Risk Assessment
The term Risk Assessment is most commonly associated with Health & Safety. However, when it is applied to the design of security and fire safety systems, the phrase takes on a different meaning and this seems to be causing some confusion for people researching Burglary Risk Assessment (EN50131/PD6662) or Fire Safety Risk Assessment, especially when researching on the Internet.
Risk Assessment and Grading for EN50131/PD6662
The security and insurance industries use the term 'Risk Assessment' for the new European Systems Standard EN 50131-1 (or the British equivalent PD6662), which lays down a structured Risk Assessment procedure for designers of intruder alarm systems.
A properly completed Risk Assessment will lead to an appropriately designed and graded system. When designing a confirmable alarm system, insurers expect alarm installers to take into account the need to detect intruders before they reach the target, as well as the need to have confirmation of detection.
One of the most significant issues within the new EN Standard is evaluating the risk associated with the premises and determining a grade of system which will be directly proportional to the insurance value of the property and its contents. Once the grade of a property has been determined, it will define the extent of its alarm system, the type of remote signaling/alarm monitoring used and the system's tamper security (ie. the method used to protect an intruder alarm system against deliberate interference).
Security Grades
| Alarm Grade | Level of Risk | Type of Premises | Insurance Approval | Notification Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low | DIY Type Installation | NO | NO |
| 2 | Low to Medium | Residential | YES | YES |
| 3 | Medium to High | Residential & Commercial | YES | YES |
| 4 | Very High | Banks etc | YES | YES |
Another important aspect of the EN 50131 requirements is the concept of a security grade. In the EN, each installation's grade of system is determined by various factors. This grade is described in terms of the perceived type of burglar and how determined the burglar is likely to be.
What are the Grades?
Grade 1 is for a low risk of theft. It applies to a property which is not likely to attract burglars. In the application guide (DC CLC/TS 50131-7), it assumes that a thief is likely to be opportunistic rather than planning a theft and will simply break open a door.
Grade 2 is for a higher risk of theft. Such a property is likely to have something of interest to an experienced thief who is likely to have some knowledge of how alarm systems work and possibly carry some tools to help him overcome a simple alarm system. The thief is likely to check the building for easy access through doors, windows and other openings.
Grade 3 is for a property which is a reasonably substantial risk, one which, might well contain objects of high value so there is good reason to assume it may be broken into. An intruder is likely to be knowledgeable about intruder alarm systems and have the tools and equipment to overcome the system. The thief is likely to get in by penetrating doors, windows or other openings.
Grade 4 is for highest-risk properties. Such properties are likely to be targeted by a gang of thieves who will probably have planned the burglary in advance. They will know how to tamper with the intruder alarm system to prevent detection and can be expected to gain access by penetration of floors, walls and ceilings.
What Grade of System does my installation need?
To a large degree the choice of grade is dictated by the insurance companies but a rule of thumb guide is as follows:
- Grade 1 would be for residential/properties (whose insurance policy does not require an alarm system)
- Grade 2 would be for most residential/properties and low risk commercial premises (e.g. a florist)
- Grade 3 would be for high-risk residentual/domestic and most commercial properties (e.g. an off-licence)
- Grade 4 would be for extremely high-risk residential/domestic and higher risk commercial properties (e.g. a bullion store)
Mixing Components of Different Grades
The EN Standard states that an installer can use different grades of component within the same intruder system.
For example, if the installation has a Grade 2 listing, it is acceptable to use a Grade 3 power supply.
However, if all the components or detection devices in a system are the same grade, that system is limited to that one grade.
It is possible to have a defined part of a system at a higher grade so long as all associated parts are at the same (or higher) grade. For example a system combining intruder and personal attack (hold-up) functionality could have a grade 4 personal attack system whilst the intruder parts were limited to a grade 3. But this example is only valid if the power supply, alarm transmission system and warning devices used by personal attack parts are all grade 4. This would still allow intruder parts such as PIR's to be grade 3. The system as a whole is, of course, would only be grade 3.
Insurers are looking to the NSI (as part of their inspection programme) to ensure that installers carry out Risk Assessments professionally when designing systems and selecting a Risk Assessment Grade.
CIA are NSI Gold Medal accredited and can carry out a full Risk Assessment to offer the right grade of protection for your property and completely satisfy insurance requirements.
Click here to download the BT RedCare Risk Assessment and Grading for BS EN 50131-1 Guide (risk_assessment_brochure.pdf 265KB)Fire Safety Risk Assessment
Fire Safety Risk Assessment is obviously a very serious business as it can present a threat to life. Due to the seriousness and enormity of the subject, several Fire Safety Risk Assessment PDFs follow;
Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guides
Guide for Employers, Managers, Occupiers and Owners of Offices and Shops
Guide for Employers, Managers, Occupiers and Owners of Factories and Warehouses
Guide for Employers, Managers, Occupiers and Owners of Sleeping Accommodation
Guide for Head Teachers, Governors, Vice-Chancellors, Occupiers and Owners of Educational Premises
Guide for Employers, Managers, Occupiers and Owners of Small or Medium Size Places of Assembly
Guide for Employers, Managers, Occupiers and Owners of Large Size Places of Assembly
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