What's the Difference Between RFID & NFC Access Control?

 

Building owners and managers use access control systems to allow employees or others access to specific areas based upon their level of security credentials. There are various types of access control systems, with one of the most common being Radio Frequency Identification, typically known as RFID.  Another method of access control which is gaining in popularity is Near Field Communication, referred to as NFC technology.

There are differences between these two types of access control systems, speaking with an experienced life safety and security system provider can help you decide which type of access control system is best for your business.

RFID Access Control Technology

RFID Access control systems consist of four elements, the RFID tag, the tag reader, the access control panel in the lock. RFID technology transmits data in one direction only, from the tag to the tag reader, and then to the access control panel which unlocks the door with the verifying credentials. RFID access control technology has been around for decades and is quite popular as it is fairly easy to implement and not overly expensive.

Some drawbacks of RFID technology are that these systems are prone to electromagnetic interference which can occur if multiple tags are in the same location or close proximity to magnetic devices. Additionally, an RFID system could be intentionally jammed which could disable the entire system. RFID tags can also be cloned with a transponder device because the unique data on an RFID tag never changes so the tag reader cannot differentiate between the original or a copy.

NFC Access Control Technology

NFC technology is an evolution above RFID systems as it is more fine-tuned and utilizes two-way communication, which is the biggest difference compared to RFID. NFC technology transmits data between devices with electromagnetic radio waves. While an NFC system may appear similar to RFID, as a user presents a tag to a tag reader and within seconds the door opens, the communication going back and forth between the tag and the tag reader is a very different process than RFID.

NFC technology generates encrypted codes for one-time use only, which is transferred from the tag to the tag reader. These codes are random and used only one time which makes them much more difficult if not impossible to clone. This significantly increases the level of security over RFID systems.

NFC technology is becoming more popular and slowly replacing RFID systems in many applications. Another major difference over RFID is the distance required to transmit data. RFID systems can generally scan a tag up to 100 m away without requiring a direct line of sight to the reader. NFC systems, on the other hand, do require a direct line of sight and actually require much closer contact, usually within a few centimeters to operate. This increases security levels in things like mobile payments, and high level security access systems.

HRSS Offers Fire, Life Safety and Security Services

To learn more about security integration and access control, contact your trusted fire alarm, life safety and security system provider. High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading provider of complete fire alarm, life safety and security services to a wide range of commercial properties in and around Chicago.  Protecting properties and saving lives is our number one priority.

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire life safety system provider offering consultation, complete system design, and comprehensive services including security integration. Contact us to learn more about improving your buildings safety and security from an experienced commercial safety system provider.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/commercial-security-systems/whats-the-difference-between-rfid-nfc-access-control/

 

 

 

Fire & Life Safety Statement of Work

Building safety managers are tasked with ensuring proper systems are in place to protect property and occupants. This includes fire and life safety system equipment, emergency action plans, maintenance and service from a reputable commercial fire alarm system company. Safety managers should stay abreast of all requirements from local and state regulating authorities regarding fire and life safety system code regulations.

When maintenance, service, repairs or upgrades are required on your commercial fire alarm system, you may need to draft a scope of the work or services that need to be provided. Providing a fire and life safety statement of work to your fire alarm safety company can help you to understand your requirements and responsibilities.

Fire and Life Safety Scope of Work Requirements

Partnering with an experienced fire and life safety system provider is important and can help you to understand code regulations that apply to your business and property type. Finding the right fire safety consulting firm is important as not all contractors provide the same services or technical expertise. Preparing your own scope of work requirements can help you to understand what is required of your fire and life safety system contractor.

Equipment, Frequencies, Safety Codes and Standards

It helps to include in your statement of work:

●       An inventory of your fire alarm safety system equipment

●       Fire alarm system service frequency requirements

●       Applicable fire and life safety system codes and standards

You can contact your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm codes applicable to your facility and fire protection systems. Your AHJ can let you know of specific frequency requirements applicable to your equipment and local emergency responders.

Insurance, Subcontractors

Make sure that the fire alarm system provider you work with has adequate insurance coverage and obtain a certificate of insurance for work performed on your premises in the case of damages.

Never assume that the fire alarm company you contract to do the work is going to be the one performing the work. Many providers subcontract services and you want to be sure that the providers servicing your fire and life safety system hold the appropriate technical certifications and possess the right technical expertise.

