Security standards can help you minimize risk, reduce insurance premiums and stay on the right side of the law, but do you know what\u2019s available and how standards work?<\/p>\n
Here we provide an overview of the full range of British and international security standards and outline why they can be such useful tools for security professionals.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s simply a document written by subject experts which distils and codifies best practice. Standards have been written covering pretty much everything you can think of \u2013 from how to test forged steel eyebolts to the ethical hazards of robotics. Along the way a large number of standards have been written on security issues. These standards \u2013 written with the help of security professionals and experts from a number of industry perspectives \u2013 are a way for everyone in the sector to check and prove they are doing things in the best way possible. Security standards cover three broad areas: electronic security products, security management systems and security services.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re responsible for a CCTV system do you know exactly how to oversee it? There are three standards covering different aspects of their management and operation, from how to commission and install systems to how network video systems should interact with web-based services.<\/p>\n
So called \u201cremote centres\u201d \u2013 also known as Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) \u2013 have their own British Standard (BS 8591) which gives recommendations on how to plan, build and operate both manned and unmanned ARCs. There are also \u201caccess control\u201d standards which cover things like the performance requirements and methods of test for electronic security systems.<\/p>\n
Last in this category are standards on alarm systems. They give guidance on how systems should be commissioned, installed and maintained, as well as how alarm verification methods can be applied.<\/p>\n
Within the \u201calarm systems\u201d range there are yet more standards on transmission equipment and networks, and on security system components. These cover topics such as a specification for secure sheathed cables for interconnecting wiring, and requirements for active infrared beam detectors.<\/p>\n
Another category of security standards deal with security management systems. These standards are designed to help organizations identify opportunities to do things more effectively and more efficiently and thereby \u2013 in some circumstances \u2013 gain competitive advantage.<\/p>\n
There are three key security management systems standards. BS 16000 clarifies the basic principles of security management. BS EN 16747 covers maritime and port security services (the \u201cBS\u201d means published by BSI in English in the UK, the \u201cEN\u201d tells you it\u2019s a European standard produced under the auspices of CEN (Comit\u00e9 Europ\u00e9en de Normalisation)). Finally BS ISO 18788 is an international standard on the requirements of a management system for private security operations for application in areas of low governance or high risk, otherwise known as \u201ccomplex environments\u201d.<\/p>\n
Security services standards include codes of practice for lone workers, the use of dogs for security, contracted security consultancy, guarding services, the provision of investigative services, vacant property protection services and keyholding services.<\/p>\n
Lone workers are an area of particular focus because such individuals are at what the standard defines as \u201cenvironmental risk\u201d, as well as \u201cpeople risk\u201d. The standard recommends how to provide safety, security and reassurance for lone working employees.<\/p>\n
The standards on security dogs (BS 8517) has two parts: the first for general purpose patrol and guarding dogs, the second for \u201cdetection dogs\u201d \u2013 sometimes called \u201csniffer dogs\u201d\u2013 which are trained to use their senses to detect substances such as firearms, munitions, explosives, illegal drugs, blood or even cadavers.<\/p>\n
Finally, the British Standard on the provision of investigative services (BS 102000) offers recommendations on the conduct, management, staffing and operational accountability of private investigation services.<\/p>\n
Why should security professionals use standards? Partly because they provide the most authoritative and comprehensive information available. They\u2019re also regularly reviewed and updated to stay relevant and current. And partly because standards are a considerable help with regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n
Standards are also trusted. If you can demonstrate that you or your products meet the requirements of a standard, it gives you a lot of credibility. That\u2019s really important in security where service providers and manufacturers need to establish that they\u2019re operating with integrity. Standards are also hugely useful to organizations which are buying security equipment and services.<\/p>\n
For example, BS 7984 provides recommendations for keyholding and response services. Its provisions cover all the bases in terms of how such services should be managed, staffed and operated, from who to hire and how they should be trained, to how potential evidence of security breaches should be preserved.<\/p>\n
The standard is valuable to anyone buying such services as it tells them what to look out for to ensure their keys are in safe hands. Meanwhile operators adhering to the guidance in the standard will not only know they\u2019re doing the best possible job, but \u2013 perhaps even more importantly \u2013 that they\u2019re meeting their obligations under the Security Industry Act 2001.<\/p>\n
A standard such as BS 7984 is therefore incredibly useful to all concerned. Like all formal standards it provides a roadmap that everyone can rely on. It means there\u2019s no need to guess what\u2019s good, no need to risk non-compliance and no need for trial and error. And in the realm of security, that\u2019s surely critical.<\/p>\n
Beverley Webb<\/p>\n
Lead Programme Manager<\/p>\n
Defence and Security Governance and Resilience Sector, BSI British Standards<\/p>\n