These slimline cameras simply clip onto a PPE-compliant helmet. In this article, we’ll look at the features and functions available, the benefits they offer, and what to look for in a professional-grade helmet camera to safeguard your site and workforce.

Key Takeaways

• The best helmet camera for site work includes live streaming, not just recording, so supervisors can see issues as they happen.
• Prioritise safety functions like SOS alerts, two-way communication, and GPS location tracking for faster response when something goes wrong.
• Choose a commercial-grade unit with shift-length battery life and secure mounting that does not obstruct vision or other PPE.

What Is the Best Helmet Camera for Site and Commercial Use?

Our preferred helmet camera is the inSite model, which is also available to be worn as a security body camera, easily clipped to a uniform for ease of use.

These cameras are designed specifically to meet the needs of higher-risk working environments and evolving safety legislation, rather than domestic cameras for cyclists or other wearers, which have only basic functionality and are far less suitable.

A key attribute is a live-streaming capacity, which allows site managers, supervisors, and technicians to keep updated with progress, activities, and problems.

If teams encounter something complex or require specialist guidance, they can communicate with central offices and colleagues without downtime.

Wearing helmet cameras mounted at eye level gives control room officers and senior colleagues a first-person view, allowing them to diagnose issues or direct teams on the ground.

How Do Site and Commercial Helmet Cameras Improve Safety?

Safety is a fundamental consideration for multiple sectors and work settings, including lone workers, security guards, roadwork teams, construction workers and those in public-facing roles potentially exposed to risk, abuse, or aggression.

In many instances, highly visible helmet cameras can de-escalate or prevent an incident from occurring, with perpetrators far less likely to initiate conflict when they know they are being recorded. However, this is only one of the advantages of adding helmet cameras to your PPE assets:

• Footage captured can be used to dispute liability claims, record a factual timeline of events, or support investigations by health and safety officers or the police.
• Employers experience a significant decrease in false claims or complaints or can uphold complaints with independent video footage to corroborate accounts.
• Fixed CCTV has limited coverage, often leaving gaps in perimeters that are not protected. Helmet cameras move with the wearer and cover any area not being monitored by existing surveillance.
• Commercial businesses can review footage to monitor staff, ensure health and safety compliance, and pick up on inefficiencies in working processes.
• Video captures can be used in training, quality assurance and other monitoring tasks, helping risk-assess real-world scenarios and provide realistic training situations for new employees or assist with site management.

To achieve these benefits, site owners or supervisors should ensure their helmet cameras have the right functionality and capacity to provide crisp, quality footage that delivers the information they require.

Features to Prioritise in Construction Helmet Cameras

Battery life is important, with helmet cameras rendered redundant if they cease to work halfway through the day.

Our inSite helmet mounted cams have a 12-hour battery life and quick charging so they can be replenished before every shift. Live communications are also essential for multiple reasons:

• Two-way communications allow teams and colleagues to liaise, raise alerts, provide updates, or request specific tools or assistance to support high productivity.
• Real-time location tracking can be invaluable in an emergency or where a worker has become injured or unwell on an active construction site.
• Broadcast functions for team leaders allow notices to be circulated across all workers simultaneously, advising of changes to the schedule, inbound deliveries, or other information.

Standard helmet cameras provide solely a recording function with an in-built SD card, which does not offer any of these operational resources and has limited usability in a commercial setting.

Monitoring is just as important as the functionality of the camera equipment itself; without live reporting or SOS call buttons, a serious incident may go undetected until some time later.

Clearway’s NSI Gold Cat II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) can manage alerts, SOS signals and alarms from anywhere, 24/7/365, ensuring that where teams encounter an intrusion, material theft or any other problem, security response teams or the emergency services can be dispatched straight away. 

PPE Considerations for Helmet Cameras

Innovative helmet cameras can provide enhanced communications, workforce-wide collaborations, improved health and safety compliance, and oversight to allow managers, consultants, inspectors, or surveyors to review site activity in real-time.

As an advanced item of PPE, they can protect colleagues and employers from incorrect accusations, non-compliance allegations, disputes, and abuse, particularly when working in a public-facing environment.

Alongside the camera equipment, employers or site supervisors should also consider the brackets and fixings used for any standalone device to ensure it does not obstruct the wearer’s vision or prevent them from carrying out their duties effectively.

This also aligns with general HSE expectations around selecting and using suitable PPE for the task, including fit and appropriateness.

Our front-mounted helmet cams are ideal as a lightweight and discreet unit that fastens securely to any protective headgear without potentially compromising the effectiveness of other PPE items.

Eyesight-level footage is ideal, showing the wearer’s view and ensuring their perspective is captured should any videos need to be reviewed or investigated.

Advice on Choosing the Best Helmet Camera for Your Commercial Business

Of course, helmet cameras are not exclusive to the construction sector and are used in industrial and commercial industries wherever heightened health and safety risks, personal safety hazards or potential compliance issues exist. Clearway’s security consultants often work with clients who need outstanding oversight of work in progress or liaise with colleagues with technical specialisms to advise during production, manufacturing, design, or implementation.

If you recognise the benefits real-time helmet camera surveillance could bring to your business, picking the right equipment, functions, and features is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best helmet camera for construction sites?

The best helmet camera for site work typically includes live streaming, long battery life, and safety features like SOS alerts and location tracking. Basic action cameras often lack the monitoring and incident response tools needed for commercial use.

Do helmet cameras need live streaming for commercial use?

Live streaming helps supervisors spot problems as they happen and support teams without delays. It’s especially useful for high-risk tasks and remote support scenarios.

What features should a construction helmet camera have?

Prioritise two-way communication, SOS/alerting, GPS location tracking, and shift-length battery life. These lone worker safety features are common requirements in industrial “smart helmet” setups designed for safety and coordination.

Can helmet camera footage be used for investigations or training?

Yes, recorded footage can support incident reviews, training, and quality assurance when it’s stored and handled properly. Make sure usage aligns with data protection expectations for recorded individuals.

How should a helmet camera be mounted on PPE?

Mount it so it does not obstruct vision or interfere with other protective equipment, and ensure it stays secure during normal movement. A front, eye-level position is often used to capture a true first-person view.

