November 1, 2004—Businesses whose security systems fail to comply with new European regulations may find themselves at risk, not only from potential crime but also from being uninsured, Chubb Electronic Security warns.
British Standards (BS4737, BS 6799 and BS7042) which currently govern the specification, installation, design and maintenance of alarm systems in the UK are being phased out in favour of a new European Norm (EN) that encompasses the concept of graded risk assessment and the likely threats to a customers property as well as the traditional areas covered in the previous regulations, Chubb reports.
The potential problem arises from the fact that it is not just the total system that is will be graded, but also the individual components around which the system is built. If one of these components fails to conform to the necessary grade, or is ungraded, then the entire installation will have failed to comply, leaving the company uninsured and at risk – and in certain circumstances, ineligible for police response.
In a further complication, the risk assessment fundamental to ensuring an installation is compliant has to take into account not just the risk attached to the particular building, location, surroundings or contents, but also the type and sophistication of any would-be criminal.
“The new regulations represent a potential minefield for businesses looking to do the right thing,” comments Sandy Young, MD of Chubb Electronic Security. “Not only have they now got to consider installing the correct ‘grade’ of system for their premises, but they are even being asked to assess the profile and relevant skills and expertise of the criminal who might be attracted to committing a crime.” “The new EN is well intentioned,” Young adds. “The problem is that in trying to bring British Standards into line with their EU counterparts, initial confusion may lead ultimately to chaos as businesses seek advice from security installers understandably ill equipped to deal with the changes proposed.”
The new EN will run in parallel to the existing British Standard for a minimum of 12 months after introduction later this year.
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2004 i-FM
