Think of having a Surveillance camera mounted on your building, only to discover that it didn’t capture any footage when you needed it for security reasons.  Then, what is the point of having a security system, right?

Surveillance cameras are a necessary component of the best security precautions for commercial properties. In addition to being very helpful in preventing theft, they can also be used to take a holistic approach and create a sense of security and comfort.

A Surveillance camera is only useful if it can be counted on to provide uninterrupted, error-free surveillance.  There are numerous issues that could arise with Surveillance cameras. The system could abruptly shut down due to power outages, lens failure, problems with the recording function, or other factors.

Given the unparalleled advantages of Surveillance cameras and the serious consequences of a malfunctioning system, it is crucial for company owners who invest in them to keep them frequently inspected and updated.

Obtaining a maintenance contract from a reputable security firm is one of the best ways to do this and ensure that all system service requirements are met.

Continue reading to learn more about CCTV maintenance contracts for business buildings, what they must contain, and how frequently service is required:

Commercial Building Maintenance Agreements for Surveillance cameras

Agreements for CCTV maintenance are agreements between the security provider and the CCTV owner that guarantees the system will be maintained and all servicing requirements will be met, leaving you, the owner and user, worry-free and at ease.

When an unforeseen malfunction occurs, or there is an unexpected callout, you and your Surveillance system will be given top consideration if you have a service agreement.

You can create a personalised maintenance contract according to your needs and budget by comparing contracts and firms to see how long they last, how much they charge, and other specifics.

Some maintenance contracts also incorporate qualified CCTV monitoring services for security and safety.

A maintenance agreement offers the following advantages:

  • A system that experts routinely manage,
  • 24-hour availability,
  • Lower call-out and labour costs,
  • A decrease in insurance premiums.

 

What does a CCTV Service Agreement Include?

Each agreement for CCTV services is unique and is written with the client’s needs in mind. The agreements may contain different kinds of evaluations and assessments, depending on the scope and complexity of the system.

In-person and remote service calls, emergency calls, and on-call support for the following services are all often included in a typical CCTV maintenance contract:

  • Cleaning the camera and ensuring the lens is correctly set and focused.
  • Examining the field of view and clearing any impediments,
  • Checking any sensors and detectors that may be present,
  • inspecting the batteries and changing them as needed every few years, (where utilised)
  • Checking the various features, such as panning and zooming, using the controller,
  • Examining the connectors and wires for signs of wear and tear,
  • Verifying the DVR or NVR’s equipment settings,
  •  Verifying the transmission quality and distortion-freeness,
  •  Upgrading the firmware on the DVR/NVR and Cameras.
  •  Consenting to fix any little issues that arise.
  • 24/7 CCTV monitoring, if appropriate.
  • Instruction and training sessions for users on how to use the CCTV system.
  • Creating a condition report and keeping track of all the findings.
  • Advising on the most recent security and technology suggestions.
  • Advising on the most recent data protection and security laws.

 

When should a CCTV system be maintained?

The systems must be routinely serviced and examined to ensure that they are operating as they should and are in compliance with all CCTV camera legislation, according to the CCTV code of practice for the installation of CCTV cameras in buildings.

The kind, size, and complexity of the CCTV system determine the amount of maintenance required and how frequently it must be performed.

To ensure that the systems are operating effectively and provide you with the highest level of security, it is generally advised to have them checked out at least once a month.

A qualified provider recommends performing a complete inspection once a year to evaluate the system’s overall health and functionality and address any potential problems before they become serious.

What is the budget for maintaining CCTV?

Your commitment to your CCTV security system will pay off if you maintain it because it will operate efficiently with fewer interruptions.

It is advised to get your CCTV security system serviced annually to maintain it operating properly. You must perform your own system maintenance and keep it free of dust. A maintenance appointment would typically cost you between £85 and £170.

The price of a maintenance agreement can vary greatly and might include everything from routine maintenance to extensive repairs. Some agreements are also created based on the client’s specific needs and are therefore custom-made for their budgets.

What are the benefits of a properly maintained CCTV system

A properly installed and maintained CCTV system offers company owners several advantages and is quite efficient at deterring burglars.

Here are all the justifications for why well-maintained CCTV cameras are crucial for commercial structures and the people that occupy them:

Crime Prevention

All types of criminals, such as invaders, vandals, and burglars, would not want to conduct a crime and have it captured on camera.

Intruders always strive to avoid commercial establishments with CCTV monitoring since the mere thought of being watched and filmed is enough to scare them away.

Since often even the sheer sight of a security system is sufficient to deter burglars, some people might think they can get by with flawed and defective systems.

However, one must keep in mind that a burglar seeking to enter your property will first thoroughly scope it to locate any weak points. A competent burglar can also easily distinguish between a fake or faulty CCTV system and a properly maintained one.

To avoid taking any chances, installing, and correctly maintaining a CCTV system on your property is essential.

Documented Proof

In addition to deterring potential offenders, a well-maintained CCTV system will also offer proof if they do conduct a crime.

Offenders can be easily recognised in the live and recorded footage from the camera, increasing the likelihood that they will be apprehended.

If a burglar tries to break into a place under CCTV surveillance, it may be easier to gather evidence and leave a trail that can be used against them.

CCTV cameras guard against internal risks like the theft and destruction committed by angry residents and employees and external dangers like invasions, burglaries, and vandalism.

