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Why is waking watch still required in 2023?

It is a very good question. Waking watch was designed as a temporary measure to support residents of high-rise properties from the threat of fire and flammable cladding following the Grenfell Tower Tragedy in 2017.

But this was 6 years ago now, so why are temporary measures such as waking watch patrols still needed?

Well, the main reason is that the funding that was promised for replacing this cladding by the Government has not been delivered and that far more properties have been discovered to have dangerous cladding than previously thought.

fire alarm

This means that the fire marshals stationed on properties across the nation have now been in place for years in some cases and with no sign of widespread remedial building work being done anytime soon, alternative solutions have been developed to ease the financial pressure on residents.

What is waking watch?

Waking watch is a service that involves fire marshals patrolling a high-rise property in the search for any signs of a fire or fire risks.

The service is designed to facilitate a simultaneous evacuation policy where the entire property is evacuated in the event of a fire alert rather than the stay-put advice that was previously in-place prior to Grenfell.

Professional waking watch officials are highly trained in fire identification and evacuation strategy and the service has proven to be effective, although there are still serious issues about having such a system in place for a prolonged period of time.

The main problem is cost. Waking watch services involve the 24/7 hiring of trained security staff, costing residents and property managers many hundreds of pounds over the year.

What is the alternative?

Besides complete cladding replacement, the only alternative to waking watch is the installation of a common fire alarm.

This is an interlinked system of fire and smoke detectors and alarms installed in each and every room throughout the property that alerts everyone on site in the event of an alert.

A switch to such a system is recommended by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as a realistic alternative to waking watch until such time as remedial work can be performed.

In fact, the NFCC goes as far as to say that Waking Watch should only ever be used as an extremely short-term option until a common fire alarm can be installed.

If you are looking to get a common fire alarm system installed to replace and existing waking watch, make sure that you, or the property’s management company, use a security company that offers alarm systems that can easily be converted into a standard alarm system once cladding has been replaced.

Otherwise, you will find yourself in a situation where you need to pay for the removal of the common fire alarm AND the installation of a new one.

This is unnecessary, especially when you consider that the only real difference between the two is that standard fire alarms are independent of each other and only the apartment where the alarm is activated will require full evacuation.

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How to train your staff to use CCTV towers

If you work in the construction or infrastructure industries you have almost certainly come across CCTV towers by this point in time.

However, whilst these towers are now widely considered as the future of mobile CCTV technology, they are still relatively new, and many construction workers will have very little experience in operating or working alongside them.

At the end of the day, any security system is only as effective as the individuals who are responsible for using it and monitoring it, so it is vital that you conduct the appropriate training to help empower your workers and create a more secure working environment.

Remote CCTV monitoring is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal, and with the expert training tips in this blog these towers will soon form a potent partnership with your employees that wrongdoers won’t be able to handle.

What should be involved in CCTV tower training?

A thorough understanding of the basics should be the first thing that you provide to your staff when getting a CCTV tower.

Employees should be educated on all the key aspects of the CCTV tower, particularly how to operate the controls, IF they will be using it on a regular basis. Only trusted staff members should be given details of how to control and operate the tower.

Your in-house security staff should be trained to navigate the control panel, change cameras angles, and use features such as tilt, pan, and zoom. They should also be trained on any AI features that may be incorporated into the tower including setting up virtual tripwires in key zones.

Troubleshooting may be another worthwhile area of education but as long as you purchased or leased your tower from a well-respected security company they will usually come out free of charge to deal with any issues that you may have.

CCTV monitoring training

The majority of your CCTV tower training should focus not on how to operate your CCTV tower but how to utilise it most effectively to improve security on the premises.

You should include things such as proactive monitoring techniques to ensure that any security risks are identified in real time and appropriate action can be taken. Again if you opt for a monitored CCTV system a professional security firm can provide this service on your behalf.

Let the professionals help

Professional CCTV tower companies not only install and maintain CCTV towers but they can also provide you and your staff with all the training that is required to work them.

If you don’t have the time or knowledge to provide CCTV training yourself, calling in the professionals to do so on your behalf is a great option.

As security staff are required to undergo extensive training in all aspects of surveillance security as part of their licence applications this information will be fresh in their minds and they will be keen to pass on their expertise to your team to make sure they make the most of the cameras provided.

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How to Buy a Hot Hub

hot-tubs

If you’re thinking about buying a hot tub, there’s plenty to consider and think about. Thankfully, our helpful guide can set you in the right direction and equip you with the knowledge you need to make the right choice.

Read on for our top tips on the ideal choice of hot tub for any budget.

Different Types of Hot Tubs

There are a wide variety of different hot tub designs – each suited for different purposes.

Inflatable Hot Tubs

Inflatable Hot Tubs are often people’s first step into ownership – but they aren’t a design we’d recommend and for good reason.

Inflatable hot tubs just do not provide the same kind of performance or ability that permanent hot tub models do. The performance and relaxing feeling of a hot tub is the main reason to invest in one – and if a hot tub can’t provide this then it’s hard to see the reason for investing in one.

