SYSTEMS SILVER
APPROVAL CRITERIA
These Criteria are to be read in
conjunction with the Regulations
relating to Systems Silver Approval.
No Company shall hold out or claim
that it meets Systems Silver Approval
Criteria, save by virtue of holding Systems
Silver Approval.
Issue 3
January 2005
SYSTEMS SILVER
APPROVAL CRI TE RI A
LIST OF CONTENTS
1.
Scope
1.1
Introduction
1.2
Definitions
1.3
Classes of Systems Silver Approval
1.4
Categories of Systems Silver Approval
1.5
Criteria and Guidelines
1.6
Applicability
1.7
Common Criteria and Additional Criteria
1.8
The Systems Silver approved Category of Systems Silver Approval
2.
Common Criteria
2.1
Premises
2.2
Vehicles and Equipment
2.3
Insurances
2.4
Experience of Management
2.5
Repute of Management
2.6
Finance
2.7
Twenty-four hour cover
2.8
Level of Trading
2.9
Contracts (General)
2.10
Maintenance Contracts
2.11
Staff
2.12
Security Screening of Personnel
2.13
Customer Communications
2.14
Management of Sub-contracting
2.15
Documentation and Records
2.16
Customer Complaints
2.17
Training
2.18
Compliance with Standards, Codes of Practice etc.
2.19
Internal Procedures, Working Practices, etc.
2.20
Do-It-Yourself Kits
2.21
Wiring Regulations
3.
Concessions
4.
Compliance with Police Policies and Rules
5
Not Used
6.
Additional Criteria for ‘
Installer of Intruder Alarms’
Class
7.
Additional Criteria for ‘
Installer of Closed Circuit Television Systems’
Class
8.
Additional Criteria for ‘
Installer of Access Control Systems’
Class
1. SCOPE
1.1 This document lists the Criteria for Systems Silver approval.
1.2 Definitions are as stated in the Regulations relating to Systems Silver approval.
In addition, Systems Silver approval as an installer of Security System Installations shall be deemed to include Systems Silver approval in respect of the work or business of security, installing, testing, servicing and maintaining of Security System Installation.
1.3 Classes of Systems Silver Approval
- installer of electronic security systems
- alarm receiving centre for monitored intruder alarms 1.4 Categories of Systems Silver Approval
Systems Silver approval may be sub-divided into categories, according to level of achievement attained. Currently, there is one category of Systems Silver Approval:
- Systems Silver approved 1.5 Criteria and Guidelines
In Sections 2 to 9 of this document, paragraphs identified with the word "CRITERION" are criteria for Systems Silver approval.
Paragraphs identified with the word "GUIDELINE" are guidelines for assessing compliance with the stated criteria. Nevertheless, the NSI reserves a right to refuse or cancel approval of any company which in the opinion of the NSI fails to comply with the guidelines.
1.6 Applicability
The criteria are applicable to Systems Silver approved companies and to companies seeking Systems Silver approval.
1.7 Common Criteria and Additional Criteria
A company holding (or seeking) Systems Silver approval is required to comply with the following criteria:
(a) the COMMON CRITERIA listed in Section 2, and (b) the criteria listed in Section 4, where applicable, and
(c) such of the ADDITIONAL CRITERIA listed in Sections 6 to 9 inclusive in relation to which the company holds Systems Silver approval (or is seeking Systems Silver approval),
except where and to the extent that a CONCESSION has been authorised under the provisions of Section 3.
1.8 The Systems Silver approved Category of Systems Silver approval
Upon the NSI becoming satisfied that a company meets and will continue to meet the criteria listed in 1.7 (a), (b) and (c) above, the NSI may at its discretion grant approval (which may be “Limited Approval” as defined in the Regulations relating to Systems Silver Approval) in the category Systems Silver approved.
2. COMMON CRITERIA
2.1 Premises CRITERION
GUIDELINE
Non-residential business/commercial premises are preferred. However, for small companies, a suitably adapted and segregated secure area within residential premises is normally acceptable at the discretion of the NSI.
Preferably, there should be suitable provision for the reception of customers (and other business visitors). However, in the case of small companies where the business of the company is such that (and is carried on in such a manner that) customers do not usually or normally need to visit the company’s business premises, the NSI may (and normally will) at its discretion accept premises at which there is not such provision.
