CCTV plays a significant role in the modern world. CCTV has taken a vital role in promoting security and surveillance from business premises to homes and even outdoor spaces. The technology used has gone through immense changes over the years. Various manufacturers offer even more user-friendly, reliable, easy-to-access, easy-to-install, and efficient CCTV solutions as they try to outdo each other and promote security. This article will look at what CCTV is and what it stands for. 

What Is CCTV?

The term “CCTV” stands for closed-circuit television. Today, many homes and businesses use CCTVs for extra security- whether in plain sight or hidden. In the UK, it was discovered that an average of one camera targets every 14 people, with its density varying from place to place.

What Does CCTV Stand For?

As mentioned earlier, CCTV stands for closed-circuit television. This form of security technology utilises video cameras to transmit signals to a chosen or specific destination. The transmitted video can either be viewed in real-time or recorded but cannot be broadcast. That represents a very effective monitoring method ideal for security and surveillance in business establishments of all kinds, homes, and even public places.

What Does CCTV Mean?

CCTVs are designed to transmit signals not meant for public distribution or consumption. In all cases, only a few people or owners of the CCTVs have access to the cameras, and they’re used mainly for security and surveillance purposes.

What Is CCTV Used For?

CCTV is used primarily for surveillance and security purposes. It plays a massive role in investigating as well as preventing crimes of any kind. It also plays a significant role in monitoring traffic and law enforcement. Here are some other uses of CCTV:

• CCTVs are perfect for any business establishment, institution, or organisation looking for a way to monitor day-to-day events on their premises. Whether you want to keep an eye on your employee parking lot, monitor your cash register, or survey the exterior premises, CCTV will give you that third eye you need, with recorded evidence in case of the unexpected.

• If you run a business, you can take advantage of CCTV cameras to monitor the behaviour of your employees. Some experts suggest that monitoring your staff can help prevent unwanted behaviours such as sexual harassment or theft. It can also improve productivity and work efficiency.

• You can use CCTV cameras to improve security. The mere presence of a visible surveillance camera can serve as enough deterrent for burglars, robbers, and other kinds of home invaders. These cameras effectively prevent or minimise crime, especially in areas with high crime rates, whether at home or at an office.

• You can use CCTV cameras to keep track of your kids when you’re busy in your home. You can also use them to keep an eye on your ageing parents or even your troublesome pets. You can ensure that your pets take their meals on time, know if and when your ageing parents have an accident, and check if your little ones arrive home safely.

How Often Should a Fire Alarm Be Maintained?

The British Standards recommend that fire alarm systems should undergo weekly testing by the responsible person. This is to ensure all components of the system, such as call points, are in working order.

In addition to this, professional fire alarm maintenance should be conducted at least twice a year by a competent person. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment and includes tests that can’t be performed during weekly checks, such as the inspection of control panels, detectors, and sounders.

What is Included in Fire Alarm Maintenance?

A comprehensive fire alarm maintenance procedure should include several essential elements. This includes:

• A full system inspection to check for any damage or wear and tear.
• Cleaning all detectors to ensure they’re free from dust or dirt that could hinder performance.
• Testing of all components such as control panels, call points, detectors, and sounders.
• Checking battery backups to ensure they are fully operational.
• A full report detailing any faults or necessary repairs.

The Importance of Regular Fire Alarm Maintenance

Regular fire alarm maintenance is an important process that ensures the safety and security of a building and its occupants. A fully functional fire alarm system can detect a fire at the earliest possible moment, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely and prevent loss of life. Regular maintenance also reduces the chances of false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary panic and disruption.

Besides safety, maintaining fire alarm systems can help protect property from severe fire damage. Early detection and alert can potentially save thousands, if not millions, of pounds in damage and restoration costs.

Fire extinguishers play a vital role in the event of a fire in commercial properties – it’s critical that they’re properly maintained and serviced to ensure they’re fit for purpose. It’s the duty of the responsible person within a business to arrange the regular servicing and maintenance of fire extinguishers, so that in the unfortunate event of a fire, they can be used without fault.

The Importance of Having Properly Maintained Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an important part of any fire safety plan, and should be kept in good working order at all times. If a fire does break out, you want to know that your extinguishers will work when you need them – and regular servicing is the best way to ensure this.

Servicing a fire extinguisher involves checking it for damage, testing the pressure gauge, cleaning and lubricating it where necessary, and refilling it with the correct amount of extinguishing agent. A professional will also be able to advise you on whether any parts of your extinguisher need replacing, and can recommend specific intervals for servicing depending on the type of fire extinguisher involved.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?

There are three types of fire extinguisher servicing: monthly regular visual inspections, yearly basic services, and extended services to be performed once every five years:

Regular Visual Inspections

Visual inspections should be done on a monthly basis for water, foam, CO2, wet chemical and powder fire extinguishers. These quick and easy-to-do monthly checks that identify any potential issues with the extinguisher can help you save lives, and protect your property.

A complete monthly fire extinguisher inspection consists of a brief visual examination of the extinguisher, its pressure gauge, and headcap pin and seal. This is to ensure that any damage, loss of pressure, or tampering has been found. Finally, you should verify that the extinguisher is in its proper location on a wall bracket or extinguisher stand, as well as that the usage instructions are clearly visible.

Basic Service

You must have your fire extinguishers serviced at least once a year – this is known as a “basic service” and must be carried out in compliance with BS 5036-6. This task is best left to a professional – like ourselves here at Britannia Fire & Security – who have access to the appropriate tools, training, and experience.

The steps required to service a particular type of extinguisher will be determined by the type and age of the extinguisher. The headcap seal is generally replaced, the headcap safety pin is verified for proper operation, the pressure gauge is checked, and any O rings in the valve-hose junction or horn are changed. After that, the technician performs a visual inspection of the extinguisher’s status and gives instructions on how to use it safely.

Extended Service

Water, foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers require routine servicing every 5 years which is best performed by a trained and certified expert with the skills to service an extinguisher correctly, safely, and reliably.

The extended service once again goes through a thorough and in-depth evaluation of the fundamental service’s components. The extinguisher is then discharged, with particular attention paid to the pattern, distance, and duration of the discharged fire suppressant to ensure it’s within specification.

The valves on the extinguisher are tested and refurbished. The inside is examined to verify that the lining is intact and no corrosion exists. The headcap O ring is replaced, as well as the headcap assembly, to ensure that the valve will seal properly. The extinguisher is then re-filled and pressured to ensure leak-free performance before being checked for leaks.

CO2 extinguishers are high-pressure cylinders that are not comparable to other fire extinguishers in terms of pressure. Because of this, they must be serviced differently and have slightly different rules than other fire extinguishers. Every ten years, a CO2 extinguisher needs an overhaul, which is when it’s serviced.

The primary valve is replaced with a new one, and the extinguisher body is hydrostatically pressure tested to ensure it isn’t stretched, cracked or bulging. This includes having the extinguisher taken to an approved service facility.

Where to Get Your Fire Extinguishers Serviced

Now that we’ve established how often fire extinguishers are required to be serviced, and the different steps that go into the maintenance process – it’s important to know where you can get them professionally serviced.

Here at Britannia Fire & Security, we’re a professional fire extinguisher servicing company that provides a range of services to ensure your extinguishers are up to date and compliant with BS 5036 – part six. We have the skills, experience, and tools necessary to service any type of fire extinguisher in a safe and reliable manner.

If you’d like more information on our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.