Legislation and Compliance
best practice is promoted and a benchmark put in place. It sets a standard for suppliers of lone worker device services to achieve and against which they can be measured. In short, compliance with this
code of practice promotes effective use of the resource, maintains a good level of support for lone workers and minimises the risk of false alarms being received and requiring a response. BS 8484 sets the standard for all
aspects of lone worker device supply (including):
The supplier (BS 8484, Section 4) • Structure • Finance • Insurance • Premises
Lone worker device (BS 8484, Section 5) • Communications network • LWD functionality • LWD user training
Alarm Receiving Centre (BS 8484, Section 6) • Service • Operator training • Operating procedures • Response agreements
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)
ACPO have 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 provide 'fit for purpose' lone worker devices (LWD) which work well for the lone worker. Their requirement is that ARC meets BS 5979 Cat II and the device meets the requirements of BS 8484. The policy also confirms that in order to get a police response, the ARC in question must hold unique reference numbers (URNs) for the appropriate police force(s) needed to respond. So, any employer looking
to deploy a credible lone worker solution, ensuring a police response, needs to look for a
Facilities UK - Handbook 2010 - 11
supplier who uses a credible ARC and compliant devices.
Identifying a credible LWD supplier
Employers need to ensure that they are getting a credible solution from a trustworthy supplier. The way to do this is simple - ask any supplier for a copy of their certificated approval against BS 8484. This should show that they have been audited against sections 4, 5 and 6 of the standard.
Connexion2 and BS 8484
Unlike many other LWD suppliers, Connexion2 doesn’t just comply with BS 8484 from a functional perspective; the company has been audited and fully approved against all three sections (4, 5 and 6) the first device vendor to do so after the standard was released. This means that any lone worker solution provided through Connexion2 is guaranteed a police response should it be required, in line with the policy of ACPO.
Summary
For numerous and various reasons, the pool of lone working employees
is increasing and together with their employers they face diverse and challenging working environments. It is the duty of an employer and employee to take all reasonable steps to ensure they remain safe. Choosing a lone worker device supplier, who is compliant with BS 8484, is the first crucial step to identifying a device that will enable and empower the employee. Not only does it enable an employee to proactively take a greater share of responsibility for their own safety, security and well being in lone working situations, but it also demonstrates that the employer is working towards meeting its legal duty of care. Employers should use BS 8484
as a minimum benchmark against which to judge a potential supplier, looking for full audit against the whole standard. Without it, there is a heavy risk that a police response, in the event of an incident, might not be guaranteed. In short - full BS 8484 compliance ensures an effective solution is deployed across the workforce and guarantees a police response when required.
• For further information please contact Connexion 2, Tel: 0844 856 6606 Website:
www.connexion2.com
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