Guidelines for Schools when Reopen post COVID-19 Lockdown

Guidelines for Schools when Reopen post COVID-19 Lockdown

Worldwide closure of Educational Institutions has impacted over 95% of the Worlds Students population with 1.5 billion learners’ unable to attend College and Schools. Indian Education System is the World’s largest with 1000+ Universities, 41,000 Colleges, 3,10,000 Schools with closely 320 million Students population. The govt will take a decision on reopening of schools and colleges on after reviewing the coronavirus situation in the country. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government and his ministry is prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if schools and colleges needed to remain shut beyond April. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) will not increase the tuition fee for any course for academic year 2020-21. IIT Kharagpur has created an online forum to help stranded foreign students at the institute share their problems faced during the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. IIM Calcutta has pushed its opening date to July. The institute’s director Anju Seth said that they would focus more on blended learning programmed, and would extend this to more geographies. UGC panel recommends academic session in varsities from Sept, online exams wherever possible. UNODC launches series of online dialogues with students & educators in India on COVID-19. Tripura Education minister Ratan Lal Nath on Sunday said all students of Class 1 to 9 and 11 have been promoted to the next class and virtual classes started for state school students in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Maximum News channel start online classes for each subject & each chaperwise, like ABP Ananda in Bengali. So every corner of education sector are going to online learning due to COVID-19. Now we need to know some facts about COVID-19. Today due to COVID-19 situation all our students are sitting at home and no hope of reopening of campuses before September 2020 and most of these students from long days unable to move out include not able to meet their friends and play.

What is COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.

The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories.

The protection of children and educational facilities is particularly important. Precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in school settings; however, care must also be taken to avoid stigmatizing students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important to remember that COVID-19 does not differentiate between borders, ethnicities, disability status, age or gender. Education settings should continue to be welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environments to all. Measures taken by schools can prevent the entry and spread of COVID-19 by students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus, while minimizing disruption and protecting students and staff from discrimination.

Key Messages & Actions for school administrators, teachers & Staff

Following basic principles can help keep students, teachers, and staff safe at school

·        sick students, teachers and other staff should not come to school.

·        Schools should enforce regular hand washing with safe water and soap, alcohol rub/hand sanitizer or chlorine solution and, at a minimum, daily disinfection and cleaning of school surfaces.

·        Schools should promote social distancing, only two students can come. Seating arrangement also be spread.

·        Schools should provide water, sanitation and waste management facilities and follow environmental cleaning and decontamination procedures.

·      Set Class room or teachers room temperature should under 24 DegC to 30 DegC. Relative humidity within 40% - 70%.

Disinfect school buildings

Clean and disinfect school buildings, classrooms and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day, particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (Chair-table, elevator, railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, toys, entrance electronic gate, teaching and learning aids etc) or restricted area (Lab equipment, AC, DVR/NVR, Amplifier, any type controller, Fire Panel, Pump House, Hose, Fire Extinguisher, Reader etc)  through Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). This sanitizer not applicable for Human / students / teachers skin. Primarily as a cleaning and disinfecting agent.

SANITIZING TUNNELS are disinfecting passageways for human use if sprays are non-flammable & non-toxic Super oxidized water Hypochlorous acid (HOCL). If purchase from vendor, vendor should share Lab test report & national or international certificate.

Verify Electrical System

Carry out the visual inspections of the distribution boards, switch boards. This is to ensure that during lock down insects have not got trapped in the electrical apparatus. If possible, get the earth values check of the earth pits.

Ensure that all stand by equipment’s are tested for the operations, such as DG sets. 16. Ensure to have those equipment’s in auto mode, if they were kept in auto mode prior to the lock down.

Lift operator should strictly use gloves and mask during duty hours.

Verify CCTV System

CCTV surveillance is now an integral part of the school, collage across the world. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period.

Verify CCTV video footage of each camera and all the recorders (DVR/NVR/Servers etc.) for last 60days. Must be implement thermal image scanning body temperature camera. It can be handheld / tripod standing type.

