BS8484 - So why should it matter to an employer of lone workers?
In the last week or so I have talked to a number of current and potential clients about their lone worker security strategy. I've found myself asking a number of new questions, one of which is "in the event of an incident, do you need the Police to respond?" Its been no surprise that everyone answers with a very positive "yes". Its a simple question but really drives home the importance of being able to access and manage a quick, emergency response in any serious incident scenario.
As previously noted, ACPO have now published their policy on how and when they will respond to lone worker alarms. In short, much of their focus is on an ARC monitoring function that is credible enough to filter false alarms and on 'fit for purpose' lone worker devcies (LWD) which work well for the lone worker. Their requirement is that the device meets the requirements of BS8484.
So in short...any employer looking to deploy a credible lone worker solution that can ensure them a Police response need to be looking for a supplier who use a credible ARC and compliant devices. Simple.....
But, how can an employer ensure that they are getting a credible solution from a trustworthy supplier. The answer is for the employer to ask any supplier for a copy of their certificated approval against BS8484. This should show that they have been audited against sections 4, 5 and 6 of the standard. Section 4 deals with the quality system, financial standing and appropriate insurance policies that the supplier should have. Section 5 deals with the device and any employer wanting to verify the compliance of devcies should ask to see a declaration of conformity or independant test certificate that details how the device meets the criteria of Section 5. Section 6 deals with the ARC and in short, calls for a minimum BS5979 standard but some specifics (such as quality ARC operator training).
Employers should therefore use BS8484 as a minimum benchmark against which to judge a potential supplier. Full audit against the whole standard is what you should be looking for.
As previously noted, ACPO have now published their policy on how and when they will respond to lone worker alarms. In short, much of their focus is on an ARC monitoring function that is credible enough to filter false alarms and on 'fit for purpose' lone worker devcies (LWD) which work well for the lone worker. Their requirement is that the device meets the requirements of BS8484.
So in short...any employer looking to deploy a credible lone worker solution that can ensure them a Police response need to be looking for a supplier who use a credible ARC and compliant devices. Simple.....
But, how can an employer ensure that they are getting a credible solution from a trustworthy supplier. The answer is for the employer to ask any supplier for a copy of their certificated approval against BS8484. This should show that they have been audited against sections 4, 5 and 6 of the standard. Section 4 deals with the quality system, financial standing and appropriate insurance policies that the supplier should have. Section 5 deals with the device and any employer wanting to verify the compliance of devcies should ask to see a declaration of conformity or independant test certificate that details how the device meets the criteria of Section 5. Section 6 deals with the ARC and in short, calls for a minimum BS5979 standard but some specifics (such as quality ARC operator training).
Employers should therefore use BS8484 as a minimum benchmark against which to judge a potential supplier. Full audit against the whole standard is what you should be looking for.
posted by Craig Swallow at 3:05 PM
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