Remote Surveillance

Many internet-connected CCTV cameras provide remote surveillance capabilities that let users view recorded video from a distance in real-time and as a playback feature.

The advantage of not having to be physically present on the grounds to monitor what is happening is provided by a CCTV installation.

Additionally, reputable monitoring services use remote monitoring to keep an eye on your property around the clock, keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, and immediately notify the owners and law enforcement if anything is found.

This link is made possible by consistent signalling services, which may be interfered with by mistakes and oversight on your side because of improper maintenance.

Safety and protection

Staff are the foundation of any company; keeping them safe must be a top priority. They are not only shielded from external hazards by a well-maintained CCTV system, but it also promotes positive behaviour in general.

The motivation to work harder and be more productive comes from knowing that the owners genuinely care about them.

A workplace where everyone feels safe and where offenses like violence and sexual harassment are kept in check and under control is also promoted by regular observation.

CCTV Regulations for Commercial Structures

To safeguard their safety and security, commercial properties are allowed to deploy security systems like CCTV cameras, but they must use them properly.

Certain laws regulate the use of CCTV systems in commercial settings, and compliance with such laws is required. They consist of the Human Rights Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Data Protection Act, and the Protection of Freedoms Act.

Following the commercial building CCTV code of practice, the owners are required to:

  • Have a valid cause for employing CCTV cameras, such as security issues, which is conceivably the most crucial element of legal compliance.
  • Enrol as a CCTV operator with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which requires payment of a data protection fee (unless you are exempt).
  • Establish distinct roles and processes and document all facets of data control.
  • Ensure that the information is securely stored and that only authorised individuals can obtain it.
  • Let everyone in the vicinity know they are being filmed, preferably by posting prominent signs or informing the concerned parties.
  • Supervise personnel if they have been informed in writing and given the justifications for it.
  • Avoid placing CCTV equipment in restrooms and changing rooms, which are considered private aspects of the workplace.
  • Turn off audio recording on all CCTV systems because it is a serious invasion of privacy and is generally not recommended.
  • Be careful to give persons who have been recorded on the system access to the data collected within one month of their request.
  • Only keep the data in storage for the necessary amount of time, which varies from business to business.
  • If requested by the authorities, such as the police, share any video or image recordings with them.

In addition,

  • Ensure the system is regularly maintained and reviewed to ensure it is operating properly and in accordance with all applicable CCTV legislation.

 

Implications of breaching the Law

The stated company CCTV restrictions are treated very severely and breaking them can result in criminal penalties and hefty fines of up to £500,000 for the proprietors.

Businesses risk losing the trust of their employees and customers in addition to facing jail time, and penalties since employing recording equipment without consent is a major infringement of privacy.

Another thing that might damage a company’s or a property owner’s reputation is their inability to put up signs alerting the public that they are being watched.

Contact ESP Projects

ESP Projects provides a full variety of CCTV services for commercial buildings, including expert installation, surveillance, service support, and repairs.

Commercial CCTV Setup

CCTV setup is a specialised skill that experts in the security sector should only perform. Although a lot of regular electricians might provide this service, they just lack the specialised understanding and experience to do so with the same level of proficiency.

In addition to the actual installation of the equipment, there are numerous other aspects to consider, such as the best locations for the cameras, how to set up the DVR, how to integrate the system with other security measures like burglar alarms, and how the system itself should be configured.

We have a deeper overview of the business and can offer knowledgeable advice on the system’s requirements, including whether it should be IP or analogue HD, the number of cameras required, their placement to reduce weather interruption, and thorough training on how to make the most of the system.

Commercial CCTV Servicing

The efficacy of any electronic system is often determined by three factors: the apparatus’s calibre, the setup’s expertise, and the way the apparatus is serviced and cared for.

Our expert engineers will perform a visual inspection of all equipment, verify all connections and cabling, clean the cameras, lenses, and housing, check the placement of the cameras, evaluate playback and recording quality, and even refresh users on how to use the system properly during a maintenance visit.

We are SSAIB-approved operators and can continue maintaining an existing system we did not set up.

Commercial CCTV Surveillance

CCTV surveillance enables even when the building is vacant, to identify security breaches as they happen and take the necessary action.

Knowing that security experts are constantly monitoring your property using professional monitoring services can add an added degree of security.

A break-in, a fire, a flood, or any other type of structural incident can all be prevented with quick action.

Repairing of Commercial CCTV

CCTV systems can malfunction for various reasons, as previously mentioned, including bad weather, compromised cameras, weak connections, cable problems, power surges, and normal wear and tear.

Regardless of the problem, you need an experienced expert to fix it swiftly. Because criminals don’t wait for repairs to be completed, all our engineers are experts in the security sector and keep a wide variety of components, tools, and service kits in their trucks to ensure that fixes are handled quickly.

Nationwide Partnerships

All the following services can be provided across the UK as part of a national agreement, and we have the capacity and resources to manage national deals for multi-site businesses.

 

Summary

There are many things to consider when it comes to CCTV in your business.  Think about partnering with a reputable company in Sheffield or your local area, or one that can deliver services nationally.  Always try to spend the most amount of money that your business can afford, because paying peanuts really does get you monkeys!  Contact us on 0330 2020 118 or marketing@espprojects.co.uk for advice around CCTV systems and their maintenance.