Security Risk Assessment

The extensive range of intruder alarm systems available means a security risk assessment of your premises is critical to understanding and identifying the right systems and equipment for your specific requirements. A security risk assessment will allow you to identify potential risk areas, and develop a plan that will both comply with your insurance requirements and reduce the risk of theft or business disruption caused by a break in.

Since October 2005, businesses arranging the installation of a new intruder alarm system must comply with new European Systems Standard EN 50131-1 for alarm design and installation. The standard also lays down a structured risk assessment procedure for designers of intruder alarm systems.

Detect Fire and Security is NSI (National Security Inspectorate) accredited and will carry out a properly completed security risk assessment.

Properly completed, the assessment will evaluate the risk to the premises and will enable us to recommend the level of intruder alarm system your premises require.

Security Assessments: Areas Covered

The security assessment is extensive and will identify potential safety or security hazards such as:

• Areas vulnerable to vandalism or forced entry.
• High value areas.
• Potential climbing aids offering means of access.
• Visitor access procedures.
• Type of system Grade.
• Type/method transmission of signalling device.

...and much more

Once completed, we will provide you with a full report on the intruder risks to your premises, and detailing how these may be overcome.

Your insurer will require that the survey takes into account the need to detect intruders before they attempt entry, as well as the need to have confirmation of detection. They will also require that the appropriate grade of security alarm is being installed, with a level of monitoring that matches the potential risks.

Security Grading

European standard EN50131 stipulates that an intruder alarm system is assessed and designed to a certain system grade. This grade is described in terms of the perceived type of intruder and how determined the intruder is likely to be in gaining entry.

Alarm Grade	Level of Risk	Type of Premises	Insurance Approval	Notification Options
1	Low	DIY Type Installation	NO	NO
2	Low to Medium	Residential	YES	YES
3	Medium to High	Residential & Commercial	YES	YES
4	Very High	Banks etc	YES	YES

Grade 1 is for a low risk of theft. It applies to a property which is not likely to attract burglars. In the application guide (DC CLC/TS 50131-7), it assumes that a thief is likely to be opportunistic rather than planning a theft and will simply break open a door.

Grade 2 is for a higher risk of theft. Such a property is likely to have something of interest to an experienced thief who is likely to have some knowledge of how alarm systems work and possibly carry some tools to help him overcome a simple alarm system. The thief is likely to check the building for easy access through doors, windows and other openings.

Grade 3 is for a property, which is a reasonably substantial risk, one which, might well contain objects of high value so there is good reason to assume it may be broken into. An intruder is likely to be knowledgeable about intruder alarm systems and have the tools and equipment to overcome the system. The thief is likely to get in by penetrating doors, windows or other openings.

Grade 4 is for highest-risk properties. Such properties are likely to be targeted by a gang of thieves who will probably have planned the burglary in advance. They will know how to tamper with the intruder alarm system to prevent detection and can be expected to gain access by penetration of floors, walls and ceilings.

In summary;

• Grade 1 would be for residential/properties (whose insurance policy does not require an alarm system)
• Grade 2 would be for most residential/properties and low risk commercial premises (e.g. a florist)
• Grade 3 would be for high-risk residential/domestic and most commercial properties (e.g. an off-license)
• Grade 4 would be for extremely high-risk residential/domestic and higher risk commercial properties (e.g. cash handling depots, high value jewelers)

Detect Fire & Security - Complete Security Risk Assessment

Detect Fire and Security have an in-depth understanding of the requirements of both EN 50131-1 and the insurance companies, and will be able to recommend the right level of physical security systems, intruder alarm, door entry control and CCTV system for your premises.

Please contact us for more information on security risk assessment services, our range of intruder alarm systems and on-going alarm service contracts.