Videx

Airdrie based Scotshield Fire and Security is more than halfway through a programme of work to help ensure the safety and security of pupils within a total of 19 schools across the Scottish capital, making full use of video and audio entry control equipment from Videx Security.

The specialist contractor, which is active in the public and commercial sectors throughout Scotland, has been involved with the Edinburgh Schools Partnership since the PFI scheme began two years ago. The work involves the construction of new premises as well as the refurbishment and improvement of existing buildings.

In essence Videx is supplying video as well as audio equipment to provide the monitoring and control of access into the schools at all times.  These functions are being integrated with Scotshield's wider installations of fire monitoring and intruder alarm systems.

Gerry McAloon, Scotshield's engineer in charge of the contract, comments: "We began work on the schools in 2002 and have now completed around a dozen of the schools.  Edinburgh Schools Partnership, as the client, and the main contractor produced a series of performance requirements for the security - as well as the fire strategies - which we set out to meet employing predominantly Videx equipment."

The installations can vary from the protection of a single door or the covering of several different entrances, generally linked backed to the janitor's office and the main administration.

"Basically the Videx range is extremely cost effective and reliable and now forms part of our 'standard products' portfolio.  We do very well working with Videx and have used the range successfully on a lot of projects across Scotland," says Gerry.

The contracts at premises such as the Pirnie Hall & St David's School, and Craigmount Secondary School - both in the suburbs of Edinburgh - have generally featured the installation of Videx's VR Video systems and VRDK audio entrance control links.