Benefits Of BS8418 For CCTV Security Systems Industry Confirmed With BSIA Research

BS8418 is the British Standard for remotely monitored, detector-activated CCTV systems

Research carried out by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) amongst its CCTV section members has provided a valuable insight into the benefits of BS8418 solutions to the CCTV industry and its customers.

First introduced in 2003, BS8418 is the British Standard for remotely monitored, detector-activated CCTV systems. As the standard has just gone through a process of revision, the BSIA's recent survey was devised to assess installer and manufacturer attitudes towards the popularity and value of BS8418 systems in the wider marketplace.

When deployed BS8418 compliant solutions consist of cameras and detectors placed strategically around a site, linked together by specialized transmission equipment to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC). Here, operators can visually confirm what is happening; call up on-screen plans of the site and even issue verbal warnings to intruders via on-site speakers. If necessary, the RVRC operators can also alert the police who, as the incident is confirmed visually and is associated with a URN (Unique Reference Number), should provide a rapid response.

"BS8418 solutions enable users to take a more proactive approach to ensuring the security of their premises"

Significantly, the new research found that the sectors, which members of the BSIA CCTV section most frequently supplied BS8418 to, were industrial sites, followed by motor dealerships and - in joint third place - construction and transport.

"End-users are placing increased value upon BS8418 solutions, particularly when it comes to securing large and vulnerable sites out-of-hours, with respondents reporting a 22% increase in usage over the past 12 months," said Pauline Norstrom, Chairman of the BSIA's CCTV Section.

Pauline continues: "The crime-stopping capability of BS8418 solutions is clearly what makes them more and more popular. Our survey showed that over 50% of our respondents' client base takes advantage of the audio challenge capability offered by such systems to warn off intruders at the earliest possible stage. The biggest perceived benefit according to the survey was the reduction in false alarms which comes through visual confirmation."

"Ultimately, BS8418 solutions enable users to take a more proactive approach to ensuring the security of their premises."

The BSIA has published a user guide to BS8418 systems, which can be found by visiting the BSIA website's publication section and searching for Form Number 196, and is also in the process of producing a new document in light of the recently published revisions to the standard.