From the Sections
In this issue:
Top stories |
From the Sections |
Technical Committee news |
Other news
Contents on this page:
FIRE:
Euralarm's liaison report to TC72
Fire Section report
SECURITY:
TC79 – security technical update
TC391 drives forward on security issues
Enhancing the EU security industry
SERVICES:
TC 4's European standard challenge
Euralarm's liaison report to TC72
Christian Lais (pictured), Euralarm's observer on CEN/TC72, describes the outcomes from the October 2011 meeting in Katowice, Poland.
Euralarm, representing the European fire safety and security industry (products & services) has asked CEN/TC 72 to take the following topics into account:
1. prEN54-14, TS EN54-32 – Code of Practice/Guidelines on installation etc. (see also last Liaison Report N1893)
Euralarm believes that the current prEN54-14 would be not in line with the CEN rules. We know that this kind of question was asked in the past but not yet officially answered.
However, Euralarm is convinced that it would be essential for the European fire safety industry to have a full standard and not just a template, and has therefore asked CEN/TC 72 to take this into account when the comments are assessed.
Besides that, it is necessary to align prEN54-14 and TS EN54-32 – not in terms of content but in terms of status and structure/framework. We have also asked for ISO7240-14 and ISO7240-19 to be taken into account.
In the review of prEN 54-14, voting results showed 27 votes cast, with 15 votes in favour of its possible acceptance as a European Standard, seven votes against and five abstentions. Most opposing countries want this document published as a TS or TR – not as an EN – as this would mean their well established national codes of practice would need to be withdrawn. Consequently, any training scheme based on these national codes would require revision and all certified installers obliged to undergo new and very costly training. These countries will not therefore accept any standard with this kind of effect.
However, the standard has been accepted by the single majority of voting countries. But according to the CEN/CLC Rules Part 2, a new standard needs to be evaluated by weighted votes. Counting these votes, the result would be 56% in favour and 44% against. Clause 6.2 of the rules clearly states that a standard is accepted when 71% of the voting countries cast in favour. So this result will have to be accepted as a 'No' to prEN 54-14 rev.
2. Video Fire Detection (see also last Liaison Report N1893)
CEN/TC72 has been asked to support the work of ISO, which will start soon with European experts.
3. Dates references within EN54-Standards with regard to other CE Directives
We have requested a change in the decision to use dated references. Where references are made to standards which are subject to other CE Directives, especially EMC and the corresponding EN50130-4, we have asked that dated references are not used, since this could cause unnecessary effort by manufacturers.
Currently, the changes within EN50130-4 will cause double testing for specific EN54 standards by Notified Bodies.
If there is no sufficient solution within CEN possible we have lobbied for GNB SG07 to be forced to opt for a common decision.
4. CEN guidance document for the drafting of, and template for, Annex ZA for the CPR
The GNB-CPD AG (Co-ordination of the Group of Notified Bodies for the Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC) issued the above-mentioned guidance. CPD TechSec has compiled GNB-CPD comments on the guidance document and submitted these to CEN. Euralarm asked for the chance to clarify the NPD option, as mentioned in these passages from the guideline:
"… TCs should be aware of the need to permit the use of the 'No performance determined' (NPD) option when a characteristic is not regulated for a given end use…"
"…However, the NPD option may not be used for durability of essential characteristics that have been declared and where essential characteristics are subject to a threshold level…"
"…Otherwise, the NPD option may be used when and where the essential characteristic, for a given intended use, is not subject to regulatory requirements in the Member State of destination…"
In conjunction with this we requested speeding up the work on the answer to the Mandate. We additional asked that this answer be formulated with respect to the CPR and kept as general as possible.
We pointed out that even if you have a template agreed with the CEN Consultant for standards published before July 2013, this will cause problems in conjunction with the NPD option.
If CEN/TC 72 needs detailed information or specific support, Euralarm will be pleased to become involved and send additional experts if required.
5. Response to Mandate M/109 of the commission
On 5th October 2011 a CEN/TC72 Task Group met in Brussels with Mr G. Bedotti, the responsible CEN Consultant, to prepare the required response to mandate M/109. The following CEN Standards were taken into consideration during the meeting:
EN 54-3 Fire alarm devices – Sounders
EN 54-5 Heat detectors – Point detectors
EN 54-20 Aspirating smoke detectors
EN 54-22 Line type heat detectors
EN 54-23 Visual alarm devices
EN 54-26 Point detectors – carbon monoxide sensors
EN 54-27 Duct smoke detectors
EN 54-29 Point detectors – smoke and heat sensors
EN 54-30 Point detectors – carbon monoxide and heat sensors
EN 54-12 Smoke detectors – Line detectors may also be included depending on resolution regarding convenorship.