Please contact Clearway if you would like full specifications for our featured helmet camera, guidance on which safety wearables are most relevant for your intended uses, or to discuss the cameras we provide and those that would prove most convenient for your workforce.

The post What Is the Best Helmet Camera? Features of our helmet cameras. appeared first on Clearway.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is UK legislation designed to improve security and preparedness in publicly accessible venues. The law requires organisations responsible for venues with a capacity of 100 people or more to implement proportionate security measures to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks and improve emergency response.

The legislation was introduced following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and aims to create a consistent national framework for public space security, while allowing flexibility based on venue size, use, and risk profile.

Martyn’s Law has been passed and will become fully enforceable in 2027.

Martyn’s Law at a Glance

• Legislation: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
• Common name: Martyn’s Law
• Applies to: Publicly accessible venues with capacity of 100+
• Security tiers: Standard Tier: 100–800 capacity, Enhanced Tier: 800+ capacity
• Implementation period: 2025–2027
• Full enforcement: 2027
• Regulator: Security Industry Authority (SIA)

Who Does Martyn’s Law Apply To?

Martyn’s Law applies to a broad range of venues and spaces that are open to the public. This includes permanent sites and temporary or event-based locations.

Sectors affected include:

• Stadiums and arenas
• Concert halls and theatres
• Retail parks and shopping centres
• Universities, colleges, and schools
• Places of worship
• Public buildings and transport hubs
• Healthcare facilities
• Festivals, fairs, and temporary events

Any organisation responsible for managing these premises will be legally required to assess risk and implement appropriate protective measures.

Security Tiers Explained

Standard Tier (100–800 capacity)

Venues in the Standard Tier are expected to implement low-cost, practical measures, such as:

• Staff security awareness training
• Basic emergency and evacuation procedures
• Clear incident response planning

Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity)

Larger or higher-risk venues must introduce more robust security arrangements, including:

• Professional security risk assessments
• Upgraded CCTV and surveillance systems
• Access control and physical security enhancements
• Detailed contingency and incident response plans

Understanding which tier your venue falls into is critical for compliance.

Legal and Operational Responsibilities

Martyn’s Law introduces clear obligations for venue operators and duty holders, including:

• Defined accountability for security at management level
• Mandatory staff training in threat recognition and emergency response
• Documented risk assessments and security plans
• Regular review and adaptation of procedures as threats evolve
• Installation or upgrade of security systems, where appropriate

Enforcement will sit under a new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Failure to comply may result in enforcement notices, financial penalties, restrictions on operations, and reputational damage.

A Practical 5-Step Framework for Compliance

To help organisations prepare in a structured and proportionate way, Clearway recommends a five-step approach:

1. Audit
Evaluate existing security measures and identify gaps through a professional risk assessment.

2. Plan
Develop a tailored security and compliance roadmap, including evacuation, lockdown, and communication procedures.

3. Equip
Deploy appropriate technologies such as CCTV, access control systems, barriers, and screening solutions.

4. Train
Ensure all staff understand how to identify threats, respond to incidents, and follow established procedures.

5. Monitor
Implement continuous monitoring and improvement using smart surveillance and real-time intelligence.

This framework allows venues to move beyond minimum compliance toward meaningful preparedness.

The Role of AI, CCTV, and Smart Surveillance

Modern public space security is increasingly proactive. AI-enabled CCTV and smart surveillance systems can:

• Detect suspicious behaviour in real time
• Identify abnormal patterns and anomalies
• Monitor crowd flow, congestion, and loitering
• Integrate with access control, alarms, and monitoring centres
• Deploy flexibly for temporary events or changing risk profiles

When supported by 24/7 professional monitoring, these technologies enable faster decision-making and early intervention.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is relevant to:

• Venue owners and operators
• Security and compliance managers
• Event organisers
• Facilities and estates teams
• Local authorities and public sector bodies

Anyone responsible for public safety in publicly accessible spaces should understand how Martyn’s Law applies to their organisation.

Download the White Paper: A Practical Guide to Martyn’s Law

This article summarises key points from Clearway’s white paper:

Martyn’s Law and the Future of Public Space Security: A Practical Guide for UK Venue Operators

The white paper provides:

• A detailed breakdown of legal requirements
• Clear explanations of Standard and Enhanced Tier obligations
• Real-world case scenarios
• Practical guidance on preparing for compliance
• Insight into how technology can support safer public spaces

Download the white paper to understand exactly what Martyn’s Law means for your venue and how to prepare with confidence.

Martyn’s Law: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Martyn’s Law in simple terms?

Martyn’s Law is UK legislation that requires publicly accessible venues to take proportionate steps to protect people from terrorist threats. It focuses on preparedness, staff training, risk assessment, and appropriate security measures based on the size and risk profile of a venue.

When does Martyn’s Law come into force?

Martyn’s Law has been passed and will be introduced through a phased implementation period, becoming fully enforceable in 2027. This gives venue operators time to assess risks, upgrade security, and train staff.

Which venues does Martyn’s Law apply to?

Martyn’s Law applies to publicly accessible venues with a capacity of 100 people or more. This includes permanent venues such as arenas, shopping centres, and universities, as well as temporary or event-based venues such as festivals and fairs.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to small venues?

Venues with a capacity of 100 to 800 people fall under the Standard Tier. These venues are expected to implement low-cost, practical measures, such as staff training, basic emergency procedures, and clear security planning. Requirements are proportionate and not intended to be burdensome.

What is the difference between Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier?

• Standard Tier (100–800 capacity):
  Focuses on staff training, emergency planning, and basic preparedness.

• Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity):
  Requires more robust measures, including professional risk assessments, CCTV and surveillance upgrades, access control, and detailed contingency plans.

The tier is determined primarily by venue capacity and risk.

Who is responsible for compliance with Martyn’s Law?

The duty holder, typically the venue owner, operator, or managing organisation, is legally responsible for compliance. This includes ensuring risk assessments are completed, staff are trained, and appropriate security measures are in place.

What happens if a venue does not comply with Martyn’s Law?

Non-compliance may result in enforcement action by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), including compliance notices, financial penalties, operational restrictions, and reputational damage. Failure to comply may also affect insurance and the ability to host events.

Is CCTV required under Martyn’s Law?

CCTV is not mandatory for all venues, but it is strongly recommended for Enhanced Tier venues and higher-risk environments. The law requires proportionate security measures, which may include CCTV, access control, or other surveillance systems depending on risk assessment outcomes.

How does AI-enabled CCTV support Martyn’s Law compliance?

AI-enabled CCTV supports compliance by enabling:

• Real-time detection of suspicious behaviour
• Identification of unusual patterns or anomalies
• Crowd flow and congestion monitoring
• Faster response through integration with monitoring centres

These capabilities help venues move from reactive security to proactive threat prevention.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to schools and universities?

Yes. Universities, colleges, and certain school environments that are publicly accessible or host large numbers of people may fall within scope, depending on capacity and use. Risk assessments are essential to determine tier and requirements.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to places of worship?

Yes. Places of worship that are publicly accessible and meet capacity thresholds may be required to comply. The legislation is designed to be proportionate and supportive, recognising the unique nature of these environments.

How can venues prepare for Martyn’s Law now?

Venues can prepare by:

• Conducting a professional security risk assessment
• Identifying which tier applies
• Reviewing staff training and emergency procedures
• Assessing existing security systems
• Developing a clear compliance roadmap

Early preparation reduces risk and avoids last-minute compliance pressures.

Where can I find full guidance on Martyn’s Law?

Clearway has published a comprehensive white paper:
Martyn’s Law and the Future of Public Space Security: A Practical Guide for UK Venue Operators
It provides practical explanations, real-world scenarios, and clear guidance for compliance.

Download the white paper from Clearway to access the full guidance.

Why should venues work with a security partner for Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law combines legal, operational, and technical requirements. Working with an experienced security partner helps ensure:

• Proportionate and compliant solutions
• Correct interpretation of tier requirements
• Integration of people, process, and technology
• Ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement

This reduces risk while improving public safety and confidence.

About Clearway

Clearway is an international security services provider specialising in the protection of people, property, and assets. We support venues of all sizes with scalable, legally compliant security solutions, including:

• Security risk assessments
• AI-enabled CCTV and smart surveillance
• Access control systems
• Staff training and response planning
• 24/7 monitoring via our NSI Gold Cat II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)
• Mobile and temporary security solutions for events and outdoor venues

Our focus is not just compliance, but peace of mind, business continuity, and public reassurance.

The post Martyn’s Law Explained: A Practical Guide for UK Venue Operators appeared first on Clearway.

There is a huge added value for clients, who have the assurance that any alarm or motion detector within their facility or building is under constant supervision.

Any live intrusion or attempted theft can be dealt with immediately, dispatching security responders or the emergency services as necessary.

Key Takeaways

• An Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) provides continuous, professional monitoring of security and fire systems, verifying alerts in real time, filtering out false alarms and coordinating immediate responses through police, fire services or on-site teams.
• Accredited ARCs, such as Clearway’s NSI Gold Category II and ECHO-connected centre, offer enhanced reliability, faster verified emergency response times and strict data security, making them an essential extension of a robust risk mitigation strategy.
• By monitoring intruder, fire, environmental and personal safety alarms around the clock, an ARC significantly reduces risk, limits damage, improves safety outcomes and ensures businesses receive rapid, accurate assistance in genuine emergencies.

What is the Alarm Receiving Centre Response Proceedure?

While every client or business can tailor their response policies as required, the normal process is as follows:

1. The alarm, motion detector or CCTV surveillance system initiates an alarm signal or raises an alert.
2. A signal is transmitted securely directly from the client’s control panel or security system to the ARC.
3. An operative reviews the signal and determines whether the alarm is a false alert, a real-time event, or an emergency such as a fire.
4. Should the alarm have been activated during working hours, they may contact the appropriate staff member to share their findings or ask for on-the-ground verification of the cause of the alarm.
5. Otherwise, the responder can review footage through video-verified alarms or CCTV cameras to determine what is happening and how to respond.

If an alarm is found to be legitimate, the operative will react accordingly, whether contacting the police, alerting on-site security teams, liaising with the fire and rescue service, or warning an intruder that they are being live recorded if the site has an audio challenge facility.

NSI Gold Category II status ARC is accredited to the highest possible level. It acts as an integral part of a security response service, augmenting the risk mitigation that security systems and alarms provide.

There are multiple layers of security with strict access controls to ensure all data transmitted to the ARC is only available to approved responders.

What Alarms Can an ARC Monitor?

An ARC can track and respond to a wide range of alarms and signals, covering both security and safety risks. These include:

• If an intruder is detected: This covers intruder alarms, motion sensors and CCTV systems. For example, if a motion sensor triggers at 2am in a warehouse, the ARC operative can immediately check live CCTV, zoom into the area and confirm whether it is an attempted break-in, wildlife activity or a staff member working late. If it is a genuine intrusion, they can issue an audio warning, contact the police or alert on-site security.
• If a fire or smoke alarm activates: Fire, smoke or environmental sensors may detect early signs of danger. If smoke is picked up in an office block, the ARC quickly verifies the alert by reviewing connected cameras or contacting the nominated staff member. If a real fire is confirmed, they contact the fire service straight away, reducing damage and preventing escalation.
• If someone activates a panic alarm: Personal safety devices, SOS buttons or panic alarms trigger instant notifications. If a retail worker presses a panic button during a threatening situation, the ARC sees the alert immediately, monitors the scene where possible and calls the police while keeping managers informed.
• If a lone worker signals distress: Lone worker devices and safety apps can detect falls, loss of movement or manual SOS activations. If a lone worker becomes unresponsive or triggers an alert, the ARC checks their location, attempts to contact them and dispatches emergency help if needed.

Depending on the security setup, ARC operatives may also:

• Remotely move or zoom CCTV cameras to verify activity
• Use detection or recognition tools to assess who is on site
• Arm or disarm alarms to prevent unnecessary night-time callouts caused by false triggers

This approach ensures every alert is verified and responded to quickly, accurately and in line with the client’s agreed procedures.

Managing Serious Emergencies With Support From an Alarm Receiving Centre

While genuine alarms are much less common than false alerts, often caused by wildlife, having a team of security responders on standby at all times can make a significant difference to your risk exposure, potential losses and the impact of an intrusion.

If a business uses Clearway’s security patrol, guarding or keyholding services, a responder might, in the first instance, communicate with the designated personnel or guarding team, depending on the severity of the alarm or circumstance.

In the worst-case scenarios, they will contact the emergency services directly only if they have verified with on-site staff or through CCTV cameras that there is a live incident underway.

This approach avoids ever calling the police or fire service for a situation that does not warrant an emergency response. ARCs are given specific identification codes called Unique Reference Numbers (URNs), which confirm their status as an approved security services provider and inform the police dispatcher or other service responder that the alert has been verified.

In many cases, the police will react quickly to a request to attend an incident lodged by an ARC with a URN since they know that the situation is serious, authentic and requires a rapid response.

Working With an Alarm Receiving Centre to Improve Fire Safety

While many clients primarily choose to contract their alarm monitoring to our ARC to improve the effectiveness of their security, they also find that there is a great deal of reassurance in having a response service always monitoring environmental alarms.

Fire and smoke detectors, fall alarms, and alarms that monitor other aspects, such as flooding or gas leaks, should always be responded to as quickly as possible – and having an operative call the fire service immediately can prevent extensive damage.

Particularly out of hours, many fire alarms are assumed to be false unless a fire is visible, at which point the flames may have spread and be considerably more difficult to get under control.

Choosing an Established and Accredited Alarm Receiving Centre

Like every aspect of your security services, we recommend using an ARC with a proven track record of high-quality support, sufficient quality controls, and staff training policies to ensure your systems are properly monitored and all actions taken are logged and reported.

A professional ARC is a very different facility from a conventional call centre and should meet rigorous industry standards.

Clearway is a sector-leading provider of nationwide security assistance and works with well-known enterprises in the public and private sectors, ranging from NHS facilities to commercial property development firms, high-security research and business compounds, and specialist construction companies. Our ARC is staffed continually, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, with skilled responders who are highly trained in emergency response protocols and alarm verification techniques.

Did you know that Clearway’s Alarm Receiving Centre is ECHO-connected?

ECHO is a not-for-profit organisation delivering automated alarm signalling and messaging between ARCs and blue light services, speeding up deployment of blue light responders to emergencies.

Police response times are estimated to be 1-4 minutes quicker for ECHO-connected alarmed sites, this represents a significant increase in effective deployment – delivering better deterrence and outcomes for our clients.

Benefits:

• Accurate and faster alarm passing from machine to machine – reducing response times
• Accurate incident information – reducing the potential for human error by utilising digital information transfer
• Automatic incident acknowledgement – no verbal incident number requirement as this will be passed digitally
• Improved key holder information – ECHO will pass key holder ETAs and details
• False alarm management – ECHO can pass information back to our ARC on whether the alarm was genuine or false

With military-grade security and a secure, tamper and hacking-proof power supply backed by emergency generators, we are always on standby and contactable in an emergency.

We hold National Security Inspectorate Gold Standard approval, awarded to a select number of firms who meet exacting Quality Management Systems standards, alongside British Standard certification requirements related to BS 5979 – the UK standard for remote centres managing security or fire safety alarms.

For more information about the services we provide, our ARC, or how this can add value to your security setup and significantly reduce the potential of a security incident occurring or an attempted intrusion being successful, please get in touch at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an ARC know if an alarm is genuine?

Operatives verify alerts by reviewing CCTV, checking linked sensors, contacting on-site staff or using video-verified alarms. Only confirmed incidents are escalated to emergency services.

What types of alarms can an ARC monitor?

ARCs can monitor intruder alarms, CCTV, motion sensors, fire and smoke alarms, environmental alarms, panic buttons, SOS devices and lone worker systems.

Why is ARC accreditation important?

Accreditations like NSI Gold Category II show that the centre meets strict industry standards for security, reliability and staff training. They also ensure data is handled safely and response procedures are robust.

What happens when an alarm goes off out of hours?

The ARC receives the signal instantly. The operative verifies the alert using cameras or linked devices and takes action, such as calling emergency services or notifying the nominated keyholder.

Will the ARC contact the police for false alarms?

No. ARCs verify every alert before escalation. Only genuine, confirmed incidents are passed to the police, helping avoid unnecessary police callouts or fines.

How secure is an ARC?

Accredited ARCs use strict access controls, multiple security layers, emergency power supplies and robust data protection measures to ensure all signals and information remain secure.

How quickly does an ARC respond to alarms?

Response is immediate. Signals are received and reviewed within seconds, and escalation decisions are made without delay.

Can an ARC monitor multiple sites?

Yes. ARCs are built to handle high volumes of alarms and can monitor many properties or locations at once, ideal for multi-site businesses or national organisations.

The post What Is an Alarm Receiving Centre? appeared first on Clearway.

Scope of project: National Highways NEAR Schemes

Area: Nationwide

Services: Traffic monitoring, Stopped Vehicle Detection,

Background

The highways environment is high risk and those companies with personnel operating within it recognise that solutions to protect their workforce and their on-site assets are critical both for their teams’ personal safety and for their business operations.

In addition, solutions to issues such as stopped vehicles on the motorway network, which create a potentially fatal hazard for the occupants and other members of the traveling public, and the provision of traffic information, are invaluable.

Contractors working on the NEAR schemes needed a mobile, temporary and sustainable solution for monitoring accidents, incidents and breakdowns.

Solution

The Clearway Highway Technology Tower can provide video-based stopped vehicle detection, ANPR, traffic monitoring, vehicle count and classification, PPE monitoring and compliance, littering/fly tipping detection and air quality monitoring. This provides a solution to protecting roadworkers, on-site assets and road users, whilst also providing data, especially in traditionally technology barren/dark areas of the network. In many cases there is no provision for mains power or a telephone line, so the tower’s sustainable technology using renewable energy sources (solar, wind and battery) is the perfect solution.

The tower requires no cabling in the verges, no vegetation clearance and minimal traffic management which also solves the problem of small installation windows – road operators such as National Highways want to minimise disruption to road users and the risk congestion brings to the motorway network. Our solution is also used to secure compounds and monitor activity in traffic management areas.

The dangers of having operatives on live carriageways are significantly reduced, a key benefit and driver behind the nationwide roll-out of our solution. The towers are also supported by our 24/7/365 NSI Gold Cat II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and/or monitored by a client’s monitoring station.

Outcome

The Clearway inView Highway Technology Tower has been deployed across a number of National Highways’ NEAR (National Emergency Area Retrofit) Schemes over the past 2 years to support the safety of our roadworkers and road users.

The use of the towers provided the following benefits:

• Enhanced and improved customer service through temporary works
• Reduced roadworker exposure to risk through a rapidly deployable solution
• Reduction in maintenance visits as the camera technology can also be used by onsite traffic management staff to monitor and remotely view the site using a mobile application
• A cableless solution as they use solar/wind power
• Cost savings – as the towers are fully mobile and rapidly deployable, for a project comprising over 50 towers at 500m intervals, for example, it saves many weeks of preparatory work on site that a temporary fixed solution requires. The financial savings using our approach are in the £m’s on a project of this size.
• Installing the Clearway inView Highway Technology Towers has saved time and money on a number of NEAR schemes (M62, M1, M3, M25, M5, M4, M2…) and reduced risk and disruption.

Please read the full case study here

The post National Highways NEAR Schemes appeared first on Clearway.

We often speak with prospective new clients who have invested significant amounts in commercial alarms, ongoing monitoring services, and surveillance, but have been dissatisfied with high costs or feel that their security doesn’t provide the necessary peace of mind that their premises, assets, and inventory are fully protected.

That in mind, we’ve collated a short list of the reasons we might recommend you consult an experienced, new provider, the priorities to consider when comparing alarm and monitoring services, and the huge importance of collaborating with a company you trust.

Guidance on Changing Your Alarm or Monitoring Service

• The process of changing providers often depends heavily on your current contract, since you may have signed up to a minimum service period, be subject to an early cancellation charge, or have an agreement that covers the provision of both alarm units and monitoring.
• Switching providers is, however, sometimes a very necessary step if you are unhappy with the quality of service, continue to experience false callouts or elevated security risks, or need a more comprehensive degree of coverage that gives you the assurance you expect.
• Most clients need to choose between a system takeover, where we assume responsibility for monitoring and maintaining existing alarms and units, or a fresh approach to security, which means replacing all alarms, sensors, cameras and control boxes and introducing a new monitoring service.

Reasons to Consider Changing to a New Alarm Provider and Monitoring Company

There are endless potential reasons you might be thinking about taking your security and monitoring elsewhere.

Still, we’ve summarised below a few of the most prevalent challenges we come across – all of which are very good reasons to take action.

• Ongoing false alarms, where staff and keyholders remain obliged to react to alarms overnight, or find themselves paying their alarm monitoring service for unnecessary callouts.
• Repeat system faults or continued exposure to security risks. This could mean your alarms don’t appear to function as you expect them to, have periods where they become redundant, experience outages and glitches, or enable intruders to access your premises without activating an emergency response.
• Lack of responsiveness to emergency callouts or maintenance requests, especially where your alarms have stopped working correctly, or your remote access isn’t functioning, and you need urgent support to get your alarms back up and running.

It is worth clarifying that accredited, professional alarm providers and monitoring companies must adhere to varied standards and regulations. Slow responses or a lack of reaction to a call out aren’t always just disappointing and frustrating, but could also mean the provider isn’t meeting their mandatory obligations.

Serious Issues Linked to Poor Quality Alarms and Monitoring Services

Having a provider or alarm system that isn’t fulfilling your requirements isn’t solely a case of disruption but can have severe and long-lasting repercussions.

For example, if you experience frequent false alarms or your alarm system doesn’t meet the current basic technical requirements, the local police force may withdraw response cover, which means that even in the event of a live break-in, your business may be more vulnerable than ever.

While you can reinstate that coverage by upgrading your system or switching to a new provider, it is also common for commercial insurance providers to withdraw coverage or consider your insurance invalid if there is a clause that dictates that you must have a monitored alarm system that can activate a police response.

How to Take Action to Resolve Issues With Alarms and Monitoring

If any of the above sounds familiar, the first step is to review your monitoring and alarm contract. This should set out an expiry date, which is typically 12 months and renews on a rolling basis, and any conditions associated with renewing that contract.

Some clients may be able to simply give notice and end their agreement, but others need to account for cancellation fees or penalties, depending on the reasons for the cancellation and whether they have evidence that their existing provider has breached the contract terms.

Once you have a better idea about when and how you will be able to make a switch, it’s important to conduct plenty of research. This will give you peace of mind that you won’t find yourself in a similar situation in the near future.

We’d suggest you speak directly with an adviser or security consultant and ask questions about the company’s experience, accreditations, standards, certifications, the scope of the monitoring services offered, pricing, and availability to take over your alarms and monitoring, especially if this is a matter of urgency.

A checklist for switching Alarm Provider

Whether you’re unhappy with your current service, seeking better technology, or reviewing contracts as part of a wider security upgrade, this checklist will guide you through each step—ensuring a smooth, stress-free transition to a provider that better suits your needs.

Alarm Provider Switch Checklist

1. Review Your Current Contract

• ☐ Check for contract end date and notice period

• ☐ Look for termination clauses or exit fees

• ☐ Verify if the system is leased, owned, or tied to the current provider

2. Assess Your Current System

• ☐ Take inventory of your existing equipment (control panels, sensors, cameras, etc.)

• ☐ Determine if your system is compatible with other monitoring services

• ☐ Identify any faults or outdated components

3. Define Your Requirements

• ☐ Decide if you need 24/7 monitoring, mobile alerts, police response, etc.

• ☐ Consider upgrades (e.g. AI integration, remote access, video analytics)

• ☐ Assess sector-specific needs (retail, construction, vacant property, etc.)

4. Choose a New Provider

• ☐ Research NSI or SSAIB-accredited companies

• ☐ Request quotes and compare service levels

• ☐ Check customer reviews and case studies

• ☐ Ask about response times and support availability

5. Request a Site Survey

• ☐ Book a risk assessment or site visit

• ☐ Review security recommendations and upgrade suggestions

• ☐ Confirm compatibility with current hardware (or plan for replacements)

6. Plan the Switch

• ☐ Schedule the installation with minimal disruption to operations

• ☐ Confirm if any downtime is expected

• ☐ Request a handover report from your old provider if needed

7. Data and Monitoring Transfer

• ☐ Ensure alarm monitoring is set up with the new provider

• ☐ Check that keyholder information and emergency contacts are updated

• ☐ Test all alarms, signals, and notifications before signing off

8. Training and Support

• ☐ Get staff trained on how to use the new system

• ☐ Ask for user manuals and emergency procedures

• ☐ Ensure you have 24/7 technical support or a dedicated account manager

9. Cancel Your Old Provider

• ☐ Give formal written notice of cancellation

• ☐ Request confirmation of account closure and any final fees

• ☐ Return any leased equipment (if applicable)

10. Maintain Ongoing Security

• ☐ Set up a maintenance and servicing plan

• ☐ Schedule periodic reviews or system health checks

• ☐ Stay informed on updates or technology improvements

The Difference Between an Alarm System Takeover and alarm upgrade

Earlier, we briefly mentioned that a system takeover is one of the easiest solutions, but this very much depends on whether your alarms, security infrastructure, sensors, and camera units are of sufficient quality and meet the standards you require to protect your business.

If you have a modern, high-functioning alarm system that has been poorly managed, you may be able to continue using the same equipment. However, we’d strongly advise you to schedule a site visit to verify if that system is up to speed, compatible, and provides adequate coverage.

Many alarm monitoring providers offer packages where they supply the equipment as part of your initial onboarding fee, which could mean replacing those assets. You might also find that cameras and sensors simply aren’t sophisticated or reactive enough to be fit for ongoing use.

In the latter scenario, we would suggest a full site risk appraisal, which ensures we have complete oversight of all risks, vulnerabilities, security threats, issues, and ingress points.

If you’re considering switching alarm providers, Clearway can support you through every step. We’ll start with a full site risk appraisal to identify all vulnerabilities, security threats, ingress points, and issues with your current system. From there, we’ll work with you to design and commission a new, fully operational alarm system that fits your budget, resolves existing problems, and delivers reliable protection across your site.

The post Changing Your Alarm Provider or Monitoring Company: Things to Consider appeared first on Clearway.

Scope of project: Site security

Area: Sheffield

Services: Perimeter Intrusion Detection, remote monitoring

Background

The client was starting a new project in Sheffield city centre, near buildings, shops, and several active construction sites. The project was situated around a live building, requiring careful consideration of resident safety and security measures.

Traditional 24/7 CCTV systems were not ideal due to privacy concerns, and the limited space ruled out the use of large self-sustained Solar CCTV towers. The associated costs of full-time security guards were prohibitive, so a more cost-effective security solution was necessary.

Solution

After conducting a site visit and thoroughly assessing the clients specific needs, the risks associated with the project were evaluated and a tailored security solution was proposed.

Our InView Detect PID system was deployed, which integrates four Photo on Demand detection units. A number of Off Pod detectors were also included for use on the scaffolding at higher levels and in key locations. These wireless infrared motion detectors offer advanced features such as ‘photo capture’ triggered by alarm and photo on demand,  remotely monitored by our in-house NSI Gold Cat II Alarm Receiving Centre.

Outcome

During the first month of the project intrusions onto the scaffold deck were detected. Prompt action from the monitoring team at the Clearway ‘ARC’ in alerting both the Police and Mobile Response Officers resulted in the apprehension of intruders on site.

Project manager for the site in Sheffield, Adam, said “Upon visiting the site the following day, there were no visible signs of the break-in, and without the cameras in place, we would have had no way of knowing what had occurred. However, the system’s alerts provided valuable insights, enabling us to implement additional security measures such as floodlights and extra hoarding, which ultimately prevented further access to the scaffolding.”

Adam went on to add that “The system’s integration with a mobile app allowed us to receive real-time notifications whenever the cameras were triggered, ensuring an immediate response. In addition, as all the cameras are wireless, we avoided the risks associated with running cables on site, such as live power lines and trip hazards, ensuring a safer and more efficient installation.”

The post Cost-effective and sustainable site security in Sheffield appeared first on Clearway.

It is essential you opt for the intruder alarm grade that meets your risk profile or choose a higher grade if there is any potential for your security risks to change in the future. Not sure what your ‘risk profile’ is? Get in touch with Clearway for a security risk assessment here.

Key Takeaways:

• UK Intruder Alarm Grades Align with Risk Levels – Intruder alarm grades, ranging from one to four, indicate the level of risk they are designed to protect against. They help consumers and businesses select suitable systems based on their security needs and ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
• UK Intruder Alarm Standards and Applicability – The UK adheres to the PD 6662 standard, mirroring the European EN 50131. This ensures uniform grading across alarm systems, allowing easy comparison of functionality and suitability for different property types and risk levels.
• Maintenance is Crucial for Compliance – Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the intruder alarm remains effective and compliant. The frequency of checks depends on the alarm grade and monitoring requirements, with higher-grade systems needing more frequent servicing.

Many businesses also need to install an intruder alarm that complies with a minimum acceptable grade to comply with insurance requirements and protect their building, assets, inventory and workforce from risk.

Why Do Intruder Alarms Have Grades?

Alarm grading is part of an established quality standard introduced via the European standard EN 50131. The UK is, of course, no longer subject to EU standards and has a separate equivalent standard called PD 6662, which replicates the EU standards and is also known as BS EN 50131. The UK-specific standard is enforced by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).

The concept is that all alarm systems conform to the same grading structure. Regardless of the system brand or provider who fits your security alarm, you have an easy way to compare the functionality of each system and make informed buying decisions.

Grading applies to all intruder alarms, including detection systems that identify movement, break-ins, unauthorised entry or hold-up alarms, which act as silent or panic alarms and transmit an emergency signal.

Understanding Intruder Alarm Standards

Alarms are categorised within a grading system from one to four based on the likelihood of the premise being the target of a criminal intrusion and the potential severity of any attempt to bypass security defences and gain entry.

