A Video Surveillance System (VSS) is an important tool for safety, security, and compliance in Singapore’s tough construction industry [1]. But without a planned maintenance schedule, dust, vibration, and the weather can quickly make things worse [2]. This playbook gives you a useful, tiered list of tasks to do every month, every three months, and every year to make sure your CCTV system for construction sites works as well as possible.
Why Structured VSS Maintenance is a Must
If a camera fails or footage gets corrupted, it can create big safety gaps, break BCA and MOM rules, and lose evidence [3]. Taking care of your VSS system for construction sites before it breaks down saves you money and keeps you safe all the time [2]. Using these SOPs changes repairs that happen after the fact into planned, controlled operations.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks: The Key to Dependability
Do these checks every 30 days to find problems early.
1. Cleaning the Camera and Checking It Physically
Procedure: Turn off the cameras if it’s safe to do so. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the housings. Check the lenses for dust, condensation, or scratches. Check the seals on the housing to make sure they are still good, especially on units that are rated IP66 [2].
SOP: Always write down what you find. Plan for times when there isn’t much going on.
2. Storage and Retention Audit
Step 1: Sign into your NVR. Check that all the cameras are recording and that the storage space is less than 80% full. Check that your retention policy (for example, 30 days) is in effect and try to get footage from random cameras [4].
Key Question: Are you able to get to important footage from last week?
3. Basic System Health Check
- Procedure: Look at NVR/edge devices for warning lights, make sure there is enough airflow, and test the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. Do a network ping test on all of the IP cameras [5].
- Goal: Make sure the system is stable and can be accessed from afar.
Quarterly Maintenance Tasks: More In-Depth System Checks
Do these more thorough steps every three months [4].
1. Advanced Camera Performance & Firmware
- Procedure: In addition to cleaning, check the quality of the images, the focus, the infrared night vision, and the PTZ functions (if they are available). Look for firmware updates and security patches on the manufacturer’s websites. Before making any changes, always back up your settings [5].
- Pro Tip: To avoid problems with the whole system, stagger firmware updates across cameras.
2. Review of AI Models and Analytics
Many modern Video Surveillance Systems in Singapore use AI to find intruders or safety gear [6].
- Steps: Check the analytics logs for false alarms. Recalibrate detection zones as the site changes. Check to see if big changes in the scene require retraining the AI model to keep it accurate.
3. Integrity of Cables and Connections
- Procedure: Check for physical damage, weathering, or rodent activity on cables and conduits that are out in the open. Make sure that any loose connections between the camera and the switch are tight [2].
- Why: It’s cheaper to avoid a broken camera because of a frayed cable than to fix it.
Annual Maintenance: Review and Calibration of Strategy
Do this full system audit once a year [4].
1. Comprehensive Performance Benchmark
- Procedure: Compare the current resolution, frame rates, and storage capacity of the camera to the original specifications and the needs of the project. If the project takes longer than expected, make plans to add more storage.
2. Calibration of the Autosampler (If Integrated)
- Procedure: If your VSS has environmental sensors built in, set up a time for your vendor to professionally calibrate it. Update the calibration certificates and check to see if the data is working with your surveillance recordings [7].
3. Test for Disaster Recovery and Compliance
- Procedure: To test the backup recording, pretend that the main system has failed. Make sure your plan for recovering from a disaster works. Finally, check the system against the current PDPA and MOM rules for how to handle and cover data [1], [3].
Putting Your Maintenance Plan into Action
Being consistent is very important. Keep track of all inspections with digital checklists and logs [4]. Make sure that technicians know how to use both the hardware and software parts of your specific VSS system. For complicated jobs like managing firmware or recalibrating AI, work with a qualified provider like Shunamite [6]. A well-maintained VSS is not an expense; it is an investment that keeps your busy construction site safe, protects your assets, and keeps you in compliance [2].
References
[1] Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore. (2023). Workplace Safety and Health (Construction) Regulations
[2] International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). (2021). IEC 60529: Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
[3] Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore. (2022). Circular on Enhancing Safety at Construction Sites
[4] Shunamite Pte Ltd. (2023). Technical Manual: VSS Maintenance Schedule for Construction Sites.
[5] National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020). Guidelines for Managing and Securing Networked Devices
[6] Shunamite Pte Ltd. (2023). AI-Powered Video Analytics for Construction Site Safety.
[7] Shunamite Pte Ltd. (2023). Compliance Guide: Integrated Environmental and Surveillance Monitoring Systems
