It seems that, as an industry, the uk’s security sector is constantly facing change. At the present time, this is certainly true in the intruder alarms sector where new European Standards are making their presence felt.

Those standards will come into force on 1 October and, in turn, place a structured standards framework on ensuring that an intruder alarm installation is fit for purpose.

Installers and manufacturers have been gearing up for these changes for some months now, while coming to terms with PD 6662:2004 – the scheme document under which these European Standards will be adopted.

“The introduction of European Standards will mean a big change for the industry, and certainly a change for the better,” states the BSIA’s technical support services director Alex Carmichael. “The new systems will provide more facilities and flexibility, and should offer better security for customers.”

The standards offer guidance on the design, planning, operation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems. In tune with the guidelines, manufacturers are now producing compliant equipment.

Structured risk assessments

There are a number of changes in the planning stages of installations, including the requirement for security installers to undertake a structured risk assessment of premises before deciding on the appropriate equipment. The process may involve filling in a ‘Location Survey Checklist’, and will help installers to determine the appropriate ‘grade’ of system required as well as the extent of detection needed. In addition, the assessment will ensure that areas of significant risk are protected.

Customers should be closely involved in this process, and be completely satisfied that the installers’ assessment of their needs correlates with their own defined requirements on site.

The involvement of insurers is key at the very earliest stages of the process. The customer should be asked very early on to find out from their insurer what grade and notification option for a given system is required by the insurer. Making sure this is right at the earliest possible opportunity will save time and money for the installer.

“Manufacturers and installers have been working long and hard to prepare for the introduction of these standards,” adds Alex Carmichael, “but it is important to remember that help is at hand for practitioners in terms of those areas that may require clarification. Several seminars have been run across the UK to educate companies and their clients as to the new requirements. In addition, the BSIA, the inspectorates and the insurers are always willing to offer clarity of vision on any areas of uncertainty. If in doubt, just ask!”

Carmichael continues: “It is important the industry views these changes not as an obstacle, but rather as an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and add value to service offerings. The raising of standards within the industry is something we should be striving towards at all times. Those changes due on 1 October occur with this in mind.”

Source

SMT