17 Mar New BS 8418 Code of Practice will improve detection standards
A new code of practice for remotely monitored CCTV systems designed to increase detection standards is expected to put pressure on non compliant operators.
GB Security has been a longstanding contributor to the development of industry standards and the company’s NSI ARC Gold remote video response centre was one of the first NSI ARCs to gain BS 8418 approval.
BS 8418 is the Code of Practice used for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems. It has recently undergone a review and the 2003 version will be replaced by the 2010 version.
There will be a “dual running” period of one year, which expires on 31st July 2011. This allows installers to use either version of the Code of Practice and is subject to availability of compliant manufactured equipment.
New requirements covered in BS 8418:2010 include:
– Drawings should show the extent of the secure area (area which unauthorised access is intended to be detected) and location of vehicles / other moveable objects that could compromise the effectiveness of the system.
– Ensure PIRs facing east or west are not affected by the sun or from reflection and shadows.
– BS 8418 Annex B provides onsite related factors to consider for the correct location and operation of detectors. These include preferred use of multiple short range detectors over long range detection.
– Ensure detectors are uniquely identifiable to the system. Note: multiple detectors should not be identified as a single entity but each individual detector must have its own ID.
– IR illumination should not surround the camera lens on external cameras.
– Agreement should be in place between the system owner and the RVRC when it is acceptable to isolate a detector. Such instances might be where a change to site operation (builders working on site) would mean the detector would send unwanted alarms to the RVRC.
– Housings containing power suppliers to detectors should be equipped with tamper detection to detect opening through its usual method of opening.
– Two transmission paths are required, both being capable of transmitting images to the RVRC.
– A back-up UPS is required (where mains power is not supplemented by a stand by generator) to supply control and communications equipment for a minimum of 4 hours. Power supplies to detectors should also have 4 hour battery back-up.
GB Director Neil Jackson, who is a regular contributor to BSIA developments including this updated BS 8418 Code of Practice, commented: “I welcome the new standard as it will certainly improve detection standards.
“It will also increase the divide between those working to BS 8418 and non compliant remote monitoring providers. There are too many unreliable remote monitoring systems out there and the aim of the standard is to bring CCTV monitoring up to the mark. It’s a similar situation to the intruder alarm market 25 years ago, and the insurance companies are pushing to get compliance to a measurable standard.”
He added: “We are already implementing the new Code of Practice and so all our up and coming installations will be compliant irrespective of completion date during this year. It’s an important set of changes and demonstrates once again the high standards that are needed to secure a police response to any activation.”
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
About remotely monitored CCTV:
Remotely monitored CCTV is a cost-effective method of providing live on-the-ground site protection around the clock, without the huge costs associated with providing 24 hour manned cover. It works by connecting motion detectors to cameras, linked to a 24 hour remote monitoring control centre, and is increasingly used on commercial, public sector and even domestic sites. Using high speed broadband and wireless 3G connections, the integrated cameras and motion sensors detect any movement on site. If an alarm/detector is triggered, images from an associated camera are transmitted to a specialised Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC), 24 hours a day.
About GB Security Group:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.
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