Safe Cities: Protecting Critical Infrastructure Installations with IP Surveillance

Network video offers excellent possibilities for the operator of an industrial plant to integrate security, safety and production control in one system.

A centralised system combines the supervision of all processes, video surveillance, intrusion protection and access control and allows security staff to reliably detect, verify and identify alarms – both from remote sites as well as from a central control room.

When planning and designing for such a system, choosing the right network cameras and their locations is a good starting point, regardless of what other technologies are being used.

The protective measures need to be defined based on a risk and hazard analysis that also takes into account accuracy, affordability, maintenance, ease of customisation and integration of the security solution with other systems.

Breaking it down from the perimeter

Using the energy and utilities sector as an example, It’s helpful to look at this from a macro to micro level perspective of a typical facility and break it down, starting with its perimeter, buildings and process parts.

There are many different technologies available for perimeter protection to detect an intruder; microwave, fibre-fence sensors, seismic sensors and radar alerts to name but a few.

When protecting especially high-risk infrastructure, network cameras can be successfully combined with these other technologies, combining them with the additional benefits of network cameras such as is information about who or what is trespassing and about the type of activity that is going on.

In an example setup, detection is provided by network thermal cameras equipped with intelligent video analytics. A thermal camera works just as well in complete darkness as it does in daylight. Environmental factors such as rain, fog, sun, foliage or even small animals are minimised in order to lessen the impact on the intelligent algorithm.

If an event is detected the thermal cameras automatically trigger images from a HD-quality PTZ dome camera that allows the security manager to capture details of the situation. Was it really an intruder trying to sabotage the system or was it merely an animal or leaves blowing in the wind? This information is crucial when deciding what action to take and who to dispatch.

To ensure recording and as much functionality as possible, cameras are independent and able to provide information as long as it is connected to the IP infrastructure. In case of communication failure, the camera can continue to record on an embedded SD-card for future analysis.

Pipelines and critical areas

The combination of thermal network cameras and PTZ dome network cameras is also well suited to the protection of pipeline and distribution systems – the most vulnerable parts of the supply chain and the most expensive to protect.

For example, pipelines transporting gas from remotely located exploration sites over vast, unpopulated areas are very difficult to protect, making remote supervision a must.

Information from the thermal camera, enhanced by images from a PTZ dome camera, provides enough detail for the operator to make the appropriate decisions and dispatch the correct response teams in appropriate numbers.

Along with perimeter access, it is also important to control access and flow within critical areas. Specifically, being able to monitor exits during evacuation to ensure nobody is left inside and potentially in danger.

Network video linked to access control systems offers faster and more accurate access management supported by instant access to live or recorded video, sound and data.

Cameras with image enhancing technology allow security managers to see what is happening even in low light; for example emergency exit lights can provide sufficient light for the scene.

Advanced capabilities include video and audio information connected to an access control system for an intercom, virtual gates, virtual fences, audio detection and people counting in and out of the facility.

If there is significant obstruction by environmental factors such as fog or smoke, thermal cameras can be used to ensure continued visibility.

Security is key – so too is production continuity

Moving from the perimeter into the monitoring of processes and specific sensitive areas; the protection of those areas, monitoring of processes and ensuring health and safety regulations are being adhered to are all equally important in making the right decision, quickly.

The most important thing is being able to know what is going on in all sensitive areas, while maintaining a high level of production efficiency.

In addition to safety and security there are additional benefits of integrating the camera system into the production system. Production efficiency can be maximised by visually inspecting and verifying functions and processes and providing remote assistance for planned maintenance.

It also helps ensure safety rules and processes are being followed, and tools and equipment are being properly managed.

It is important to work with open standards and protocols in order to easily integrate with other systems, enabling manufacturers to incorporate the various production components into one management system.

For example, SCADA systems can use network video to provide information on temperature, pressure and speed. Or, if you have a control room in a facility where you control the pumping station, live images of sensors can provide visual confirmation to support the data.

Scalable solutions

Being based on an IP infrastructure makes security installations scalable, reliable and future-proof. The network video system provides the most advanced solution for both security and productivity, enabling the entire management of a security system from multiple remote sites such as company offices, police HQ or even the security manager’s smartphone.

Networked systems like this are especially useful to critical infrastructure operators since it allows them to have a presence virtually anywhere.

These systems work with intelligent video analysis; advanced motion algorithms, virtual gates and virtual fences etc. They also allow the remote control of people entering the plant from across the entire perimeter and crucially, evaluation of potential incidents.

In the case of a serious incident, providing the right response, fast, is crucial. Whenever there is the need to involve third parties such as the emergency services, a network video system not only helps with the fast detection and evaluation of the situation.

It also allows two-way communication for security managers and encourages cooperation among different agencies. This means people can work hand in hand with technology for the best possible protection of critical infrastructure facilities.

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