21. Describe a fire alarm control system.

Ans.

Intelligent fire alarm systems provide useful information on the type of fire and the specific location
instead of simply sensing the potential of a fire. These systems provide a unique

point identifier that can pinpoint the exact location of the detector sensing a fire. Each detector or alarm
is provided with an individual address that can be programmed to give the operator or

responding personnel useful information. A detector can be addressed to allow the system to identify a
or specific location where the detector is installed. If the detector sends an alarm signal, the system
displays a message that informs the operator of its specific location. This information can be useful and
thus provide intelligent information.

22. Why has building security become increasingly important?

Ans.

Except in a relatively few instances, building security has traditionally received little consideration during
the design stage. However, today we face a new set of challenges associated with security threats.
Crimes against businesses and increasing threats of violence, terrorist attacks, bombings, and shootouts
that have resulted in tens of billions of dollars of costs annually have increased interest in building
security significantly. Airport security has increased in an attempt to prevent future acts of terrorism
and, for the most part, to limit what can be taken on an aircraft and potentially used as a weapon. The
utility and chemical industries have implemented extra security procedures to provide better protection
and help prevent contamination and loss of power. Most industries have taken additional steps to
strengthen

themselves against potential terrorist criminal actions.

A building security system can be thought of as a life safety system. It can assist in the safety of building
occupant and business personnel because it minimizes prohibited entry by unauthorized persons such
as disgruntled former employees, terrorists, or common criminals. It also prevents damage that can
result in building occupant injuries. Building security must be approached in building design, selection of
materials used in the building, occupant control, and surveillance and alarm systems.

24. For most projects, an electromechanical security system provides economical and effective security.
Such systems have been used extensively in residences and in commercial, industrial, and institutional
buildings. A basic electronic security system consists of a control panel, keypad, digital communicator,
backup battery, transformer, sensing devices, and a horn, buzzer, or siren, Various sensing devices such
as door/window contacts, motion detectors, glass break sensors, smoke detectors, heat sensors,
temperature sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, flood/water sensors, panic/hold-up buttons, and
medical panic pendents are used, depending upon the size and complexity of the installalion. The
system might also use closed circuit television cameras and monitors.

23. Identify and describe things that can be implemented in building design that improve security.

Answer:

Security issues in a building should be considered in the early planning and architectural design stages.
This will simplify the ensuing security system design, decrease security costs, and reduce potential for
crimes to occur in the building or building complex. All aspects of the design should be considered
including access route, landscaping, signage, lighting, materials, colors, entryways and interior layouts.
Designers of the building should pay particular attention to the location of doors, windows, loading
docks, and money handling rooms. These areas should all be easy to view from other surrounding areas
and be well lit.

25. What types of electronic access control devices are used to provide building security?

Ans.

Many large companies use electronic access control systems to control employee entrance by
identifying an authorized individual and allowing that person access to a restricted area. Access control
can deny an unauthorized employee or outsider access into a restricted building or space. It also allows
management to increase employee productivity by preventing unrestricted traffic to different areas of
the building. It can also track employee movement through a building or room. The owner can recall this
information at a later time as the system can store this information in a database.

A commonly used access control method requires insertion of a coded electronic cardkey (similar to an
encoded credit card) into a wall-mounted receptacle that decodes the key and

activates the door lock only for the proper key. This type of lock is much more secure than the standard
cylinder lock used on most doors. A wall or door mounted keypad can also allow the

employee access after the individual has properly entered the keypad code. These control devices can
operate independently or be connected to a central control panel. Codes can be updated

or changed regularly to purge access for former employees.

Another control method known as photo identification requires the employee to punch a coded number
on a keyboard. Within seconds, a picture of the person who is assigned that

code is flashed on the screen for the guard to check. It operates by the same principle as the instant
replay technique used on television and uses the same equipment.
Biometric identification, the latest technology, is the automatic assessment and recognition of a unique
body feature (e.g., fingerprint, eye and face recognition) or personal action (e.g., voice recognition).
With biometric identification, a person may place a hand on a hand plate; the device then measures
such things as finger size, fingertip angle, and skin translucency, and compares this information either
with an identification card that is magnetically coated or with information that has been placed in the
memory of the computer.

30. What are the roles of the members of building evacuation team?

Answer:

Every building or building area has an evacuation team to assist in emergency evacuation. Members of
the team include floor monitors and stairway monitors, who act in response to the specific emergency
and coordinate safe evacuation. Floor monitors check rooms and other enclosed spaces for occupants
who may be trapped or otherwise unable to evacuate the area. Stairway monitors direct occupant
egress on stairways. Monitors (and fellow employees) also assist handicapped occupants who may need
extra assistance.

29. What are the roles of the members of the incident response team?

Answer:

An incident response team with medical, firefighting, and/or hazardous material handling personnel
tend to the incident and report back to the emergency operation center, where the emergency
management takes place.

28. What are the roles of the members of the emergency management team?

Answer:

An emergency management team is formed to address ongoing emergency planning and coordination
efforts, including issues regarding road closings, access to buildings, emergency evacuation
procedures, providing updated security information to employees, and so forth. This team formulates
the BEA plan. During the emergency, the designated leader of this teams put into service immidiate
actions and ensures that response efforts are coordinated with the various groups responsible for
public and employee safety. This team directs emergency actions from the emergency operation
center, a designated central communication room.

27. What is a building evacuation plan?

Answer:
A building evacuation plan is a central part of the BEA plan that ensures orderly evacuation of building
accupants by establishing emergency escape procedures and escape route assignments.

26. What is building emergency action (BEA) plan?

Answer:

It provides for immediate, positive, and orderly action to safeguard life and property in the event of
any emergency or disaster (except enemy attack). The BEA plan should address emergencies that the
employer may reasonably expect in the workplace. It establish policies, procedures, and an
organizational structure for response to emergencies and identifies the roles played by various
personnel.