Downloads and glossary

We look at a building (house, company) or situation as a whole with the aim of taking into account and analysing all the factors that play a role in security. The data acquired are used to determine technical, electronic, construction and personnel measures in order to meet your security requirements as comprehensively and efficiently as possible.

In Switzerland, a security consultant’s job can be interpreted in different ways. To become a security consultant, a range of educational paths can be followed, meaning the position may involve varying tasks and duties. A security consultant may, for example, be an electrician working in an advisory capacity on fleshing out a security concept in people's homes or in a company. A security consultant could also be an employee in a security company advising you on products and services.

A security consultant is not the same as a security expert. Only people who have the necessary qualifications can call themselves a security expert. The Association of Swiss Security Service Companies (VSSU) has been holding the Swiss examination for state-certified security and surveillance specialists since 2001. The examinations are supervised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). A security expert has the following key professional skills:

• provides first aid in any situation
• correctly draws up reports
• implements various emergency scenarios in their area in the event of an incident
• has sound social and communication skills
• operates security-related installations
• uses communication tools
• recognises threats and takes adequate measures
• takes suitable self-protection measures
• respects the requirement for proportionality in all cases.

Security experts carry out their duties as a second job, as there is no basic training available that results in a Swiss certificate of proficiency.

Alarms are a great choice for helping you to feel more secure at home or for protecting your company. A burglary alarm is generally triggered by a movement sensor, magnetic contact sensor or a pressure-sensitive safety mat, for example. An expert can help you to find the best place to position these with a tailored security concept.

A fire alarm system is a system that triggers an alarm if smoke or high temperatures are detected. New fire alarm systems can also detect fires on the basis of flame characteristics. The area to be protected can be monitored by a camera to avoid any false alarms. This helps to avoid emergency services, such as the fire brigade, paramedics or police, from being called out unnecessarily.

This is also known as escorting or bodyguarding. It is intended for people who require an above-average level of protection. Especially when there is an increased risk of danger or in threat situations, maximum security must be arranged. In such cases, people (including families) may be accompanied by bodyguards
in public or privately. Here, it is key to engage specialists with extensive experience from renowned companies. Bodyguards are often responsible for:

• Personal security in day-to-day business: Escorting/accompanying people on their way to work, in the office, at events or during trips abroad
• Personal security at events: Conducting a search of the premises, checking belongings, personal security checks and access control, guarding and protection during transport, VIP service Bodyguards can be engaged to cover a wide range of security requirements.

They may be deployed at home, as a bodyguard on the way to school, during sport, during leisure time or during business activities, for example.

Suitable for anyone who works alone or for private individuals who do not feel safe or have a physical disability. In most cases, the alarm is triggered on a device supplied at the push of a button. For those who work alone, the alarm can also be triggered if they fall or are in a lying-down position for a longer period of time. Alerts triggered by a personal emergency call are handled with the highest priority.

The sequence created with the customer for a received signal. The instruction specifies exactly who is informed or called up, in what order, with what means of communication and when. The customer receives a double. The instructions also show the code numbers or the code word.

3-character extension of the connection number. As an example K01, the structure consists of the letter K followed by two numbers. The various criteria correspond to the different types of events such as intrusion, fire, interference, etc. Depending on the existing alarm system, the customer has a different number of criteria available for assignment.

In the event of an alarm, we will contact these persons designated by the customer in the specified order. These can be private individuals and/or intervention services such as the police or Securitas.

This criterion can be used to monitor the switching status of an alarm system. It can be determined whether the alarm system is in the switched on ( set) or switched off ( unset) state. In addition, all switching operations are logged. The customer defines a time schedule. Unauthorised switching operations outside of the switch-off schedule are recognised and processed by us as switch-on control errors. The switch-on control is used in three types: Type 01: The schedule is programmed at Certas, every switch-on and switch-off is immediately transmitted and evaluated. Type 02: The schedule is programmed at the customer's alarm system (time switch). The alarm system decides whether the switch-on control error is triggered or not. The system sends a signal when the alarm system is switched on again. Type 03 The time schedule is programmed at the customer's alarm system (time switch). The alarm system decides whether the switch-on control error is triggered or not. The system does not send a signal when the alarm system has been switched on again. With this type the dispatcher cannot determine whether the alarm system is switched on or not.