Checked PA System

Student Announcement or class bell system is integral part of the school, collage across the world. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period along with proper functionality of all the speakers through announcement.

Verify Fire Detection & Protection System

Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period alongwith check any fault indication on panel.

Test Detection system through fauls smoke (using aerosol) & Pulling MCP and chk notification signal, other hand test fire Electrically Driven Main (Hydrant / Sprinkler/ Jockey) pump start value stop value, Diesel Driven Pumps etc. Checked all fire Extinguisher are in correct place and healthy.

Monitor school attendance

Strictly avoid attendance thru fingerprint based biometric machines instead use face/eye scanning biometric machines or wave-based machine. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period Implement school absenteeism monitoring systems to track student and staff absence and compare against usual absenteeism patterns at the school. If Body temp screening camera not installed then implement thermal Face scanning Solution can be integrate with attendance solution.

Adapt school policies where appropriate

Develop flexible attendance and sick leave policies that encourage students and staff to stay home when sick or when caring for sick family members.

Establish procedures if students or staff become unwell

Update emergency contact lists. Ensure a procedure for separating sick students and staff from those who are well – without creating stigma – and a process for informing parents/caregivers, and consulting with health care providers/health authorities wherever possible.

Checklist on Safe School Environments

·     Promote and demonstrate regular hand washing and positive hygiene behaviors.

·        Ensure adequate, clean and separate toilets or latrines for girls and boys.

·        Place hand sanitizers in toilets, classrooms, halls, and near exits where possible.

·        Ensure soap and safe water is available at age-appropriate hand washing stations.

·        Encourage frequent and thorough washing (at least 20 seconds).

·        Increase air flow and ventilation where climate allows (open windows, use air conditioning where available, etc.).

·        Ensure trash is removed daily and disposed of safely.

·        Meetings should be done through video conferencing only.

Key Messages & Actions for Parents & Community Members

COVID-19 is a new virus and we are still learning about how it affects children.

Understand basic information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission.

Remember that symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold, which are a lot more common.

Instead of keeping children out of school, teach them good hand and respiratory hygiene practices for school and elsewhere, like frequent handwashing (see below), covering a cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throwing away the tissue into a closed bin, and not touching their eyes, mouths or noses if they haven’t properly washed their hands.

Checklist for Parents & Community Members

·        Monitor your child’s health and keep them home from school if they are ill.

·        Wash your hands with soap and safe water frequently. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.

·        Ensure that safe drinking water is available and toilets or latrines are clean and available at home.

·        Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, nose.

·        Encourage your children to ask questions and express their feelings with you and their teachers.

·        Coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how you can support school safety efforts (though parent-teacher committees, etc.)

Key Messages & Actions for Students & Children

Children and young people should understand basic, age-appropriate information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission.

Checklist for Students & Children

·        In a situation like this it is normal to feel sad, worried, confused, scared or angry. Know that you are not alone and talk to someone you trust, like your parent or teacher so that you can help keep yourself and your school safe and healthy.

·        Protect yourself and others like: Remember to not touch your face, Do not share cups, eating utensils, food or drinks with others.

·        Share what you learn about preventing disease with your family and friends, especially with younger children.

·        Model good practices such as sneezing or coughing into your elbow and washing your hands, especially for younger family members.

Below are suggestions on how to engage students of different ages on preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Checklist for Preschool

·             Sing a song while washing their hands with hand sanitizer to practice the recommended 20 second duration.

·        Use puppets or dolls to demonstrate symptoms (sneezing, coughing, fever) and what to do if they feel sick (i.e. their head hurts, their stomach hurts, they feel hot or extra tired).

·        Children sit further apart from one another, have them practice stretching their arms out or ‘flap their wings’, they should keep enough space to not touch their friends.

Checklist for Primary School

·        Introduce the concept of social distancing (standing further away from friends, avoiding large crowds, not touching people if you don’t need to, etc.)

·        Understand the basic concepts of disease prevention and control. Use exercises that demonstrate how germs can spread. For example, by putting colored water in a spray bottle and spraying over a piece of white paper.

