Beyond mere movie romance settings, there are dramatic tales of elevators’ malfunctions, entrapments, and accidents.
Last year, Toronto led the way with approximately 2,862 emergency calls for elevator rescues.
The distress of being trapped in an elevator is undeniably daunting. This predicament is even more complex for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. The ability to communicate for help becomes severely hindered, adding to their already challenging situation.
Recognizing these pressing concerns, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has taken action and revised its elevator safety standards. The aim is to create provisions that cater to the needs of individuals with hearing or speech impairments, ensuring their safety during such unexpected events.
The solutions to meet these new requirements include remote video monitoring for elevators and communication techniques modified for people with auditory and communicative difficulties.
Security operations centers like Sirix are best suited to handle and manage alerts while diligently adhering to established procedures.
If you’re interested in understanding how elevator video monitoring improves security and customer service and how a reliable remote video monitoring company can assist building owners in meeting the new requirements for elevators, then you are on the right page!
Now, let’s delve into the details.
What is elevator video monitoring?
Elevators are one of the most common ways of transportation. With such high foot traffic, the security of elevator passengers has become a significant responsibility for building owners.
In some buildings, elevators are subjected to 24/7 video recording for internal security purposes. The primary purpose of this video recording is to have a record of events when needed for police investigations or internal resolutions, a practice termed as passive security.
While passive management operated by the building’s internal security team provides basic elevator security, elevator video monitoring managed by a security operations center takes building safety and customer service to unparalleled heights.
In this blog, we’ll delve into “elevator video monitoring,” a forward-thinking strategy designed to address the updated ASME A17.1/CSA B44 2019 elevator safety and security standards.
It stresses the need for a remote video monitoring center that receives emergency calls from distressed individuals and promptly initiates real-time video surveillance to assess the situation and respond effectively.
To understand elevator video monitoring, we must first know about the revised safety code for elevators.
Revised safety code for elevators
ASME, recognized as CSA in Canada, has introduced an updated safety code for elevators. Both ASME and IBC now mandate the following for elevator communications:
- Two-way text messaging for non-verbal communication, specifically catering to those with hearing and speech impairments.
- A video system within the elevator cabin.
- A displayed message assuring that assistance is en route.
- Prohibition of routing elevator emergency calls to automated answering systems. Emergency calls must be answered by authorized operators 24/7.
To comply with the new code requirements, the security installer places a camera and a touchscreen intercom inside the elevator cabin.
These are linked to a remote security operations center, which can aid in the better implementation of the updated elevator safety code.
When a person in need of assistance presses the “ CALL” button, a trained operator receives the call on their workstation, including the elevator’s location and number. They then access the live video feed of the camera inside the elevator to verify the legitimacy of the call.
If a passenger is indeed in need of assistance, Sirix’s operator communicates with them through text messages appearing on the touchscreen of the intercom. Only when the passenger has answered a question by pressing “YES” or “NO”, can another question follow.
Text prompts sent during emergencies are client-defined and follow a pre-set workflow, ensuring operators deliver a customized and accurate response to each situation.
Based on the passenger’s answers, the operator dispatches the appropriate assistance. A message then appears on the touchscreen, informing the passenger that help is on the way.
Security operations centers, staffed with dependable security personnel 24/7, stand as the optimal response to the updated elevator safety codes, which mandate continuous human assistance over automated systems.
Why is video monitoring important in elevators?
According to TSSA, which governs elevators, nearly 1,225 injuries have been recorded in elevators in the past six years.
This highlights the need for proper maintenance and security measures. Elevator video monitoring has many benefits for businesses or sites. But this blog focuses on two major benefits:
- How does elevator video monitoring improve security?
- How does elevator video monitoring improve customer service?
What are the legal requirements for elevator video monitoring?
First, let’s discuss the legal requirement for video monitoring in elevators. Everybody has witnessed viral videos of celebrities or unethical acts leaked from elevators. The evidence from these videos is also used in various court cases. This sparks discussion about whether or not these video surveillance cameras are permitted in elevators.
Are cameras in elevators legal in Canada?
Elevator security cameras provide enhanced safety and surveillance within elevators.
Installing security cameras in your building’s elevators serve as a deterrent to criminals.
According to PIPEDA, “Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act ” certain restrictions and regulations must be followed for video surveillance.
In Canada, building owners are typically permitted to install security cameras in public spaces, including elevators, for legal reasons like ensuring resident safety or stopping theft, vandalism, or other illegal activities. There are, however, some rules and laws they must follow:
- There should be clear and visible signs notifying individuals that cameras are monitoring them. This respects the person’s right to information while acting as a deterrent to criminal behavior.
- There must be a justifiable reason for the surveillance. It cannot be done for arbitrary or unfair motives. Safety and security are typically acceptable reasons.
- A clear policy should specify how long footage is kept and when it is deleted.
- Only authorized individuals should be allowed to view the footage, which should only be used for its intended purpose.