Inflatable hot tubs run on a ‘plug-and-play’ logic – a standard three-prong plug is used – rather than a devoted 32-amp power supply used in permanent hot tubs. While this is very, very convenient for many people, it doesn’t provide the strong jets necessary for the hydrotherapy people seek from a hot tub. The mediocre design of inflatables also means they leak heat – which means they actually cost quite a lot to run in order to

Inflatable hot tubs are also not built from high quality components – in fact the components of a standard inflatable are often made from very low-quality components. While it ensures they’re cheap, they are also prone to breaking very easily. Inflatables often must be replaced relatively quickly – especially compared with permanent designs.

Another point is that inflatable plastic is just not very comfortable – especially compared with moulded acrylic. The rounded shape of an inflatable also means you can fit fewer people in.

In conclusion, it can be said that inflatables have one benefit – cost – but they aren’t going to give you the experience a real hot tub will.

Permanent Hot Tubs

Permanent hot tubs are, as their name will indicate, a permanent fixture which is placed in your garden. All permanent hot tubs are solidly built; they have moulded acrylic seating surrounded by a hard base and firm side panelling. All their electronics are internal and well protected. The components are of very high quality – designed to be long lasting and protected from the elements.

Permanent hot tubs are by far the most popular choice – partly because so many designs exist to fit just about anyone’s needs. These range from designs built around two lounger seats and designs which can fit a whole family.

Permanent hot tubs are popular for a good reason – they offer the hydrotherapy massage people look for when investing in hot tubs while lasting for a significant length of time; a higher end model of permanent hot tub is likely to last up to two decades.

In Ground Hot Tubs

In ground hot tubs have become a very popular choice in recent years. As their name suggests, in ground hot tubs are sunk into the ground and they tend to be decorated with tiles. They are a bespoke option – having to be made custom to fit the specifications of the property. This can make them more expensive than normal permanent hot tubs and may also require landscaping work to install them.

However, if you have the budget for it, an in ground hot tub is an amazing choice. They have a distinct look that can really add to your property and the landscaping options available make them a superb choice for really improving your home.

Hot Tub Sizes

Bubble Box Hot Tubs Glasgow tend to be divided into three sizes: small, medium, and large.

A small hot tub will be 5’4 – 7 in length, 5’4 – to 6’8 in width, and 2’4 to 2’9 in height. They can comfortably fit 2 to 4 people.

Medium hot tubs are 6’6-7’9 in length, 6’4-7’9 in width, and 2’7 to 3’2 in height. They’ll comfortably fit 5 to 6 people.

Large hot tubs are 7-9 in length, 6’4-7’9 in width, and 2’7-3’2 in height. They can easily fit 7+ people.

It’s important of course when you’re looking into having a hot tub installed that you consider the size of your garden and the ability of it to have the hot tub installed.

Prices

The cost of a hot tub is going to vary a lot. It’ll depend on model, size, and your garden. A permanent hot tub tends to range between £4,000 and £9,000. This ultimately is a superb investment however – and can noticeably increase the value of your property. Hot tubs are long lasting too – a high quality model will easily last two decades and with minimal maintenance necessary.

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The most popular non-Extradition countries

Extradition-law.

We have all imagined where we would go if forced to go on the run, laying low like James Bond on some far-flung Caribbean Island until the heat dies down, but for some, the need to disappear is a reality.

Setting aside international espionage for a minute, however, there are many very real reasons that individuals may find themselves in a situation where they need to seek asylum in a non-extradition country.

Some of the most high-profile extradition cases, such as the recent extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, involve those facing charges of whistleblowing or spying but the majority of cases involved more ‘mundane’ accusations.

Just some of the reasons that you may decide to seek refuge abroad include your business being investigated, being involved in a financial dispute, and being caught up in controversial activism.

Whether you are seriously looking to safety relocate to a non-extradition country, or are simply looking to fuel your international super spy fantasies, this article will reveal some of the most popular countries to lay low in and explain exactly what it is that makes them so attractive.

What is Extradition?

Before making an elaborate escape plan, it is important to know exactly what extradition is and whether you are realistically in danger.

In simple terms, extradition involves a country returning an individual to another country in order for them to face criminal charges where the alleged offence took place.

This transfer usually takes place between countries with a pre-existing arrangement in place, known as an extradition treaty.

What are Extradition Treaties?

The first thing that you need to consider when looking for a country to escape to is whether you will face the prospect of being extradited back to the UK.

An extradition treaty allows countries to make requests for individuals to be returned to the country making the request to face criminal charges or serve an existing sentence.

If you are looking to make more than a short-term getaway from any country, therefore, you should look for a country without a pre-existing extradition treaty.

More countries than ever are signing extradition treaties, however, there are still dozens of countries that do not have such an agreement in place with the UK.

If you are planning on leaving the country and do not wish to be detained and returned at a future date, your best chance is to take refuge in one of these nations.

If you are facing charges in a different country and are concerned that should a request, be made to the UK, they will likely approve your extradition, you should look up the list of countries who do not have an extradition treaty in place with the original country NOT the UK.

What non-extradition countries are attractive to those facing charges?