·        Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain that these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.

Checklist for Lower Secondary School

·      Make sure to listen to students’ concerns and answer their questions.

·      Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow.

·     Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings.

·        Relevant health education like:

·  Science can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of vaccinations.

Checklist for Upper Secondary School

·        Make sure to listen to students’ concerns and answer their questions.

·        Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands Encourage students to prevent and address stigma.

·        Have students make their own Public Service Announcements via social media, radio or even local tv broadcasting

·        Science courses can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of vaccinations.

·        Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and their secondary effects and investigate how public policies can promote tolerance and social cohesion.

·        Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings.

Ref:

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/10-03-2020-covid-19-ifrc-unicef-and-who-issue-guidance-to-protect-children-and-support-safe-school-operations

https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/19/human-rights-dimensions-covid-19-response

https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/state-central-govts-come-down-on-schools-colleges-flouting-fee-norms-during-lockdown/story-LCP4SLmLyKKaB1YkrXVbUN.html

https://wbxpress.com/west-bengal-epidemic-disease-covid-19-regulations-2020/

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Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Security system installers must consider all the factors impacting success of a system to provide a more comprehensive value to clients.

Acompelling case can be made for how important security systems are in protecting facilities, assets, employees and customers, and few would disagree that investing in a comprehensive plan to secure a business is a wise decision.

Demand for home technology is growing, and homeowners might start with a trial DIY security experience. After challenging setup and maintenance, they’ll reach out to a security dealer, seeking service, support and expertise.

When problems with power, such as surges, spikes, blackouts, or brownouts occur, it is imperative that security systems go on unfazed. The prospect of protecting all of the systems involved can be daunting, but a granular approach can simplify the process greatly.

Power issues are growing, especially as homes with many large appliances and TVs, take on additional power draws like security cameras, sound systems, etc. These issues can be hard to detect, but could be noticed, for example in a TV room: When a mini fridge cycles on when an air conditioner is also running, you may notice that the lights flicker or dim. These fluctuations are damaging to equipment, as well as other issues such as electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, over/under voltage, ICE–inrush current, etc. that are also often present. Over time, they can damage equipment or lessen its lifespan.

There are seven critical areas that must be operational in the event of a power problem:

1.  Cameras & Recording Devices — Back up camera power supplies and recording hardware devices like: NVR or DVR with at least one hour of battery backup time from a uninterruptible power supply or UPS.

2.  Access Control — These systems typically have a low power requirement, meaning they can be inexpensively backed up with a small UPS that provides a significant amount of runtime. Once at least one hour of battery backup time from a UPS.

3.  Fire Alarm Systems — Power requirements for fire alarm and signaling systems are specified in the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA). The code requires a system to have either two sources of power (primary and secondary) or a single Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Where primary and secondary power supplies are used, the secondary supply can consist of batteries or batteries plus a standby generator. For a basic fire alarm system that uses primary power with batteries only as secondary power, the battery capacity must be sufficient "to operate the system under quiescent load (system operating in a non-alarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours" and then still be able to operate "all alarm notification appliances" and all other connected loads for a period of five minutes. The code specifies that the net capacity be based on two different demand rates (quiescent and alarm) for two different durations (24 hours and 5 minutes). Your Fire Detection OEM can share battery calculation excels to ensure correct Voltage & AH.

4. Emergency Communications — Emergency communications systems (ECSs) used for mass notification or for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications service have the same 24-hour quiescent load requirement but require 15 minutes of full-load alarm capacity. This is because these systems are usually operated for longer periods during an emergency. They sometimes may be used for 30 - 60 minutes, but only under partial load as announcements are made to certain floors. They might then be called upon to operate under an increased or even full load for some period. The code requirement for 15 minutes of full load should be evaluated by the system designer in conjunction with a risk analysis to determine if a larger capacity should be provided.

5. Emergency Lighting — Functioning emergency lights with reliable backup power is required to comply with state building codes, fire codes, insurance standards, and OSHA standards. Emergency lights are standard in new commercial and high occupancy residential buildings.

