Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about lone worker security:

1. What is a lone worker?
The HSE (Health & Safety Executive) define lone workers as "those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision".

2. What is BS8484, and why is it important?
BS8484 (British Standard for Lone Worker Device Services) is now the benchmark by which all lone worker solutions are judged. All suppliers that are compliant against the standard will have been audited against it - if you are selecting  a supplier from several it's worth asking to see their certification as this confirms compliance, and that their solution is fit for purpose.

3. Why do I need a lone worker solution if I've been doing the same job for years?
Risk is changing. Even the most experienced staff have the potential to be involved in a situation that is beyond their control. This represents potential physical risk to staff and the potential for significant financial risks to an organisation. Effective lone worker policy and solutions may help mitigate these.

4. What is ACPO's view on how the Police should respond to lone worker alarms?
ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) policy states that suppliers of lone worker services must be approved through audit against the relevant section of BS8484 in order to guarantee a lone worker with a Police escalation. For more information on this please click here. 

Questions about Connexion2:

1. What is the relationship between Connexion2 & SoloProtect?
Connexion2 is the company that manufactures the Identicom lone worker device, one of our product brands along with Identicom mobile and SoloProtect. SoloProtect is a fully managed service for organisations with lone workers.

2. Why is it important that Connexion2 is approved against BS8484 through audit?
Being approved against BS8484 through audit specifically means that any lone worker alarm raised through one of our solutions is guaranteed an escalation to Police level should it be required.

Questions specific to lone worker devices:

1. What is an LWD?
An LWD is a Lone Worker Device. A dedicated LWD is a product solely designed for, with specific functionality to be used as a communications device by lone workers should they need assistance. Identicom is a dedicated LWD.   

2. What happens during a red alert?
The device makes a telephone call to an Alarm Receiving Centre where the situation is monitored, recorded for potential future use and escalated in line with the required response for the worker given the situation. All alerts of this type are treated as genuine until proven otherwise by SoloProtect.

3. Why is Identicom a one-way audio product?
Identicom has a discreet form factor and as such was specifically designed as a one-way communications device in order to safeguard the lone worker. If an aggressor is to hear a call-handler speaking directly to a user through the device, it may only escalate the situation further.

4. Who handles a 'Red Alert' situation?
All ‘Red Alerts' handled through SoloProtect are done so by dedicated operators in a BS5979 Category II centre (the highest specification afforded an ARC by UK standards), and in line with BS8484 (the British Standard for Lone Worker Device Services). Our operators exclusively handle alarms of this nature.

5. What happens if a ‘Red Alert' call is dropped for any reason?
If a ‘Red Alert' call is dropped for any reason the Alarm Receiving Centre can dial back into the unit to re-establish the audio link to the situation.

6. How do I know my unit is in ‘Red Alert'?
The unit will vibrate strongly three times as a ‘Red Alert' is opened and will then continue to vibrate every ten seconds (Heartbeat function) to give the user indication that the audio link is still live.

7. My rip-alarm has been activated by mistake, what do I do?
Replace the plug back into the unit, then confirm to the Alarm Receiving Centre through the audio link that this is a false alarm situation and you will be closing down the alert manually. From there, push and hold the ‘Red Alert' button on the device until you feel two strong vibrations indicating that the alert has been closed down.

8. How do I know when a ‘Red Alert' has effectively been closed down?
Close by pressing and holding the ‘Red Alert' button on the device. You will feel two strong vibrations from the unit indicating the alert has been closed down.

9. How does the ‘Man Down' function work?
The standard operation for the ‘Man Down' function is facilitated when a unit is orientated through 75 ° combined with a period of non-movement. Typically 2 minutes pre-alarm phase, followed by an additional 2 minutes when if no movement is apparent the unit will automatically initiate a ‘Red Alert'. Please note the configuration can be modified to meet special user requirements.

10. Why is the ‘Status check' function necessary?
The status check forms part of a users dynamic risk assessment and informs them whether they are entering a situation where they are able to rely on the device or not. Feedback is given on both the network signal strength and battery strength.

*Please note the battery life advised relates to an i750 unit and relates to typical usage levels. A GPS unit will require more power and therefore more regular charging.

11. Why is it important to leave an ‘Amber Alert'?
The ‘Amber Alert' also forms part of the a dynamic risk assessment and is vital to keep up to date in case the information contained needs to be accessed should there be a ‘Red Alert' situation.

12. What information should I provide in an ‘Amber Alert'?
You should provide your name, your location address, any details of whom / where you are visiting in addition to any other information of relevance to your activity.

13. Are my ‘Amber Alerts' tracked routinely?
No. ‘Amber Alerts' are only accessed by the Alarm Receiving Centre in the event of a subsequent ‘Red Alert'.