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Wireless IP security system

A BSIA member worked with Air Products, a leading global supplier of chemical products, services and solutions, which wanted to ensure the successful roll-out of a new security system across Europe following the successful implementation of an earlier security solution at 15 UK sites.

Air Products needed a single partner to manage the roll out of security upgrades to 25 sites across eight countries in mainland Europe. All the sites are operating facilities with live process systems, significant large vehicle traffic and, often, thousands of cylinder movements.

The UK programme had combined an integrated CCTV, access control, intruder and intercom solution with remote management. During the UK implementation, an exemplary health and safety record equating to over 14 000 hours of site activity without incident was maintained, an important consideration for Air Products’ choice of provider.

The varied nature of Air Products’ sites demanded a flexible approach. From the outset, the BSIA member was viewed as a key member of the project team and involved at all stages of the project. Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs) were carried on each location and appropriate solutions developed, from minimising risk from theft and attack to specific consideration of hazardous areas, operational concerns and access limitations.

The SVAs also identified opportunities to make security savings. In Spain, for example, a plan was conceived to integrate key sites within a new purpose-built management centre.

It was vital to consistently meet Air Products’ global equipment and procedures standards across different site layouts. A traditional hard-wired approach would have been too disruptive and the costs prohibitive. The solution, therefore, was to design and deploy a secure wireless IP solution for all of the systems incorporating CCTV, intelligent video motion detection and access control. It was the first application of its type in mainland Europe.

Over five of the higher risk sites are now managed from the purpose-built security management centre. Having worked closely with Air Products to design and implement both the hardware and the procedures and policies necessary to run the operation, Air Products benefited from a range of additional benefits including:

* A working partnership with a single security supplier across Europe for equipment, installation and project management;

* Integration and installation work is carried out with minimal disruption to normal activity; and

* Smooth security management of multiple activities on each complies with strict safety standards.

“We have been very satisfied with our working partnership with the BSIA member company,” commented John Wilson, Air Products project manager – European Security Upgrade. “The team has proved innovative, supportive of our safety requirements and flexible in overcoming the many obstacles that occur on complex sites and installations.”

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