All convenors were instructed to complete their revised mandates, taking into account what was agreed at the meeting, and send them to the Secretary and Chairman of the TC by 30th November 2011.
It was agreed that the convenors of WG working on the standards listed above would meet again on Monday 12th December with a view to prepare the consolidated revised response to M/109 in preparation for its submission to CEN. Implication of the CPR and new Annex ZA. The consultant noted that the new revised CPR template was being discussed in CEN and expected to be completed by Nov 2011.
He advised the committee to follow the rule of thumb. Any draft under development whose doa will be earlier than July 2013 should use the current CPR template (with any draft under development with a doa following that date applying the new CPR template).
The Chairman advised the convenors to meet again in the New Year with the CEN Consultant, to review the actions required for implementation of the CPR in future TC72 standards.
The next TC 72 meeting will take place in Oslo, from May 15-16. Euralarm's Fire Section Committee and the Task Group on Fire Standards, will discuss Euralarm's input during the Euralarm Section Committee meeting being held in mid-April in Milan.
Christian Lais
Euralarm Observer in CEN TC72
Member of the Euralarm Section Committee Fire
Liaison officer to CEN/TC 72 & ISO/TC 21/SC 3
Fire Section report
Michael von Foerster provides Euralarm members with a review of Fire Section activities.
A number of recent changes have occurred within Euralarm’s Fire Section, with a variety of new appointments and other initiatives (summarised below):
- Hans-Ulrich Roos has been named as TC Fire Standards Chairman
- Maik Schmees is the second Euralarm observer to be appointed to SG07 (EU Group of Notified Bodies)
- Cristian Lais recently became an observer on CEN TC72 and ISO TC21 SC3
- Euralarm has been liaising with the IP500 initiative, where our new Director General, Glen Dale, is now the PoC
- Among the newly named members of the Section Committees are:
- Graham Simons (who has succeeded Stewart Forbes, FIA, UK)
- Christian Lais, SES; CH
- Maximilian Strohmeier, VBÖ, A.
TC79 – security technical update
Euralarm's new Technical Manager Marc Chenevoy provides an overview of issues raised at the TC79 plenary meeting held in late-September 2011.
These highlights are from the plenary meeting held in Milan, 25-26 September 2011. Items marked ** are those of greatest significance to Euralarm.
** EN50130 Series
Revisions of EN50130-4 (EMC) and -5 (Environmental) have both been published.
An objection regarding the impracticability of complying with mains interruption requirements 50130-4 was noted – but the harmonisation of this standard with the EMC Directive means that it cannot readily be amended and the matter needs further consideration through the relevant WG.
** EN50131-1
It has been recognised that tamper detection requirements for ancillary control equipment (ACE) are not correctly synchronised between EN50131-1 and EN50131-3. After discussion between the two WGs, it was agreed that EN50131-1 will be amended to agree with the EN50131-3 requirements.
Clarification of the status of visual devices used as part of a WD is to be clarified by adding an additional example to clause 8.6.
These amendments will be dealt with as part of the revision scheduled for 2011/2012 – it was noted that comments for this revision will be required from NCs.
EN50131-2 SERIES (detectors)
The new document for shock detectors (TS50131-2-8) is being prepared for voting.
Proposals for a standard for hold-up devices is being finalised for comment.
Drafting continues on standards for bolt and lock state contacts.
The work item for external PIR detectors has been dropped (see notes below regarding Perimeter Alarm Systems).
EN50131-5 SERIES (interconnections)
EN50131-5-3 (wire-free interconnections) is to be revised (by WG11) – with a call for experts to be made.
TS50131-5-4 - for system compatibility testing and has now been circulated for comment. The WG (3) is moving on to deal with requirements for wired interconnections in the same series.
TS50131-7 (Application guidelines)
This will remain a TS for the foreseeable future.
