vii Data Collection Technology Chosen for Maltese Temples Project


Heritage Malta has installed Envirologger monitoring technology at ten locations around the site of the Tarxien Temples – a highly important archaeological site dating back to between 3600 and 1500 BC.


The monitoring stations were installed in 2011 and are being utilised for research purposes and to gain reliable data for scientists, conservators and engineers to ensure the best possible management of the site. Explaining the benefits of continuous environmental monitoring, Curator Joanne Mallia from Heritage Malta says: "Naturally, the materials and structures at this site are affected by the environment, so a protective shelter has been proposed to slow down the rate of deterioration of the stone surfaces and the monitoring equipment will help create an accurate picture of the environmental conditions on site, both before and after the installation of the shelter."


The Envirologger is a highly sophisticated battery powered data collection technology that is able to accept inputs from a wide variety of sensors and output via almost any communications technology. At Tarxien, the Envirologgers are connected to sensors for measuring wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, ambient humidity, atmospheric pressure, soil temperature and wetness, and water level.


Data is transmitted to a central web logger by the new Envirologger wireless sensor nodes. The data is then ‘pushed’ to Heritage Malta. The entire monitoring and data transmission network is run on low voltage solar power because it is not possible to run cables around the site for fear of negative effects on the ancient stone structures.


The Tarxien Temples site is a recipient of European funds under the ERDF 2007-2013 programme and the installation of an environmental monitoring system will help to protect the site for the benefit of future generations. Reader Reply Card No. 153


BSIA Launches New Access Control Guide for the Utilities Sector


The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has just launched a free guide to assist the utilities sector in the use of access control systems. The guide explains how access control systems can better improve the protection of sites such as water, oil and nuclear plants as well as administrative or production offices within the sector. It also provides case studies to exemplify the work of BSIA members with utilities companies, and brings attention to any legislation that should be considered when employing the technology.


Mike Sussman, Chairman of the BSIA’s Access Control Section, said: “Changes in the social and political environment, as well as the growing scope and impact of the utilities sector in almost everything we do have increased its vulnerability to threats such as terrorism and vandalism. Moreover, natural disasters and internal breaches are also cause for concern for companies operating within the sector. For this reason, regulating and monitoring access to premises and sites becomes of critical importance.


“Access control systems provide reliable and cost effective solutions to the problem of security whilst still offering flexibility of entry and exit to authorised personnel and visitors. The technology also works well when integrated with other systems such as physical security equipment, to provide that extra layer of protection.”


Mike continues, “When approaching security providers, utilities companies should seek suppliers that are able to offer solutions with longevity, and with plenty of experience working with the sector, understanding its needs and priorities. Choosing a BSIA member gives you this peace of mind. All BSIA Access Control Section members are independently inspected to the quality standard ISO 9001 and are compliant with British and European standards as well as relevant codes of practice.”


Entitled ‘A Guide to Access Control for the Utilities Sector’, the BSIA document brings useful insight into what utilities companies must take into consideration when looking at procuring or updating access control systems, and forms part of a series of publications, which are tailored to the installation of systems within different environments including manufacturing sites, offices and education premises. These guides ensure end users are getting accurate information in relation to the particular application they are looking for.


Reader Reply Card No. 154


Making Certain with UKAS Accreditation


How UKAS accreditation is helping to deliver confidence in Environmental Management


In the marketplace for environmental sampling and analysis, competition is fierce with many organisations vying for work based upon cost and turnaround time. Whilst these factors are important considerations for any business, low cost fast turnaround are of no use if the quality of data is poor and it subsequently gets rejected by the end user or regulator.


Procurers of environmental sampling and analysis services need assurances that the organisations they employ are technically competent and can and will deliver to the right level of quality. Traditionally, many procurers have relied upon certification to ISO 9001 as a demonstration of the competence of their suppliers. However, although accredited certification to ISO 9001 provides confidence in the organisations’ management systems, ISO 9001 is not a technical standard.


This means that any certification to it cannot provide confidence in the technical competence of the organisations providing environmental sampling and analysis services, and therefore does not provide full confidence in the validity and suitability of the data they produce. Since its publication in 1999 the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 ‘General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories’ has been recognised as the standard for this area.


Accreditation of an organisation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, provided by a nationally appointed accreditation body, is the route by which procurers and regulators of environmental sampling and analysis services can have confidence in the organisations competence and compliance. Ultimately, then, this is also the route that provides the confidence in the quality and validity of data produced.


Alongside ensuring that organisations have appropriate quality management systems helping ensure good customer service, accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 requires that organisations determine robustly the technical and service requirements of their customers. It further ensures they have the technical and resource capability to meet these requirements. Additionally, on going quality control ensures that the validity and accuracy of data produced by accredited organisations is maintained on a continuous basis.


UKAS is the sole accreditation body recognised by the UK Government to assess, against internationally recognised standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation is an impartial, rigorous and ongoing process and being accredited by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of organisations or individuals that provide these evaluations.


By engaging the services of an organisation that is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 in either the Stack Emissions Monitoring, Soil Analysis or Water Sampling and Analysis sectors, procurers can ensure they will receive a service that is fit for purpose and meets regulatory requirements.


Schedules of accreditation for organisations which contain details of specific activities which are covered by accreditation, can be found at www.ukas.com


Reader Reply Card No. 155


UKAS Accreditation: Delivering Confidence


The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has a proven track record of working with government departments, businesses and other agencies across different sectors of the UK economy.


UKAS accreditation underpins the validity of testing, inspection, calibration and certification activities.


If you want to find out more about how accreditation might be of assistance please contact UKAS: Tel: 020 8917 8400 Email: info@ukas.com


www.ukas.com Reader Reply Card No. 156 IET November / December 2011 www.envirotech-online.com


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