A UPS battery provides power to the emergency lighting inverter to support the lighting load. Passive Standby static inverter emergency lighting systems are ideal for use with fluorescent and incandescent lighting.

6.   Intrusion Detection — The first line of defense against unauthorized access, these systems often include a small onboard battery; this can be effectively backed up with a small UPS for added protection.

7.   Telephone Systems — Communications in an emergency are critical, and backup of the telephone system is key to a complete security plan. This includes UPSs for both the main system, and workstations.

8.   Building Automation System — BMS is a computer-based environment that manages a building’s HVAC, ventilation, lighting, Fire Pumps, AHU, VRV and Plumbing etc. critical devices feeding the BMS including DDC should be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that ensures continued operation in case of a power outage till two hours. Ideally, those UPS units should be remotely managed to ensure the best performance possible, but differing communication standards between systems have created some challenges for building system managers.

A complete security plan for any organization, whether it’s a business, school, or government entity, must focus on each area of the system’s requirements for power protection. With each piece working in harmony, the next power problem will not turn into a disaster.

Coronavirus and Working from Home

Coronavirus and Working from Home

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused almost all firms to deploy the work from home practice for employees. While some may be used to this, others may feel lost in the exercise. While not all Indian are able or fortunate enough to work from home, many have transitioned to telecommuting and virtual work over the last week or two.

Individuals work from home for a number of reasons. Maybe you’re a stay at home parent, or maybe your office space is under renovation. Maybe you are sick with the flu or, as it pertains to recent headlines, trying to self-isolate as coronavirus cases pop up around the country. Whatever the reason for “telecommuting,” there are ways you can ensure you are being productive, healthy and happy while working from home.

Working from home sounds like a luxury, but it comes with a number of challenges. What if you have connectivity issues with coworkers? What if you need something from your office that you don’t have access to? What if you are bombarded with other in-home distractions like pets, family members and electronics? Here are some tips for telecommuting, working from home, self-isolating or even self-quarantining—no matter your reasoning.

1. Maintain Regular Hours

Set a schedule and stick to it. Working designated hours, and then stopping when those hours are up, will give your brain time to work and time to rest. While working remotely does mean that there is added flexibility with your personal life schedule, it’s best to stick to a schedule where you can be productive, get your work done and call it a day when work hours are up.

2. Create a Morning Routine

Humans are creatures of habit—and that’s partly because routine helps us mentally and physically prepare for things. Whether it’s having a cup of coffee every morning, doing some morning stretches or taking your dog on a walk, creating a morning routine can greatly help you get ready for the work-day at home.

3. Be alert; do not use the oven or stovetop if you are sleepy or under the influence of a substance.

4. Preparation of Food:

Stay in the kitchen if you are cooking food with any form of heat. When simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly, remain in the kitchen while cooking, and use a timer.

5. Keep all flammables, like paper, clothing, bedding, drapes or rugs, at least three feet from a space heater, stove, or fireplace.

6. Smoke alarms can be annoying

They beep, you have to replace batteries, and if you cook something smokey in the kitchen they sometimes go off. However, they are essential for fire safety, as they give an early warning that greatly reduces risk of injury or death. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms.

7. Schedule Breaks

Just like any working environment, giving yourself breaks is incredibly important to let your brain and body relax. Take a 15-minute walk, go make some lunch or catch up with a loved one on the phone—whatever you do, though, do not work yourself to the bone without letting yourself take a break away from screens, meetings and work.

 8. Audit CCTV footage as an SOP

If you are responsible to take care security / safety part of your company, or you are owner of your company, then you must see what camera saw. Once auditing becomes a de-facto requirement, at least of some critical cameras, and audit reports are maintained and acted upon, it will result in huge amount of prevention and continuous improvement. Auditing will help in discovering several exceptions that would otherwise remain hidden within the footage.

9. Socialize with Colleagues

Of course, if you are sick or trying to stay healthy in the wake of something like the coronavirus, socializing in-person with others might night be best idea. But in general, if you are working from home, socializing is important.

