Security Standards
The security industry in Ireland is tightly regulated and rightly so. If it were not, it would be easy for unscrupulous operators – even criminals – to undermine your security, whether by negligence or intent. The standards and regulations outlined here are for your protection and KDS Fire & Security is fully accredited by all of them.
If you have any doubts about the credentials of a company or individual presenting themselves as a security provider, the information here and through the links to regulatory bodies will help to inform you and equip you with the right questions to ask.
The security of your home or business should not be trusted to just anybody. So please contact us for safe, professional advice about security industry regulations and best practise.
CONTACT US TODAYI.S. EN 50131 – Security Systems
The National Standards Authority of Ireland operates a certification scheme based on Irish Standard IS EN50131-1:2006, “Alarm Systems – Intrusion Systems”, under which alarm installers who apply for certification are assessed by NSAI Inspectors, and have their operations and procedures evaluated. A number of their alarm installations are inspected and compared with the requirements of I.S. EN 50131-1:2006. Any anomalies or non-compliance are brought to their attention, and corrective action is required to be taken, and that action is also reviewed by NSAI. If the outcome is considered satisfactory, then the installer is granted an Irish Standard Mark Licence.
The grant of licence entitles the licensee to use the Irish Standard Mark on, and in connection with, installations. The licensee’s name is placed in the Directory of Certified Intruder Alarm Installers, published at suitable intervals. The licensee’s name is passed to the Garda Siochána, who are then prepared to provide a response to alarm activations from monitored installations put in place by the certified installer, and to the Insurance Industry, which in general offers favourable rates to householders and businesses whose installations are certified.
The installer is continuously monitored by NSAI, who inspect a proportion of installations, requiring corrective actions if necessary, and avoidance of repetition of any anomalies noted. Any installer, whose installations regularly fall below the requirements of I.S. EN 50131-1, may have certification revoked by NSAI.
All certified installers are required to issue a NSAI Completion Certificate with each installation. The original is given to the client with a copy to be given to the insurer of the premises. If the installation is a monitored one, another copy goes to the nominated monitoring centre, and is used to enable the Garda Siochána to offer a response to activations of the system. As certified installers are required to install only certified systems, all clients are entitled to receive a Completion Certificate.
Source: www.nsai.ie
The Private Security Authority
The Private Security Authority (PSA), which was established under the Private Security Services Act, 2004, is the statutory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the Irish private security industry. The PSA is charged with introducing, controlling and managing a comprehensive licensing system. The key responsibilities of the Authority are to control and supervise people providing security services with the core objective of improving and maintaining standards in the provision of these services.
The legislation is very clear in that it covers persons who provide a security service for remuneration. It is an offense under the Act for a security company or a person working in the industry to provide, or present themselves to provide, a security service without a licence. Similarly, it is an offense to employ an unlicensed security operator.
The penalties for these offenses are a €3,000 fine or imprisonment for up to 12 months or both if convicted on a summary offense, or imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine if convicted on indictment.
Source: www.psa.gov.ie