Singapore, 12^th April 2011, The Astrata Group today announced it has been awarded a two-year maintenance and support contract by The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

The original contract, for the tracking of vehicles carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT), was awarded to Astrata in December 2004. This witnessed SCDF choosing Astrata’s Intelligent Immobilization and advanced Zoning technology to safely stop hazmat-carrying vehicles when they deviate from their prescribed routes or enter restricted areas.

Immobilizer functionality was an add-on to Astrata’s telematics system, which SCDF has been using since June 2007, to track, monitor and (now immobilize) vehicles transporting hazardous materials, as well as to alert SCDF when these vehicles deviate from their prescribed routes.

To date, Astrata has successfully installed this solution on vehicle classes certified for HAZMAT, which are travelling in Singapore (including those entering the country from Malaysia). The solution was introduced to help address concerns about potential serious security violations, such as encroachment into restricted zones and key government installations.

With Astrata’s integrated immobilization system, a two-stage procedure is activated in the event of an emergency. First, the horns and blinkers of the truck alert the public that this vehicle is a potential danger and, in a second step, if necessary, the vehicle immobilizer is activated, safely decelerating the vehicle and bringing it to a complete stop.

Tony Lugg, Astrata’s Senior Vice President Sales & Operations commented, “Homeland Security is imperative to the security of society. Understanding how terrorists operate enables Astrata to provide the most secure solutions possible. Homeland Security is about being prepared for every contingency and this operation does exactly that. Astrata has continued to enhance our platform’s Homeland Security features to ensure continuous improvement in the system and we are delighted to extend our working relationship with the Singapore Civil Defence Force. The project is a mutually beneficial one and helps provide a superior level of protection on Singapore’s roads, whose high standards are now widely recognized by homeland security and private security organizations worldwide.”

The Astrata solution uses its Geo-Location Platform, which is installed covertly to prevent tampering and manipulation of the system. The communications module is permanently active, which means it can receive commands at any time and is not therefore dependent on a vehicle’s ignition. Its advanced design reduces communication costs and battery drain while achieving low power consumption. Its communications protocol allows it to use “least cost routing” of data transmission via multiple communication paths resulting in more reliable communications at reduced operating costs. The unit boasts a Quad-Band SMS/GPRS compatible GSM module and the latest ‘highly sensitive’ GPS receiver.

The Astrata GLP100 device is unique in that command sets can be predefined or loaded onto the device in real time. Security is always maintained, even in the event of loss of connectivity, sensors, alarms and other security features are still able to operate making the Astrata GLP100 one of the most secure devices in the telematics industry

Lugg added, “The Astrata system is proven technology in securing assets that could be used as weapons of mass destruction as well as improving the safety of HAZMAT materials being transported by road”.

About SCDF

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is a uniformed organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The main role of SCDF is to provide fire-fighting, rescue and emergency ambulance services; mitigating hazardous materials incidents, as well as formulate, implement and enforce regulations on fire safety and civil defence shelter matters.

In 1982, the National Civil Defence Plan was launched which spearheaded the emergency preparedness for the nation. With the enactment of the Civil Defence Act in 1986, the SCDF was established as an independent organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In the same year, the Hotel New World collapse paved the way for joint operations between the SCDF and Singapore Fire Service (SFS). Due to the similarity in roles and functions, the SCDF and SFS were formally integrated on 15 April 1989.

Over the years, the SCDF has improved its life saving operations through innovations and programmes to enhance its fire-fighting, rescue capabilities and public education plans. The Light Fire Attack Vehicle (The Red Rhino) and Tracked Fire-Fighting Vehicle are some of the customized solutions, which the force has developed to increase its operational capabilities. The SCDF also actively engages the local community through its wide-ranging public educational programmes and community-based activities to enhance the resilience and emergency preparedness of the civilian population.

Today, the Force is recognised by the population as a professional body of well-trained officers and men geared to respond to all types of life-threatening emergencies round-the-clock. An operationally ready SCDF, working hand-in-hand with a prepared and resilient population, helps to ensure that the nation is capable of handling any untoward eventualities.

For further information please visit: www.scdf.gov.sg