GUIDELINE
At the time an application for Systems Silver approval is considered, the company is normally expected to demonstrate that it (or its principal owners) have the right to occupy and use the premises (for example, as owner, as tenant, or under licence-to-occupy-and-use).
GUIDELINE
Premises should be provided with a remote-signalling intruder alarm system.
2.2 Vehicles and Equipment CRITERION
The company shall have available and in use suitable tools, equipment, test instruments and (in the case of installers) vehicles.
2.3 Insurances
CRITERION
The company shall hold employer’s liability insurance, public liability insurance and products liability insurance cover extending to wrongful advice and failure to perform. The insurance cover must extend to all security systems and business activities falling within the scope of the company's Systems Silver approval. The limit of indemnity in respect of any one event and also in the aggregate for any one twelve month period of insurance shall be not less than one million pounds sterling.
GUIDELINE
‘Wrongful advice' and ‘failure to perform' are specialised forms of insurance cover not necessarily included in ordinary business policies. Companies are advised to check the scope and extent of their cover before applying for Systems Silver approval.
GUIDELINE
Evidence of such insurance (or a quotation for such insurance) should be presented at the time of applying for approval. Where a quotation is sent to the NSI, evidence that the policy has been taken out should follow within thirty days after the company is granted Systems Silver approval.
2.4 Experience of Management CRITERION
The company shall have suitably experienced senior management with an Executive Manager responsible for the operation of the business (including being responsible for the work and service provided by any sub-contractors).
GUIDELINE
The company shall have at least one person with suitable experience of the security industry who, in the opinion of the NSI, has demonstrated that he or she is suitably competent to be responsible for the operation of the business.
2.5 Repute of Management CRITERION
The persons managing, controlling and having principal interests in the ownership of the company shall be persons who are demonstrably reputable persons of good standing and, if called upon to do so by the NSI, they shall provide relevant personal information, evidence of character and repute, references, guarantors and the like to the satisfaction of the NSI.
GUIDELINE
In assessing compliance with this criterion, the NSI may take into account all information known to it regarding the persons concerned. The mere absence of information against a person is not necessarily sufficient; a company may be refused Systems Silver approval or Systems Silver approval may be withdrawn or the company may be required (as a condition for remaining an Systems Silver approved company) to remove from office specified persons where in the opinion of the NSI the required positive evidence of repute and good standing is absent.
2.6 Finance CRITERION
Systems Silver approval may be withheld or withdrawn from any company that in the opinion of the NSI has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the NSI that it is trading lawfully, meeting its just debts and other financial obligations, or where inadequate financial information is provided to the NSI, or where in the opinion of the NSI the financial information provided is such as to indicate that the financial affairs of the Company are not being or have not been carried on in a responsible and prudent manner.
GUIDELINE
Companies seeking Systems Silver approval are normally required to present annual accounts covering the two years immediately prior to application for Systems Silver approval. In the case of sole traders and partnerships, annual accounts as prepared by an independent accountant (i.e. accounts which would be sent to the Inland Revenue) should be provided. In the case of incorporated companies, audited annual accounts (or other statutory accounts, where the company is exempt from audit), trading profit and loss statement and directors' reports should be sent.
GUIDELINE
In the case of incorporated companies, details of the capital structure of the company should also be sent.
GUIDELINE
Companies that have been trading for less than two years are not normally granted Systems Silver approval. An exception may be permitted at the discretion of the NSI where there is evidence of :-
(a) financial backing
(b) business management experience
(c) organisational (covering the business management and financial aspects of the company and defining the responsibilities, authority and inter relation of management personnel)
(d) forward business plan (financial plan)
appropriate in each case to the size of the company and the type of work undertaken.
GUIDELINE
Bank details should be supplied, so that bank references may be taken up.
2.7 Twenty-four hour cover CRITERION
A company holding (or seeking) Systems Silver approval as the operator of an alarm receiving centre shall maintain a twenty-four hour monitoring service in accordance with the Criteria in Section 9.
CRITERION
A company holding (or seeking) Systems Silver approval as an installer of security systems shall provide a maintenance service in accordance with the Criteria in Section(s) 6, 7 and 8, as applicable.
GUIDELINE
In considering the adequacy of a company’s provision and arrangements for maintenance service the NSI may at its discretion have regard to and take into account joint-working arrangements and/or sub-contracting arrangements and/or other co-operative arrangements between Systems Silver approved companies. Such arrangements (or at least the general basis of a framework of such arrangements) should have been committed to writing in an agreement or Memorandum of Understanding between the companies concerned.
2.8 Level of Trading CRITERION
The company shall maintain a level of trading activity sufficient for the representatives of the NSI to assess and examine the standard of work carried-out and the management system applicable.
GUIDELINE
Normally, for initial Systems Silver approval as an installer, a company is expected to have installed at least twenty security systems within that class, of which at least ten should have been installed during the twelve months immediately prior to applying for Systems Silver approval. For Systems Silver approval to be maintained the company should normally issue at least ten certificates per annum in each class.
Exceptionally, reduced numbers may be accepted where there is evidence that managers and staff have substantial prior experience, if a business case is made satisfying the NSI that prospects for early growth of the trading activity in the relevant business area are good.
2.9 Contracts (General) CRITERION
The company shall not seek to impose upon customers contract conditions that are unreasonable.
GUIDELINE
Guidance and recommendations regarding contracts are given in the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements
2.10 Maintenance Contracts
CRITERION
It shall be the policy of each company holding (or seeking) Systems Silver approval as an installer of any class of security systems to draw customers' attention to the need for security systems to be adequately maintained and to encourage its customers to enter into and to continue a maintenance service agreement with the installing company (or with another company holding Systems Silver approval as an installer of security systems).
NOTE: Further requirements and guidance are given in the relevant Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
CRITERION
The company shall have suitably trained and qualified personnel, sufficient to meet its obligations to its customers and sufficient to meet its obligations as an Systems Silver approved company and sufficient for the company in all respects to comply with the Systems Silver Rules.
GUIDELINE
In considering compliance with this Criterion, the NSI may at its discretion have regard to established joint working arrangements and/or sub-contracting arrangements and/or co-operative arrangementsbetween Systems Silver approved companies. Such arrangements (or at least the general basis and framework for such arrangements) should have been committed to writing in an agreement or Memorandum of Understanding between the companies concerned.
Each company should have at least one full-time member of the company’s own staff serving as an Executive Manager.
Each company should have at least one full-time member of the company’s own staff trained, experienced and capable of working as a security system installation and maintenance technician installing and maintaining security systems that the Company customarily installs and maintains.
This same individual full-time member of staff can be both Executive Manager and technician, if he or she has the appropriate and relevant training, qualifications, experience and capabilities.
Requirements and Guidance regarding restrictions applicable to sub-contract personnel are given in the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
2.12 Security Screening of Personnel CRITERION
The company shall adhere to and comply with the recommendations given in BS 7858 (British Standard Code of Practice for Security Screening of Personnel Employed in a Security Environment).
2.13 Customer Communications
CRITERION
The company shall adhere to and comply with the relevant provisions of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
2.14 Management of Sub-contracting CRITERION
The company shall adhere to and comply with the relevant provisions of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
2.15 Documentation and Records CRITERION
The company shall adhere to and comply with the relevant provisions of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
2.16 Customer Complaints
CRITERION
The company shall adhere to and comply with the relevant provisions of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
2.17 Training CRITERION
The company shall adhere to and comply with the relevant provisions of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements
2.18 Compliance with Standards, Codes of Practice, Etc CRITERION
Except where and insofar as a Concession has been authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 below, the Company shall adhere to and comply with the Regulations relating to Systems Silver approval and with the approval Criteria in respect of ALL its business of surveying, installing, testing, servicing, maintaining and monitoring security system installations for which it holds Systems Silver Approval (including work that the company sub-contracts and work which the company accepts as a sub-contractor) and for which it is seeking Systems Silver approval.
CRITERION
In particular, and in all cases except where and insofar as a Concession has been authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 below, the NSI requires that every security system installation installed by or on behalf of an Systems Silver approved company within the scope of the Company’s Systems Silver approval shall be in full compliance with the British Standards and other technical codes referred to in the applicable sub-Section(s) of these Approval Criteria.
