If you are looking for CCTV systems for your house or office, make sure you apply for SIRA certification. SIRA stands for cctv Security Industry Regulatory Agency.
It’s an agency established in 2016 by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai to ensure the highest levels of safety and security by laying guidelines on the implementation of security systems, services, and personnel. There are specific guidelines on CCTV installations of various types of buildings in Dubai and the building owners have to abide by these guidelines through yearly audits, and maintenance.
Who should apply for SIRA certification for CCTV security systems?
SIRA certification is like a confirmation or assurance that the CCTV security systems in the facility are in good condition and as per the defined guidelines. So, every property owner or manager of the building should apply for SIRA certification for CCTV security systems. With this, you will be safe and not have to pay fines for non-compliance and inappropriate CCTV installation.
There are some limitations in the issuance of SIRA certificates so you should consult or discuss this with the service provider. You shouldn’t just apply for the certification and expect it to get approved by the agency. For example, if you have established a new business like banking, money, exchanges, jewelry shops, hotels, and shopping malls, you will not get a permit without setting up an electronic surveillance system. You will receive the certificate only if the SIRA auditor approves CCTV installation on your property.
Why should you apply for SIRA certification for CCTV systems?
It’s for your safety because SIRA certification will ensure that the CCTV installation in your building or facility is in good condition. The systems are installed as per guidelines and are up to date with the latest technologies specified by SIRA.
In the beginning, the certification was not compulsory. Some reputable commercial building owners used to apply for the certificate so that they could attract more visitors and increase their revenue. But, today, SIRA certification for CCTV systems has become mandatory for all property owners. If the CCTV systems are not installed properly and the guidelines are not followed correctly, fines will be imposed on you.
Another important reason to apply for SIRA certification is to receive a building completion certificate from the Dubai Municipal Authority. If your building is not SIRA certified and you haven’t received SIRA NOC, the authority will not issue a building completion certificate. And without this certificate, your building will not be considered by different parties. Other than this, SIRA certification and NOC are needed to facilitate many different licensing formalities.
How does SIRA certification for CCTV systems work?
The SIRA and its process work through a website https://portal.sira.gov.ae/web. To get SIRA certification for CCTV systems, you should proceed using this website. The portal has briefly described everything for the certification. You should read carefully before applying so that you don’t commit any mistakes.
On the portal, you should submit various required documents such as CCTV site inspection reports, AMC, quotations from vendors, and others. You should recheck the documents before submitting them. Make sure no documents are conflicting. Most importantly, you should submit the latest and original documents online.
There is a timeline for submission and making changes in the documents; you should follow the same to avoid any problems in the future. Typically, the approved timeline is 1 month. But, still, you should check the timeline before submission. This is important because there are resubmission charges applicable.
As you have installed the CCTV systems and submitted all the required documents online, the SIRA will assign an auditor to inspect and check them. The auditor will determine if the CCTV systems are installed according to SIRA rules and regulations or not. Based on the inspection, the auditor will issue a “Pass” or “Fail” certificate.
If you receive a “Pass” certificate, you don’t have to worry about anything. It means your security system is perfect and you don’t have to make any changes. On the other hand, if you receive a “Fail” certificate, you will have to work more on your security system. The auditor will mention the reasons for failure and the changes for reapplication and re-approval. You should implement the changes as mentioned and reapply. Don’t skip any point mentioned by the auditor.
Applying for SIRA certification for CCTV systems is not easy. If you commit any mistake while submitting the documents, the application will get rejected or the chances of approval will be reduced. So, you should work with a SIRA-approved company. Such a company will help you with the application, submission of the documents, and changes if required. The process will become easier and chances of approval will increase in the first attempt only.
Why should you work with Gear Net Technologies for SIRA certification for CCTV systems?
Only SIRA-approved companies can help you in getting SIRA certification and Gear Net Technologies is one of them. With the help of its experienced team, the company provides security consultancy in Dubai and the Middle East. It has more than 11 years of experience in offering a variety of security, IT, and multimedia-related aspects.
The professionals in the company will help you fill out the application and submit the documents. In case you receive the “Fail” certificate, they will make changes as mentioned by the auditor and prepare you for reapplication.