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International bank vaults secured

Chubb Integrated Systems, a division of Chubb Security South Africa, has completed a security solution for International Bank Vaults (IBV) in Durban. Chubb Security is a business of UTC Fire & Security.

Durban businessman Ashok Sewnarain is responsible for the IBV concept and requested that his facility complied with the highest bank vault security in the world. IBV’s security systems carry SABS Category 5 certification and the highest Swiss Security rating of UL3.

Bridget Aves, managing director for Chubb Security, KwaZulu-Natal, describes the security system. “The entire facility is monitored by closed circuit television (CCTV) as well as seismic detectors and an alarm system,” she said.

The CCTV system comprising cameras in and outside the premises, are not only monitored by the IBV on-site security officer but also by one of Chubb’s two computerised alarm monitoring centres which are set up and maintained in accordance with the national requirements set out by South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA).

Integrated security

Linked via a wide area network (WAN), this enables one monitoring centre to take over and/or assist in the monitoring of alarm signals should the other monitoring centre be disrupted or out of commission for any period of time.

The on-site IBV security control centre is also designed to withstand power failures and maintain two-way radio communication at all times. It also monitors and archives all surveillance records and controls the temperature inside the vault.

All cameras record activities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are backed up on a daily basis. All doors are controlled by means of biometric access control. When clients, as well as staff, enter the facility, a digital image positively identifies each individual. Clients are then accompanied into the vault by one of IBV’s personnel.

Seismic detectors were also attached to all walls surrounding the vault. The seismic detectors will activate an alarm should anybody try to penetrate the wall by using explosives or modern tools such as diamond-tipped drills, mechanical and hydraulic pressure tools, flame cutters and thermal-lances.

In addition to this, Chubb installed an alarm system made up of anti-masking passive infrared movement detectors throughout the premises. The anti-masking passives are high-end passives designed to pick up movement within the premises. “These passives cannot be masked during the day if anybody had the intention of trying to bypass them,” says Aves.

Multiple alarm systems are active on the premises at all times. The alarm monitoring the vault is linked to Chubb’s monitoring centres, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chubb’s armed response personnel are also on standby at all times to ensure the safety and security of the possessions of IBV’s clients.

The IBV is South Africa’s first private safe deposit vault facility. A second facility in Sandton Square, Johannesburg, is due to open shortly and plans are afoot to expand the business internationally.

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