Grade Intruder one alarms

These alarms are suited for properties where the site is unlikely to be the target of a criminal intrusion. This type of alarm may be used where the property isn’t considered of particular appeal or might only be exposed to opportunist break-in attempts, such as where a door or window has been left open. Summary:

• Suitable for environments with minimal risk of intrusion, such as domestic properties with no significant valuables.
• Basic systems with simple detection devices like door or window contacts.
• Limited protection; unlikely to resist a skilled or determined intruder.

Typical Buildings: Small office spaces, low-value storage units, and simple workshops.

Grade two alarms

Grade two intruder alarms designed for premises at a higher risk or where there is a greater potential for the property to be targeted due to values, equipment or assets left on site, particularly when the premise isn’t protected or guarded outside of opening hours. These alarms safeguard against attacks by experienced criminals, including those with some knowledge of bypassing a simple alarm system. Summary:

• Ideal for homes or small businesses with some valuable items.
• Designed to deter and detect opportunistic intruders with limited skills or tools.
• Includes basic sensors such as motion detectors and tamper-resistant devices.

Typical Buildings: Retail shops, small commercial offices, and low-risk service businesses such as salons.

Grade three alarms

Grade three alarms are more robust and engineered for sites where there is a substantial risk of intrusion. That may be because of the location or nature of the site or the value of assets, inventory and equipment. This type of alarm is intended to guard against an assumption that the site will be broken into or targeted and is created to protect against criminal intrusion attempts where perpetrators may have tools and equipment to try and bypass alarm systems. Summary:

• Used in commercial properties or homes with high-value items.
• Protects against more experienced intruders who may use advanced tools or techniques.
• Typically incorporates advanced detection technology, tamper-proof systems, and features like anti-masking for detectors.

Typical Buildings: Supermarkets, high-street shops, warehouses, and premises storing high-value goods such as electronics or alcohol.

Grade four intruder alarms

Are intended for sites with a very high assessed risk level. These alarms are designed to protect properties with a likelihood of an organised intrusion attempt. This type of alarm can be used to monitor every aspect of a building, including walls and ceilings alongside entry points.

• Reserved for properties with the highest security requirements, such as banks, government facilities, or high-value commercial sites.
• Provides robust protection against highly skilled intruders using sophisticated methods.
• Systems include advanced sensors, secure communication protocols, and rigorous monitoring standards.

Typical Buildings: Banks, art galleries, bonded warehouses, and jewellers.

Can you mix intruder alarm grades in specific areas?

In some situations, you may need intruder alarms with a comparable grade across your site. However, there is no obligation to install the same alarm grade throughout a property. You might, for example, have grade one alarms in some zones, grade two alarms for key buildings, and grade three alarms covering restricted-access areas.

Choosing the Right Alarm Grade

Selecting the correct alarm grade depends on your building’s risk profile, the value of assets, and any insurance requirements. Here are some key considerations:

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment:
   • A professional security consultant can identify vulnerabilities, entry points, and potential threats.
2. Check Insurance Requirements:
   • Many insurers stipulate a minimum alarm grade, particularly for high-value assets or sensitive properties.
3. Adapt to Future Needs:
   • If your property’s risk level changes, consider upgrading to a higher grade for continued protection.
4. Consider Zone-Specific Grading:
   • In some cases, different areas of a building may require varying grades. For example, a Grade 2 system for public areas and a Grade 3 system for restricted zones.

Maintaining and Servicing Graded Intruder Alarms

We strongly recommend you organise the appropriate maintenance and servicing to keep your intruder alarms fully operational and to avoid any deviation from the level of protection you believe your alarm systems provide.

Most businesses require one check per year for simple audible-only alarms, six-monthly alarm maintenance visits for any intruder alarm subject to monitoring through our Alarm Receiving Centre, and potentially more frequent inspections for grade four alarms responsible for protecting sites at an elevated risk.

Contact Us

From small offices requiring basic protection to high-value facilities needing robust systems, the grading framework ensures tailored solutions for every risk level. By selecting the right grade and maintaining the system effectively, you can safeguard your property, comply with insurance standards, and gain peace of mind.

For expert advice commercial intruder alarm advice and security risk assessments, get in contact with the Clearway team.

The post Intruder Alarm Grades Explained: All About UK Intruder Alarm Standards appeared first on Clearway.

Scope of project: County Cricket Club

Area: Cardiff

Equipment: inSite wearable devices with remote monitoring

Background

Glamorgan County Cricket Club is committed to developing and maintaining excellent safeguarding standards to ensure a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for all during any event that occurs at the venue. This includes safeguarding players, permanent staff, casual staff, spectators, and followers. Wales has very specific legislation and procedures which make it clear that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, including the club’s.

Always looking to not just meet minimum safeguarding standards, but to provide the safest possible environment for everyone involved, the club was looking for a solution to improve the safety of their stewards. Ideally they also wanted a solution that could provide recorded evidence.

Solution

The club approached Clearway for further insight into our inSite wearable devices which include a bodycam. With 1080 pixel recording and 720 pixel live streaming and access to our easy-to-use portal for monitoring and tracking, the club decided to hire the devices for their stewards. They receive SOS alerts in the portal but were also able to push them to their event day Control Room for instant viewing and to enable action to be taken immediately, where necessary.

Outcome

Providing the stewards with the bodycam devices has helped to further safeguard the team, and deter and de-escalate threatening behaviour. Knowing that the instant SOS capability goes direct to the club’s Control Room provides the stewards with confidence that, should a situation arise, the rest of the team will be able to act swiftly to assist them.

Those attending matches can see the bodycams are there making them think twice about their actions and how they speak to the stewards. Utilising these devices has helped to reduce conflict and threatening behaviour toward staff.

“The technology provided by Clearway has allowed us to improve the safety of everyone on site during a busy event day. The live-streaming capabilities of the bodycams allows first-person footage of altercations and overall protect the integrity of our event day security team. Our stewards feel at ease knowing that the bodycams will always be recording and that any ‘flashpoint’ during an altercation won’t be missed.”

Brandon Coughlin, Operations Coordinator,
Cydlynydd Gweithrediadau

The post Improving safety for stewards at Welsh cricket club appeared first on Clearway.

Alarm monitoring ensures that site owners and managers have continual protection in place every single day, whether the premises is open and operational, closed overnight, or shut during festive holiday periods.

Outsourcing alarm monitoring to Clearway’s NSI Gold Cat II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) assures that trained responders monitor and track all alerts and concerns around the clock, prompting immediate responses in the event of any incident.

Key Takeaways:

• Alarm monitoring means that experienced, qualified responders track all security alarms, surveillance and systems throughout a premises on a continual basis.
• Alarms and alerts are swiftly logged, investigated, and either stood down or escalated to ensure security teams and emergency responders take the appropriate action.
• Using an accredited, high-quality alarm monitoring facility provides the peace of mind that security systems are under careful watch around the clock, even if the premises or site is closed.

Alarm Monitoring Services Explained

One of the biggest downfalls of a conventional security system is that if an alarm is activated or a surveillance camera detects suspicious activity, that information isn’t acted upon or flagged until somebody decides to investigate or notices the data when they next return to the security office.

It is incredibly common for audible alarms to be dismissed since, in a large proportion of cases, they are caused by wildlife or trees. However, when an alarm sounds due to a live intrusion, it is imperative that an experienced responder is on hand to take decisive action.

This is where alarm monitoring services step in. Our military-grade facility provides tracking for every type of alarm and surveillance system. It is staffed around the clock by skilled responders who follow defined policies on how to react when an alarm or alert is received.

Whether it is during the middle of the night, on a day when the site is closed, or during operational hours, the responder will check CCTV cameras to verify exactly why the alert has been activated and then act—whether contacting the police, initiating an evacuation, calling the fire service, or communicating with on-site security personnel.

During the initial set-up, we’ll integrate wireless connections that ensure your business alarm systems can communicate directly with the ARC, even during periods of power outages or after the wiring has been tampered with, implementing cellular transmissions for 24/7 reliability.

How Does an Alarm Monitoring Service Determine the Right Response to an Alarm?

Whether an alert has been raised by an AI-enabled surveillance system, a physical entry alarm, a CCTV tower, or a perimeter intrusion detection system, the process is always to identify, where possible, the level of risk associated with the alarm.

In most cases, responders will look to use alarm verification footage or live contact with on-site personnel, eliminating alarms caused by wildlife, for example, to ensure there are minimal instances of false alarm responses.

The correct protocol may also depend on your site but can involve:

• Initiating an emergency response when two alarm points, contacts or detectors are activated within a minimum time frame.
• Contacting the appropriate parties when two different aspects of your security system are triggered – such as a perimeter alarm and a door sensor.
• Activating CCTV cameras with functionality such as infrared, facial recognition, pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) and vehicle number plate detection to determine where and why the alarm has been activated.

While the risk of a live intrusion or criminal activity may be low, this diligence prevents false call-outs, which can provide cost efficiencies for businesses, especially those with large areas of land or in rural areas.

Frequent false alarms caused by wind, trees, or wildlife can result in fines from the local emergency response services.

It also ensures that responders responsible for attending alarm call-outs are never put in a position of danger or expected to deactivate an alarm in the early hours without knowing what is happening on the ground.

Which Types of Alarms Can Be Included in an Alarm Monitoring Service?

Alarm monitoring applies to every conceivable type of alarm or device you might use within your security controls – provided the device or system can trigger an alert and circulate an alarm via cellular transmissions.

We often combine fire detection monitoring with CCTV surveillance and intruder alarm systems as a blanket coverage that ensures all devices and alerts are logged and investigated.

This can also extend to panic alarms, automated fall detection devices, smoke alarms, temporary wireless alarms, and body-worn cameras.

There are numerous advantages, in addition to the ability to dismiss false alarms, communicate information with emergency responders, and ensure that any live intrusions are dealt with quickly.

Some businesses, for example, may find that 24/7 alarm monitoring reduces their insurance costs or is a mandatory requirement if the workplace or premises has a particular risk or is at greater threat of criminal behaviour and trespass.

Others choose alarm monitoring to protect the well-being of staff, relying on professional, trained responders rather than requiring personnel to attend empty premises when an alarm is activated. This incurs travelling costs and overtime expenditures and potentially could put staff in harm’s way.

Putting Alarm Monitoring in Place for Your Business or Organisation

Monitored security services are always customised to your requirements, depending on the number of alarms and systems you have in place, the nature of the organisation, and the types of risks identified during your risk assessment process.

Our skilled security teams can also advise on the right parameters and response protocols or suggest compatible alarms and cameras that provide the functionality to verify the cause of any alarm or alert before deciding on the right response.

If you’d like to learn more about alarm monitoring and how it works, please contact us at any time to arrange a good time to talk or discover the quality assurances available when you appoint an accredited NSI Gold II Alarm Receiving Centre as your alarm monitoring partner.

The post What Is Alarm Monitoring and How Does it Work? appeared first on Clearway.

Scope of project: Fly-tipping prevention

Area: London

Equipment: Solar powered CCTV Tower with remote monitoring

Background

The canal towpath adjacent to Scrubbs Lane on the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal in London has been a challenging site for the Canal & River Trust for a number of years.

Boats have been repeatedly fly-tipping along this stretch, and the area has become a magnet for fly-tipping and littering, including hazardous waste, pressurised containers, oils, old mattresses and more.

4-5 Tonnes of rubbish had already been removed and the current clean-up costs were approximately £2k/month. Lots of bin stores had been installed along the tow path, but were tricky to access, making them logistically difficult and costly to empty.

There was also a lack of mains power available on the site. Canal & River Trust was issued with a CPO by the council to clear the site, otherwise they would have received a substantial fine of upto £20k.

Solution

Based on our advice it was agreed Clearway would rapidly install an inView solar power CCTV Tower for an initial three month period to provide a visual criminal deterrent and record any instances of fly-tipping and littering.

Outcome

The deployment of the inView CCTV Tower solved the problem immediately. Instances of fly-tipping ceased overnight, and in the time since the tower was installed the client has picked up no more than half a dozen bags of rubbish in total.

This has freed up staff and volunteer time to focus on maintaining the historic infrastructure. The Canal and River Trust is delighted, and has extended the rental period, saving thousands of pounds in waste disposal costs over the course of a 6-month trial period.

They are also looking at other areas to install the inView CCTV Tower to deter criminal activity.

The post Working with the Canal and River Trust to combat fly-tipping appeared first on Clearway.