printer friendly version

Safety tips for business owners

When it comes to choosing a preferred security partner this is likely to be one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

Crime, unfortunately, is part of our everyday lives and it is therefore imperative for business owners to make the correct choice the first time round.

The following should be considered when choosing a preferred security partner:

* Always choose a South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA) approved security firm.

* Make sure all armed response officers who work for your chosen partner are registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

* Choose a security partner that provides an advanced armed response service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

* Is there 24-hour supervision of staff on the road?

* What type of equipment is to be installed - is it local or imported equipment?

* Has the company tested all the products they sell independently through the CSIR/SABS etc?

* What is the client to vehicle ratio?

* Are the vehicles equipped with some form of satellite tracking?

* Does the company make use of its own monitoring centre or does it subcontract the monitoring part of the business?

* Does the company have the ability to switch signals to another of its monitoring centres in the event of a disaster, or to balance the load between centres in the event of huge local volumes such as in a storm situation?

* Does the company manage its own responses or does the company provide monitoring only and sub contract the response side of the business?

* Does the company own the radio frequency used to transmit signals from the alarm to the monitoring centre or is it rented monthly?

* Is the company's monitoring centre capable of monitoring various types of signals, which include opening/closing, burglary, panic, emergency, medical emergency, power failures etc? Does it also have the capability to transmit this data to a client's cellphone via SMS messaging?

It is also important to know that the chosen security company has a sound and favourable relationship and is in constant communication with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat the current crime situation.

Fundamental facts any reputable security organisation should be advising its clients

* Buy the best system you can afford, cheap security is no security.

* Do not regard security as a cost - a good security approach can reduce your insurance premiums and improve staff productivity because they feel more secure.

* In addition, take a broad view of security - the more you integrate your approach, the more you save and the better your security will be.

* The lifecycle of an alarm system is typically around five years - Chubb Security recommends a review of an installed system every two to three years with a major review after a five-year period.

* Do not rely on an old alarm to work without regular servicing. Regular servicing is advisable.

* Any alteration in the structure or layout of your business, or any major change in the value of the risk, should also be included in the re-assessment of your security system.

* Do not rely on an alarm sounder only. An alarm without a response is just a noise - ensure your alarm is monitored.

* The onus rests firmly on the client to regularly test his/her alarm and ensures that their chosen security company's monitoring centre is receiving regular signals. However, please advise the monitoring centre that you are about to test your alarm system.

* False alarms are the bane of the security industry. In most cases the cause of the false alarm will be misunderstood or blamed on faulty equipment. Faulty equipment in fact plays a minor part in the false alarm syndrome. The probable cause of a false alarm will be due to one or more of the following factors: environmental, corrosion, damage to wiring, power problems, and/or failure of owners/operators to understand the system.

* Make sure your security provider has updated records of your correct contact details and those of your key holders.

* Use your burglar alarm to its full potential. Your burglar alarm should be properly managed and checked on a regular basis to ensure that it is fully operational.

* Consider the basic security issues first - keep temptation at bay by keeping valuables out of sight - especially at night.

* Train your staff on basic security principles - for example the need to challenge strangers on the premises, closing window blinds at night, locking cabinets etc. Ensure everyone understands entry/exit procedures.

* Ensure staff members are equipped in understanding how to deal with a fire - from using the various types of extinguishers through to evacuating the premises.

* Ensure your premises are well lit in the evenings.

* Do not assume that it happens to someone else. Always be prepared!

"Chubb is highly committed to the communities in which it operates," says Stephen Mundy, group managing director of Chubb Security Southern Africa.

"We hold monthly community forum meetings and encourage members of the public to attend these meetings where they can interface with us, other emergency services and the SAPS.

"Our monitoring centres are set up and maintained in accordance with the national requirements set out by South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA). In addition our monitoring centres are capable of nationally receiving both radio transmitted signals as well as signals sent via landline (the Telkom network). Ongoing training is given to all staff members on every aspect of the security industry," concludes Mundy.

Share this article:

Further reading: