A new British Standard code of practice (BS 9518:2021) has been published by the British Standards Institute (BSI) for the processing of alarm signals by an alarm receiving centre (ARC).
This British Standard gives recommendations for the processing of signals by an alarm receiving centre from alarm systems, such as but not limited to fire detection and fire alarm systems, fixed firefighting systems, intrusion and holdup alarm systems, video surveillance systems, social alarms systems, lone worker, and combinations of such systems.
The new British Standard, BS 9518:2021, supersedes BS 8591:2014, which will be withdrawn on 31 July 2022.
As a code of practice, the standard is designed to be recommendation and guidance, and should not be quoted as if it were a specification.
Who is BS 9518:2021 for?
Why should you use BS 9518:2021? BSI explains…
The primary function of an ARC should be the handling of alarm and/or VSS (Video surveillance system (previously known as CCTV)) signals, together with other signals relating to the change of status of the alarm and/or VSS systems, such as setting, unsetting or fault signals, and any related or subsidiary operations, such as keyholding or controlling a response service.
The ARC should maintain an environment in its operations area that is free from unnecessary distractions such that:
Purchase the standard from the BSI online shop, here.
This news story is in partnership with Barbour EHS, a specialist information service provider supporting professionals across sectors including fire and security, FM, health and safety, sustainability and energy.