In the event of sickness or COVID-19, it is still important your get out and take a break from your routine workspace. Yes: isolation, quarantine, and social distancing are all different things. However, you can often control your environment to keep your body and brain health—especially if you are self-quarantining and social distancing.

10. Fire Extinguisher

Lastly, know where your nearest fire extinguisher is. But remember, not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Remember “PASS” is process for using a fire extinguisher

·        Pull the pin

·        Aim low at the base of the fire

·        Squeeze the handle slowly

·        Sweep the nozzle side to side

Practice your fire escape plan! This includes practicing getting out with your eyes closed, crawling on the floor with your mouth covered, doing “stop, drop, and roll” and testing door handles to see if they are hot.

While employers’ responsibilities for the safety and health of their at-home workers is less than those in the office or onsite, some do still exist. OSHA distinguishes between home offices and other home workplaces.

OSHA’s compliance directive on home offices is pretty clear:

·        “OSHA will not conduct inspections of employees’ home offices.

·        “OSHA will not hold employers liable for employees’ home offices, and does not expect employers to inspect the home offices of their employees.

·        “If OSHA receives a complaint about a home office, the complainant will be advised of OSHA’s policy. If an employee makes a specific request, OSHA may informally let employers know of complaints about home office conditions, but will not follow-up with the employer or employee.”

What about recording injuries while working at home? If an employee is working at home, when could the injury be considered work-related? OSHA answers the question:

How do I decide if a case is work-related when the employee is working at home? Injuries and illnesses that occur while an employee is working at home, including work in a home office, will be considered work-related if the injury or illness occurs while the employee is performing work for pay or compensation in the home, and the injury or illness is directly related to the performance of work rather than to the general home environment or setting.

OSHA 300 Log and COVID-19

In the case of the coronavirus, OSHA has a few guidelines in place for your reference. Employers must record cases of the coronavirus only if the employer believes that the employee was exposed at work, and the case is diagnosed by a laboratory test or healthcare provider as having been caused by the coronavirus, and the case is otherwise recordable.

There is no presumption that an employee who has come down with a case of coronavirus was infected at work. Instead, for the illness to be considered work-related, there must be evidence that it was contracted at work. If there is no such evidence, the case is not recordable.

Cat 6A cabling Benefits cautions and use-cases

Cat 6A cabling Benefits, cautions and use-cases

Simply put, the ANSI/TIA-568-C.1 specification cable standard – otherwise known as CAT6A – is the solution to the distance shortcomings of CAT6 when working with 10GBASE-T Ethernet.

Video Surveillance Network and cabling professionals are likely to come across different Ethernet cabling standards over the course of their career. These range from legacy installs of CAT3 and CAT5e — to the modern ultra-high-performance data center CAT8 standard. Yet, for most access-layer installs, CAT6 and CAT6A are the two most common standards to choose from. This cabling will be responsible for connecting end devices such as PC’s, laptops, WiFi access points and a plethora of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

When considering Ethernet cabling install options for access-layer deployments, there are several things to look at. One of the more important decisions is whether endpoints will require the higher speed and PoE performance of CAT6A – while being willing accept a few inconveniences that come with the deployment. In this article, we’ll walk through the benefits and drawbacks of CAT6A compared to CAT6. Additionally, we’ll point out real-world circumstances that justify the added cost and installation hurdles that come with running and certifying the higher-performance cabling.

CAT6A Benefits

One key benefit of CAT6A over CAT6 is speed. A CAT6 cable can run 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet at speeds up to 1000 Mbps and a maximum length of 100 meters. The same is also true for 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T running at 2.5 and 5 Gbps, respectively. However, when moving up to the newer 10GBASE-T standard that operates at speeds of 10 Gbps, CAT6 cabling is only supported up to a maximum distance of 37 to 55 meters, depending on the levels of alien crosstalk in the installation environment.

Considering that most building access-layer networking closets are built around a 100-meter maximum distance, 37- and 55-meter runs would end up leaving many cables pulls short.