** EN50131-9 (Verification)
Comments received from NCs on the draft Verification standard submitted to CLC by Euralarm have been dealt with by the WG, noting that the circulation as a prEN was erroneous – it was always intended to be a TS initially. However, one particular country campaigned against the draft throughout and at the TC79 succeeded in getting the document downgraded to a TR. Following approval of this change by BT, the document is to be subjected to voting procedure during 2012.
prEN50131-10 (Supervised premises transceivers - SPT)
The comments on this standard have been dealt with by the WG and it awaits similar completion of EN50136-2 before being circulated for further enquiry.
EN50132 SERIES (Video Surveillance Systems – formerly known as CCTV)
prEN50132-5-1 (Video transmission requirements), 50132-5-2 (IP video transmission protocols) and 50132-5-3 (IP video transmission protocols) are all out for vote.
NC comments on prEN50132-5-7 (Application Guidelines) are being dealt with.
** EN50136 SERIES (Alarm transmission Systems)
prEN50136-1 (System requirements) has been circulated for vote.
prEN50136-1-7 (Common protocol for ATS using IP) has been submitted for vote, but will appear as prEN50136-9.
prEN50136-2 (SPT) comments on draft to be dealt with for re-circulation synchronised with prEN50131-10
prEN50136-3 (ARC receiving equipment) has been circulated for comment, and will be followed shortly by prEN50136-4 (Annunciation equipment).
Other items
Euralarm now has a formal seat in both WG1 and WG3. Currently, Brian Harrington is covering these on a 'monitor, and attend when important to Euralarm' basis.
The work item for Junction boxes (no number allocated yet) has not yet been started.
The German proposal for a standard for ancillary control equipment (ACE) for setting and unsetting has been circulated to NCs and hence was not discussed at the meeting.
** Perimeter/external alarm systems
Investigation by WG1 into the repercussions of the proposed standard for external PIR detectors led to the conclusion that it is impractical to incorporate requirements for external systems into EN50131
1. The conclusion drawn was that the only effective way of achieving standardisation for external/perimeter alarm systems would require development of a new system standard (EN5013x-1) based on EN50131-1 – with provision for a complete parallel set of standards (eg 5013x-2 for external detectors, 5013x-3 for CIE, 5013x-7 for application guidelines, etc) to be prepared as required.
This proposal was accepted and now that BT approval has been given, work can commence.
A liaison with the CEN TC dealing with (physical) perimeter protection has already been established. A call for additional experts will be required once the outline plan has been firmed up.
TC391 drives forward on security issues
Brian Harrington provides highlights on actions at the late-October plenary meeting in Vienna
TC391 is principally the European mirror committee for ISO TC223, but picks up European issues not being dealt with by ISO. It deals with security in its very widest sense, incorporating everything except equipment in its scope.
The 25 October plenary meeting followed a series of preliminary WG meetings the previous day). Items marked ** below are those of greatest significance to Euralarm
1. Prior to the meeting there were agreed work items for:
a) CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear hazards) – risk assessment, risk awareness and risk management (NL-led).
b) Security management systems for healthcare facilities (CZ-led).
Work on these topics had been restricted to preliminary investigations; formal WGs have now been established for these, for which calls for experts will follow through NCs.
2. Items out for vote (not discussed):
a) Lone worker device services (UK-led - adoption of an existing UK standard)
(Note: this does have equipment implications).
3. Further topics are under consideration for future NWIs:
a) Security management systems – generic (UK-led)
b) CBRN – education, training, exercises, international cooperation (NL-led)
c) Citizen and human factors (probably a TR; UK-led).
Intended as guidance for all those producing standards for the security industry.
This has implications in preparation of standards for equipment such as keypads, or for standardisation where operating consoles etc are required – eg ARCs.
d) Proposal from Germany to assist with establishment of appropriate alarm signals for use in public alert situations, in order to use remote radio triggers for domestic fire alarms/detectors. This arose in the meetings' AOB and will be dealt with by correspondence (DE-led).
Note: This is specifically to determine a suitable alarm signal (differentiated from all existing alarms) to warn the public – CEN TC72 is understood to be responsible for technical implementation.
Proposal is apparently already known to Euralarm (Fire Section) – we are free to become involved in this, as appropriate. Anyone having specific information is invited to make this known to Brian before the next TC391 meeting.
These issues were discussed in varying detail; formal applications for NWI are being submitted.
4. ** CEN TC391 has been appointed by CEN, CLC and ETSI to lead/coordinate all activities relating to the EC mandate (M/487) for Security Standards (see separate report in this newsletter).
