Rules and Regulations for SIRA-approved CCTV systems
Established in 2016 by a decree from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AL Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency or SIRA aims to provide high-end security by implementing standard security devices and services. The agency was established because the Dubai government always gives prime priority to the safety and security of the people in the state.
The role of the SIRA is to protect lives and welfare by implementing highly secured systems, suggesting new rules, training the new security team, and inspecting the new facilities. Its certification is important to operate in Dubai for security companies, personnel, and products.
What’s the reason to apply for SIRA certification for CCTV systems?
To ensure that CCTV installation in your building or facility is in good condition, you need SIRA certification. The CCTV systems in your establishment should be installed as per the guidelines and up-to-date with the latest technologies specified by SIRA. This is mandatory if you are in Dubai.
If the CCTV systems are improperly installed, fines are imposed on the facility owner. Just keep in mind that different guidelines for CCTV installation are specified by SIRA for various types of buildings and institutions.
Other than this, SIRA NOC is required for issuing a building completion certificate.
What are the SIRA rules and regulations for CCTV systems?
As SIRA certification is important for security and avoiding penalties, you should know and understand its rules and regulations. Make sure they are strictly followed when CCTV systems are installed on your premises so that SIRA doesn’t reject your application for the certificate.
The rules and regulations vary with the camera types.
For VSS Cameras
The cameras should be colored and manufactured to provide security for an extended period without interruption. Other than this, the cameras must be IP66 rating and placed in a protective container.
If you are installing VSS cameras 4 meters and above, make sure they have the remote Zoom and focus ability. Also, you should use Auto Iris on the sites where the lighting varies according to the time. Last, you should use cameras fitted with audio microphone recording only if permitted by SIRA.
Analog Cameras
The cameras should be colored and the resolution should not be less than Full HD 1080p on the analogous system. Make sure the color scheme is compatible with the Phase Alternating Line or PAl. This is a color scheme adopted in the UAE.
Other than this, the signal-to-noise ratio of the analog cameras should not be less than 48 dB.
Digital Cameras
The cameras should be colored and the resolution should not be less than Full HD 1080p. In digital cameras, the bit rate plays an important role. Here, the variable bit rate should be activated and the fixed bit rate must not be used or activated, without maximum speed limits.
Other than this, the digital cameras should be compatible with all standard security systems management software operating in the market or capable of linking directly with well-known standard systems. Also, the signal-to-noise ratio of the cameras should not be less than 48 dB.
How should you get SIRA approval for CCTV systems installed in your facility?
The approval process for CCTV systems is easy because SIRA manages it through its online portal. If you search online, you will find the right portal for registration and approval processing. The Security Service Providers or SSPs have access to this portal. So, as a Security Service User or SSU, you should create a Facility Account on the portal.
The thing is everything will be handled by the SSP but you will get the updates as well. Your SSP will upload all the details of your CCTV system on the SIRA portal. The details include camera model numbers, IP addresses, and camera-to-recorder mapping. Other than this, the SSP uploads a schematic diagram and creates a maintenance agreement on the portal.
After the installation of the CCTV camera and completion of the associated documentation, the SSP will request a SIRA audit. On request, the SIRA will assign an auditor to check your CCTV system. The time to visit your site for an audit will be discussed with the SSP by the auditor.
Based on the rules and regulations for SIRA-approved CCTV systems discussed above, the auditor will audit your system. If your CCTV installation doesn’t meet SIRA’s requirements, the auditor will issue a FAIL report. And if everything is fine and according to the SIRA’s requirements, the auditor will give a PASS report. Along with the FAIL report, the auditor will give a list, mentioning the things that need to be rectified to pass the inspection.
If the report is FAIL, your SSP will rectify the mistakes and re-apply for inspection. The auditor will come again for an inspection. If your CCTV installation meets all requirements, the auditor will give a PASS report. If the audit fails again, your SSP will be issued a FAIL report again. The cycle will continue till the report says PASS and the auditor upload the report on the portal. After uploading a PASS report, the SSP will apply for and obtain the NOC.
SIRA performs a remote log-in as well to check the connection and to see if it can access all cameras. Based on this, SIRA issues a connectivity certificate. This certificate is important to pass the SIRA inspection.
Following rules and regulations for SIRA-approved CCTV systems are essential. So, we recommend working with Gear Net Technologies LLC, one of the best SIRA-approved CCTV companies in Dubai.
To know more, please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.