MST strongly suggest that a maintenance agreement be entered into between MST and our clients in order to maintain the security systems to OEM-levels and standards of operation.

The maintenance agreement can be drawn up based on a Security Systems audit, performed by MST on existing systems or on the install-base of new systems. The audit shall identify the serial numbers, model numbers and location of all equipment installed, i.e.,

• Access Control Readers
• Controllers
• CCTV cameras
• Peripheral equipment
• All head-end equipment
• Power backup equipment etc.

Maintenance requirements

European standards requirements BS EN 50132-7 (SA does not have its own standards in this regard), states that “CCTV systems should be maintained in accordance with the schedule supplied by the system designer or supplier”.

However, the standard does not detail any specific maintenance requirements.

Our maintenance includes not only CCTV, but all installed electronic security systems including backend systems such as severs, PC’s, network switches, air conditioning systems, generators and more.

• Types of maintenance

There are three types of maintenance that are required to be carried out on any electronic security system, be it CCTV, Access Control, or Intrusion Alam Systems.

1. Planned (Preventative) maintenance.

Planned servicing of a system, carried out on a scheduled basis.

2. Service call.

Emergency servicing of a system, or part thereof, carried out in response to the development of a fault.

3. Client maintenance.

Basic maintenance / fault reporting tasks, as detailed by Mustek, carried out by the System Manager and System Operator of the Client.

Planned maintenance:

• Recommended frequency of maintenance

A planned maintenance visit will allow the MST engineer to carry out a complete audit of the total electronic security systems, the documentation associated with the systems, and the training requirements of operators. The systems should receive at least one planned maintenance visit per month due to the sensitive nature of the systems. However, additional planned maintenance visits may be required depending on the complexity of the systems, the environmental conditions, and the need to change ‘perishable items’ e.g., batteries etc.  Note: These planned maintenance visits are in addition to any service call visits which may be required.

• Planned Maintenance Checklist

The service engineer shall complete a Planned Maintenance Checklist during the planned maintenance of the systems.  A copy of the checklist will be handed over to the System Manager on completion of the planned maintenance.

• Planned Maintenance Report

A Planned Maintenance Report will be completed by the engineer following the planned maintenance of the systems.  The report will list any deviations of the systems from the fully functional state and will list relevant comments about the system e.g., Camera 1 out of focus etc.

A copy of the report shall be given to the System Manager on completion of the visit.  The report will enable the System Manager to monitor the reliability of the security systems, will ensure there is an audit trail if evidence is required, and allow for the budgeting of any replacement parts required in the future.

Systems Verification:

On every site visit, whether it is a pre-determined service call or emergency call-out, the technician shall at minimum verify the following:

CCTV:

•  Camera / lens focus, and auto iris adjusted properly.
• Camera field of view is adjusted to Client requirements.
• Camera / housing viewing window are clean, inside, and out.
• Camera lens is dust free.
• Interior of camera enclosure is clean and dry.
• Check operation of pan tilt and zoom focus. Use High Speed Dome Controller in control room to check all these operations.
• Check all power connections to ensure AC plugs are not lose or power cables frayed.
• Check all UPS’ for battery loads and test.

Access Control:

•  Check all access readers for physical damage.
• Check all access controllers for faults and backup battery levels.
• Run communication diagnostics on all devices.
• Check access database.
• Update access database with new employees (enrolment) if required.
• Check system reports for faults.
• Check printer.
• Check user login security.
• Check magnetic locks.
• Check request to exit units.
• Check turnstiles / vehicle booms and other hardware associated with the access control system.

Intrusion System:

• Check passive infrared units for physical damage.
• Check main alarm panel and battery backup.
• Check all other zoned panels.
• Test the alarm system panel.
• Check communications to armed response / other designated individuals.
• Check for system faults.
• Check and clean all external / perimeter detector beams.

Wiring & Cables on all systems:

•  Check wiring and cable harnesses for wear and fray.
• Check to make sure cable is dressed properly.
• Check connectors and cable entry points for loose wiring.
• Ensure that all network cables are transmitting an adequate video signal to the control room.
• Ensure that all connectors are insulated from conduit and pull boxes.
• Check UTP Connectors for rust.
• Check and test patch cables.
• Check and test final connection (wired / wireless) to control room.

All Head-end Equipment:

•  Ensure that monitors are free from picture burn-in and distortion.
• Monitors have proper contrast and brightness.
• NVR’s are functioning properly and provides recording as per Client specification.
• Clean all equipment racks.
• Clean all Servers, PC and Peripheral equipment.
• All control equipment is operational.
• Control keyboards are fully operational.
• Clean all monitors, control panels, and keyboards with a cleaning solution / anti-static chemical solution.
• Check all connectors on the back / patch panels for loose connections.
• Check all power connections to ensure AC plugs are not lose or power cables frayed.
• Check all UPS’ for battery loads and test.
• Recording Database is operational and error free.