- Building owners and property managers should always consult legal counsel to ensure that surveillance practices comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
To ensure compliance with privacy regulations, cameras installed in elevators must have a valid business purpose and should not infringe upon an individual’s Privacy. Consequently, elevator security cameras are considered lawful and can be employed within elevator spaces.
What types of cameras do elevators typically use?
Elevators typically use dome surveillance cameras designed for indoor environments. These cameras are compact and discreet, allowing for installation within the limited space of an elevator cabin.
These have high-resolution video capture, low-light capability, and wide-angle lenses to get a good picture of the cabin. The five best elevator security cameras to consider are:
Image provided by AXIS
Image courtesy of Avigilon
3. Hanwha Vandal Dome AI camera
Image courtesy of HANWHA
What kinds of touchscreens are in elevators?
Touchscreens in elevators are interactive display panels that allow passengers to interact with the elevator’s control system using touch-based input. The touchscreens are integrated into the elevator’s operating panel, located within the elevator cabin.
They provide passengers with various options and functionalities, such as selecting the desired floor, controlling the elevator’s doors, and accessing emergency communication features.
Image courtesy of Commend
Touchscreens facilitate communication with remote security operators or emergency responders in elevators equipped with video monitoring. Passengers can use the touchscreen to respond to messages from the operator, mainly a YES or No.
Image courtesy of Commend
Image courtesy of Commend
Elevator video monitoring technology:
For your assistance, we have researched several products that will take elevator monitoring to the next level.
SmartView Two Way Elevator Visual Communication System
It meets ASME (Rev. 2019) standards, facilitating communication between the hearing-impaired and remote monitoring services, so that required assistance can be dispatched ASAP. This system integrates voice, video, and display for comprehensive communication.
This versatile device boasts a 5-inch touch display and an integrated wide-angle color video camera, perfect for wall mounting.
Image courtesy of Commend
This device guarantees top-tier performance with a built-in camera providing a wide 130° diagonal angle view and Commend International’s renowned expertise in security and integrated communication systems.
How do I choose a trustworthy security operation center?
When selecting a dependable remote video monitoring center, several factors deserve careful attention.
The internet provides a wealth of information. Exploring reputable websites, forums, and articles that discuss remote video monitoring can provide valuable insights.
Reach out to trusted colleagues in your field with first-hand experience of remote monitoring centers. Their input and advice can be invaluable.
If you need help choosing video monitoring companies in Canada, we’ve got you covered with our blog post on “Top 10 Live Video Monitoring Companies in Canada.” Check it out for valuable insights and recommendations!
Characteristics of a reliable remote video monitoring center
A reliable remote video monitoring company goes above and beyond to ensure the utmost protection of your premises.
Highly skilled security operators form the backbone of reputable remote monitoring centers, working tirelessly around the clock. These operators promptly respond to all alarms, employing clear and articulate voice interventions and written text messages while strictly adhering to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
A good remote video monitoring center leaves no room for compromise regarding security and peace of mind.
How does elevator video monitoring work?
In the following section, we’ll provide a real-life, step-by-step example of how elevator video monitoring elevates both security and customer service.
Scenario: A young woman with a speech impairment trips and falls while entering an elevator equipped with a remote video monitoring system connected to Sirix’s security operations center.
Step 1:
When the young lady presses the emergency call button, trained operators at Sirix’s remote security center immediately receive the call, along with the specific location and number of the elevator cabin.
Step 2:
An operator accesses the live video feed from the elevator cabin’s camera to confirm the emergency situation. Upon viewing, they observe the young woman visibly distressed, sitting on the floor.
Step 3:
The Sirix operator communicates with the passenger by sending text prompts on the touchscreen. The passenger replies by selecting either “Yes” or “No” on the same screen.
Step 4:
Based on the passenger’s response, the Sirix operator dispatches the necessary assistance.
Step 5:
A message displays on the touchscreen indicating assistance is on the way. Soon after, aid arrives to assist the young woman.
Step 6:
All video footage, text exchanges, and audio recordings (when relevant) are archived in the client’s account for future reference.
All’s well that ends on the right floor!
How does elevator video monitoring improve security?
As discussed above,
- Surveillance cameras serve as a deterrence for criminal activities in the elevator cabin.
- The elevator video monitoring system enables rapid emergency responses, with operators swiftly evaluating situations, catering especially to those with hearing or speech impairments.
How does elevator video monitoring improve customer service?
- The distressed customer can be helped instantly as soon as they push the emergency button. The video feed enables quick identification of the problem with the appropriate solution.
- It deters potential criminal activities like vandalism or theft within the elevator thus enhancing customer satisfaction.
- The touchscreen is specially designed for mute and deaf people so they can communicate if there is a problem.
Pros of elevator monitoring:
- Elevator monitoring by a 24/7 security operations center guarantees round-the-clock surveillance in case of emergencies in the elevator.
