Garry Singh's authored article for the FSAI JOURNAL SPECIAL ISSUE 2019

FIRE SECURITY CODE OF INDIA: CCTV DEPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LUXURY HOTELS

Security world has been operating without specific codes for implementation of risk mitigation measures. Mostly there are guidelines for local translation for deployment or there are specific codes/standards for production of equipment. Maybe this has been need of the time as security risks are not only dynamic but also the human- oriented risks such as attacks need lot of flexibility in risk mitigation. FSAI made an effort to progress from generic guidelines to specific codes and formed a committee or experts to develop a code on CCTV Deployment Standards for Luxury Hotels. The committee comprised of professionals from end users (Marriot and ITC Hotels), consultants, industry bodies, architects, educationist, OEMs, system integrators, government linked experts and standards organizations.

To develop the first code of its kind, it was discussed that most important feature is to provide progressive results to the users of the code. Hence, the committee decided to enact a code for well-defined smaller population rather a labyrinth code trying to get pasted on all situations. Luxury hotels were picked up specifically for the code as luxury hotels have championed the cause of security and their commitment to take it further. It was also considered that the luxury hotels face higher risks and these hotels cater to global needs. They have better ability to align, improve and commit to global norms and standards. It must be noted that luxury hotels have defined metrics and computation for operations, security and loss prevention. These features will ensure effect of standard can be better measured.

The terms of reference for the committee are as follows:
Focus areas

1. Working to create scientific basis of developing standards. 
2. Create robust principles for deployment.
3. Keep future proofing in mind for short to mid-term (max 5 years)
4. Creating framework for acceptance
5. Future working with government and non-government bodies to convert standard into guideline 

No efforts to 

1. Promote any brands or mention any preferred brands and makes
2. Interfere or comment on manufacturing standards 
3. Assure specific results can be achieved by following standards

The expert committee had multiple interactions and emerged with a code that will not only provide details on deployment of CCTV but also how the system should be maintained and ensure resiliency. The focus was to achieve end result of better security for an organization rather just end up at a theoretical code. The list of modules were decided
by the committee and then separate sub-committees were formed to write their respective modules.

The list of modules in the code are:

Module 1: Basis of deployment

Module 2: Areas to be covered 

Module 3: Standards for specific areas such as movement points 

Module 4: Analytics l Module 5: Surveillance Command Centre 

Module 6: Recording &Image Quality 

Module 7: Cabling & Connectivity 

Module 8: Maintenance 

Module 9: Resiliency 

Module 10: Operations, Monitoring & Manpower

The draft code has been released and has been placed in front of multiple government bodies, professional/ industry bodies and individual experts for their comments to further improve the code before launching for implementation.

Post completion of final version of the code it will be rolled out for implementation.It is encouraging that this code has received lot of accolades from various channels and some of the hotel groups have already expressed their commitment to implement the code.

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Author

Written by Garry Singh

Garry is the President at IIRIS Consulting Pvt. Ltd.