Just because a country does not have an extradition treaty with the UK, does not mean that extradition is impossible.

The UK will still be able to make an extradition request, however, the receiving country will have no obligation to act on it.

For this reason, there are certain factors that make some non-extradition treaty nations more attractive to those facing charges than others.

Some of the best countries to be living in when facing extradition to the UK are:

1. China

When looking for a long-term residency in a country with no extradition treaty in place, it makes sense to choose a nation who will not be bullied or pushed into making decisions.

China is certainly in this category as one of the most powerful nations in the world and having clashed with the UK on several major international political matters.

China has the largest economy in the world, affordable living, and a huge range of living options, meaning you can continue to live whatever life you choose.

2. Mongolia

Slightly less developed than China, but with a growing economy, affordable living, and many business opportunities available, Mongolia is another vast non-extradition nation with that may be suited to someone looking to lie low.

3. Egypt, Madagascar, Ethiopia

For those looking for somewhere a bit warmer to live whilst facing extradition charges, there are several African nations that have no existing extradition treaties with the UK.

Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in the continent, whilst Egypt offers Mediterranean living, and Madagascar an exotic island retreat.

Can countries with an extradition treaty refuse extradition requests?

Yes, but it doesn’t happen that often.

Some of the countries that do have extradition treaties in place with the UK but have refused to grant extradition requests in the past include Switzerland, Iceland, Germany, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela.

Switzerland in particular has extradition treaties in place but refuses to extradite for certain types of financial crimes.

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Why Go for Prime Secure Manned Guarding?

manned-guarding

Manned Guarding is one of the oldest forms of security in the world and remains amongst the most effective. At Prime Secure, we’ve provided manned guarding to a whole range of different clients – from void properties to offices and construction sites. In this article, we’ll talk a bit about why Manned Guarding is so vital for a construction site, and the kind of benefits Prime Secure manned Guarding Services can offer you and your employees.

1. The Best Deterrent Against Crime

About £800 million is lost every year by the British Construction Industry because of damage and theft. The destruction and loss of equipment is incredibly expensive, not only pushing up insurance premiums but delaying work and damaging staff morale.

The best approach to crime is preventing it from happening – it saves money and the time of securing a prosecution. Manned Guarding Services are the best way to ensure this. The presence of Security Guards on a property,

  • Scares off criminals, who know the potential of being caught and prosecuted increases significantly from the presence of professional security guards, who are trained to handle difficult situations
  • Deters vandals, who avoid properties with a distinct security presence

Prime Secure Manned Guarding Services are fully SIA (Security Industry Authority) Licensed and have all the necessary abilities and skills to handle a range of difficult situations. They save you from having to handle any criminals on your property either. No matter what your property is like, they can help. They’ll ensure you save money and avoid difficult situations throughout the construction sites work.

2. Prevent Unauthorized Access

Construction Sites are incredibly busy; there’s often a huge number of people moving in and out of them throughout the day, and it can be difficult for you or your staff to keep track of who exactly is in the property. The potential for criminals or thieves to enter exists – as does the potential for people to wander in and get hurt – which can result in litigation and legal troubles. The best means to avoid this is using Prime Secure Manned Guarding Services.

Manned Guarding Services can handle anyone who attempts to enter the site and direct them away. Rather than have you or your employees deal with potentially difficult people, they can handle it on your behalf. They are fully trained in negotiation and can save you from having to engage in difficult situations – saving time, money, and effort.

3. Reduce Liabilities

One of the biggest benefits of Manned Guarding Services is that they can cut down on any liabilities on your property.

By preventing accidents and incidents, Manned Guarding Services can save you from increases in insurance premiums and the resulting costs. Some Insurance Companies may even offer cheaper prices to those companies who equip their sites with professional manned guarding service. By going with Prime Secure Manned Guarding, you can end up saving a huge amount of money in the long run.

4. Preventing Vandalism and Theft

In the case criminals or vandals do decide to attempt to steal or damage the property, Manned Guarding Services can move to deter and remove intruders from the site and keep it safe. This saves you or your employees from having to enter a potentially difficult scenario, and Prime Secure Manned Guarding Services are fully trained to handle a range of difficult situations and have the necessary skills and abilities to protect your property.

5. Prevents Accidents and Emergencies

Manned Guarding Services are excellent at both preventing and mitigating accidents. Prime Secure Manned Guarding Services are fully trained professionals, and so in the case of any incidents or accidents, can move in to help injured employees. As professionals, they can also help identify unsafe machinery or scenarios – helping to ensure less accidents. Not only will this help to cut down on potential Insurance Premium increases, but it will reduce disruption of work time and save money in the long run. It’s also excellent for staff morale.

6. Resolve Disputes Between Employees

Prime Secure Manned Guarding services are fully trained for negotiation and dispute resolution. If an argument or disagreement breaks out in the workplace, our Manned Guarding Services can move in to handle the situation before it gets out of hand and disrupts work more. Disruptions on the worksite can damage staff morale and slow down work, so by preventing or reducing them, you can end up saving a huge amount of time and money.

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