CONNEXION2 SUCCESSFULLY AUDITED & APPROVED AGAINST BS8484
Connexion2, the manufacturer of the multi-award winning ‘Identicom’ lone worker devices, and the provider of ‘SoloProtect’ lone worker solutions has successfully been audited and approved against sections 4, 5, & 6 of BS8484, the new British Standard for Lone Worker Device Services.
This important standard has been introduced to improve the provision, quality and effectiveness of lone worker services in the UK and has involved ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) and other practitioners within the security industry.
Connexion2 gained BS8484 compliance through a successful audit against three key sections relating to lone worker services. Specifically:
Section 4: considers a supplier’s quality standing (ISO9001), its financial stability and the appropriate insurances it should have in place.
Section 5: focuses on the essential and desirable functionality of a lone worker device.
Section 6: relates to the standard of the Alarm Receiving Centre element of a lone worker solution (ACPO also demand that an ARC meets BS5979 category II; another British standard specific to ARC’s).
Critically the standard is also affecting a change of procedure with regards to how the Police will respond to lone worker alarms. Currently most Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) escalate a lone worker alarm requiring a Police response through a 999 call. However once audited and approved against the relevant section of the standard*, an ARC is able to apply for a Unique Reference Number (URN) from a Police force in order to escalate the incident directly at a regional level ,ensuring a guaranteed police response.Only lone worker services that are fully compliant to BS8484 will receive a URN from the police force.
Connexion2 was audited in March 2010 by the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) and is uniquely positioned as a device vendor and solution provider incorporating an ARC, thus requiring conformance against sections 4, 5, and 6 of the standard. Connexion2 was successfully audited against each element and in addition the company’s Identicom lone worker device is still the only lone worker device to achieve ACPO’s ‘Secured by Design’ status due to their unique ID-card form-factor and discreet operation.
ACPO Policy means that any suppliers of lone worker solutions not approved against the relevant sections of BS8484 cannot guarantee a Police response to their users. As the standard becomes more widely adopted, Connexion2 believes it will become a key consideration for any organisation investing in a fit-for-purpose lone worker system for their workforce.
Consider companies claiming compliance:
The requirements of the standard, and the subsequent perceived competitive advantages, have resulted in various suppliers of lone worker services claiming compliance with the standard amid announcements of audit approvals. Connexion2 advises organisations to check that a potential supplier has been audited in the first instance and to specify which section of BS8484 the supplier has achieved compliance against – especially if there is a lack of specific references to full conformity. Lone Worker service suppliers should be asked to supply evidence of successful audit across all three sections of BS8484.
Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2 commented:
“We’re delighted to have been audited & approved against sections 4, 5, & 6 of BS8484 and welcome the changes to the industry that the standard will effect. Connexion2 has always delivered fit for purpose solutions that meet the needs of the lone worker, their employer and the Police. When considering a credible lone worker system, it is important to ask any prospective supplier to show their proof of audit certification against BS8484 – this specifically outlines the sections of the standard the solution has been audited against and will clear up any doubt.”
For more information please contact Connexion2 on:
+44 (0)844 856 6606
* Alarm Receiving Centres must also be audited against BS5979 Category II, and BS8484 Section 6 to apply for a URN for direct Police escalation at a regional level.