An application for installers, enabling them to put a CERTAS installation into “test” status on site at the customer's premises, so that they can carry out maintenance work on it.

An instruction profile is an alarm handling measure for processing alarm signals. An instruction profile can apply to several alarm signals if it contains the same alarm processing measures.

If one or more instruction profiles do not meet your requirements, you can let us know and we will work with you to adapt the instruction profiles. Please note that for CERTAS alarm S and CERTAS control S subscriptions, this adaptation costs CHF 60.– per profile. Alternatively, you can make numerous changes yourself, free of charge, after registration on the CERTAS portal.

Video systems are an efficient monitoring solution, even from a great distance. Certas uses video signals to verify an alarm or open a door remotely. There are a wide range of CCTV systems available. Security cameras can be acquired for both indoor and outdoor areas.

Thanks to wireless transmission via Wi-Fi and the cloud, signals can be transmitted anywhere with virtually no delay. Wired complete solutions are predominantly installed in new builds.

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go to CCTV

go to CCTV

go to CCTV

When it comes to home surveillance, finding a security concept tailored to your individual needs is key. Furnish your home – both indoors and outdoors – with a security system that meets your needs. Whether it’s a burglar alarm, a hidden alarm button, a CCTV system or a fire protection system, your personal security needs are the most important criterion.

Room surveillance is recommended for businesses and companies (e.g. petrol station shops and tills) as well as private individuals who would like to have certain objects (such as art or jewellery) monitored. This service can be tailored according to your needs, and may take the form of a burglar alarm, a hidden alarm button, a CCTV system or a fire protection system.

Access control is a fundamental security measure for buildings. Special opening and closing solutions are required for locations with high security requirements in particular. Access control may also contain a single-access entry control system to control the flow of people. Known systems include turnstiles, safety locks and sensor barriers. In combination with a barrier, the system is set up to ensure that only one person can pass through at once.

Ensuring windows and doors are secure is vital for protecting buildings. Glazed balcony and terrace doors are classic weak spots. Older makes are also easy to lever open. Always close and lock all windows and doors when you leave the building. Windows left ajar are open windows. In this case, intruders can break into the building in less than 30 seconds. There are even more ways to secure your windows and doors: Detectors report unwanted access to the alarm system mechanically, electronically or magnetically. Doors, windows and garage doors, etc. can also be easily monitored using CCTV.

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A huge door with a wide range of security features: Multi-point locking system with hinge bolts, euro cylinder locks, security strike plates and hinge safety mechanisms. There are a range of options, such as fire doors, smoke doors and radiation-shielded doors.

A door intercom system, also known as an intercom system, allows two people in different locations to communicate with each other. These systems are mostly used as a point of contact between people who are indoors and outdoors, but can also be used to bridge communication between two different rooms. They are often connected to the doorbell. Modern intercom systems feature a video camera for visual checks.

Alarm systems, also known as burglary alarms, are used to provide security for properties (houses, companies, warehouses, garages, businesses, etc.) and people. Alarm systems generally consist of the monitoring centre (on site) and sensors and detectors, which are connected to the monitoring centre via a wire or wirelessly. In the case of an alarm, the alarm usually flashes and makes noise on site. If the alarm system is programmed to forward the alarm, it will notify the programmed bodies, such as the Certas alarm monitoring centre.

There are public and private alarm monitoring centres. The public alarm monitoring centres include the police, the fire brigade and the military. Private alarm monitoring centres receive signals from various alarm systems and technical monitoring systems. Incidents are assessed by the dispatcher and handled in accordance with the customer’s alarm plan (instructions). The Certas alarm monitoring centre is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

see Alarm system

A movement detector is a sensor that reacts to movement. It works either actively using electromagnetic waves (Doppler radar), ultrasound or passively using infrared light (passive infrared). These methods can be combined. Movement sensors are integrated into alarm systems and lighting systems, for example.

A fire alarm system is a system that triggers an alarm if smoke or high temperatures are detected. New fire alarm systems can also detect fires on the basis of flame characteristics. The area to be protected can be monitored by a camera to avoid any false alarms. This helps to avoid emergency services, such as the fire brigade, paramedics or police, from being called out unnecessarily.

A mechanical glass break sensor senses when a pane has been broken through a vibration contact located on the window. An electronic glass break sensor works using fine wires located over or in the pane or a frequency measurement device that detects the sound of breaking glass.