 9% in restaurants and 5% in healthcare.

Smoking Paraphernalia

Smoking kills in more ways than one. Improper disposal of lit cigars or cigarettes is one of the most common causes of fires. Smoking materials remain one of the top five most common causes of commercial fires. They are responsible for 9% of fires in office complexes, 7% of fires in eateries, and 5% of fires in healthcare facilities. Cigarette buds tossed in the trash can easily ignite into flames, which is a very common cause of fires in general.

Mission-Critical Zones

Airports, jet engine test facilities, refineries are all at very high risk and have an array of opportunity to cause a fire. This is because of the open floors and the presence of gallons of flammable liquids which can explode on accidental ignition.

Negligence and Human Error

9.2% of commercial fires were unintentional and are a result of negligence. Human errors such as leaving electric heaters on, disposing cigarette butts nonchalantly, or overloading old extension boards which spark fires are all common causes of fires in commercial spaces.

Arson

More common than most think, 36% of fires in educational institutions are started unintentionally, 10% in office spaces and 6% in healthcare facilities!

Understanding the root cause of an issue is the first and only way to tackle it. You have to know with the risks you’re dealing with so that your fire protection systems are planned out in accordance with the threats. While there are many causes for commercial fires, it’s important to remember to address them, and not dust them away. Addressing them does not have to be a plight or an overwhelming task, you can always get in touch with fire protection experts who will provide you with all the solutions that you would need! We hope this blog has helped you introspect on the safety of your own establishment, after all, like they say, prevention is always better than cure!

They say that reaching the last stages of life is just like entering a second childhood. One must be very careful and mindful with dealing with the elderly. They are sensitive, gentle and fragile, and require special assistance from time to time. When it comes to caring for the elderly members in the family, the first thing we consider is environmental factors such as preventing falls and injury. We make sure that there are no loose rugs on which they may trip, we make sure that there is adequate lighting in every room so that the grannies and grandpas at home have no trouble with visibly and wayfinding, we even install extra steps or bars in the bathroom so that there is support while getting up.

Let us have a look at various gadgets and technologies available today to help you in ensuring the safety of senior citizens at your home –

Fire Safety:

It’s important to understand that anyone over the age of 85 is 3.8 times more likely to die in a fire than the rest of the population. If the elderly folks in your home are alone from time to time, you’ll need to ensure that smoke detectors are installed in every room, not just the kitchen. This is because things such as mobility, mindset and health complications must be factored in when it comes to dealing with senior citizens. It is insensitive to expect elders to act as quickly as younger adults, which is why you need smarter smoke detection systems. Installing these will not only alert the occupants of the house but will also alert you so that you can take the necessary action to rush to their aid and call the authorities. Besides installing fire alarm systems and smoke detectors, have a word with the elderly members and let them know that in case of an emergency they must calmly exit the building.

Intrusion Detection:

One of the biggest fears of caregivers when it comes to caring for the elderly is intrusions. Detecting a break-in as soon as it happens gives you that much more time to alert the authorities. Go for intrusion alarm systems that can detect unauthorized entry into a space. Check for systems which offer video analytics features such as face recognition, loitering, license plate reading, and object removal to name a few.

LPG Gas Detection:

In many households, when the kids are at school and the parents are at work, the elderly of the household are left to their own devices for some time. In this time, it is very natural for elders to want to make a cup of tea or heat some food, and so on. But the nature of the elderly tends to be slightly forgetful, which is why LPG gas detectors are an absolute must in every household. Not leaving the gas on, even accidentally, maybe something that younger adults take for granted, but we must be understanding towards the elders since it is only human for them to forget things at their age. Go for highly sensitive gas detectors that can detect even the slightest release of LPG so that any crisis may be averted well in advance. When it comes to LPG, the trick is to nip the leak in the bud and air out the house completely.

Panic Switch for Bedside:

If the senior citizens in your home require certain aids for mobility such as wheelchairs, walking sticks or hearing aids, make sure that these are neatly arranged by the person’s bed before bedtime. This way, in case of an emergency, the person has everything that they may need to evacuate the home. Besides this, install a panic button so that the person may press in case of an emergency. This will sound of an alarm in every part of the house so that you can rush to the senior citizen in time.

Fall Sensors:

Around one-third of the population over 65 suffer falls each year. A fall for a senior citizen can bring forth extreme discomfort and pain, and sometimes, may even be fatal. If you are caring for a person above 65, then fall sensors can make all the difference to the wellness and safety of the concerned senior citizen. They are wearable devices which trigger an alarm to the caretaker if any sudden jolts or movements are detected. This way, even if you are unable to get to your loved one on time, you can at least call a friend for help in the meantime.

Door Sensors:

This is an especially handy equipment for dealing with elderly patients who may have dementia or related conditions. Such patients are always at risk since they are sometimes unaware of their surroundings which may unknowingly put them in dangerous situations. For these reasons, door sensors may be stationed at the patient’s room door so that a caregiver is alerted if the patient tries to exit the room. The idea is not to cordon off the patient, but rather to allow them to move around freely as long as you are aware of where they are.

Alarm & Emergency Management (AEMS) for Senior Citizen Homes:

This is one of our offerings which is based on a combination of smoke and gas leak protection. It is a special gas detection device that also doubles as a fire alarm system by alerting the building security for immediate help.

It is important to note that senior citizens are twice more likely to suffer fire-related injuries or fatalities than the youth and middle-aged adults. Limited mobility is one of the main issues which is why prevention is extremely important, as well as acting swiftly. Visit our website to find all of these solutions and more, which will help ensure the safety of the wisest members of your household!