ASIS International, an organisation for security professionals, has released two new ANSI standards: Maturity Model for the Phased Implementation of a Quality Assurance Management System for Private Security Service Providers (PSC.3) and Quality Assurance and Security Management for Private Security Companies Operating at Sea - Guidance (PSC.4). [ + ]

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) is building a diamond-shaped facility designed to foster researchers’ creativity and productivity. [ + ]

1 March 2013 saw the commencement of the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) rollout in participating states and territories of Australia. First cab off the rank is Queensland, with WA, Vic, Tas, SA, NT and ACT all looking to follow suit. Additionally, New Zealand will implement similar legislation. [ + ]

Large smelters in electricity-intensive, metal-winning industries can use as much power as a medium-sized city, so finding ways to reduce their energy requirement is a high priority.  In a bid to help smelters cut their consumption and associated emissions, the Australian research agency CSIRO, in partnership with industry players, is assessing and testing new electrical connection systems. [ + ]

Much has been said about the limitations of photovoltaic (PV) solar as an alternative energy source, given its inherent intermittent nature. PV solar has even been blamed for grid instability as well as pushing up the price of electricity. So what about a solar system that allows the utility to decide how much power it requires and when? [ + ]

As the world adapts to technological advancements in readily deployable virtualisation, cloud computing, CoLo and enterprise networks, the migration towards 40 Gbps copper and 100 Gbps fibre cabling infrastructure will see the daily work practices of telecommunications installers undergo a drastic change. [ + ]

As part of a multimillion-dollar project to build Victoria’s largest underground recycled water treatment plant at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Compressed Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) Australia was selected to supply aeration blowers for the facility. [ + ]

A number of developing technologies are ready to surface in the access control market throughout the course of 2013, all of which will bring new levels of security and efficiency to Australian companies. [ + ]

In the last issue of ECD Solutions, we asked the question why bother changing from a CCTV surveillance installation to a more expensive IP solution? Now we take it a step further and take a look at a true decentralised system and a study of the costs involved in implementing all three solutions. [ + ]

Power and automation technology group ABB has delivered six Resibloc dry-type transformers rated at 5860 kilovolt amperes (kVA) to facilitate the distribution of power to the Daocheng-Yading airport in the Sichuan Province of China. When the airport opens later this year, travellers will land and depart at an elevation of 4411 metres - 77 metres higher than the current record held by the Bamda airport in Tibet. [ + ]

Any type of construction site is a dangerous place. Constantly moving heavy machinery and high-pressure equipment, along with toxic and hazardous chemicals, are an everyday part of the industry. With an increasing focus on having a safe and healthy workplace for workers and contractors, considering all of the options available can both save money and minimise the risk of injuries and fatalities on work sites. [ + ]

About a third of all industrial fires are created by electrical problems and electrical fires currently cost Australia $600 million per year. Many insurance companies are now requesting evidence of a Thermal Imaging Report when renewing policies as they see Preventative Maintenance as an extra step in reducing the instances of electrical fires. [ + ]

IT networks are troublesome; there are so many potential points of failure, so much monitoring, analysis and troubleshooting required. Ask anyone from any business, not just IT professionals, and they’ll tell you that any network downtime spells trouble. [ + ]

Data centres are power-hungry beasts; here are a few factors that influence overall consumption and show how effective design can help lessen energy usage. [ + ]

As we veer away from a reliance on fossil fuels in a quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy is moving to the forefront. For all the benefits that renewable sources provide, the move to clean and green is not as easy as you would think. [ + ]