A new guide to help Hold-Up Alarm (HUA) installers reduce the number of false alarms has been facilitated by the SSAIB.
Providing an overview of the impact that false alarms have, the guide – which has been developed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council Security Systems Group – also offers recommendations to installers for how to reduce unnecessary call outs.
The recommendations include:
- Take HUA Systems out of service before work starts and remember to return them to full service when work has been completed.
- Remind users of the proper use of HUAs as advised by the Police – for use during an attack or threat of an attack involving persons at premises protected by the HUA. A brawl outside the premises or petty theft is not proper use.
- Recommend the repositioning of HUAs vulnerable to damage following changes to internal layout of premises.
- Ensure HUA fixings and covers are secure during service visits and remind the users to report minor damage.
- Remind users of their duty to inform contractors working in the premises that HUAs are installed and active.
- Discuss correct use of HUAs with all employees who have direct contact with customers.
Installers can reduce the number of false alarms by following these simple sanctions, which will decrease the impact on the Police – as well as maintaining the reputation of the installers and Alarm Receiving Centres.
SSAIB operations manager Dave Profit commented: “SSAIB are completely committed to initiatives such as this, which will lead to a reduction in the number of false alarms created by security equipment. Hold-up alarms help to effectively deliver Police response, but the amount of false alarms needs to be reduced so that users have confidence in their security systems.
“We have contributed to the production of this new guide to provide simple recommendations to hold-up alarm systems installers, because then they can help to prevent false alarms throughout the installation and maintenance processes – as well as when the alarm is in use. I am confident that this guide will prove very beneficial to installers and service engineers, which is why SSAIB are delighted to be associated with it.”
Click here to download the Preventing False Hold-Up Alarms guide.