The work on this is in two phases:
I. Prepare an inventory of existing standards and identify priority sectors for further standardisation
II. Develop the roadmap to achieve this additional standardisation.
5. Next meeting: 26-27 April 2012, Helsinki.
Enhancing the EU security industry –
Mandate M/487
Glen Dale (pictured) reports from Brussels on progress in meeting Mandate M/487 on security standardisation issues.
Mandate M/487, issued by the European Commission, is to analyse the current security standardisation landscape and propose a work programme for phase 2. The meeting, held on the 2nd March 2012, was the report to stakeholders of the draft outcome of Phase 1, the initial reaction of the European Commission, and identification of further key stakeholder feedback to incorporate in the final submission.
Some 20 stakeholders were present for the stakeholders' report, including Euralarm, EOS, Smiths Group, the Belgian Home Office, VdS, AFNOR, ETSI, DIN, JRC, and Rose Vision. In general it was found that there were many standards and a very large number of stakeholders. Although 185 national standards were found – compared eg to safety, with 500 standards harmonized with the Machinery Directive alone – security still lags behind other industries and is seen generally to be a fragmented market.
Key areas identified for focus in phase 2 were:
- Security of the citizen (organised crime, counter terrorism, explosives, CBRN, fire hazards)
- Security of infrastructures and utilities (building design, energy/transport communication grids, surveillance, supply chains)
- Border security (land, sea, air security/check points)
- Restoring security and safety in case of crisis (preparedness and planning, response, recovery)
No standards were found in the area of Border Security and few standards in the area of Recovery in the Case of Crisis. A selection of these are hoped to seed activities in order to stimulate standardisation work in these areas.
The criteria used for prioritization in phase 2 during the study were:
- Protection of people and facilities
- Promotion of EU security Industry
- To facilitate harmonized implementation of EU security policies
Next-step timescales
The next version of the draft report will be available by the end of March - primarily for internal CEN/CLC/ETSI comment and subsequent approval by the BTs (the original proposal for a draft for general 'public' comment has been dropped), with the submission to the European Commission in May 2012.
Euralarm emphasised at the meeting that the focus was apparently on areas where there did not appear to be any standardisation, but these were in large 'niche' areas of specific technology. There is a need also to focus some activity to "promote EU security industry", as per their stated criteria.
Euralarm also emphasised that research should be conducted to identify areas where there are multiple national standards, highlighting the need for these to be harmonised into International standards.
The report made reference to the ECORYS study in Annexe D, stating: "With regard to security standardisation activities, one of the most significant problems the industry faces is the absence of European and common international standards in a fragmented EU market. The report makes several concrete recommendations to enhance the standardisation framework in the field of security in order to strengthen the EU security industry."
TC 4's European standard challenge
Enzo Peduzzi (pictured) describes the CEN/Cenelec TC4 project team's groundbreaking work on a challenging new European standard.
One of the most important current projects for the Services Section is its work on a general European standard for the qualification of companies and employees active in the following areas: planning, design, installation, commissioning/handover and maintenance of fire safety and security systems.
Since the last TC4 meeting in October 2011, considerable activity has occurred in the working groups to formulate the first chapters of this standard. However, the further this proceeds, the more discussions there are about the detailed wording.
We knew from the beginning that it would be a challenge to produce such a standard. After all, never before have the stakeholders in the different fields of application (TC72, TC 79, TC 191) worked together for a common European standard in the field of service. Even nationally it seldom occurs.
Besides this, it involves a wide range of existing national standards, regulations and sometimes legislation – in particular legislation influencing our business that is often not only national, but regional and even local.
Moreover, the cultural understanding of 'services' varies from country to country in the European Union. At this point in the process we are experiencing the full diversity of the EU! Nevertheless, we're agreed that there is a need to establish a common quality level for the Service Directive. So we will not give up and are still positive about the outcome of this project.
It is therefore very important that in the Services Section we keep the Working Group 'services standards' going to follow-up the development of TC4, and to act as a catalyst to overcome difficulties for these future developments.
The next TC4 plenary meeting will be held in November 2012. A project team has tasked to discuss the complete draft of the standard. This means a lot of work beforehand for many Euralarm representatives in ad hoc working groups to create the draft.
At this point we wish to thank Paul Langer and others who've put in valuable time and effort to bring the work forward. We'd also like to ask all members to support us in the 'mirror committees' within their national standardisation organizations.