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| GB Monitoring Director Neil Jackson welcomes updated BS 8418 Code of Practice |
Neil Jackson, Director at GB Monitoring, looks at how the new code of practice for remotely monitored CCTV systems, which is designed to increase detection standards is expected to put pressure on non-compliant operators.
GB Monitoring has been a longstanding contributor to the development of industry standards and the company’s NSI ARC Gold remote video response centre (RVRC) was one of the first NSI ARC’s 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.
GB Monitoring 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: “At GB Monitoring we are already implementing the new Code of Practice. 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.”
