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Adam Bannister is a contributor to IFSEC Global, having been in the role of Editor from 2014 through to November 2019. Adam also had stints as a journalist at cybersecurity publication, The Daily Swig, and as Managing Editor at Dynamis Online Media Group.
September 21, 2016

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Fingers crossed at Euralarm as it awaits decision on landmark fire and security standard

European standards bodies are voting on whether to recognise a landmark fire and security standard that its proponents say will boost innovation and exports across Europe.

Three years in the making – with pan-European manfacturers’ association Euralarm its architect – prEN 16763 will define for the first time a minimum quality level that electronic fire and security systems must meet to comply with the objectives of the European Service Directive.

Euralarm also believes the standard will accelerate the time between the development of a product and its launch in various jurisdictions – which would be a notable achievement in a fire market where exacting and diverse compliance/testing requirements mean that getting products to market is a convoluted process.

Euralarm, which represents the fire safety and security industry in Europe, has urged its members to lobby national standards organisations and other relevant bodies for a positive vote.

Were the standard to gain recognition it would be a landmark achievement for Euralarm, which launched a Services Section in 2009 with a brief to develop a Europe-wide standard for the fire and security industries.

Initiated by Euralarm member ZVEI and supported by 16 standardisation bodies across Europe, work on the standard is expected to culminate in a final decision before the end of September 2016. A final vote on the standard is underway.

This European standard sets out the following:

  • Establishes minimum quality requirements for service providers
  • Defines competence levels for anyone involved in planning, design, assembly, commissioning, verification, handover or maintenance of fire safety and security systems
  • defines minimum requirements on service output and documentation

After a three-year period of intensive work in CEN/CENELEC project group TC4, Euralarm says the draft standard is the best possible compromise between the various interests of European industry and certification bodies.

While the draft standard makes several concessions to a more integrated European model, prEn 16763  will not outline a detailed, Europe-wide basis for third-party certification of a service provider in all fields of expertise.

Ultimately, Euralarm members hope the standard will trigger further convergence of national policies and procedures in Europe, particularly through the development of pan-European application guidelines.

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