The ANSI/TIA-568-C.1 specification cable standard – otherwise known as CAT6A – is the solution to the distance shortcomings of CAT6 when working with 10GBASE-T Ethernet. In addition to the speed/distance benefits, CAT6A is defined for frequencies up to 500 MHz and improved noise canceling properties. Both translate into improved Ethernet performance with fewer chances of external interference.

A second benefit of CAT6A that is growing in importance is that it can handle higher levels of power over Ethernet (PoE) output without any performance degradation. Endpoints such as WiFi access points, surveillance cameras, intelligent lighting and monitoring/automation sensors are growing increasingly power hungry. The latest 802.3bt PoE specifications support 60W (Type 3) to 100W (Type 4) of output per cable run. That’s as much as three times the maximum Wattage specified in the 802.3at (PoE+) standard.

Example: Cat 6A PoE Test Results

Even though 802.3bt utilizes all 4 pair of wires as opposed to two, more power output translates into more heat on the wire. When cables get hot, they become susceptible to what’s known as insertion loss. Transmitting added power to end devices also causes an increased chance of DC resistance unbalance. Both problems are more likely to occur when running CAT6 cabling as opposed to CAT6A. CAT6A conductors are thicker – which can help dissipate the heat.

Additionally, DC resistance unbalance is less likely to occur in high-quality CAT6A cabling due to the likelihood that the cabling conductor diameter will not vary as much compared to lower cost CAT6 alternatives. Ultimately, the only way to verify that cabling runs adhere to 802.3bt standards is to perform cable certification tests using a tool such as the AEM TestPro CV100 combined with the AD-NET-CABLE adapter.

Security Mantraps on the way

Security Mantraps on the way

Security mantraps came into use during the 16^th century and were mechanical devices used for catching poachers and trespassers. Today, a security mantrap is commonly described as a small room, area or compartment that is designed to temporarily hold (trap) an individual between two doors (barriers) so that their credentials can be verified before granting access. Verification may be manual, with security personnel doing the verification, or automatic, with technology doing the verification. Most systems installed today are automatic with various integrated technologies to enhance security, safety and prevent unauthorized entry.

In the 17^th century, sally ports were built to control the entryway to a fortification or prison. They often included two sets of doors (or gates) to delay enemy penetration. Today, a sally port used for security applications may include doors, gates or other physical barriers to control access of people (or vehicles) to a secure area. Both security mantraps and sally ports are in widely used for security applications, however, despite some similarities, the terms are not used interchangeably, and only sally ports are referenced in the building codes.

A mantrap is an access control tool designed and restricted to a physical space, which is separated from the adjoining spaces (rooms) by two doors, usually an exit and an entry door that cannot be unlocked at the same time. Mantraps are like a double-door checking system that use either airlock technology or interlocking doors.

Today's simplified automatic mantrap rooms enable access with access cards, key fobs and mobile phones. Since mantraps prevent two persons (unless authorized) to be in the same room, they can be used for shared spaces in hospitals, dormitories and boarding rooms or anywhere else where people have some need for privacy.

Both the International Building Code (IBC) and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) describe a sally port as a compartmented area with two or more doors (or gates) where the intended purpose is to prevent continuous and unobstructed passage by allowing the release of only one door at a time. Both codes restrict their use to institutional type occupancies (e.g., prisons, jails, detention and correctional centers) and require provisions for continuous and unobstructed travel through the sally port during an emergency egress condition.

During 2017, the most digital damage from cyber-attacks includes continuous targeting of critical infrastructure, ransomware, government emails being hacked, exfiltration of Central Intelligence Agency documents, and the multinational WannaCry ransomware attack of over 200,000 systems. Gartners’ global information security spending forecast estimates that by the end of 2017, purchases for security products and services could reach $84.5 billion or a seven percent increase since 2016. Defenses have progressively improved and measures continue to be implemented. However, there is one area which lags far behind – that is the physical security of data centers and, specifically, the adoption and employment of mantraps.