Technical Training and Certifications

Ask your fire alarm service company about the technical training and experience of their technicians and certifications that they hold. A qualified fire alarm system provider will ensure that their technicians are certified to National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), as well as belong to professional associations such as the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED).

Your fire alarm system provider should be able to direct you as to the code regulations applicable to your business and property and should provide assistance with submitting data sheets and fire alarm system designs to your local AHJ.

HRSS Provides Professional Fire Alarm System Service and Consultation

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading provider of commercial fire alarm and life safety system services to commercial properties and around Chicago. Our technicians are all NICET certified and field trained, with vast experience of all fire alarm system technology. We partner with our customers to ensure their fire and life safety system meets all applicable code regulations. We go above and beyond code requirements to protect and save lives with a fire alarm and life safety system designed around your unique building structure and business operations.

HRSS provides comprehensive fire alarm and life safety systems services, including consultation, testing, inspection, repairs, maintenance, and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us with any questions and for more information on servicing your property with quality, UL listed fire alarm system equipment and services you can rely on.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-and-life-safety/fire-life-safety-statement-of-work/

 

Health Care Facility Emergency Preparedness Strategies

Creating an emergency plan is of critical importance for every type of business, public or commercial property, and especially for hospitals and healthcare facilities where patients may be unable to evacuate. Being prepared for an emergency in a healthcare facility can mean the difference between life and death.

There are basically two different strategies when it comes to emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities, Evacuation or Defend in Place.

Evacuation Vs. Defend In Place

Determining which strategy to incorporate into an emergency preparedness plan for hospitals or healthcare facilities requires consideration of several factors including:

●       Type of emergency

●       Evacuation capabilities of occupants

●       Building Construction

●       Fire protection and life safety systems

 Evacuation: Total or Staged

Evacuation from an emergency can be a complete and total evacuation, or evacuation on a staged level. Total evacuation is self-explanatory and occurs when an alarm or notification of emergency activates evacuation procedures, where all occupants are directed to simultaneously exit the building.

Staged evacuation is different in that only certain areas are completely evacuated, based on the location of the emergency or incident. Occupants who are located in the path of any immediate threat are identified and evacuated, while the remaining occupants are notified of an emergency and directed to wait for further instructions. Staged evacuation is often used in high-rise buildings and provides for a more orderly evacuation with less panic and congestion in stairwells.

Continual monitoring of the emergency or incident is required for effective staged evacuation and to ensure the safety of all occupants. Emergency responders and fire department personnel will typically determine the level of required evacuation. Both staged and total evacuation depend on the physical ability of occupants to evacuate without assistance.

In cases where occupants are physically unable to evacuate, such as in a hospital for example, a Defend In Place strategy may be required.

Defend In Place

Patients in a hospital that are confined to their beds or hooked up to life saving equipment are physically unable to evacuate without risking their own health or safety. Healthcare facilities and hospitals must include a Defend In Place strategy in their emergency preparedness plan, which allows healthcare staff to keep patients in the facility while continuing to receive medical treatment. 

According to a report issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regarding Structure Fires In Healthcare Facilities, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an average of 5,750 fires each year from 2011 to 2015. These fires caused an average of 157 civilian injuries and two civilian deaths annually, with more than $50 million of direct property damage. Nearly half of all of these fires occurred in nursing homes.

This makes a Defend In Place strategy of critical importance for nursing homes, hospitals, and all healthcare facilities. Defend In Place strategies may include transferring patients to another location of the facility or hospital, where they can continue to receive medical treatment from trained staff.

Protect Your Facility with the Right Emergency Preparedness Plans

Emergency preparedness plans are of critical importance for all types of healthcare facilities and must include the right fire and life safety equipment and evacuation plan for different types of emergency scenarios. A hospital and staff should be directed to respond appropriately, with procedures relating to a fire, for example, being much different than responding to an internal threat like an intruder.

A plan should be put in place so that all staff is aware of the proper evacuation procedures in response to particular emergencies. Emergency preparedness plans should be practiced by hospital staff whether responding to a fire, an internal threat, or a weather emergency. 

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading fire and life safety provider to all types of commercial properties including healthcare facilities and hospitals. We offer fire and life safety system consulting, UL listed equipment, alarm system design and comprehensive services. Contact us to learn more about protecting your healthcare facility and occupants with the right emergency preparedness plan.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-safety-consultants/health-care-facility-emergency-preparedness-strategies/