2.19 Internal Procedures, Working Practices, Etc CRITERION
The company shall manage and conduct ALL its business of surveying, installing, testing, servicing, maintaining and monitoring electronic security systems for which it holds (or is seeking) approval in accordance with the policies, procedures and practices stated in the company's Business Operating Manual (Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements).
2.20 Do-It-Yourself Kits CRITERION
A company supplying D-I-Y security systems or equipment shall not in any way associate itself with the installation or maintenance of such systems or equipment and it shall not make any reference to Systems Silver in relation to such systems or equipment.
2.21 Wiring Regulations CRITERION
Electrical wiring and installations shall be in accordance with good safety practice and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
GUIDELINE
Attention is drawn to the British Standard Requirements for Electrical Installations (BS 7671), which are also widely known as the IEE Wiring Regulations.
GUIDELINE
Particular care should be taken with regard to protective earthing and bonding.
GUIDELINE
Particular care should be taken with regard to electrical segregation of wiring carrying mains voltage from wiring carrying extra-low voltages, and with regard to electrical separation
between circuits operating at these different voltages.
3. CONCESSIONS
The Systems Silver Approval Service is based on compliance with the relevant Standards, Codes of Practice, etc, and it is on this basis that the Systems Silver Approval Service and Systems Silver approved companies enjoy wide support.
However, it is accepted that there are particular occasions on which compliance may not be necessary and with this in mind provision has been included within the Systems Silver Scheme for limited use to be made of Concessions against the relevant Standard, Code of Practice, or the like.
CRITERION
Concessions shall be permitted only where and insofar as they have been authorised and documented in a accordance with the provisions set out in Section 15 of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
4. COMPLIANCE WITH POLICE POLICIES AND RULES
Where any company has applied to the Police Service for police-response to be afforded to any security system installed, maintained or monitored by or on behalf of such company, such company shall comply with the reasonable and proper policies and requirements and rules of the relevant Police Force, and with any obligations to the Police Service that such company may have accepted in writing, and any failure under the provisions of this Section shall form grounds for applying a penalty under the Systems Silver Rules.
5. NOT USED
6. ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR “INSTALLER OF INTRUDER ALARMS” CLASS
6.1 British and European Standards and Codes of Practice CRITERION
Except as provided in Section 3 above, the company shall conduct its intruder alarm business and affairs and supply and maintain intruder alarms in compliance with the requirements and recommendations contained in BSI Draft for Development DD243: 2004; PD 6662:2004; European Standard Pr EN 50131-1:2004 and DD CLC/TS 50131-7:2003.
6.2 Other Management and Technical Criteria CRITERION
The company shall also adhere to and comply with the relevant provisions of the Systems Silver Management and Technical Requirements.
6.3 Management of False Alarms CRITERION
The company shall also adhere to and comply with the recommendations contained in BSI Draft for Development DD245:2002.
7. ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR “INSTALLER OF CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEMS” CLASS CRITERION
Except as provided in Section 3 above, the Company shall adhere to and comply with the British Standard BS 8418:2003 Code of Practice for Remote Monitored, Detector Activated CCTV Systems.
8. ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR “INSTALLER OF ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS” CLASS CRITERION
Except as provided in Section 3 above, the company shall adhere to and comply with the Systems Silver Code of Practice for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Access Control Systems (ICP 30).
9. ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR “ALARM RECEIVING CENTRES” CLASS
9.1 British Standard Code of Practice CRITERION
The company shall (in respect of the alarm receiving centre(s) for which it holds (or is seeking) Systems Silver approval) comply with the recommendations contained in BS 5979 insofar as such recommendations in the opinion of the NSI shall reasonably apply.
9.2 Other Codes of Practice CRITERION
In the case of an alarm receiving centre for monitoring intruder alarms, the company shall also adhere to and comply with the recommendations contained in BSI Draft for Development DD245:2002 and in BSI Draft for Development DD243: 2004 insofar as these Drafts for Development set out recommendations applicable to alarm receiving centres.
IMPORTANT NOTE
A full list of the Systems Silver Rules is available on request from the NSI office, and this list will be updated from time to time.