- Elevator monitoring services now comply with ASME A17.1-2019 (CSA B44) standards that provide added safety and communication.
- Elevator monitoring enables expert operators proficient in touch-screen communication to conduct live video assessments effectively.
- Elevator monitoring services offer 24/7 support, ensuring a live operator response every day of the year.
- Elevator monitoring services are customizable, with tailored text prompts to ensure precision during emergencies.
- Elevator monitoring services provide transparent reporting, with clear event reports archived in the client’s account.
FAQs
What is elevator video monitoring?
Elevator video monitoring refers to the surveillance of activities inside elevator cabins using cameras. While some buildings have cameras that record continuously 24/7, in others, the recording is activated only when an emergency call button is pressed. Importantly, the recording captures the entire event — from the moment the button is pressed until the situation is resolved — and this footage is archived in the client’s account for an extended period.
Why elevator video monitoring is important?
Elevators can be vulnerable areas in buildings because they are mobile and a lot of human traffic enters and exits the elevator.
- Video monitoring helps deter criminal activities such as theft and assaults, by creating a sense of surveillance and accountability.
- These videos serve as crucial evidence for investigations and legal purposes.
- Elevator video monitoring allows security personnel to assess situations and respond quickly to emergencies or distress calls within elevators.
How do I choose an elevator video monitoring system?
A proactive elevator video monitoring system should comprise of the following factors:
- Accurate visual verification:
Elevator video monitoring should provide real-time visual verification of the situation inside the elevator car, enabling quick assessment and effective response when communication is initiated.
- 24/7 remote assistance:
The remote operators should be available 24/7 to use live video feeds to rapidly assess situations, dispatch medical or security teams, and offer guidance and support until on-site assistance arrives.
- Recording and documentation:
Video footage should be securely stored during emergency calls, serving as a valuable resource for incident reviews, trend analysis, and security protocol enhancement.
- Total compliance:
The elevator video monitoring system should adhere to the highest standards, meeting ASME A17.1-2019 (CSA B44), and ensuring uncompromised safety.
- Skilled experts:
The operators should be skilled professionals proficient in touch-screen communication and live video assessment, guaranteeing rapid and effective responses.
- Tailored precision:
Emergency responses should be highly customized to ensure precision and personalization to meet your specific needs.
Choose Sirix for elevator video monitoring that offers real-time visual verification, 24/7 remote assistance, secure recording, and total compliance with ASME standards. Our skilled experts provide tailored, precise responses to meet your needs, ensuring safety and security.
How do I use elevator video footage to investigate crimes?
When investigating crimes or incidents within elevators, security personnel should:
Identify relevant footage: Locate the footage related to the incident based on the date, time, and location.
Preserve the footage: Ensure the footage is securely stored and protected to maintain its integrity as evidence.
Share with authorities: Share the video footage with law enforcement or relevant authorities to aid in their investigation.
How do I prevent elevator fraud with video monitoring?
Discourage unlawful activities: Visible cameras act as a deterrent to potential fraudsters.
Monitor access control: Integrate the video monitoring system with access control measures to prevent unauthorized elevator access.
Analyze anomalies: Use video analytics to detect suspicious behaviors and potential fraudulent activities.
Why is elevator video monitoring important for building security?
Elevator video monitoring is crucial for building security because:
Elevators are vulnerable: Elevators can be confined spaces where criminal activities or accidents may occur, making surveillance essential.
High foot traffic: Elevators often experience high foot traffic, making it important to monitor and manage the flow of people efficiently.
Is video monitoring effective in deterring criminal activities in elevators?
Video monitoring has been proven effective in deterring criminal activities. The presence of cameras can dissuade potential criminals, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
However, it is essential to complement video monitoring with other security measures to create a comprehensive security environment.
How does elevator video monitoring enhance security?
- Providing surveillance: Cameras offer real-time and recorded footage to monitor and address security threats.
- Prompt emergency response: Monitoring allows security personnel to respond quickly to emergencies.
- Gathering evidence: Video footage provides valuable evidence for investigations and legal purposes.
- Creating a deterrent: Visible cameras discourage individuals from engaging in criminal or unauthorized activities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, elevator video monitoring is vital in enhancing security and customer service in office buildings. With the increasing foot traffic and potential risks within elevators, having a robust video monitoring system is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers.
Through strategically placed security cameras, two-way speakers (in some cases), and touchscreens, elevator video monitoring enables real-time communication between passengers and remote security operators.
This technology is valuable for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, ensuring that they can effectively communicate during emergencies.
By implementing elevator video monitoring solutions effectively, building owners can adhere to the legal requirements and updated ASME (Rev. 2019) safety codes.
Take action proactively, don’t wait for unexpected events. Embrace the power of Sirix’s elevator video monitoring to create a secure environment for everyone.
If you feel video monitoring in elevators can improve security and customer service, please share your thoughts in the comments section.