According to BICSI, a mantrap is created using two interlocking doors which open only one at a time after the correct credentials have been validated. To physically secure a facility or data center, periodic risk assessment and policy reviews should be conducted. Ideally, drills should be included to engrain the training scenarios and validate policies and procedures. An example of layered security can be found in the TIA-942 where tiers I through IV are used to differentiate each level including Kevlar or bullet resistant walls, windows, doors, closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring, access control and more.

Despite their widespread use, security mantraps are not referenced by either IBC or NFPA, which has given rise to a plethora of terms and definitions, including, for example: security portals, security vestibules, security airlocks, security booths, security cabins, control vestibules and personnel interlocks. For the supplier, designer or code official, this lack of regulation can result in different interpretations of building code and life safety requirements. Generally, the most appropriate sections of the code are applied and enforced, which may include sections on doors, gates, turnstiles, revolving doors and accessibility requirements. Because security mantraps are unique in their design and operation, the enforcement of code sections intended for other technologies may result in installed systems that are over- or under-designed with added costs and project delays, if accepted at all.

A security mantrap may be manual or automatic, manned or unmanned, pre-engineered or built from the ground up, located indoors or outdoors, and include a variety of technologies to enhance security, safety, aesthetics, throughput, service and overall performance. The systems come in various sizes, shapes, styles and configurations with a multitude of finishes, glazing and door options, including ballistic and vandal resistant. Other options and features include: metal/weapons detection, left object detection, tailgating/piggybacking detection, monoblock construction, wall mount versions, network interface capabilities, video cameras, intercoms, anti-pass back integration, biometrics, manual releases, and inputs/outputs for control and alarm monitoring. most common mantraps work with a system of two interlocked doors, there are solutions that can be implemented on three or more doors, including varied authentication systems. “Real” mantraps typically have two locked doors. Some interlocked mantraps, such as those used at bank entrances, are unlocked to begin with, and only lock when one of the doors is open.

Security mantraps are commonly found in high-security, mission-critical facilities (e.g., government, military, critical infrastructure), but can also be found in many commercial and industrial facilities (e.g., banking, data centers, pharmaceutical, health care, airports, casinos, executive suites, high-end retail, R&D labs). Some of the key drivers for using security mantraps include the ability to detect and prevent tailgating and piggybacking incidents in unmanned locations, satisfying various regulatory compliance standards (e.g., GDPR, GLBA, PCI DSS, HIPPA, FISMA, SOX) by restricting access to critical information systems, and protecting against other security threats that have become more prevalent in the world today (e.g., espionage, terrorism, theft, vandalism, protests, etc.).

When security mantraps are being considered as a countermeasure to mitigate unauthorized entry, it is important to establish clear goals and objectives for the equipment, application and environment. Then, carefully review and evaluate the proposed system based on form, fit and function. When these systems become part of the building infrastructure, provisions for security and safety must be met. This often starts with a security risk assessment for the facility or site.

Two Major Types of Mantraps:

• Air Lock Control – low-security systems used only for environmental control also referred to as normally unlocked.
• Restricted Entry and Exit – these are considered the highest security type that is used with normally locked doors. Opening any door keeps all other doors secure. The man trap buffers simultaneous requests for access which prevents any two doors from being unlocked.

Additionally, some man traps may incorporate the use of Request-to-exit (REX) device – typically located on the inside secured door, most are identified as a ‘quick release’ latch.

Mantrap Pros:

• Allows only one person to enter or exit at a given time
• Requires proper identification and authentication
• Restricts movement into and out of the data center
• Can be used to closed unwanted visitors until authorities are called
• Provides an audit trail for personnel and visitors

Mantrap Cons:

• Highly secure doors are more expensive
• May not permit movement of large boxes, dollies, deliveries, etc.
• May fail during electrical power outage unless backup exists
• If not properly implemented according to policy and design, may present a safety risk

The goal of any security risk assessment is to develop a protection strategy that mitigates risk to people, property and information systems, and, for security mantraps, the primary goal is to prevent unauthorized entry. The security risk assessment process begins with asset identification and valuation, followed by evaluation and analysis of associated threats, vulnerabilities and potential loss impact. Finally, security measures are recommended and form the basis of an integrated protection strategy.